Istria Beyond Sight – The Sensory Pearl

Upon arrival in Pula, you’ll be greeted and introduced to the city’s history through stories, textured landmarks, and its unique atmosphere. Listen to the city’s sounds—echoing footsteps on ancient stones and vibrant local life—while exploring its hidden corners. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner where you’ll savor traditional Istrian dishes and learn about their origins. Settle in for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast, immerse yourself in a traditional fishing experience. Feel the weight of the nets, the roughness of the ropes, and the fresh catch of the Adriatic while hearing the sounds of lapping waves and creaking boats. Lunch is served aboard a ship, where you can enjoy the salty sea breeze and the taste of the day’s harvest. In the evening, discover Pula’s culinary delights during a guided tour focused on street food, tasting dishes that blend flavors and aromas unique to the region.

Start the day with a journey to Bale, where the air carries the faint smell of olive groves. Participate in an olive harvest, feeling the smooth fruit between your fingers and hearing the rustle of branches as olives are gathered. After a guided olive oil tasting and lunch that engages your palate with rich, peppery flavors, learn about the oil-making process by touching the equipment and listening to its rhythmic sounds. Return to Pula in the evening for dinner and free time to relax.

After breakfast and check-out, visit a local goat farm where you can interact with the animals—feel their soft coats, listen to their bleating, and taste fresh goat cheese. Later, join a “Cooking Without Looking” workshop to prepare a traditional dish using tactile techniques, rich aromas, and flavors. In the afternoon, travel to Buzet for a wine-tasting session. As you sample local wines, experts will guide you through their nuanced tastes, origins, and aromas. Arrive at your accommodation for dinner and overnight rest

Begin the day with an exciting truffle-hunting adventure. Accompanied by trained dogs, follow their sounds as they uncover hidden treasures beneath the forest floor. Feel the cool earth beneath your hands and experience the joy of discovering fresh truffles. Lunch at a truffle farm offers a sensory feast that celebrates this local delicacy. The afternoon provides time to relax and reflect before enjoying dinner and your final evening in Buzet.

After breakfast, check out and travel to your departure airport destination (Zagreb or Ljubljana), where the program concludes. Take with you the tastes, sounds, and textures of Istria—memories of a sensory journey like no other.