Grožnjan, Motovun and truffle hunting Istria with lunch

Hello dear friends and fellow travelers, Welcome to one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria. I’ve spent the past 20 years working as a tour guide and tour leader, leading groups across northern Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, and meeting people from all over this wonderfully diverse world. I originally studied law at the University of Zagreb, but life had other plans for me. Instead, I chose to follow a different path—one shaped by travel, language learning, and a deep passion for sharing the stories and traditions of the place I call home. Home truly is where the heart is. Over time, I came to realize that Rovinj and Istria need me just as much as I need them. It wasn’t always obvious. Growing up in Rovinj—a town of just 15,000 people—it once felt too small, as if it might limit my dreams. I wanted more, so I set out to explore the world. Ten years later, after learning four languages and visiting more than sixty countries, I found myself back where it all began—standing at the threshold of what would become my permanent home. The place I once thought held me back had, in fact, given me the wings to grow. Istria’s culture is a rich blend of culinary, architectural, and spiritual influences shaped by countless civilizations that have passed through this striking green-and-blue region along the Adriatic coast. Within just over 1,000 square miles, you’ll find traces of the ancient Histri from the Iron Age, Roman ruins, Byzantine landmarks, Venetian Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as well as churches, frescoes, and Renaissance basilicas. All of this is brought together by a unique fusion of Slavic (Croatian) and Latin (Italian) heritage. When I guide and share these stories—which is what I love most—I aim to do more than present facts. I invite people into the world I live in. Through storytelling, you might find yourself stepping into the shoes of a Roman gladiator, a Byzantine bishop, a truffle hunter, or even an Austrian aristocrat from the late 19th century. I always tailor my approach to each group, adapting to their background, language, and sense of humor. Let’s share a cappuccino together in Rovinj—one of Europe’s most beautiful and still undiscovered towns. Licensed guide in Istria County (Croatia) since 2005, with 20 years of experience leading private tours throughout the region.