Q.ne.S.T. DC2.5 Publications on Capitalized best practices and routes: revised reports and informative sheets on the capitalization activities on best practices and routes. Istria (Croatia) _______________________ QNeST International Itineraries: Wine and Olive Oil Itinerary The theme of the Mediterranean Diet, with a particular focus on oil and wine, runs through all the countries of the EUSAIR area. The landscapes, characterised by olive groves and vineyards, bear witness to the common culture of the Euro-Mediterranean area, although each region has its own cultivars and production techniques. Oil and wine have always been used not just in food, but also in the rituals of the various belief systems practised on the shores of the Mediterranean. All the areas involved in the QNeST brand are crossed by routes linked to oil and wine. In Puglia, the greenways involving olive groves and vineyards are characterised by centuries-old monumental olive trees and olive oil mills, extensive vineyards and wineries. Along these routes in Xanthi, the olive trees stand out in all their majesty, while the wine route bears witness to the region's historic identity. The olive route in Epirus also highlights the bond between the centuries- old olive trees and the region. In the Marche region, the "Emotions without Borders" and "Experience the Region" routes allow you to discover the wealth of local heritage. The "Cycling through the Wineries" route allows you to enjoy the wineries in the Euganean Hills in Veneto in combination with the spas in the area. The vineyards and wineries of Montenegro are a constant theme of the "Historic and Natural treasure Route". Istria hosts routes in both Croatia and Slovenia; in the former on the themes of olive oil, wine and ham, a characteristic local product, and in the latter on stone, the coast and olive groves. Travellers, merchants and pilgrims The Mediterranean is a sea enclosed by land, since time immemorial connecting the various cultures that have evolved along its shores. Since ancient times, this sea has been crossed by peoples, merchants, pilgrims and travellers of all kinds, carrying with them cultural baggage and experiences that have shaped its regions, traditions, languages and cultures. The QNeST Brand promotes cultural activities via specific itineraries. The Via Francigena Greenway runs through the Salento peninsula in Puglia, offering "slow tourism" activities that allow the visitor to discover hidden treasures and ancient traditions between Brindisi and Otranto, following the routes of ancient travellers who embarked for the Orient. Closely connected to this theme is "The Way to Jerusalem" in the region of Xanthi, in Greece, while in Epirus, religious heritage routes highlight the Byzantine monasteries. In the Marches, the "Gira- Sole" project promotes cultural activities in the area of Pesaro. In Veneto, the "Literary Park of the Euganean Hills" hosts locations that have inspired poets and writers, while other routes allow the visitor to admire the splendid Venetian villas and castles along the River Brenta. In Montenegro the Virpazar and Skadar Lake National Park route includes landscapes, monuments and flavours around Skadar Lake Dry Stone Traditional dry-stone building techniques, recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage, are another shared feature of the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The QNeST Brand promotes routes connected to this important theme: used to build boundary walls, small circular buildings of various kinds, retaining walls for agricultural terraces and underground places of worship, the stones tell the history of the locations where they are deployed. The Dry Stones Greenways in Puglia are based on the importance of stone and its use in boundary walls, buildings, underground oil mills, crypts and rock-cut settlements. In the region of Xanthi, "Myths and Culture" is a historical and cultural tourist route linked to the myth of Hercules. In Epirus, the Stone Route runs through the mountain villages of Pindos. In Istria, the Stone Walls route showcases the rural area of Vodnjan, where stone is a key element of the landscape. In Montenegro, the Njegusi village and Lovćen National Park route takes the visitor on a spectacular journey from Kotor, on the coast, to the mountains inland, with an opportunity to enjoy the distinctive flavours of the local food and wine of Njegusi. Water Water is something that the countries of the Adriatic-Ionian area all share. In terms of nature, it includes wetlands, springs, rivers and lakes both near the coasts and inland. In terms of human activity, it plays a role in religious rites, gastronomic traditions and even health, as seen in the use of thermal spring waters since ancient times. This is reflected in the proximity of places of worship, cisterns, canals and spas, evidence of the day-to-day link between water and the human population. Then there is the sea, which, in addition to forming a vast ecosystem and a shared asset for the various populations, over time has enabled them to communicate with each other thanks to the art of navigation. In Puglia there are water-themed greenways in the coastal area from the archaeological park of Egnatia to the Alimini Lakes near Otranto, characterised by a mosaic of wetlands, ancient archaeological sites and spas. In the Veneto region, the Euganean Hills and Spas Area Brand combines thermal spring waters with local food and wine. In the Marche region, a route starts from the coast near Fano, before heading inland along the Furlo Gorge to the "Grotta dei folletti" in Acqualagna. Montenegro proposes a boat trip to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Lake Skadar. Lastly, Epirus proposes the "National Parks of Epirus" network, rich in natural ecosystems and beautiful landscapes. QNeST Local Routes: Cultural-Natural Route Of Istria Motovun is a medieval hilltop town that rivals the top towns in Tuscany in terms of sheer beauty. Situated on the top of a hill and overlooking the Istrian countryside, it is perfect to grab a glass of the local wine in a cute little restaurant overlooking the land. Here you can find specialty shops with free truffle tastings as Istria is famous for truffle hunting. Only 25 minutes card ride will bring you to Grožnjan - art city of Istria. You can feel the artistic vibe as soon as you enter Grožnjan with streets full of quirky art shops. From Grožnjan for 22 minutes you can reach cave Mramornica situated in Brtonigla considered by many speleologists to be one of Istria's largest and loveliest subterranean structures. Your next stop should be Baredine Cave a geomorphologic monument of nature and the first speleologic locality and tourist cave in Istria opened for visits since 1995. The sightseeing lasts 40 minutes, visitors descend along a 300m long pathway up to 60m below the ground and an underground lake and visit 5 beautifully decorated chambers. As you are already near Poreč, don't miss to visit Euphrasian basilica, one of the most significant world historical monuments it was put on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. In Poreč you can enjoy the evening sunset on the terrace of many lovely restaurants near the sea while drinking famous local wine. North Istria Route Route starts from east of Istria in nature park Učka. Učka is well known to mountaineers and nature lovers as highest Istrian mountain with lovely view on green and blue part of Croatia. Next point to stop is the smallest city in the world, known as Hum which was built with the stones left over when giants were building towns in the river Mirna valley. Your next stop only 7 km away should be small typical lovely town of Istria - Roč known for rich cultural heritage based on Glagolitic script. Going towards central Istria, you should go truffle hunting in Livade with specially trained dogs and try this special ''potatoes'' known for its taste and aphrodisiac affects. For the end of the route and to make it unforgettable as a unique experience, we recommend a sunset, glass of celebrated wine, view on charming landscapes of Istria at Arman Marijan Winery in Vižinada. South Istria Route For a whole day experience of south Istria, we recommend the route which includes cultural and natural beauty in the same time. Starting for Vodnjan where you can visit the Church of St. Blase and see pilgrims from all over the world. After that, you should try Chiavalon olive oil as it is one of the best olive oils in the world which is located as well in Vodnjan. If you prefer more wine, you can visit excellent award winning Babos winery located as well in Vodnjan. After that you can enjoy in natural beauty of divine national park Brijuni. You should catch a boat line starting from Fažana to reach Brijuni. The ride lasts about 15 minutes, and during that time you can enjoy on the deck with a beautiful view of Brijuni, Fažana Channel and the south-west of the Istrian peninsula.After docking in the Veliki Brijun port, you will be welcomed by a tourist train and a guide with whom you will take a peek into the world of Brijuni Islands. Must see afterward is definetly Pula Amphiteater, the sight of gladiator fights or if you prefer more fortresses, there is Punta Christo. South Istria visit would not be experienced to the fullest if you don't visit cape Kamenjak and take a bath on various beaches forming an area of exceptional natural beauty including 11 unhabitated islands. QNeST Brand Member: _______________________ Meneghetti Wine hotel & Winery Activity: Accommodation services . Meneghetti Wine Hotel offers true comfort in 9 luxury rooms and suites, ranging in size from 25 to 65 m2.