TERRA MAGICA
The Organic South: Sun, Stone & Scents
A Return to the Roots
The south of Istria is a land of intense sun, red earth, and ancient wisdom. Terra Magica is a journey designed for those who seek the true flavor of nature.
Forget industrial production. Here, we meet the alchemists of the land—people who talk to their goats, who harvest olives by hand, and who have turned the dry limestone karst into a garden of Eden. From the world’s best olive oils in Vodnjan to the hidden goat farm of Kumparička, this is a day of pure, organic hedonism.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Goat Whisperer: Visit Kumparička, a rustic farm station where Aleš Winkler produces unpasteurized goat cheese that rivals the best French chèvres.
Liquid Gold of Vodnjan: A sensory tasting at Oio Vivo, teaching you to recognize the spicy notes of premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Aromatherapy in Nature: Walk through the breathtaking botanical gardens of Histria Aromatica, surrounded by fields of lavender, immortelle, and rosemary overlooking the sea.
Stone Town Secrets: A coffee stop in Bale (Valle), one of Istria’s best-preserved medieval towns, often called "The Stone Butterfly".
Farm-to-Table Lunch: Enjoy a rustic meal prepared with ingredients grown right on the estate.
The Alchemists of Olive Oil
We begin in the olive groves of Vodnjan, the world capital of premium olive oil. Whether we visit the organic groves of Oio Vivo, the experience is transformative. You will learn the art of tasting—how to warm the glass, inhale the grassy aroma, and taste the peppery "kick" of polyphenols. This is not just oil; it is a medicine and a delicacy.
Life on the Farm: Kumparička
Hidden in the macchia bushes lies Kumparička, a place that operates on its own time. Here, you will meet the charismatic owner Aleš and his happy herd of goats. You will taste cheeses aged in silence, fresh curd, and homemade yogurt, paired with natural wines. It is a raw, honest, and incredibly delicious experience that connects you directly to the food source.
The Garden Above the Sea
Perched on a hill overlooking the Brijuni Islands, Histria Aromatica is a feast for the senses. As you walk through the meticulously arranged gardens of indigenous herbs, the air is thick with the scent of sage and lavender. It is a place of peace, perfect for disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature.
The Stone Silence of Bale
We end our journey in Bale, a town made entirely of stone. Walking its narrow, circular streets feels like stepping into a movie set. We’ll stop at the famous Kamene Priče jazz bar or simply admire the Gothic-Renaissance architecture of the Soardo-Bembo castle, soaking in the slow rhythm of Istrian life.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
09:30 – Private chauffeur pickup at your hotel.
10:15 – Olive Oil sensory tasting at Chiavalon or Oio Vivo.
11:45 – Guided walk and photo session at Histria Aromatica.
13:30 – Farm-to-table cheese tasting and lunch at Kumparička.
15:30 – Relaxed coffee and sightseeing in the town of Bale.
17:00 – Scenic drive back to your hotel.
Note: This tour is best enjoyed at a slow pace. Wear comfortable shoes!
INCLUSIONS & BOOKING
What is included: Luxury Mercedes-Benz transfer (V-Class, E-Class or S-Class). Expert English-speaking Chauffeur. Private Olive Oil tasting fee. Entrance to Histria Aromatica gardens. Exclusive cheese tasting and lunch at Kumparička. Refreshments and organic snacks.