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Croatia Adventure With Heart

Jun 3 - 15, 2027

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Your Advisor

Melinda Alcosser

With Heart Travel

IATA: 10520860

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melinda@withhearttravel.com

310-903-5107

Overview


This journey blends active recreation, cultural discovery, and meaningful local connection in Croatia's scenic Istrian Peninsula — one of the Adriatic's most captivating regions. Based in the charming seaside town of Poreč, you'll play pickleball while exploring the landscapes, traditions, and communities that make Istria so unique.

Beyond the courts, venture through medieval hill towns, coastal villages, and vineyard-dotted valleys shaped by Roman, Venetian, and Slavic influences. Sample award-winning olive oils, regional wines, and prized truffles; stroll cobblestone streets lined with artisan workshops; and soak in the peninsula's renowned culinary traditions. Visit Pula's remarkable Roman Arena, the colorful harbor town of Rovinj, the artists' village of Grožnjan, and the crystal-clear shores of Rabac.

True to MEJDI's socially conscious approach, this journey creates real opportunities for cultural exchange — sharing the courts with local students and community members, building friendships through sport across generations and borders. Evenings are yours to enjoy the sea, catch a sunset dolphin cruise, or simply settle into the rhythm of coastal life.

What's included: 9 nights at Valamar Riviera Hotel and Residence (double occupancy), local guide on 6 days, tour manager on 5 days, 7 days private bus transportation, 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, entrances and honorariums, and dedicated pre-trip traveler service.

Not included: International airfare, travel and medical insurance (highly recommended), single supplement ($530), meals not listed in the itinerary, airport transfers.

Trip Details


Details and Inclusions

Tour: Custom Tour for Travel and Pickleball - Istria Dates: June 3-12, 2027 Included: 9 nights’ accommodation at the Valamar Riviera Hotel and Residence, Poreč (double occupancy), or similar hotel 1 Local Guide on 6 days 1 Tour Manager on 5 days 7...

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Day 1 · Thu, Jun 3 · Poreč Old Town


Valamar Riviera Hotel and Residence

Jun 3 – Jun 12

Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence, Obala Maršala Tita, Poreč, Croatia

Your home base for the journey — 9 nights at the Valamar Riviera Hotel and Residence in Poreč, based on double occupancy. A similar hotel may be substituted if necessary. Located directly on the historic waterfront promenade of Poreč's Old Town, V...

Arrival and Welcome Dinner - Poreč

Welcome to Istria! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, settle in, and meet your Tour Leader for a welcome dinner. (Dinner included; 1 drink included.)

Day 2 · Fri, Jun 4 · Poreč Old Town


Pickleball Morning and Poreč Old Town Walking Tour

Begin the morning on the pickleball courts, enjoying friendly matches and an opportunity to connect through a shared love of sport. Whether you're exchanging techniques or simply getting acquainted between games, the court becomes a natural place ...

Day 3 · Sat, Jun 5 · Oprtalj, Livade, and Motovun


Inland Hills and Valleys - Oprtalj, Olive Oil Estate, Livade, and Motovun

Head inland to explore some of Istria's renowned hill towns — reminiscent of Tuscany but with their own unique Istrian flair. Begin in the quaint hilltop village of Oprtalj, where sweeping countryside views capture the timeless spirit of inland Cr...

Day 4 · Sun, Jun 6 · Poreč Old Town


Youth Pickleball Play and Leisure Day

This morning, enjoy additional pickleball play with special visitors: students from some of the villages visited on the previous day's tour. Enjoy time to interact with your young learners — both of pickleball and the English language! (Note: subj...

Day 5 · Mon, Jun 7 · Pazin, Labin, and Rabac


Pazin, Labin, and Rabac

Head inland to historic Pazin, Istria's administrative capital, with its well-preserved medieval castle and dramatic gorge. Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Istria, where exhibits illuminate rural traditions, folk customs, craftsmanship, and every...

Day 6 · Tue, Jun 8 · Pula


Pula - Roman Arena, Historical and Maritime Museum, and Beach Time

Travel to Pula, one of Croatia's oldest cities. Explore the remarkably preserved Roman Arena — among the finest amphitheaters in the world. Next, partake in a guided visit to the Historical and Maritime Museum, where exhibits trace Istria's rich m...

Day 7 · Wed, Jun 9 · Poreč Old Town


Leisure Day and Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Today is intentionally unscheduled, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings however you choose — relax at the hotel, pool, or beach; rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the surrounding area; or simply enjoy the town and the rhythm of coastal life...

Day 8 · Thu, Jun 10 · Lim and Rovinj


Final Pickleball Session, Lim Channel, and Rovinj

Begin the morning on the pickleball courts for one final session of friendly play — this time perhaps with some local enthusiasts. In the afternoon, visit the breathtaking Lim Channel, a dramatic, fjord-like inlet carved deep into Istria's western...

Day 9 · Fri, Jun 11 · Grožnjan


Grožnjan Artists' Village and Farewell Dinner

This morning, enjoy some free time to relax at the pool or beach, or perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, depart for the artists' village of Grožnjan, where galleries, music studios, and cobblestone streets create one o...

Day 10 · Sat, Jun 12 · Venice


Departure or Optional Venice Extension

After breakfast, check out and head to the airport for your return flight — or continue with the optional Venice extension. (Breakfast included.)

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Custom Tour Extension - Venice Beyond the Postcards

The Venice extension is ideal for travelers who would like to take in the highlights of Venice, but in a more community-friendly manner that avoids contributing to over tourism in this sensitive destination. You’ll visit famous sights such as Piaz...

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Ferry from Poreč to Venice

Travel from Poreč to Venice by ferry using your included Ferry ticket Poreč → Venice as part of your Venice extension.

Hotel Pausania, Venice (3 nights)

Jun 12 – Jun 15

Hotel Pausania, Venice Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodation in Venice at the following hotel (double occupancy), or a similar hotel as necessary: Hotel Pausania, Venice Included in this Venice extension: 3 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Pausania, Venice ...

Day 11 · Sun, Jun 13 · Venice


Northern Lagoon Full-Day Boat, Bicycle, and Kayak Excursion (optional)

OPTIONAL EXCURSION to Northern Lagoon: $530 per person (min. 7 pax, max. 10 pax) Includes: full-day guided tour with vaporetto transport and equipment (bicycle and kayak) rental, island and artisan visits, customary tip for the guide. Extras (own ...

Day 12 · Mon, Jun 14 · Venice


Rialto Market visit, Squero San Trovaso & sustainable tourism discussion

Day 3: Monday, June 14 - Rialto Market and the Challenges of Tourism (Local Guide, Vaporetto ticket) This morning you’ll meet your guide and head to the Rialto Market on Venice’s Grand Canal, a place where locals go in the early mornings to buy fr...

Day 13 · Tue, Jun 15 · Venice


Group departure ~ transfer from Venice

One group departure **ferry/airport/bus boat transfer is included to take the group from your Venice accommodation to your departure point (ferry terminal, airport, or bus boat).**