Start the day at Manchester Airport with a relaxed check-in and a light breakfast in the Aspire Lounge before your late-morning flight to Pula (PUY). On arrival at Pula, enjoy a private transfer along the coast — take in the first glimpses of the Istrian landscape and arrive at your 5-star hotel in Rovinj in time for a welcome drink and a short orientation from the concierge.
Unpack and unwind with a spa introduction: book a restorative signature massage or enjoy the thermal facilities at the hotel's wellbeing centre to shake off travel fatigue. After your treatment, step out for a gentle seafront stroll along the Lungomare, pausing for an espresso or light seafood lunch at Zlatni Rt or the hotel's fine-dining terrace overlooking the Adriatic.
As twilight falls, savor a relaxed dinner at the hotel's main restaurant or opt for a short walk into Rovinj's waterfront to dine at Puntulina for modern Istrian cuisine with sea views. Finish the evening with a nightcap at the hotel bar or a peaceful walk along the lit harbour, setting a restful tone for the adventures to come.
Wake slowly after last night's restful arrival with a leisurely breakfast on your suite terrace or at the hotel's breakfast lounge, enjoying sea views and freshly baked Istrian pastries. Continue the relaxed pace with a morning spa ritual — book the hotel's signature thermal circuit followed by a deep tissue or aromatherapy massage to fully unwind and acclimatize to the Adriatic rhythm.
Spend the afternoon poolside sampling seasonal small plates and a chilled local Malvazija rosé, then take a restorative dip in the heated indoor pool or jacuzzi if the breeze is cool. Later, wander the Lungomare seafront path toward Rovinj Old Town, pausing for an espresso at Caffè Bar Porto or a light seafood lunch at the waterfront Bistro Balan which offers fresh catch and panoramic harbour views.
As daylight softens, explore the cobbled lanes of Old Town—climb to the Church of St. Euphemia's bell tower for sweeping sunset vistas and photographs. For dinner, reserve a table at Puntulina or Monte to sample contemporary Istrian tasting menus, then finish with a nightcap back at the hotel bar or a moonlit stroll along the lit harbour to keep the tranquil tone from yesterday's arrival.
After two days of relaxation in Rovinj, set out after breakfast for a private coastal drive north toward Lim Bay, the dramatic fjord-like inlet famed for oysters and panoramic viewpoints; stop at the Lim Bay overlook for photos and a short cliff-side walk to breathe in the Adriatic air. Continue to the charming seaside town of Vrsar, wander its marina and pastel streets, and enjoy a mid-morning espresso at a waterfront café before returning to the car for the scenic route back along the coast.
For lunch, indulge in a gourmet seafood experience at restaurants beside Lim Bay—book a table at Konoba Puntulina (or a recommended local oyster bar) to sample fresh oysters, grilled calamari and a chilled Malvazija while watching fishing boats glide by. Afterward, take a leisurely drive through olive groves and seaside villages, pausing at a family-run olive oil producer or a seaside vineyard for a short tasting and a chance to learn about Istrian terroir.
Return to Rovinj in time for golden-hour photos along the Lungomare and a relaxed aperitivo at the hotel terrace or Caffe Bar Porto, watching lights appear across the harbour. For dinner, choose a refined tasting menu at Monte or Puntulina to round out the day's coastal flavours, then enjoy a slow post-dinner stroll through the lit cobbles of Old Town, reflecting on the day’s sea-scented discoveries.
Begin with breakfast at the hotel then head into Rovinj Old Town to wander its maze of cobbled lanes, pausing to admire pastel façades, hidden artisan shops and galleries such as Batana House and the Rovinj Heritage Museum for local maritime history. Climb the narrow steps to the Church of St. Euphemia—ring the bellhouse if you like—and take in the sweeping panorama from the bell tower, a perfect vantage for photographing the red roofs and glittering Adriatic.
After a light seafood lunch at a harbour-side konoba like Konoba Batelina or a relaxed meal at La Puntulina, join a guided walking tour that touches on Rovinj’s Venetian past and the story of the local batana boats, finishing with a visit to the seaside gallery-lined Grisia street to browse contemporary Istrian art and handcrafted ceramics. If the weather’s mild, stroll out along the Zlatni Rt park headland for a coastal walk through aromatic pine and olive groves, stopping at a café for an espresso and people-watching by the sea.
Return to town for aperitivo at Caffè Bar Porto or the hotel terrace, then reserve a table at Monte or the intimate Tavern Aril for a refined dinner showcasing truffle-scented Istrian dishes and fresh Adriatic seafood. End the evening with a moonlit stroll along the lit harbour and a digestif at the hotel bar, reflecting on the day’s cultural discoveries before tomorrow’s island cruise.
Board a private or small-group boat from Rovinj Harbor after breakfast for a relaxed island cruise to the Red Island (Crveni Otok) and neighboring islets, enjoying glass-clear views of the Adriatic and the town’s red-tiled skyline as you glide away. Along the way your skipper will drop anchor in sheltered coves for short swims or a guided snorkel over rocky reefs, and you can step ashore on Red Island to wander pine-shaded paths and sip espresso at the island café.
After a light seaside lunch on board or at a waterfront konoba near the harbor—sample grilled local fish, marinated sardines and a chilled Malvazija—continue the cruise toward the picturesque Grisia area, photographing hidden bays and traditional batana boats. Return to Rovinj mid-afternoon for a leisurely walk through the harborfront, perhaps visiting the Batana House or popping into nearby galleries, then relax with an aperitivo on your hotel terrace as the late afternoon light softens.
For golden-hour magic, reserve a sunset table at a seaside restaurant such as Puntulina or Monte’s terrace (or arrange a private sunset dinner aboard a moored yacht) to savor a tasting menu highlighting Istrian truffles, seafood and local wines. Finish the evening with a moonlit stroll along the Lungomare or a nightcap at the hotel bar, letting the gentle clink of boats and the sea breeze bring the day’s island serenity to a close.
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, head inland with a private driver toward Motovun, the hilltop town famed for sweeping valley views and medieval walls; stroll its cobbled streets and stop at a family-owned winery such as Kozlović or Kabola for a cellar tour and tasting of Malvazija and Teran, learning about Istrian winemaking traditions. The panoramic vantage from Motovun’s fortress is perfect for photos and sets a bucolic contrast to the coastal days you’ve enjoyed so far.
Continue to the truffle-rich area around Livade for a guided truffle-hunting experience with a local hunter and trained Lagotto Romagnolo dog, where you’ll learn to identify prized white and black truffles and sample freshly shaved truffle over warm focaccia. Afterwards, savor a long, rustic lunch at a konoba like Zigante or a recommended agritourism estate, pairing truffle dishes with regional wines and enjoying relaxed conversation beneath chestnut trees.
Return to Rovinj in the late afternoon, stopping at a hilltop vineyard for sunset views and a final glass of Malvazija as the valley softens into golden light, then freshen up at the hotel. For dinner, book a table at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant or reserve at Monte to enjoy a refined Istrian tasting menu that highlights the day’s truffle and wine discoveries, finishing with a digestif on the terrace and a peaceful end to your inland explorations.
Savour a final leisurely breakfast on your suite terrace or at the hotel’s dining room, lingering over freshly baked Istrian pastries, local honey and a last glass of Malvazija while enjoying sea views. Pack at an unhurried pace, request a late checkout if needed from the concierge, and take a short final walk along the Lungomare toward the harbour to capture one last photo of Rovinj’s red roofs and St. Euphemia rising above the sea.
After checkout, let the hotel arrange a private transfer to Pula Airport, stopping en route for a relaxed seafood lunch at a recommended waterfront konoba such as La Puntulina or Bistro Balan if time allows, or to pick up any last-minute olive oil or truffle souvenirs at a local deli. Arrive at Pula in good time for your flight, complete airport formalities in comfort and enjoy a final espresso in the lounge before boarding for Manchester.
On arrival back in Manchester, anticipate a smooth private transfer or car park pickup arranged in advance to bring you home simply and comfortably; reflect on the week’s highlights — spa mornings, island cruises, truffle hunts and Istrian wines — over a quiet supper at home or a nearby restaurant. Unpack slowly, and if you wish, book a follow-up with your concierge or travel arranger for future escapes inspired by this luxury Rovinj getaway.