Peter Sommer Travels has unveiled Exploring Istria a new small-group eight-day adventure inviting travellers to discover the Croatian peninsula’s fascinating layered history, coastal cities, hill towns, and celebrated food and wine.
Istria’s naturally strategic position on a peninsula shared by Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia and at the head of a major Adriatic seaway, has shaped a region influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and the Habsburg Empire. On this new itinerary, expert archaeologist guide Mislav File leads a small group through key sites that reflect those layers, while also introducing Istria’s renowned olive oils, wines and cuisine influenced by Venetian history and more, offering a mix of fresh coastal seafood and hearty, rustic inland ingredients – including its highly sought-after truffles.
“There are many strands to Istria’s history, culture and landscape,” Peter Sommer Travels founder Peter Sommer said. “On this new tour, we’ll weave those strands together as we take in Istria’s natural splendour, ancient sites, wonderful gastronomy and welcoming people.”
The Exploring Istria tour begins in Pula, one of the Adriatic’s most significant classical cities. Guests visit the vast Roman amphitheatre, a temple dedicated to Augustus and archaeological remains that illustrate the city’s importance in antiquity. A visit to the nearby Brijuni Archipelago adds Bronze Age hillforts, Roman villas and Byzantine churches.
Further along the coast, the itinerary includes time in Rovinj, with its historic harbour and old town streets climbing towards the church of St Euphemia. Guests then explore Porec, where the waterfront is lined with historic houses and the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica noted for its early Christian architecture and mosaics. Inland, the tour focuses on hill country marked by vineyards, olive groves and medieval strongholds.
The group stays in a boutique hotel in the old town of Buzet, overlooking the Mirna River valley and the castle of Petrapilosa. From here, guests visit the hilltop town of Motovun, with its medieval walls and gatehouse, and join a guided truffle-hunting experience in nearby woodland before a farewell dinner that showcases regional specialities.
Sharing his knowledge throughout the week will be expert guide Mislav File, who has pursued postgraduate and PhD-level studies in archaeology at the University of Zagreb and participated in numerous excavations in Croatia and abroad.
The Exploring Istria tour departs September 29, 2026, with rates starting at around $9,750 per person twin share, including accommodation in two historic hotels, most meals, wine with dinner, excursions with an expert tour leader, transportation by private minibus, entrance fees and airport transfers. Flights are additional. The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 guests, reflecting the company’s focus on small-group, expert-led cultural journeys.
