My Day Trip to Istria from Zagreb: A 2025 Review of the ‘Original Tuscany’ Tour

You know, leaving the city buzz of Zagreb behind for a day has a special kind of appeal. That’s pretty much why I found myself on this day-long trip to the Istrian Peninsula, a place people often whisper about as Croatia’s own version of Tuscany. Basically, the idea of swapping city blocks for rolling green hills and old seaside towns was really tempting. This review is, sort of, my story of that day, sharing what it was actually like to visit three very different Istrian spots—Pula, Rovinj, and Hum—all in one go. At the end of the day, I wanted to see if it lived up to that ‘original Tuscany’ reputation and give you the real picture of what you can honestly expect.

First Stop: The Roman Echoes of Pula

Alright, our first stop was Pula, and seriously, the moment you see the Pula Arena, it kind of takes your breath away. This giant Roman amphitheater is just, like, right there in the middle of everything, which is a pretty amazing sight. You can literally walk right up to it; it feels almost like a time machine dropped in the middle of a modern town. As a matter of fact, I spent a good while just standing inside, looking up at the stone arches and thinking about all the history soaked into them. It’s actually one of the most well-preserved examples of Roman building work you will ever find. We were told by our guide that, unlike the Colosseum in Rome, you could practically see the entire structure still standing, which is just incredible, you know?

Still, Pula is more than just its huge arena. We had some time to wander, and you know, the city has other Roman treasures tucked away. I mean, we came across the Temple of Augustus in the old forum, which was really beautiful and kind of surprising to see just sitting there. You can just imagine people in togas going about their business right on that very spot. Frankly, walking around Pula feels a little like being on a historical scavenger hunt. You have these ancient monuments, and right next to them are, like, modern cafes and shops. It’s a very interesting mix that, I mean, gives the city a really unique feeling.

A Walk Through Rovinj’s Colorful, Twisting Alleys

Okay, so after the grand history of Pula, we went to Rovinj, and honestly, the mood changed completely. This town is basically a postcard brought to life. You know, it’s this tightly packed cluster of colorful buildings on a small peninsula, with a big church perched at the very highest point. The first view you get from the harbor is just, sort of, perfect. All the buildings are painted in these warm shades of red, orange, and yellow, and they look almost like they’re leaning on each other for support, crowded around the waterfront.

The best part of Rovinj, at least for me, was just getting lost. Honestly, the town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets that twist and turn, and sometimes open up into tiny little squares. Every corner you turn, you find, like, another charming scene—a hidden art gallery, a quiet courtyard, or laundry strung up between two windows. We spent our free time just walking aimlessly, and it was the best decision. I mean, you can hear the seagulls, smell the salty air from the sea, and just feel the artistic vibe that the town is famous for. You will definitely get your steps in climbing up to the Church of St. Euphemia, but the view from the top is, frankly, worth every single step.

Finding the Charm in Hum, The Smallest Town in the World

Alright, so next up was a place with a very big claim: Hum, the smallest town in the world. And honestly, it really is tiny. I mean, you can walk from one end to the other in just a couple of minutes. The whole place is pretty much just two streets and a few stone houses, all enclosed by old town walls. Being there is, in a way, like stepping into a miniature fairy tale. It is so quiet and peaceful, which is a big change from the busy feel of Pula and Rovinj.

There isn’t a ton to ‘do’ in Hum in the typical sense, and that’s actually its charm. You basically just soak in the atmosphere. We walked around, peeked into the little church, and then did what you’re supposed to do in Hum: try the local brandy. The town is known for a special kind of mistletoe-infused brandy called Biska. We went into a little shop, or konoba, and had a small taste. It’s very unique, a little bit sweet, a little bit herbal, and definitely warms you up. Seriously, this stop is a fun novelty and a really interesting part of the day’s story.

The Journey Itself: Comfort, Pacing, and What to Expect

Now, let’s talk about the practical side of this trip, which is really important for a long day out. So, the journey from Zagreb to Istria takes a few hours, but the vehicle was actually quite comfortable. I mean, it was a small group tour, so we were in a modern van or minibus, which was clean and had air conditioning. The ride itself is actually pretty scenic, especially once you get closer to the coast and the landscape changes to those famous rolling green hills. It’s a nice way to see a big slice of the Croatian countryside.

As for the timing, it’s a packed day, you know? You obviously spend a fair amount of time driving, so the time in each town is, more or less, planned out. We had a good amount of time to explore Pula and Rovinj, definitely enough to see the main sights and have a bit of a wander on our own. Hum is, sort of, a much quicker stop, which makes sense given its tiny size. Our guide was great, really friendly and full of interesting stories that you wouldn’t just get from a guidebook. Frankly, they did a good job of keeping everything moving without making us feel too hurried.

Is This Istria Tour Right for You? My Honest Takeaway

So, at the end of the day, the big question is whether this tour is a good fit for you. To be honest, if you are staying in Zagreb and only have one day to spare to see Istria, this is an absolutely fantastic option. You get a taste of three completely different places, from ancient history to artistic seaside charm to a quirky little village. It’s a very efficient and stress-free way to see the highlights. You just, like, sit back and let someone else handle all the driving and planning.

My best advice is to just go with the flow. You are seeing a lot in a short time, so just enjoy the variety and don’t try to see every single thing in each spot. Let the guide show you the main attractions, and then use your free time to find a little corner that speaks to you. It’s that balance that makes the day really special.

Basically, here is a quick breakdown of what I thought:

• The Good Stuff: You get to see a huge variety of what Istria offers in just one day. The convenience is unbeatable, honestly. Rovinj is absolutely stunning, and the Pula Arena is a must-see.
• Things to Keep in Mind: It is a long day with a lot of time on the road. If you’re someone who likes to spend hours lingering in one spot, a day tour like this might feel a little fast-paced for you, you know?

As for that “original Tuscany” nickname, I kind of get it. The green hills, the hilltop towns, the focus on good food and wine—the similarities are definitely there. Yet Istria has its own completely unique character, a sort of Slavic and Venetian blend that is all its own. So, you might go looking for Tuscany, but you’ll actually find something a bit different, and arguably, just as wonderful.

Read our full review: [Istria ‘original Tuscany’ Rovinj, Pula, Hum – Tour from Zagreb Full Review and Details]
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