Social Program

Istria

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is divided from the Kvarner bay and Opatija by a chain of mountains, stretching from the north and continuing along the whole eastern Istria towards the south. The highest summit of these mountains is Učka, the landmark of Kvarner bay.

Istria is a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants.

Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.

Motovun

In the northern part of Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley, lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun-Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior.

The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings.

Motovun Forest which stretches along the Mirna River valley is especially rich in truffles, the underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. Motovun-Montona is surrounded by vineyards from which the finest Istrian wines, white wine Malvasia and red wine Teran, are produced.

At Motovun, IBA participants will have a tour around the old town, each group with their guides. Walking along the ancient walls of the city and the famous square Motovunjanina, Andrea Antico, who was one of the only two publishers from the 15th century which printed and published music. A short break after the tour for a drink at the central square or to check the several small stores with Istrian delicacies, which are located at the city gates.

Pula

The largest town on the Istrian peninsula offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. The rich itinerary of its three thousand year old history, where every step you take through the old town is a landmark, begins and ends with the Roman amphitheatre.

A great tourist asset is surely 190 kilometres of indented coastline, crystal-clear sea and beaches to suit everyone’s needs: smooth and even stone surfaces or pebbles for all generations, especially families with children or “secluded” beaches hidden by untouched greenery for those who want a bit of privacy.

While strolling through Pula-Pola you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, the Temple of Augustus, Arena and Small Roman Theatre in the town centre.

A unique experience will be moments of relaxation in the main town square, which has managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age.

The IBA participants will have an oportunity to see the most famous and important monument of the city: Arena, Twin Gate or Double Roman Gate, the Gate of Hercules, the Arch of Sergii raised between 27 and 27 BC erected by the Sergii family, in honor of three members of the family who held high clerical functions in the town, Augustus temple built between the second and 14 BC in honor of the goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus, the Roman Forum.

Dinner with Istrian Specialties

Istria has been ranked among European destinations which must be visited for its food and wine, thus joining the company of the most famous gastronomic destinations in the world.

At the end of the Istrian tour, IBA participants will have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional Istrian specialities in small village near the city of Rovinj.