[ Print This Page ]
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1677233
Trieste is known for its literary legacy, but its cultural roots run deeper, shaped by centuries of Central European influence and intellectual exchange. Croatia’s Istria peninsula pulls its weight with fabulous winemaking, an artists’ colony and masterful frescoes. Starting in Trieste and ending in Istria, this itinerary allows A&K’s guests to custom-build their trip with coastal bike tours, creative workshops and exclusive access to stunning gardens and villas. You’ll feast on homegrown wine, learn about coffee culture and try local delicacies along the way
6 nights | Call for pricing
1 Arrive Venice, Italy
Venice — with its Carnival, canals, basilicas and Byzantine relics — enchants from the very first breath. Nowhere else can one turn from a grand marble palace, seemingly adrift on the Adriatic, and wander into a labyrinth of stirring, salt-tinged passageways, where life has followed the rhythm of the water for centuries.
Venice offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring hidden corners to hands-on workshops. Discover the artistic heart of San Polo, where the Rialto Bridge leads to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco — showcasing Tintoretto’s masterpieces — and the Gothic Frari church. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the city’s artisanal heritage with visits to a textile factory — the Mocenigo Museum’s perfume section — and a personalized fragrance creation workshop led by Mavive Parfums. For a more hands-on experience, participate in a mask-making workshop in San Polo, learning the traditions of Carnivale from a skilled artisan. Perhaps instead, take a guided walking tour through the charming Dorsoduro neighborhood to uncover the traditional craft of gondola building. Or capture the city’s beauty during twilight with a personalized sunset photo walk.
The heart of Venice resides within a vast lagoon, its waters dotted with numerous, mostly deserted islands. This extraordinary setting inspired the Venetians to establish their secure and secluded city. A private motor launch journey, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, is a chance to reflect on the lagoon’s beauty. A stop in Burano — famed for its lace and architecture — offers a glimpse of island life. In Murano, observe the time-honored art of glassblowing firsthand. An unforgettable Chef’s table dining experience ends the day.
The journey from Venice to Istria begins with a private drive that reveals the hidden charm of Trieste, once the main seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Elegant 18th and 19th-century buildings line the waterfront, while Piazza dell’Unita’ d’Italia, one of Italy’s largest squares, captivates with its dramatic history, framed by the Palazzo del Comune and its iconic Moors who chime the hours. A climb to San Giusto hill, the city’s historical heart, reveals the Cathedral of San Giusto, built on Roman ruins. A coffee tasting in a historic café provides a moment to savor local culture before continuing to Istria.
A day of exploration begins in Rovinj, a picturesque Adriatic headland. Terracotta roofs top the village, nestled among vineyards, olive groves and Roman ruins. Once Venetian-ruled, the town’s limestone alleyways now host galleries, restaurants and bars, all leading to the hilltop Cathedral of St. Euphemia. From the bell tower, panoramic views extend over the city, islands and secluded coves. The colorful streets invite strolls, encounters at the bustling market and moments of relaxation in charming cafes. Your journey continues to Pula, renowned for its harbor, beaches and Roman monuments.
Istria’s rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and terracotta-roofed villages set the stage for a wine tour. Groznjan, an artists’ colony, invites exploration through gallery-lined alleyways, where jazz and classical music fill the air. A visit to a Momjan wine estate introduces local grape varieties and their wines. Istria’s prized truffle is unveiled during a hunting experience, followed by a truffle-centric lunch. The medieval hilltop town of Motovun offers breathtaking views over the Mirna Valley, concluding the day with exploration before returning to Rovinj.
Depart Rovinj.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
529 36th Street
Des Moine, IA 50312
USA
(515) 271-8091