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    [id] => 01kz6rx0my4akh3dvb5t0zahch
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    [name] => Croatia & Slovenia - Spring in Istria
    [code] => HRV03
    [slug] => croatia-and-slovenia-spring-in-istria
    [description] => 

After a flight to Trieste in Italy, we will drive across the border into Slovenia and from there into Croatia to our base for the week in the small medieval town of Buzet. Nesting Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Redstarts are found in limestone cliffs nearby, whilst the adjacent Mediterranean scrub holds Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Nightingale and Cirl Bunting. During our week we’ll explore a variety of habitats throughout Istria, including sites along the coast, through the river valley and up into the mountains. The wetland reserve at Skocjanski Zatok in Slovenia is especially rich in birdlife and attracts a variety of herons, egrets and passage waders. On one day we’ll venture further north into Slovenia to Lake Cerknica and the Rakov Skocjan Gorge to search for birds such as Corncrake, Crossbill and numerous woodpeckers, while on another we’ll look for butterflies and migrant birds on the Premantura Peninsula, the most southerly point on the Istrian Peninsula. We will spend a final day exploring the Cicarija Plateau and Dinaric Alps in search of Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Rock Partridge and Ortolan Bunting, plus wild flowers including Lady Orchids, before it is time to return to Trieste for our flight home.

  • Single-centre tour based in the medieval town of Buzet
  • Golden Oriole, Wryneck & Hawfinch live in nearby woodlands
  • Eat at local ‘trattoria’ & try the area’s acclaimed truffles & local wild asparagus!
  • Peregrines nest close by & other raptors include Short-toed Eagle & Goshawk
  • Tawny Pipits, Bee-eaters, Black-headed Bunting & Olivaceous Warbler, Bay of Piran
  • Look for Garganey, Pygmy Cormorant, Melodious & Great Reed Warblers, Skocjanski Zatok
  • Osiris & Mazarine Blues plus migrant birds, Premantura Peninsula
  • Adriatic Lizard, Monkey & Bee Orchids grow on the golf course near our accommodation
  • Grey-headed, White-backed & Black Woodpeckers, plus Ural Owl possible
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

 

 

[introduction] => An 8-day wildlife holiday to Croatian and Slovenian Istria in search of the region's birds, butterflies, flowers and other natural history. [edges] => Array ( ) [locations] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [name] => Croatia [description] =>

Tell me about Croatia …

The Republic of Croatia (Hrvatska), part of the former Yugoslavia, is a crescent shaped country lying at the westernmost end of the Balkans and bordering the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

While tourism here is on the increase, Croatia is still largely overlooked by naturalists. However, we think Croatia is destined to become as popular with the bird watchers and botanists among us as some of its better known neighbours.


Croatia has a rich blend of cultures and history, archaeological ruins, superb scenery and a population of only 4.5 million people. In addition it has some lovely scenery and special wildlife.

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Tell me about Slovenia …

Slovenia is a small, little known and delightfully unspoiled country lying in the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. A member of the European Union since 2004, and about half the size of Switzerland, it is bordered by Austria to the north, Croatia to the south, Hungary to the east and Italy to the west.


Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia. Though situated on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, near the Mediterranean, most of Slovenia is in the Black Sea drainage basin.

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Lying just to the south of Trieste in Italy, the triangular peninsula of Istria projects into the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Split between Croatia and Slovenia, this delightfully unspoilt region of the Mediterranean brims with historical charm and boasts a rich natural history as well as an acclaimed cuisine. During this singlecentre holiday we will be based in the far north of Croatian Istria, from where we will explore the region’s diverse habitats, from the dry Mediterranean grasslands of the Premantura Peninsula to the subalpine meadows and cool Beech woodlands of the Ćićarija Mountains and Dinaric Alps. Although Istria covers only 15% of Croatia’s surface area, it is home to nearly 50% of its higher plants! This rich biodiversity extends across the board to its birds, butterflies and other wildlife and, once the region’s interesting archaeology and delicious food are added to the mix, it becomes evident that Istria offers the perfect blend of natural history, landscapes, culture and cuisine for a fascinating and enjoyable week.

We begin our holiday with a flight to the historic city of Trieste in Italy. Next, we continue by road, first across the border into Slovenia and then into Croatia. Our base for the week is the medieval town of Buzet, widely known as the ‘City of Truffles’, as the surrounding woodlands not only yield excellent birdlife, such as Golden Oriole, Wryneck and Hawfinch, but are rich in this sought-after delicacy too. During our stay we will dine out most evenings at a local ‘trattoria’, where the acclaimed truffles and local wild asparagus are sure to feature on the menu!

We will keep the exact itinerary of our week flexible in order to take account of such factors as the weather and local sightings. However, our time here will include two full days exploring surroundings very close to Buzet. Nesting Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Redstarts are all likely to be seen amongst the towering limestone cliffs, whilst the adjacent Mediterranean scrub holds Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Nightingale and Cirl Bunting. Peregrines nest on the karst rock face, and a variety of other raptors, including Short-toed Eagle and Goshawk, may be seen soaring over the plateau above. The botanists amongst the group will not have to go far to enjoy their first orchids, for the nearby golf course is home to Adriatic Lizard, Monkey and Bee Orchids, whilst Erect Clematis and Sword-leaved Helleborine can be found in the neighbouring woodlands.

During our stay we will also explore Istria’s delightful coastline. The wetland reserve at Škocjanski Zatok in Slovenia is especially rich in birdlife and attracts a variety of herons and egrets, plus Garganey, Pygmy Cormorant, Melodious and Great Reed Warblers and plenty of passage waders if water levels are suitable. Back in Croatia, we will visit a site overlooking the Bay of Piran, where the dry Mediterranean grasslands and scrub hold Tawny Pipits, Bee-eaters, Blackheaded Buntings and the occasional Olivaceous Warbler. Further south still lies the Premantura Peninsula, the most southerly point on the Istrian Peninsula. This is not only a great spot for migrant birds — and butterflies such as Osiris and Mazarine Blues — but also one of the most botanically-rich areas of southern Europe, home to numerous Mediterranean specialities.

On another day we will travel further north into Slovenia to explore Lake Cerknica and the Rakov Škocjan Gorge, both sites of incredible biodiversity. The lake has been designated an ‘Important Bird Area’ and the surrounding damp meadows are not only home to Corncrake and Red-backed Shrike, but filled with orchids, scabious and other wild flowers, together with numerous butterflies and Fire-bellied Salamander.

Weather permitting, we will spend our final day exploring the Ćićarija Plateau and Dinaric Alps, an attractive upland region of northern Istria clothed in Beech forest and topped with subalpine meadows. The woodlands on the lower slopes are home to Grey-headed, White-backed and Black Woodpeckers, plus the magnificent Ural Owl, whilst above the tree-line we can look for Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Rock Partridge and Ortolan Bunting. The botany is also fascinating and includes a wide variety of orchids: amongst these are Lady Orchids, some of which can reach half a metre in height! Our stay in the mountains will conclude this Naturetrek wildlife holiday in Istria … and provide a fitting finale before we must head north once more, back into Slovenia and then Italy, to catch our return flight home.

 

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This is a single-centre holiday based in simple hotel in the small own of Buzet. All rooms have private facilities.

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All food is included in the price.

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Birds, plants and butterflies, plus the chance to enjoy a little of the region's gatronomy and history.

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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Itinerary image

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Croatia & Slovenia - Spring in Istria

Tour Code: HRV03

An 8-day wildlife holiday to Croatian and Slovenian Istria in search of the region's birds, butterflies, flowers and other natural history.

£1,795

Flight Inclusive

£1,595

Land Only
Travel to this tour by train

Travelling by train reduces the carbon cost of travel by up to 90%

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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary 8 Tour Reports
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Carbon Footprint

716kg CO2e

With International Flights

360.4kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

Highlights

  • Single-centre tour based in the medieval town of Buzet
  • Golden Oriole, Wryneck & Hawfinch live in nearby woodlands
  • Eat at local ‘trattoria’ & try the area’s acclaimed truffles & local wild asparagus!
  • Peregrines nest close by & other raptors include Short-toed Eagle & Goshawk
  • Tawny Pipits, Bee-eaters, Black-headed Bunting & Olivaceous Warbler, Bay of Piran
  • Look for Garganey, Pygmy Cormorant, Melodious & Great Reed Warblers, Skocjanski Zatok
  • Osiris & Mazarine Blues plus migrant birds, Premantura Peninsula
  • Adriatic Lizard, Monkey & Bee Orchids grow on the golf course near our accommodation
  • Grey-headed, White-backed & Black Woodpeckers, plus Ural Owl possible
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

Summary

Lying just to the south of Trieste in Italy, the triangular peninsula of Istria projects into the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Split between Croatia and Slovenia, this delightfully unspoilt region of the Mediterranean brims with historical charm and boasts a rich natural history as well as an acclaimed cuisine. During this singlecentre holiday we will be based in the far north of Croatian Istria, from where we will explore the region’s diverse habitats, from the dry Mediterranean grasslands of the Premantura Peninsula to the subalpine meadows and cool Beech woodlands of the Ćićarija Mountains and Dinaric Alps. Although Istria covers only 15% of Croatia’s surface area, it is home to nearly 50% of its higher plants! This rich biodiversity extends across the board to its birds, butterflies and other wildlife and, once the region’s interesting archaeology and delicious food are added to the mix, it becomes evident that Istria offers the perfect blend of natural history, landscapes, culture and cuisine for a fascinating and enjoyable week.

We begin our holiday with a flight to the historic city of Trieste in Italy. Next, we continue by road, first across the border into Slovenia and then into Croatia. Our base for the week is the medieval town of Buzet, widely known as the ‘City of Truffles’, as the surrounding woodlands not only yield excellent birdlife, such as Golden Oriole, Wryneck and Hawfinch, but are rich in this sought-after delicacy too. During our stay we will dine out most evenings at a local ‘trattoria’, where the acclaimed truffles and local wild asparagus are sure to feature on the menu!

We will keep the exact itinerary of our week flexible in order to take account of such factors as the weather and local sightings. However, our time here will include two full days exploring surroundings very close to Buzet. Nesting Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Redstarts are all likely to be seen amongst the towering limestone cliffs, whilst the adjacent Mediterranean scrub holds Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Nightingale and Cirl Bunting. Peregrines nest on the karst rock face, and a variety of other raptors, including Short-toed Eagle and Goshawk, may be seen soaring over the plateau above. The botanists amongst the group will not have to go far to enjoy their first orchids, for the nearby golf course is home to Adriatic Lizard, Monkey and Bee Orchids, whilst Erect Clematis and Sword-leaved Helleborine can be found in the neighbouring woodlands.

During our stay we will also explore Istria’s delightful coastline. The wetland reserve at Škocjanski Zatok in Slovenia is especially rich in birdlife and attracts a variety of herons and egrets, plus Garganey, Pygmy Cormorant, Melodious and Great Reed Warblers and plenty of passage waders if water levels are suitable. Back in Croatia, we will visit a site overlooking the Bay of Piran, where the dry Mediterranean grasslands and scrub hold Tawny Pipits, Bee-eaters, Blackheaded Buntings and the occasional Olivaceous Warbler. Further south still lies the Premantura Peninsula, the most southerly point on the Istrian Peninsula. This is not only a great spot for migrant birds — and butterflies such as Osiris and Mazarine Blues — but also one of the most botanically-rich areas of southern Europe, home to numerous Mediterranean specialities.

On another day we will travel further north into Slovenia to explore Lake Cerknica and the Rakov Škocjan Gorge, both sites of incredible biodiversity. The lake has been designated an ‘Important Bird Area’ and the surrounding damp meadows are not only home to Corncrake and Red-backed Shrike, but filled with orchids, scabious and other wild flowers, together with numerous butterflies and Fire-bellied Salamander.

Weather permitting, we will spend our final day exploring the Ćićarija Plateau and Dinaric Alps, an attractive upland region of northern Istria clothed in Beech forest and topped with subalpine meadows. The woodlands on the lower slopes are home to Grey-headed, White-backed and Black Woodpeckers, plus the magnificent Ural Owl, whilst above the tree-line we can look for Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Rock Partridge and Ortolan Bunting. The botany is also fascinating and includes a wide variety of orchids: amongst these are Lady Orchids, some of which can reach half a metre in height! Our stay in the mountains will conclude this Naturetrek wildlife holiday in Istria … and provide a fitting finale before we must head north once more, back into Slovenia and then Italy, to catch our return flight home.

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Fly Trieste; transfer to Buzet
Days
2 - 7
Daily programme of natural history excursions from Buzet
Day
8
Transfer Trieste and fly London
Itinerary Image
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What's Included?

Food

All food is included in the price.

Accommodation

This is a single-centre holiday based in simple hotel in the small own of Buzet. All rooms have private facilities.

Dates & Prices

2027

Flight Inclusive

£1,795

Land Only

£1,595

Single Supplement

£315

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

2028

Flight Inclusive

£1,895

Land Only

£1,695

Single Supplement

£325

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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