Istria, Croatia- October 5-12, 2025

Istria is Croatia's wine paradise! If you're in need of a rejuvenating getaway, this is the perfect trip for you. Get ready to indulge in wine tastings, shop in the cutest little villages, explore charming landscapes, kayak, and unwind by your private pool. It’s the perfect blend of Istria’s beauty and sailing adventures!

Nestled where Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic, Istria (known as Istra to Croats) is a heart-shaped peninsula spanning 3,600 square kilometers in the country's northwest. Its picturesque interior, with rolling hills and fertile plains, draws food lovers and culture seekers to its hilltop villages, quaint hotels, and rustic farmhouse restaurants. The coast, with its stunning variety, attracts sun and sea lovers alike. While large hotel resorts dominate some stretches of the coastline and the rocky beaches may not be the country's finest, the region offers a great range of facilities, pristine waters, and plenty of secluded spots to escape the crowds.

OCT 5th: Arrival. Transfer to your villa in Pazin. Welcome dinner & introductions.

OCT 6th: Pazin cave + zipline adventure!

OCT 7th: Hum, Buzet, and Motovun!! Visit the worlds smallest city + quaint villages nearby.

OCT 8th: FREE DAY- relax at the villa. Activities can be done with the guides if you don't wish to relax at the villa. Pula sightseeing if you'd like to skip the free day! 

OCT 9th: Pazin hike + explore nearby towns and eat amazing local cuisine.

OCT 10th: Transfer to the cutest seaside village- Rovinj (hotel). Explore and shop! Eat at a Michelin rated restaurant on the sea.

OCT 11th: Swimming + kayaking in Rovinj. 

OCT 12th: Departure

***AIRPORT (either is fine): Pula or Rijeka

INCLUSIONS: Welcome dinner, transfers to and from the airport, accommodations, leather journal, breakfast everyday, all activities listed above, english speaking tour guide.

EXCLUSIONS: Flight, lunch and dinner (except welcome dinner), tips (optional) for tour guides. 

***DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE (unless it's within 30 days of booking). If you cannot go on this trip, you can use your deposit to transfer ONE time within 12 months of cancellation. 

***Please remember to sign up for trip insurance on the front page of our site! Gives you peace of mind if anything should come up from preventing you to attend this trip!

FULL PRICE is $3,250. You will pay $1,250 now as your deposit and the remaining $2000 will be due 12 weeks before departure. 

***If you want your own room, it will be $995 extra. Please email info@deriveretreats to get that worked out. THANK YOU!

Your HOST: Susan Desselle 

Susan was born in Arkansas but grew up in Dallas, Tx. She spent her summers with her grandparents in a NE Arkansas farming town with her beloved grandmother and the school year in Dallas with her Mom. Small town values and big city ideas shaped her. She has been married to the love of her life for 37 years and has two adult children whom she adores. Life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when her husband had a great career opportunity in Little Rock, AR, which returned Susan to her roots. “It’s been the best 19 years of my life” Susan explained. Her career has been in hospitality and service most recently as the owner of a Sotheby’s International Realty agency in Little Rock, AR. Susan loves traveling, being outdoors, being in or near water, meeting new people and has always loved creating experiences for others. Meditation, journaling, self care, yoga, personal growth and development are a few of her passions. And dogs. Susan loves dogs! 

Her favorite quote is from Mark Twain:

The two greatest days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.