Our Bumgarner 2025 Croatia Group is now 10 strong, with room for more.  On Day 5 of our trip we leave Opatia and drive one hour northeast to Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula.  This day is an introduction to “Croatia’s Tuscany”.  The Istrian Peninsula has indelible Italian influences, having been rule by the Romans, Venetians and was part of Italy until just after WWII.  Here’s some background on this beautiful and interesting part of Croatia:

THE ISTRIAN PENINSULA
The major part of northwestern Croatia is Istria, the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea. Located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf, the Istrian Peninsula is shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, with 90% of surface area being part of Croatia. Three important towns in Croatian Istria are Pula, Rovinj and the classic hilltop town of Motovun. 

A BRIEF HISTORY
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the region was pillaged by the Goths, the Eastern Roman Empire, and the Avars.  In the Early Middle Ages, Istria became the territory of the Republic of Venice in 1267. In 1797, with the Treaty of Campo Formio, the Venetian parts of the peninsula passed to the Habsburg monarchy which became the Austrian Empire in 1804. After the end of World War II, Istria was ceded to Yugoslavia.  A small part in the northwest corner that formed Trieste, was ceded to Italy.  The Roman, Venetian and Italian influences here are visible and profound. 

 ISTRIAN WINES
Istria’s fruity, dry white wines are proving successful in international and domestic markets, largely due to the modern, refreshing styles in which they are made. Although typically produced from various light-skinned forms of Malvasia (an Old World varietal), most Istrian wines are now made in decidedly New World styles: crisp, refreshing, fruit-forward and aromatic.

WHITE: Over the past few decades internationally popular aromatics such as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling have risen considerably in Istrian vineyards.

RED: Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are new favorites among Istrian winemakers seeking a reliable return on their investment. These French grape varietals grow in Istrian vineyards with Teran, the traditional red wine grape variety of this area.

OUR DAY IN ISTRIA
We will visit Rovinj, Istria’s most beautiful seaside town, itself located on a small peninsula.  For great photos climb the stairways of St Euphemia Church, offering amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. Enter through Roman gates to stroll cobbled streets passing by numerous art galleries. After Rovinj enjoy lunch at a local rural tavern with Istrian wine, olive oil and truffles. After lunch walk along ancient and medieval streets of hilltop Motovun.  This remarkably Italian looking town is surrounded by lush green hillsides and vineyards.

For the second week we sail the Adriatic Sea aboard the deluxe yacht AURELIA, cruising the Dalmatian Coast from Split to Dubrovnik calling at six island ports along the way.

There is a $500 per couple ($250 p/p) early booking discount for members of the Bumgarner Winery Group.  Because of the limited availability a deposit of $1,500 per person will hold your space on the entire program.  This trip is limited to just 34 guests and will sell out.

Book and deposit by April 30th if you wish to join us. 
For complete information and to register online visit: https://toursandwine.com/bumgarner25/

This website is best viewed on a larger screen PC.  With questions contact Heather McLemore at our tour operator Expanding Horizons:  Email: Heather@expanding-horizons.com    Tel: 1-714-975-8167 

NOTE: Special activities and meals are included. This custom program is solely available through our tour operator, Expanding Horizons of Tustin CA.

Feel free to recommend this special holiday to all your friends and relations you believe will enjoy this kind of bucket list vacation; all the “must do’s” with wonderful food and wine.

Sincerely,
Brian & Jen Bumgarner