Istrian Kayak Odyssey A voyage of discovery around the Istrian Peninsula

Breakfast and transfer to Lim bay. Hike to the Romuald ́s cave, a 105-meter long cave consisting of several impressive halls that have preserved evidence of permanent existence of life since prehistoric times. The entrance to the cave is 47 centimeters high, and the main hall is five to six meters high. Romuald’s Cave is a speleological phenomenon because the cave ornaments are located on the left side only, while the right side is empty. We will start with our sea kayak adventure along the protected area of Lim fjord. You will enjoy paddling along the bay, with its steep banks, passing beside the cultivation of mollusks and fish to the charming town of Rovinj. During the trip we will stop on a wild beach for swimming and snorkeling. Dinner is on your own tonight, so you’re free to explore town of Rovinj with fantastic selection of local taverns. Overnight in Rovinj.

•  Accommodation: Villa Lilia 3* or Baron Gautch 3* or similar, Rovinj
• Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch
• Activity: walking 1 hour + caving 30 minutes + sea kayaking 14km or 4-5 hours paddling
• Transfer: local transfer in duration 20 minutes

Today we will enjoy paddling around Rovinj’s archipelago which consist of 19 islands, islets and rocks. There, you will also find Banjole Island, the so-called seven-hair island (because of its rare plant covering), which is interesting because of its cave that is in its most part undersea. After heading towards Palud wee will not miss visit to the St. John lighthouse, built in 1853. It is located on the most distant islet of the small archipelago in front of Rovinj. Todays kayak adventure we will end in Palud Cove, In the Palud Cove, located eight kilometres southwest of Rovinj, there is the first, and so far, the only ‘special ornithological reserve’ in Istria. Ornithologists have recorded here more than 200 bird species. Since hunters are not allowed into the park, there are also a lot of pheasants, partridges and quails here. Various types of wild duck, water-hens, grebes and common snipes, garden warblers, golden orioles, woodpeckers, tawny pipits and shrieks live and nest here continuously. Besides thick authentic forests with beautiful specimens of pubescent and holm oak, the northern part of the wetlands includes a real rainforest with huge willow trees. Before returning to Rovinj we will stop in one of the best olive oil mill where you will be acquainted with olive oil production and have opportunity to taste one of the best Istrian olive oil. Overnight in Rovinj.

We pack up and head south to Cape Kamenjak, 30 km long coast with numerous gulfs, bays and white beaches washed by the crystal clear blue – green sea. On the way you can find 22 types of orchids including the endemic specie “Serapias Istriaca” (the Istrian orchid), see the so-called “islet – plate” where the dinosaur’s footprint has been preserved or find the remains of luxurious Roman villae rusticae. Day we will spend paddling along cliffs, caves and beaches. We stop for lunch on an unspoiled beach for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim. Our kayak journey will end today in Pula, the epicentre of Istria. We are going to “walk through time”;’ from ancient times through Roman arches and the Arena, one of the most preserved ampitheatres, through ancient reneissance and finally to modern day. Overnight in Pula.

From our hotel we drive along East coast to small ferry port Brestova where we will start our last sea kayak adventure. We are paddling along the most wild Istrian coast. with our final destination being the enchanting town of Lovran. We head north along a cliff-lined shore, exploring intimate wild beaches. We stop for a short hike to explore small town of Brseč, medieval town of amazing stone beauty. Situated on 157 meters high cliffs overlooking the sea. Upon arrival in Lovran, we dock our kayaks on the beache below our hotel. The time between now and dinner you can spend on your own. Overnight in Lovran.