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Harvest Tour: Italy, Croatia & Slovenia
Trip cost per person
$TBD USD — Single occupancy
Everyone gets their own private hotel room throughout this trip. There is no roommate pairing and no single supplement.
This is a temporary placeholder price while final tour pricing is being confirmed.
What is included :
- 10 nights of hotel accommodation
- A private room for every traveler — no single supplement
- Daily breakfast except on arrival day
- Meals specifically listed in the itinerary
- Globe Drifters trip host and local tour guide throughout the trip
What is not included :
- International airfare
- Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
- Meals and beverages not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities on your free days
- Travel insurance
- Passport, visa, ETIAS, or other entry-related fees if applicable
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
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The Globe Drifters Harvest Tour is an 11-day small-group food and culture trip through northeastern Italy, Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and Slovenia. It begins near Venice and ends in Ljubljana, with an extended stay in Poreč that allows travelers to experience Istria at a slower pace. The itinerary combines seasonal food traditions, historic towns, coastal scenery and free time rather than rushing between hotels every night.
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Your Globe Drifters host for the Harvest Tour is Mónica. Originally from Portugal, she has lived in seven countries and speaks Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, along with some Italian. She loves getting to know a destination through its local way of life and food—often enthusiastically working her way through a restaurant menu in the name of “research.” Mónica will travel with the group and help keep the trip running smoothly.
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Yes. Late October is one of the most interesting times for a food-focused trip to Istria. It coincides with the olive harvest and white-truffle season, and the region is also known for goat cheese, honey, seafood, native wines and family-run farms. This tour is deliberately scheduled around those seasonal traditions.
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The itinerary includes a harvest-focused visit to the Chiavalon olive oil estate, a private truffle hunt in the Motovun Forest, a truffle tasting and light lunch, a visit to a local honey producer, a goat farm visit with lunch, a Piran sea-bass cooking class, a fleur de sel tasting and visits to family-owned wine estates. In Italy, the group also enjoys lunch at a winery outside Trieste.
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This is primarily a food, harvest and cultural tour—not a wine tour. Wine is included as part of the region’s food traditions, but the itinerary is intentionally varied. Olive oil, truffles, goat cheese, honey, seafood, salt, historic towns and local life are just as important as the wine experiences.
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The trip begins in Venice Mestre and visits Miramare Castle and Trieste in Italy before continuing to Poreč, Rovinj, Motovun and Grožnjan in Croatia’s Istria region. In Slovenia, the itinerary includes the Fonda Fish Farm, Piran, Postojna Cave and Ljubljana. The tour ends in Ljubljana.
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Italy, Croatia and Slovenia all use the euro (€), so you will not need to exchange money when the tour crosses borders. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is helpful to carry a small amount of euro cash for markets, cafés, tips and purchases from small family-run producers.
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The group is limited to 13 travelers. The small-group size makes it possible to visit family farms, small producers and restaurants that cannot easily accommodate large coach tours. It also creates a more personal group experience and allows greater flexibility throughout the trip.
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Yes. Solo travelers are very welcome on the Globe Drifters Harvest Tour, as are couples and friends traveling together. Many Globe Drifters guests travel alone, so you do not need to bring a companion to feel comfortable joining the group. Shared activities make it easy to get to know other travelers, while the free days and independent evenings provide personal time.
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This trip follows Globe Drifters’ slower, semi-independent travel style. Most sightseeing days include one or two meaningful experiences rather than a long checklist of stops. The group generally returns to Poreč by late afternoon or early evening, and there are two full free days. Travelers should expect active sightseeing, but also time to unpack, explore independently and enjoy the destination.
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The trip requires a low to moderate level of fitness. Travelers should be comfortable walking for one to two miles over the course of a day, using stairs and navigating cobblestones, hills, uneven paths and farm terrain. Rovinj, Motovun, Grožnjan and Piran have historic streets and slopes, while Postojna Cave includes an underground train and a guided walking section.
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Late October weather can vary, so comfortable layers are the best choice. We recommend packing:
- A waterproof jacket and compact umbrella
- A warm sweater or fleece and long pants
- Supportive walking shoes with good traction for cobblestones, farms and truffle woods
- A small day bag and reusable water bottle
- Your prescription medications and personal essentials
- An extra warm layer for Postojna Cave, which stays cool year-round
No formal clothing is required; neat, comfortable casual wear is suitable for dinners.
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The tour includes accommodations, transportation during the scheduled itinerary, the listed guided visits and tastings, daily breakfast, several lunches and a farewell dinner in Ljubljana. Signature experiences include Miramare Castle, the Chiavalon olive oil estate, a goat farm lunch, a private truffle hunt, local honey and wine visits, a seafood cooking class, Piran and Postojna Cave. Optional activities, most dinners, independent lunches and individual arrival and departure transfers are not included unless specifically stated.
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The itinerary includes two completely free days in Poreč and a free day in Ljubljana. There is also independent time in Trieste, Rovinj, Motovun, Piran and Grožnjan. Guests can relax, shop, visit cafés, book a wellness treatment or arrange an optional outing. The semi-independent format is a good fit for travelers who enjoy the support of a small group without having every hour scheduled.
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The tour begins at the group hotel in Venice Mestre, Italy, and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Travelers arrange their own transportation to the arrival hotel and their own onward travel from Ljubljana. The first day has no scheduled activities, allowing guests to arrive and settle in at their own pace.
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Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. American Express is less consistently accepted, and some small businesses may prefer cash. Let your bank know you are traveling, and when a card terminal offers currency conversion, choose to pay in euros rather than your home currency.
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Late October is autumn in Istria and Slovenia, so travelers should expect mild to cool temperatures, changing conditions and a possibility of rain. Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes with good traction are recommended. Postojna Cave remains cool throughout the year, so a warm layer should be kept handy on the transfer day.
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All three countries use 230-volt electricity. Croatia and Slovenia primarily use Type C and Type F plugs, while Italy may also use Type L. A universal European travel adapter is the easiest option. Check that personal appliances such as hair tools are dual-voltage before using them.
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Globe Drifters will share dietary requirements with the hotels, restaurants and food producers when notified in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free and other alternatives may be possible, but choices can be limited at small farms, family-run venues and fixed-menu tastings. Because food is a central part of this itinerary, travelers with significant allergies or strict dietary requirements should contact Globe Drifters before booking to discuss what can realistically be accommodated.
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A well-designed Istria harvest tour should be timed for the autumn food season and include experiences that are difficult to arrange independently, such as an olive harvest visit, a private truffle hunt and visits with small local producers. Globe Drifters’ Harvest Tour is limited to 13 travelers and includes seasonal experiences in Istria along with Trieste, Piran, Postojna Cave and Ljubljana. It also includes two full free days, giving travelers time to enjoy the region rather than simply passing through it.
Flights
This Harvest Tour begins in Venice Mestre, Italy, and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The easiest option is to book a multi-city or open-jaw ticket:
- Arrival airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
- Departure airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
The first day is an arrival day with no scheduled group activities. Travelers should make their own way from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the group hotel in Mestre. Direct airport buses and taxis are available between the airport and Mestre.
On the final day, travelers arrange their own transportation from the Ljubljana hotel to the airport or their next destination. The hotel can assist with arranging a taxi or airport shuttle.
Please do not purchase flights until Globe Drifters confirms that your departure is guaranteed. After booking the tour, you will receive additional arrival and departure guidance by email.
Passport and Visa Information
Italy, Croatia and Slovenia are all part of the Schengen Area. Passport holders from the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom generally do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travelers of other nationalities should check the requirements that apply to their passport before booking international travel.
For entry into the Schengen Area, a passport should:
- Be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
- Contain enough blank space for any required border processing
Border officials may also request proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and onward or return travel. Because entry requirements can change, every traveler is responsible for confirming the rules for their nationality on the official European Union travel website.
EES and ETIAS
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) electronically records the entry and exit of many non-EU travelers visiting the Schengen Area for a short stay. Eligible travelers may have their passport information, facial image and fingerprints recorded when crossing an external Schengen border. This process is completed at the border; it is not a visa application. Allow additional time for immigration processing when arriving in Europe. See the official EES information.
ETIAS is expected to become a travel requirement for many visa-exempt visitors in the last quarter of 2026, but the exact implementation date may change. If ETIAS is operating for your travel dates, eligible travelers will need to obtain authorization online before departure. Use only the official European Union ETIAS website; unofficial sites may charge unnecessary fees or provide outdated information.
Globe Drifters will share updated information before departure, but each traveler remains responsible for obtaining the correct passport, visa or travel authorization.
Why Visit Istria in Late October?
Late October is one of the best times to experience the autumn harvest season in Istria. The olive harvest is underway, white truffles are in season and local producers are focused on the foods that define the region. Globe Drifters schedules this small-group Harvest Tour specifically for these seasonal experiences.
The summer crowds have also disappeared by late October. Poreč, Rovinj, Motovun and Grožnjan feel quieter and more local, making this a rewarding time for travelers who prefer a slower pace. Some seasonal coastal businesses may have reduced hours, but cafés, restaurants and shops remain available in the towns included on the itinerary.
Late-October Weather in Istria and Slovenia
Autumn weather can change quickly, so it is best to prepare for both pleasant sunshine and cool, rainy periods.
- Istria and Trieste: Daytime temperatures are typically around 57–64°F (14–18°C), with nighttime temperatures around 45–52°F (7–11°C).
- Ljubljana: Expect cooler days of approximately 52–59°F (11–15°C) and nights around 39–46°F (4–8°C).
- Daylight: There are approximately 10 hours of daylight in late October.
- Postojna Cave: The cave remains close to 50°F (10°C) throughout the year, so keep a warm layer accessible on the bus.
These are seasonal averages, not a forecast. Final weather conditions may be warmer, colder or wetter.
What to Pack
Pack comfortable layers that can be added or removed throughout the day. We recommend bringing:
- A waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Light sweaters or fleece layers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Long pants suitable for towns, farms and forest paths
- A compact umbrella
- A warmer layer for Postojna Cave and cool evenings
The itinerary includes cobblestone streets, hills, farm terrain and an outdoor truffle hunt, so supportive walking shoes are more useful than dress shoes.
The Harvest Tour’s three main overnight stops are Venice Mestre, Poreč, Croatia, and Ljubljana, Slovenia.
This 10-night Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia harvest tour includes three carefully located hotels. Every traveler receives a private room for the entire trip, with no roommate pairing and no single supplement.
The trip begins with one night in Venice Mestre, followed by seven nights in Poreč, our convenient base for exploring Istria, and finishes with two nights in central Ljubljana.
Hotels may occasionally be replaced with a comparable property if circumstances require.
Venice Mestre — 1 night
Our arrival-night accommodation is a modern, comfortable base in Venice Mestre with convenient access to Venice Marco Polo Airport. Every traveler has a private room, and breakfast is included the following morning before the group continues toward Trieste and Istria.
Poreč — 7 nights
Our seven-night base sits on the Istrian coast near Poreč’s historic center, making it easy to enjoy the waterfront, restaurants, cafés and old-town atmosphere during free time. Every traveler has a private room, and breakfast is included daily.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276.
