Silversea Luxury Cruises A ROVINJ

Experience the breath-taking natural beauty, coastline, flora and fauna of Brijuni National Park during this exclusive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Speedboat-Ride, Brijuni National Park, Islands, Coves, Flora and Fauna, Bird Species

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Fazana. Upon arrival, embark your awaiting private speedboat for the short ride to Brijuni National Park. The park spans approximately 1,818 acres (about 736 hectares), and is comprised of a beautiful archipelago of islands and picturesque coves that dot its approximately 27.3 miles (about 44 kilometres) of coastline. A microclimate here allows both native and foreign flora and fauna to flourish; over 150 bird species can be found here.

Visitors have been coming to Brijuni National Park for millennia, and there are many archaeological sites on the islands that show humans have lived on the islands since the Neolithic Age. A safari park on one of the islands was established in 1978 for the enjoyment of then-Yugoslav President Josip Tito, who owned a private retreat on the islands and entertained world leaders here, including Eleanor Roosevelt.

Walking and Golf Cart Tours, Safari Park, Animals, Byzantine Fortifications, Roman Summer Villa

During your visit, take a private, guided tour on-foot and with golf carts. Explore the safari park, marvel at the animals, and pass by the ruins of Byzantine fortifications and a Roman summer villa dating from the 1st century A.D. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the island at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, embark your private speedboat for the short ride back to Fazana Village. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 383 yards (about 350 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and 20 steps at the sites visited. Walking in Brijuni National Park is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least eight years old to participate on this tour. A valid driver's license is required to drive the golf cart. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Indulge your senses with the picturesque beauty, romance and flavours of the Istrian Peninsula during a memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to this medieval enclave.

Motovun Village, Medieval Buildings, Main Square, St. Stephen's Church, Mina Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Motovun, one of the most beautiful towns in Istria. An astonishing architectural landmark, this hilltop town has retained its medieval feel along its narrow streets and within its well-preserved, intact town walls. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour past the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings en route to the main square, which is dominated by the 13th-century belfry of St. Stephen's Church. See the lions as they stand guard over the town gates, and take in splendid views of the Mirna River Valley below. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the village and browse the shops at your leisure.

Livade Village

Next, re-board your coach for the scenic, uphill drive to the village of Livade, one of the most renowned villages on the Istrian Peninsula due to its abundance of elusive, prized truffles. The white truffle season begins in October, and lasts until the end of January. The black truffle season begins in May, and lasts until November.

Zigante Restaurant and Tasting of Truffle Specialities

The white truffle is the largest and most precious variety of truffle. Its colour ranges from yellow-brown to green or grey-green. The black truffle, also known as the 'summer truffle', is brown-to-black in colour, whilst its size varies from the size of a cherry to the size of an apple, as is the case with the white truffle. The biggest truffle ever found in this vicinity weighed approximately 2.9 pounds (about 1.31 kilograms), and was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was found on 2 November 1999 near Buje by Mr. Giancarlo Zigante. A visit is made to his restaurant, Zigante, for a tasting of delicious specialities made of local truffles served with a glass of excellent Istrian wine. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive through the rolling hills en route to the pier.

Embrace the spectacular panoramic beauty of the Lim Fjord during this exhilarating, half-day sea kayaking excursion.

Lim Fjord Kayaking

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Lim Fjord. Upon arrival, receive your safety and kayaking instructions, then begin your guided sea kayaking adventure. During the first part of your tour, pass by steep banks, mollusks and fish whilst gliding along the protected area of Lim Bay for approximately 3.1 miles (about five kilometres).

Beach Stop, Refreshments, Swimming, Snorkelling, Kayaking

A refreshment stop is made at a pristine, uninhabited beach at the end of Lim Bay. Here, some free time is also made available for swimming, snorkelling, and/or simply relaxing and taking in the splendid natural beauty of your surrounds. Following your beach stop, embark your kayak and commence the approximately 3.1 miles (about five kilometres) journey along the Lim Fjord en route to the starting point. Upon arrival, change into dry clothing, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the world of delicious, prized truffles and how to procure them during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Motovun Village, Medieval Buildings, Main Square, St. Stephen's Church, Mina Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Motovun, one of the most beautiful towns in Istria. An astonishing architectural landmark, this hilltop town has retained its medieval feel along its narrow streets and within its well-preserved, intact town walls. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour past the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings en route to the main square, which is dominated by the 13th-century belfry of St. Stephen's Church. See the lions as they stand guard over the town gates, and take in splendid views of the Mirna River Valley below. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the village and browse the shops at your leisure.

Vrh Village, Karlic Family Home and a Tasting of Truffle Specialities

Your journey continues with a scenic, approximately half an hour drive to the Village of Vrh, which overlooks Lake Butoniga. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the home of the Karlic family, who originated the tradition of truffle-hunting in Istria. Your visit begins with a warm welcome to the Karlic Estate.

Motovun Forest, Truffle Hunt and Meal Preparation, and a Tasting of Truffle Specialities

Next, leave the Karlic's home and head downhill, led by specially-trained dogs, to the famous Motovun Forest to experience the adventure of hunting for black and precious white truffles. After an approximately 75-minute search for these treasured delicacies of the woodlands, return to the Karlic's home to learn how to prepare a delicacies with truffles. Your excursion culminates with a tasting of local wine, cheese and truffles, flavoured honey, paté, and other truffle specialities served by your friendly hosts. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately an hour drive back to Rovinj.

Experience the scenic splendour of the renowned Parenzana Cycling Trail during this invigorating, half-day sightseeing excursion via bicycle.

Rovinj, Istrian Peninsula, Groznjan

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive through the hilltop towns of the Istrian Peninsula en route to Groznjan. Upon arrival, take a short, guided walking tour of this charming Istrian town. World-famous for its great cultural significance, Groznjan is especially popular during the summer months, when its labyrinth of little streets and squares turn into a truly artistic beehive. Summer music academies and artistic, dance, drama and peace activism workshops open under the leadership of well-known experts and teachers, and famous names from music, art and drama. During this time, Groznjan's streets become one great stage, and the sounds of jazz and classical music fill the air. Following your walking tour of Groznjan, some free time is made available to explore the town at your leisure.

Parenzana Cycling Trail

Next, receive your safety and bicycling instructions and equipment, then begin your guided bicycle tour along the Parenzana biking trail. This popular cycling route is named after the famous railroad that once connected Istria with the heartland of Austria-Hungary, i.e. Poreč in Croatia with Trieste in Italy. The railroad brought great prosperity to the local inhabitants, which is why it's mentioned with respect and nostalgic stories to this day. Because of the extraordinary significance of this landmark, the Parenzana Cycling Trail was created, and is also known today as the 'Trail of Health and Friendship' because it connects three countries; Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

Lush Forests, Flora and Fauna, Massive Rocks, Zavrsje Village, Livade Village

Parenzana's route passes through the tame landscape of Istria, which is home to a wealth of natural beauty that includes diverse plant and wildlife in the lush forests, and deep chasms cut into massive rocks. Cycle along this route to Zavrsje Village, where a comfort and refreshment stop is made. From here, continue on to Livade Village. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover the natural wonders and flavours of the Rovinj Archipelago and Lim Fjord in an exciting new way during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion via RIB-boat.

Rovinj Archipelago Boat-Ride

Depart the pier aboard a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) for a scenic ride along the breath-taking Rovinj Archipelago. The natural landscape of the Rovinj Archipelago and coastline are part of the 'Landscapes of Outstanding Value', and best-seen from the water. The indented coast, holm oak, alpine and spruce pine forests, and special agricultural spaces amaze and captivate with their beauty. This protected area stretches from St. John's Cape to Barbariga, and encompasses all 20 Rovinj islands and islets, as well as the coastal area up to 547 metres (about 500 metres) from the coastline.

Swimming, Red Island, Free Time

During your ride along the Rovinj Archipelago, a stop is made to swim in its inviting waters. Afterward, embark your boat and head for a visit to Red Island, where some free time is made available to swim and/or explore your surrounds at your leisure. Leaving Red Island, embark your boat and proceed for a picturesque ride towards the end of Lim Fjord.

Lim Fjord, Refreshments, Shellfish Tasting, Swimming

Lim Fjord represents a sunken canyon valley in karst. It is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Istria, and among the most stunning fjords outside Norway. Lim Fjord is approximately 6.2 miles (about ten kilometres) in length. It has an average width of approximately 1,968 feet (about 600 metres), and its deepest point is approximately 108 feet (about 33 metres). The water in the fjord is less transparent and salty than the open sea due to its many springs and temperature fluctuations. The water here also contains a large amount of planktons and oxygen, thus providing abundant flora and fauna. The area is a natural hatching site for many fish species, but is also renowned for its oysters. A stop is made here for refreshments, a shellfish tasting and swimming. Afterward, embark your boat and commence the short ride back to the pier.

Explore the rich history and splendid flavours of the Istrian hinterland during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Porec, Old Town

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Porec, a cultural and historical jewel by international standards. Today's town plan dates from the Roman times, about 50 B.C. Following the common Roman town model, Porec has two main intersecting streets, Cardo and Decumanus, which remain the backbone of the Old Town to this day.

Euphrasian Basilica, Marafor, House of Two Saints, Istrian Parliament, Leoni and Zuccato Palaces

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Along the way, see the Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica. Built in the 6th century, it is the most valuable monument in Porec, as well as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additional highlights include the Marafor, the oldest part of town with the remains of two Roman temples, House of Two Saints, Istrian Parliament Building, and the Leoni and Zuccato Palaces. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore Porec at your leisure.

Sveti Lovrec Village, Matosevic Winery, Wine Tasting with Local Specialities

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Istrian hinterland en route to the village of Sveti Lovrec, where a visit is made to the Matosevic Winery, one of the most renowned Croatian wine producers. Upon arrival, proceed to the wine cellar for a tasting of some of their finest red and white wines accompanied by homemade cheese and Istrian prosciutto. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Rovinj at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Embrace the wonderful charm and flavours of Rovinj during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rovinj, Town Square, Archipelago, Streets and Landmarks, St. Eufemija Church

Depart the pier for a guided, approximately one-hour walking tour of Rovinj. Take a stroll to the Town Square, then continue on to St. Eufemija Church, the symbol of this charming town. The front of the church offers a magnificent view of the Rovinj Archipelago. Following your visit, board a coach for a scenic drive through the charming little streets and squares of Rovinj. Along the way, your guide points out the best-known sights and museums of this town.

Batana House Museum, Multimedia and Interactive Exhibits, Artefacts

Next, visit Batana House, the first museum dedicated to a fishing vessel. The 'batana' is a flat-bottomed, wooden fishing vessel and favourite traditional vessel of the local residents. This modern museum combines multimedia presentations, film and slide projections, models, music, excellent photographs, interactive exhibits, and original objects donated by local residents. During your guided tour of this unique and interesting venue, learn about the origins of batana, its typology and constituent parts, makers and caulkers, construction process, and Rovinj's shipyards. In addition, explore everyday life in Rovinj, its inhabitants, and their rich musical, linguistic and gastronomic heritage.

Vodnjan Village, Chiavalon Family Farm, Olive Oil Tasting

Leaving the museum, board your coach and head to the nearby village of Vodnjan. Upon arrival, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the Chiavalon Family Farm, which specializes in growing olives and producing top-quality, extra virgin olive oils. Chiavalon's olive oil is listed among the top 15 olive oils in the world, and they been declared the 'most promising farm in the world' by the world-famous guide, 'L' Extravergine'. Their product designs have won numerous awards, and surpassed many international brands. Following your tour, proceed for an olive oil tasting accompanied by smoked ham, cheese, bread and wine. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.