The straw flower, also known as the queen of the Mediterranean herbal world, comes from the daisy family and is a versatile medicinal plant. She prefers warm and dry floors and loves generous sunlight - no wonder she likes it in Istria! Because, as a well-known quote says: "What sunshine is for flowers, smiling faces are for people."
The Latin name "Helichrysum" already indicates its peculiarity: coming from ancient Greek, it means something like sun gold.
It is not surprising that it has become a symbol of immortality due to its amazing durability. The brightly colored golden yellow flowers keep their dreamy color long after they have been picked and dried. It is not only their external characteristics and their delicate floral scent that make them such a special type of plant - rarely is a medicinal plant so effective in various treatments as the straw flower. It is without a doubt the best natural remedy to date. Learn why the immortelle is the key ingredient in various skin care products. Another unique product of nature that you will taste: honey - the golden juice that creates miracles.
This excursion is popular by cycling and hiking groups
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Welcome with our tour guide and an information hour
- Welcome drink
- 3x overnight stays with buffet breakfast
- 3x buffet dinner
- Herbal fairy tale excursion with a welcome drink, tasting of natural, local products
- Tour and guided tour through the herb field
- Music and animation program on the herb field
- Gift for every guest as a souvenir
- Visit to the wine cellar
- Tasting of the different types of wine with an expert explanation as well as a small snack
- Visit to the distillery with a guided tour through the production process
- Tasting from our own production: 3 types of schnapps, 3 types of jam, biscuits, sweet and salted almonds, dark chocolate with olive oil and almonds, dark chocolate with olive oil and lavender
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion to the east coast of Istria - herbal fairy tale world and Labin
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion to the west coast of Istria with inland - Poreč and Buzet (to visit the distillery)
PROGRAM SUGGESTION:
DAY 1: Arrival. Welcome drink with our tour guide
DAY 2: Excursion through the east coast of Istria: Herbal fairy tale world and Labin
Today the road leads us to eastern Istria. Above the bay of Rabac, which has become one of the most popular holiday resorts in Istria, the picturesque, medieval town of Labin is hidden with its dreamy location on a 320 meter high hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the island of Cres. The former mining town was already of great importance in history due to its strategic location. Decide for yourself whether you want to treat yourself to a cozy coffee after the city tour, try a delicious homemade cake on one of the beautiful terraces or stroll through the enchanting alleys - no matter what you choose, it is worth an experience. Get ready, because in a moment we will be whisked away into the herbal fairy tale world. Our hidden paradise is just a jump away. Pure nature wherever the eye can see: dreamlike fields of everlasting flowers and lavender form a wonderful backdrop that invites you to enjoy. Our animation team and music are waiting for us there with a warm welcome. We are greeted with a home-made welcome drink, because in Istria there is an old saying that “home-made schnapps is our medicine” - then let's try the healing powers it contains. Together with our tour guide we take a walk through the plantations and learn interesting facts about the Mediterranean medicinal plants through an expert tour. You will also try the natural honey, which in Istria is called a "gift of nature". As a surprise there is also a present for every guest. Our day does not end here, however, because as they say “sugar comes last”: that is why we will end our day in a local wine cellar, where we will try various award-winning wines with a homemade snack.
DAY 3: West coast and natural treasures of the interior of Istria with Croatian delicacie
Poreč, the millennial city on the west coast of Istria, with its diversity of culture and history on the one hand and its generous range of sports and entertainment on the other. An important core of Croatian tourism and at the same time one of the most popular holiday destinations in Croatia for young and old. The town of Poreč with its long history bears witness to many events from that time and in the old town center you can still find traces of the past. You will certainly be amazed by the many sights: the famous Euphrasius Basilica which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the main square with the Decumanus main street leading into the old town, the well-known city walls and many other interesting sights that are worth visiting. Experience the city on a guided tour and immerse yourself in the exciting history of Poreč. Today's beautiful day is only starting here, because our path leads us further into the interior of Istria. Surrounded by the crystal clear sea on the eastern, southern and western sides, beautiful Istria hides a true natural treasure in its interior. Arrived in Buzet, we visit a family that runs a well-known distillery and produces homemade, traditional Istrian products: various types of brandy and jam as well as other autochthonous products made from various medicinal herbs and wild fruits. These in turn grow in the most beautiful natural paradises, far away from urban settlement areas. The autochthonous products of the Istrian family are known for the fact that the quality is always the same, as they have remained true to the secret recipes of their grandmothers, which contain neither preservatives nor other artificial ingredients. Delicacies that you have to let melt in your mouth are the delicious jams made from dandelions, blackberries, raspberries, figs, plums and cornel cherries, as well as homemade schnapps made from honey, mistletoe, red wine, sage, mint, olives, almonds, wild pears, wild apples, various Herbs and numerous other varieties, of which you will learn more on site, because the family's motto is always: "Picked by hand, prepared with love!"
DAY 4: Journey home
Hotels: Opatija, Poreč, Pula, Rabac, Rovinj
Extension days possible
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY:
- Getting to know the Istrian medicinal plants and natural products
- Gift for every guest as a souvenir of this wonderful trip
- Tasting of the award-winning wines, schnapps and natural products from Istria
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bookable: mid-May - mid-November (due to the flowering period)