Motovun and Grožnjan half-day tour from Rovinj

Medieval walls, artist villages, and truffle forests in one morning

A half-day tour from Rovinj to two hilltop towns in Istria's inland: Grožnjan, revived by artists after the Second World War, and Motovun, perched above the Mirna River valley. You walk cobbled streets and centuries-old fortifications, climb the 14th-century Venetian walls, and taste local truffles. An English-speaking driver and guide lead the route through rolling vineyards and olive groves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Grožnjan and Motovun

• Visit Grožnjan medieval village
• Walk through Grožnjan galleries
• Travel to Motovun hilltop town
• Walk Motovun medieval town
• Climb Motovun 14th-century walls
• Taste local Motovun truffles

The experience

The tour starts in Rovinj and heads inland into Istria's rolling landscape, leaving the coast behind for villages built on hilltops. Grožnjan comes first. A medieval town that was largely abandoned after the Second World War and has since been reclaimed by artists, musicians and craftspeople. You walk through cobbled streets lined with galleries, soak in views across vineyards and olive groves, and feel the artistic energy that now fills the place.

From there, the route climbs to Motovun, Istria's most famous hilltop town, sitting high above the Mirna River valley. The walking tour takes you along the centuries-old fortifications (the 14th-century Venetian walls you can actually climb), and through the medieval old town. The real draw here is the truffle tasting: Motovun's forests are known for truffles, and you get to taste them as part of the experience, an authentic detail of Istrian food culture that most visitors miss on their own.

An air-conditioned vehicle carries you between the two towns, and your English-speaking guide handles the route and the stories. The whole experience runs six hours, which means you're back in Rovinj by early afternoon with the rest of the day still open.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking driver and guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport between Rovinj and the two towns.
• walking tour of Grožnjan's artist village and galleries.
• walking tour of Motovun's medieval old town and 14th-century Venetian walls.
• truffle products tasting in Motovun.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExHistria

Is this one for you?Six hours leaves the rest of your day free in Rovinj, so this works as a morning excursion without eating into afternoon beach time or evening plans. If you want a full-day deep dive into Istrian villages and food, look for a longer tour. This one is built for travelers splitting their time between the coast and the inland.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What exactly happens during the truffle tasting in Motovun?

The tasting features truffle products from Motovun's forests, letting you sample the local specialty that defines the region's food culture. The guide walks you through the tasting as part of the walking tour of the town.

Can I actually climb the old city walls in Motovun?

Yes, the 14th-century Venetian walls are open to walk along, and you're able to climb them as part of the tour. They offer views across the Mirna River valley and the surrounding countryside.

What's the difference between Grožnjan and Motovun on this tour?

Grožnjan is a revived artist village with galleries and studios filling its cobbled streets. Motovun is the larger, more famous hilltop town known for medieval fortifications and truffle forests. Both are walking tours, but Motovun includes the wall climb and the truffle tasting.

How much time do I spend walking versus sitting in the vehicle?

You walk through both towns on foot (the cobbled streets and fortifications require it), and travel between them by air-conditioned vehicle. The guide will pace the stops so you have time to explore each village without rushing.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or have mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator. The walking is through medieval villages and along fortifications, so uneven cobblestones and some stairs are part of it. Let the operator know about any specific concerns when you book.