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Discover Motovun in Istria: Half-Day Excursion with Local Brandy Tasting

Take a small break from the seaside in Rovinj and explore the green charm of Istria, where history lives amid fascinating landscapes; you’ll visit Motovun, the hilltop monument surrounded by 11th-century walls whose interior preserves a rich cultural and monumental treasure, and stroll its streets to imagine medieval life-if Anthony Bourdain loved it, you will too. The journey continues along the river Mirna to a distillery producing exclusive traditional brandies, jams and other products made from wild herbs and fruits picked in an ecologically clean environment on the slopes of Učka, where you’ll learn the production process and taste brandies, jams, cookies and chocolate crafted with those wild ingredients. Book this Varoom experience to combine sightseeing, food and local culture in Istria for a memorable full-day outing from Rovinj.

About this activity in Rovinj

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Explore Motovun, the hilltop medieval town with preserved 11th‑century walls and atmospheric streets that transport you back in time near Rovinj, Istria.
  • Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Mirna valley from the town ramparts and stroll the compact historic core to feel life in a medieval fortified settlement.
  • Visit a family-run distillery along the River Mirna where traditional brandies, jams and confections are made from wild herbs and fruits harvested on the slopes of Učka.
  • Taste a selection of locally produced grappas, jams, cookies and chocolate during a guided visit that brings Istrian culinary traditions to life.

Important Information

  • Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket - Motovun’s streets are cobbled and can be windy on the hilltop.
  • The visit includes a guided walk through the town and a hands‑on tasting at the distillery, so come ready to sample regional flavors.
  • This experience is suitable for most fitness levels; bring a camera for sweeping valley views and heritage architecture.
  • Public transport options are available nearby; exact pickup or meeting details will be confirmed after you book.

Meeting Point

You will meet in central Rovinj; exact meeting time and the precise pickup or meeting location will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Includes

  • Guided visit to a local distillery featuring jam and grappa tasting - experience authentic Istrian flavors near Rovinj
  • Roundtrip bus transfer included for easy travel between your accommodation and the distillery
  • All admission fees covered so you can focus on tasting and learning without extra charges
  • Experienced guide provided to explain production methods and share regional culinary context

Excludes

  • Lunch is not included - plan for your own meal before or after the experience

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby for flexible arrival and departure in the area
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the experience for safety and comfort
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the visit is accessible and relaxed for most travelers
  • To book or for questions, contact the tour supplier's bookings department by calling +385 091 603 5028 (calls only; no text messages)

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
Dominique_G
• Oct 5, 2021 08:56:23 AM
Summary: We appreciated the local guide, she was very interesting and knowledgeable. The Motovun views and landscapes are stunning. The tastings at Buzet are excellent. A lunch option with have been nice at this location. Micheline Montréal, Canada October 1st, 2021
tgilbey
• Jul 27, 2018 10:49:42 AM
Summary:

A very enjoyable full day tour operated by Gulliver Travel. Comfortable transfer from hotel to Motovun, an atmospheric hill top town reached by a shuttle bus from a car park beneath the town. Steep climb along the town's only road where there was an excellent truffle tasting along with local wines and olive oil. Very enjoyable and relaxing. This was followed by a drive to another hill top town Buzet (town is not explored) but a fascinating visit to the local brandy distillery is included with tastings of three brandies, three locally produced jams and samples of chocolates. Opportunity to purchase from the distillery store. The whole tour was well guided and comes highly recommended.

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Know more about Rovinj

You will visit Motovun, the hilltop monument surrounded by 11th-century walls where the interior preserves a rich cultural-monumental treasure. The walking tour around the medieval town lets you experience how people lived in ancient medieval times and soak up the dramatic hilltop views that make this Istrian jewel so memorable.
Yes. The hilltop walk through Motovun’s medieval streets and the distillery visit along the Mirna river are suitable for all fitness levels, offering family-friendly experiences that combine outdoor nature, history and Food & Drink tasting for kids and adults alike.
The excursion pairs a scenic walk around Motovun’s medieval hilltop with a journey along the Mirna river to a distillery set in an ecologically clean environment on Učka. You’ll enjoy outdoor nature, historic sightseeing and tastings of local grappa-style brandies and wild-fruit products.
Yes. The tour continues along the Mirna river to a distillery on the slopes of Učka where you learn about traditional production and taste exclusive brandies, jams, cookies and chocolate made with wild herbs and fruits picked in an ecologically clean environment.
Yes. The tour includes a guide who leads you through Motovun’s cultural-monumental sites and explains local heritage, then shows you the traditional distillation and jam-making processes at the distillery on Učka’s slopes.
Absolutely. If you enjoy regional Food & Drink experiences, this itinerary highlights a distillery producing exclusive traditional brandies and jams from wild herbs and fruits, plus tastings of cookies and chocolate-giving you an authentic taste of Istria’s culinary traditions.