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.

8 days from
£1,895 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,695

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Highlights

Summary

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, the San Stefano thermal spa near the medieval city of Buzet. Nesting Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Redstarts are found in limestone cliffs near our accommodation, 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 a comfortable hotel in the attractive valley of the River Mirna
Golden Oriole, Wryneck & Hawfinch live in the woodlands near our spa hotel
Eat at local ‘trattoria’ & try the area’s acclaimed truffles & local wild asparagus!
Peregrines nest close to our hotel & 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

Grading

Grade A/B. Easy to moderate day walks only.

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 San Stefano thermal spa, a comfortable and modern hotel that is tucked away in the attractive valley of the River Mirna in northern Istria. The nearby medieval city of Buzet is 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 at San Stefano we will dine out each evening 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 the advice of our local guide. However, our time here will include two full days exploring the immediate surroundings of our hotel on foot. 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 close to our hotel, and a variety of other raptors, including Shorttoed 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 woodlands nearby.

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.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Trieste; transfer San Stefano thermal spa.

Day 2/7

Daily programme of natural history excursions from our base at San Stefano.

Day 8

Transfer Trieste and fly London.

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
This is a single-centre holiday based at the comfortable San Stefano thermal spa near Buzet. All rooms have private facilities.
Food:
All food is included in the price.

Reviews

The office staff were very good - prompt and helpful response when I had queries. John and Richard were superb and very knowledgeable guides who did everything they possibly could to make sure everyone had a great time. I can't speak highly enough of them. We visited lots of different habitats and saw a wide range of wildlife, we saw some fantastic birds and butterflies - both guides were great at finding species and making sure we all saw them. A hugely enjoyable trip - my first with Naturetrek but it won't be my last!
G.C. Gloucestershire, May 23
A superb holiday touring the countryside visiting sites of particular interest. We saw lots of wonderful wildlife including butterflies, birds and of course flowers. All in the company of an expert guide. Naturetrek is a tour company that specialises in wildlife tours around the world. They always deliver a value packed trip with memorable species and sightings. I travel with them regularly which is the best reference.
M.N. Wiltshire, May 22
A week in Istria, Croatia was a new experience. Although the weather was variable for May we enjoyed a multitude of wild flowers, birds, butterflies and cultural differences. The food was very good and different which we enjoyed, and the hotel accommodation was very comfortable, clean and spacious. Naturetrek have always been very efficient and this holiday was no exception. Transport, accommodation, local knowledge, flexibility was very good. The tour leader, who lived locally, was outstanding in his knowledge, energy and good humour.
A.K. Northumberland, May 19

This was one of the best Naturetrek trips I have been on. Both leaders possessed outstanding knowledge. The flora, fauna, butterflies and food were all superb!
D.H. Cambridgeshire

The leaders worked well with everyone. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was spread around. Birds and flowers were always pointed out. The picnic lunches were very good and efficiently delivered. The hotel surroundings were very good for early morning and daytime birding.
G.K. London

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Sun 4th May – Sun 11th May SPACES £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 5th May – Tue 12th May SPACES £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

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            [description] => Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides
There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.  
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?

All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife

What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?

Travel with a group of like-minded people
Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora

In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.  

Our specialist recommends...


"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour” 

David Tattersfield - Tour Leader

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Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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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.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2016

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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!