Villa Monvue lies in the heart of Istria. Truffles, wine, hilltop towns, Roman monuments and the region's best cycling trails are all close by, and the nearest beach is only 28 km away. Here are some of our favourite ways to spend your days.

The Motovun forest below the villa is one of the few places in the world where the white truffle grows. Go truffle hunting with the Kotiga family of Miro Tartufi in Motovun, just a few minutes away: into the woods with their dogs, then a meal with truffles. And don't leave without a bag of truffle chips from Pietro & Pietro near Buzet, the best we know.

Wine starts right next door. The Fakin winery is our direct neighbour in Bataji and offers vineyard tours with tastings of Malvazija and Teran. Two more family wineries in Motovun are well worth a visit: Benvenuti in Kaldir, with views across the valley to Motovun, and Tomaz, whose new tasting room looks out over the vineyards. Visit an award-winning olive oil estate such as Chiavalon near Vodnjan, and end the day in a konoba with hand-made pasta and freshly shaved truffle. In autumn, Livade celebrates its Truffle Days.

The old Parenzana railway passes right below Motovun. Its gentle gradients, tunnels and viaducts make it ideal for families: ride from Motovun via Livade to Grožnjan, and bring a light for the tunnels. Signposted loops start close to the villa, and Montona Tours at the foot of Motovun rents mountain bikes. For an effortless day, join a guided e-bike tour that ends with a truffle lunch.