The Slovenian-Croatian peninsula of Istria is one of Europe‘s oldest settlement areas, the Pearl Of Adria with an eventful history and much multicultural flair; a rich interface between both Mediterranean and mediaeval cultures. In Koper, Istria’s economic centre and most important harbour city, the Old Town can be entered through the last remaining twelve gates of the city’s former defensive wall. In its heyday the city boomed with wine, oil, salt and fish and many merchants and craftsmen from Italy settled there and the Palazzo Belgramoni-Tacco became the region‘s museum.

The mediaeval town of Piran is located on a narrow promontory that juts out into Piran Bay like the bow of a ship. On a cliff above the old town is the Sanct George Church, and a bell tower on the town’s fortified walls provides a splendid view of the mainland, a maze of roof tops and the main square.

Travelling further south, Poreć is picturesquely situated on a peninsula and City Hall reveals much of its history. In 1267, Poreć, as Istria’s first city, was affiliated to the Serenissima and palaces, squares and religious buildings were constructed.

In the fertile countryside lies yet another Istrian gem, Hum, the ‘smallest town in the world’ with its well-preserved gate, cobblestones and single lane.

Portorož is the only real resort on the Slovenian Riviera with several hotels lining its waterfront and since the Danube Monarchy it has been a fashionable meeting place of the elite of Central Europe.

Istria is a beauty with many faces, a rediscovered Adria dream and an almost forgotten paradise.