Full-day Rovinj and Lim Fjord cruise with barbecue lunch

Unforgettable Venice from Pula including Medulin

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Half-day sunset dolphin-watching cruise from Novigrad

You'll be welcomed on board your boat for the evening with a welcome drink before setting sail from Novigrad. You'll cruise on the Matek, a traditional wooden boat made from oak and teak. The crew know the best spots to see dolphins in the wild near Lim Fjord and Porec. At sunset, the laidback music will turn on and the focus shifts to the view. From here, you'll unwind on board as you sail back to Novigrad, arriving back at port before 8:00pm.You'll be welcomed on board your boat for the evening with a welcome drink before setting sail from Novigrad. You'll cruise on the Matek, a traditional wooden boat made from oak and teak. The crew know the best spots to see dolphins in the wild near Lim Fjord and Porec. At sunset, the laidback music will turn on and the focus shifts to the view. From here, you'll unwind on board as you sail back to Novigrad, arriving back at port before 8:00pm.

Full-day Rovinj and Lim Fjord cruise with barbecue lunch

This cruise ticks off a bunch of the area's must-see spots, like Rovinj and Pirate Cave. Plus, it throws in a visit to Lim Fjord – you won't find a lot of other tours going here – and a barbecue lunch for good measure. After boarding the Matek, a traditional wooden boat made from oak and teak, you'll sail along a stretch of the Istrian coastline to Rovinj, known locally as the Venice of Croatia. You'll have some free time here to wander around its waterfront on your own, or you can join a tour led by a licensed professional guide. Afterwards, you'll head to Lim Fjord, which is regarded as one of the area's prettiest natural spots. Pirate Cave is the final stop on the sailing. The crew will drop anchor here so you can go for a dip before starting the return journey to Novigrad.

Cres Island boat trip with barbecue lunch and swim stop

The day eases into motion in Rabac harbour as you hop aboard the Monsun and settle in with a welcome drink. The first stop is Dragozetici Beach, perfect for a dip or a lazy stretch in the sun while the crew gets the barbecue going – grilling fresh fish and meat on deck, with salad and drinks served on the side. After lunch, you'll continue to Cres, where there's free time to explore the town centre and pick up local goodies like olive oil and cukerancici – traditional almond sweets. The trip comes to a close with a ride back to the harbour.

Sunset Rovinj Boat Trip

Take your trip to Rovinj to the next level when you join this sunset sail around the enchanting Rovinj archipelago. Although dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the chance to spot them in their natural habitat is good. As the sun dips, Rovinj's coastline takes on a glow, and the city shines golden. Dolphins are frequent visitors to these waters, especially near the lighthouse and Lim channel, so keep your eyes peeled.

Lim Fjord from Rovinj

Set sail from Rovinj's historic harbour and explore the nearby archipelago en route to the breathtaking Lim Fjord, known for its stunning scenery and Mediterranean vegetation. Discover the fascinating Pirate Cave, accessible only by sea, with a storied past of pirates and hidden treasures. Enjoy a swimming break and if you wish, taste first-class fish and shellfish at a nearby restaurant.

Vintage van tour through Slovenian olive groves with tastings

At the top of the Adriatic, where Italy, Croatia and Slovenia jostle for coastline, you'll find a stretch of Istria that's dedicated to the ancient art of olive growing. Your tour at the stylish Lisjak Estate in Koper blends the heritage of premium olive oil with lashings of tastings and a dash of vintage flare. You'll travel through the estate in lovingly restored vans, as Marko, a local expert guide explains, “These 1970s vans may look nostalgic, but they tell a real story – this was how families moved olives from grove to mill before technology did the heavy lifting.”You'll begin your day crossing the border from Croatia to Slovenian Istria, where the coastal landscape shifts to a sea of olive groves and vineyards. First up, there's a guided tour of the olive mill. It's a surprisingly modern space, given its rustic surroundings, but it takes technical precision to create their award-winning olive oil. The proof is in the tasting, which you'll do plenty of with a professional guide explaining the oil's signature peppery flavour.The highlight of the tour is the 90-minute safari through the rolling olive groves and coastal vineyards. You'll travel in a fleet of beautifully restored vintage vans that help transport you back to the glamour and style of the 1970s. Round off the tour with a platter of local delicacies in the grounds of the estate. Istrian prosciutto, air-dried by the bora wind, and artisan cheeses are perfectly paired with chilled local Malvasia wine. On your journey back to Croatia, make sure you bag a window seat to squeeze every last drop out of your Istrian adventure.

LED kayak night tour

As the sun goes down, your kayak becomes a glowing window into Pula's coastline. In a clear, LED-lit kayak, you'll paddle along as the sky changes colour from golden skies into starlight, spotting jellyfish, sea urchins and quiet night life you'd never see during the day. Guided by local experts, you'll join a small, friendly group and enjoy a tour that includes professional photos and videos to capture the magic.

Half-day see-through kayak tour from Histria Beach

There's something special about gliding over water you can actually see through. And, on this see-through kayak tour, you'll experience it for yourself. Starting at Histria Beach, you'll paddle towards Verudela Canyon, spotting marine life and coral reefs drifting by under your feet. With experienced guides, this two-hour tour is easy for beginners, welcoming for families and perfect for anyone who wants to check out Pula's marine side without getting drenched.

Half-day guided tour of Trieste with panoramic bus tour

A lively port city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Trieste is a city where culture and history mingle with the sea's salt-scented breeze. On this half-day guided tour, you'll explore a city shaped by Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures. Marco, our expert local guide says, “I love showing people around Trieste – it's packed with history, and you can see it in the city's architecture. Every corner has a story to tell.”You'll start your tour with a panoramic bus ride around Trieste, where your guide will point out the city's main landmarks. Then, you'll stop at Piazza Unita d'Italia, the largest sea-facing square in Europe with views of the Adriatic Sea, for a guided tour. Your guide will share tales of the square's past, its role in shaping the city's identity, and its impressive architecture. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most historic buildings, like the Palazzo del Municipio – the town hall – and Palazzo Lloyd Triestino, an old shipping headquarters.Next, you'll have a couple of hours of free time to see Trieste at your own pace. As you wander through the old town, you'll see the mix of architectural styles, from Roman ruins to grand neoclassical palaces. Once you've had your fill of sightseeing, there are plenty of cafes where you can stop to recharge. Why not visit the iconic Caffe San Marco, known for its intricate interior, antique decorations, and frescoes lining the walls? Finally, head back to Piazza Unita d'Italia for the scenic drive back to your hotel.