Truffle Istria Private Guided Day Trip from Zagreb

Medieval hilltop towns and truffle country in one day from Zagreb

A private guided day trip from Zagreb to Istria combines three stops (Trsat Castle above Rijeka, the medieval town of Motovun overlooking truffle forests, and the Austro-Hungarian resort town of Opatija) with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Istrian truffle lunch. The tour runs nine hours and accommodates up to eight travelers. A minimum of two people is required to book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip exploring Istria region

• Pickup from Zagreb hotel at 8:30 am
• Drive 1.5 hours to Trsat hilltop castle
• Visit Trsat castle and learn history
• Travel to medieval hilltop town of Motovun
• Explore Motovun fortifications and town
• Enjoy optional traditional Istrian truffle lunch
• Visit Opatija and see Adriatic promenade

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup at 8:30 am for the drive south toward the coast. Trsat Castle sits on a hilltop above Rijeka, a fortification founded by the House of Frankopan, one of Croatia's oldest noble families, and the first real stop after ninety minutes on the road. From there the route turns inland to Motovun, a medieval town perched above the Motovun forest: the same forest where truffles grow wild and where the vineyards that supply local winemakers cling to the hillsides. You walk the old stone streets of the fortification and have time to explore before lunch arrives.

The traditional Istrian truffle lunch is the centerpiece of the day. This is not a restaurant stop where you order from a menu. It is a set meal built around the region's signature ingredient, prepared the way locals eat it. Coffee and cake come earlier in the morning as part of the tour. After lunch, the route continues to Opatija, the Adriatic resort town that earned the title "Queen of the Adriatic" in the late 19th century when its climate and natural springs made it a Royal health resort under Austro-Hungarian rule. You get time to walk the longest and most romantic promenade on the Adriatic coast before the drive back to Zagreb.

A private vehicle and experienced English-speaking guide stay with the group for the full nine hours. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the transportation itself is wheelchair accessible as well. Dress code is formal.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Zagreb.
• private vehicle for the full day.
• experienced English-speaking guide.
• coffee and cake in the morning.
• traditional Istrian truffle lunch (optional).
• access to Trsat Castle, Motovun's medieval town and fortification, and Opatija's Adriatic promenade.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 20:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by The Guide Tour Service

Is this one for you?The nine-hour day and early 8:30 am start suit travelers who want to cover three distinct regions and a truffle meal without rushing, and who are comfortable with a full day away from Zagreb. Groups stay under eight people, so you travel in a private vehicle rather than a coach.

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Top questions

What is Motovun and why does the tour stop there?

Motovun is a medieval hilltop town in Istria that overlooks the Motovun forest, which is rich in wild truffles, and the surrounding vineyard-covered hillsides. The town sits inside an old medieval fortification, and the stop gives you time to walk the stone streets and explore before the traditional truffle lunch.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

The traditional Istrian truffle lunch is a set meal served during the tour, though you can choose to skip it if you prefer. Coffee and cake are included as part of the tour itself.

What is Trsat Castle and how long do you spend there?

Trsat Castle is a fortification founded by the House of Frankopan, one of Croatia's oldest noble families, and sits on a hilltop above the city of Rijeka. It is the first stop after leaving Zagreb, reached after about ninety minutes of driving.

How does the pickup work, and what time does the tour end?

Hotel pickup in Zagreb happens at 8:30 am. The tour runs nine hours total, so you return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The private vehicle collects you from your accommodation and drops you back there at the end of the day.

Can I book this tour if I am traveling alone?

A minimum of two people is required per booking. If you are traveling alone, you would need to book with at least one other person, or contact the operator to ask about joining an existing group.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is an experienced English speaker and leads the tour in English throughout the day.