As a crossroads between Latin and Slavic Europe, Istria offers up the best of both worlds. It packs a lot into its small size, so this tour gives you the best bits – rustic villages, Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and a taste of its world-class food scene. You'll visit Pula, Grzini and Porec, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way.

We kick off in Pula, in the south of the peninsula. It's home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, where you'll get shown around by centurions. But that's just the tip of the iceberg – the town boasts a wealth of ancient relics. Must-sees include the Temple of Augustus and the triumphal arch, while there are also Byzantine and baroque churches as well as a Habsburg fortress.

Next, we'll head inland to the hamlet of Grzini for a traditional Istrian lunch, washed down with local wine. It's a showstopper. Rounding off the day is Porec, which is set on a compact headland. Stroll along the cobbled Decumanus, which dates from Roman times, to the sixth century Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.