Zagreb & Istria areas with Truffle HuntingSHCR4

After breakfast, proceed for Zagreb sightseeing tour. Zagreb grew up on two neighbouring hills: Kaptol - the center of spiritual and religious life of north-western Croatia and Gradec - the commercial center of skilful tradesmen and craftsmen. Visit the upper town with its Gothic Cathedral, the beautiful and ornate St. Catherine’s church or the massive St. Mark’s Church with its famous colour tiled roof. Continue to the medieval Stone Gate and ‘Dolac’, the open air market. After the guided tour, depart toward Veliki Tabor, one of the largest and the oldest medieval castle-fortresses in the country, built in the 15th century, renovated and reopened in November 2011. Take a break on the ‘Gresna gorica’ hill facing the castle. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb.

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Plitvice National Park. This is one of the most beautiful and best preserved national parks in the country. This is why the entire lakes and surrounding area were declared a national park in 1949 and are listed on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites because of its exceptional beauty. It is a valley situated between high forested mountains in which lie, one below another, a string of sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue and green waters. Fed by small streams and brooks, they spill into each other in 92 foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. Further proceed to Pula. On arrival, check-in to hotel. Overnight in Pula.

After breakfast, entire day is at leisure. Proceed for Truffle hunting adventure (Duration approx. 2. 5 hours). The truffle hunting adventure begins on the outdoor patio with a welcome drink. Enjoy Istrian truffle brandies and liquors, get entertained with interesting information about truffles. After welcome drink, you will be introduced to dogs, the forest and experience of truffle hunting. Together with the dogs and the hunter, you go to the forest in search of Istrian treasure. Start by walking through the first truffle plantation in Croatia and continue deeper into the centuries-old forest where we have been looking for truffles for years. The talented dogs will sniff around while you enjoy the untouched beauty of nature. And when the dog starts to dig, the excitement begins. Further proceed to Motovun. It is a medieval town in western Istria, situated on the top of a cone-shaped hill 277 meters above sea level, in the romantic and natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley. Return to Pula. Overnight in Pula.

After breakfast, proceed for full day trip to Istria. Go back in history and visit one of the most significant tourist regions in Croatia and its beautiful towns; Rovinj – a typical medieval Venetian town, distinctive for its romantic narrow little streets and the imposing church of its patron saint, St. Euphemia; Porec – an ancient townknown for its masterpieces of Byzantine sacral art, the Euphrasia’s Basilica dating from the 6th century; and Pula – an ancient town with its well-preserved Amphitheatre. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Pula.

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Vrbnik – Krk Islands. It is the largest and one of the most interesting Croatian Islands – Krk. Vrbnik is a town like you’ve never seen before. When you enter its nest of old houses and start exploring the curvy direction of its narrow streets, you will be transported hundreds of years back in time without being aware of it at all. The Vrbnik valley is known for the Zlahtina grapes which are then made into a famous dry white wine, champagne and distillates. Further proceed to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb.

After breakfast, proceed to visit baroque capital of Croatia. A jewel of harmony and intimacy, the charm of ''Croatia's Vienna'' lies not only in its architecture, but also in its atmospheric squares and lovely streets. The buildings, museums, music and flowers of Varaždin continue to offer a relaxing break from everyday life. The city's rich history spans eight centuries. It was home to the region's wealthiest nobles, landowners, artisans and artists, especially in the late 1700s, when the city flourished and became the capital of Croatia. Varaždin has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. Overnight in Zagreb.