We just received fantastic news from the Croatian National Tourist Board and want to share it with you. Our Istrian Peninsula tour guide, Livio, was just named the #1 guide in all of Croatia. It’s a huge honor and we’re thrilled for Livio; and proud to say that he is the lead guide on all of our Croatia tours of the Istrian Peninsula.

Part teacher, part kid, all-around great guy—that’s the feedback on Livio from our guests who also grade him among their favorite Classic Journeys guides worldwide. Like Livio, all of our guides are extraordinarily knowledgeable, friendly, fluent in multiple languages (including English) and have a passion for sharing their home region with Classic Journeys’ guests. Trademarks of a Livio guided Croatia tour are an easy ability to surprise you…adjust the schedule to take in a special event…and give you a truly personal glimpse into the region.

Livio, the Classic Journeys guide in Croatia.

We first met Livio in 2005 while scouting our walking tour of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. He was part of the team of guides who scouted that trip with us, and introduced us to the fun of strolling atop massive medieval walls in Dubrovnik, lunchtime camaraderie at a local winery in the Peljesac Peninsula, and skirting the coast on shepherds’ paths. A true pro, he still let a little of his regional pride peek through when he took me aside one day and said, “If you love Dalmatia, let me take you all to Istria one day…”

With the immediate success of our walking tour of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the Croatia family vacation programs, we were ready to return a couple of years later to scout our Croatia trip of the Istrian Peninsula.

The Romans loved Istria, and called it Terra Magica. It was magical for us too: especially the coastal towns with Venetian architecture; the olive, wine and truffle routes; and the welcoming nature of the locals. What really struck us was how few other travelers we met in Istria on our Croatia trip; almost none of them spoke English (although all signs are posted in Croatian and Italian!). That’s always a good sign that a region is still undiscovered. But you don’t need to worry about a language barrier. You’ll be accompanied by Livio and our exceptional, local, English-speaking guides who’ll interpret not just the language, but the fascinating mix of Slavic and Italian cultures.

A girl taking a picture of a city landscape in Croatia.

Highlights of Classic Journeys’ Croatia trip in Istria include strolling vineyard trails to stunning hilltowns like Groznjan, cruising emerald islands to a national park, and rambling Roman footpaths and ancient ruins. Over the course of the week guests enjoy a private guided tour of Venice, participate in an olive oil tasting, join a truffle hunter and his dogs, explore on foot the private Brijuni Islands, visit the exceptionally preserved ruins of the Pula amphitheater, and revel in a vineyard walk and wine tasting.

If you’d like more information on our Croatia family vacations or Croatia tours in Istria and the Dalmatian Coast, drop us a line at blog@classicjourneys.com or phone us at 800-200-3887.