A new story from Portorož & Piran invites visitors to enjoy a boutique experience combining a Vespa ride, olive picking with locals, local cuisine and an introduction to the tradition of Istrian olive growing. This authentic experience will be available exclusively during the olive harvest season – from 1 to 31 October.
Portorož & Piran has welcomed a new experience created through a collaboration between Rolling Istra and the Gramona organic farm. Together, they have created a boutique experience combining a Vespa ride, hands-on work in an olive grove, local cuisine and the discovery of olive-growing traditions in Slovenian Istria. Designed for small groups, this unique experience offers genuine contact with the local environment and the people who keep this tradition alive every day.
The experience begins at 8.30 am in Piran, in front of the Maona Gallery. After a brief introduction, participants set off on their Vespas. The guide leads them towards the green Seča peninsula, where the ride itself reveals the first views of the picturesque Istrian landscape, country roads and olive groves. Stretching across the southern slopes of the peninsula, the groves offer beautiful panoramic views of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. Upon arrival at the Gramona organic farm, participants are welcomed by a local host, who introduces them to the tradition of olive growing in Slovenian Istria, explains how olives are harvested and presents the tools and equipment used by olive growers in their work. This direct connection with the host and the surroundings gives the experience its authentic character, allowing visitors to discover Istria through the stories, knowledge and everyday lives of local people.
The heart of the experience is olive picking alongside locals. For approximately two and a half hours, participants actively join in the work in the olive grove and discover first-hand just how much knowledge, effort and generations of tradition lie behind every bottle of high-quality olive oil. More than simply a visit, the experience offers genuine participation and contact with local people, providing an insight into life and work in the Istrian countryside.
After the work is done, participants enjoy a well-earned break over an Istrian lunch prepared with local ingredients. Lunch is followed by a guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil, during which the host introduces its main characteristics, diverse flavours and the distinctive features of Istrian olive growing.
Each participant also receives a small bottle of extra virgin olive oil as a souvenir of the experience.
After visiting the farm, the group sets off once again on their Vespas and follows scenic roads back towards Piran. Arrival is expected between 3.00 and 3.30 pm.
The experience has been designed as a boutique and authentic way to discover the destination, with an emphasis on local character, personal interaction and respect for the environment. With a small number of participants, the involvement of local providers, the use of local ingredients and a visit to an organic farm, it also follows the principles of sustainable tourism development, encouraging responsible exploration of the destination and the preservation of local heritage.
The experience is limited to a maximum of six participants and will be available only during the olive harvest season, from 1 to 31 October. More information and booking are available on the Portorož & Piran destination portal.
