Flavors of Croatia
$5595
per person
- Prepare your first Croatian specialty in Zagreb during a cooking class
- Visit castles in the countryside of Zagorje and enjoy traditional lunch & wine
- Explore Rovinj, Groznjan and Motovun in Istrian Peninsula with food sampling
- Enjoy truffle hunting in Istria and a private cooking class and dinner with wine
- Stop in Plitvice Lakes for a walking tour and authentic dining experience
- Tour Split and visit a family estate for wine tasting and home-made dinner
- Take a private boat excursion to Hvar with lunch in an olive grove
- Taste wine & oysters in Ston on Peljesa Peninsula
- Prepare a traditional home-made meal in a village near Dubrovnik
Flavors of Croatia is a private gourmet tour filled with authentic experiences of country’s main regions. Begin your tour in the charming city of Zagreb and soak up its history and culture. Visit local Dolac market and hand-pick the freshest ingredients for your upcoming cooking adventure .
Next, make your way to the countryside of Zagorje, known for its stunning views and amazing local cuisine. Enrich your food and wine adventure by learning about specialties of this remarkable region during a lunch at a small family establishment in the nearby village.
Continue your journey through the breathtaking Istrian peninsula and sample your way through the food and wine that are celebrated in this area. Try your luck hunting for truffles so you can use them preparing your Istrian dinner on a family estate. Savor excellent homemade food and Istrian wines.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Plitvice National park and taste hearty specialties of the rugged Lika.
Continue your gourmet journey in Split. Taste everything local here: fritule, bevanda, sardines, soparnik, prsciutto, olive oil, ice cream, chocolate, vino, mussels, octopus salad, pasticada and the rest of the mouth-watering Dalmatian specialties.
Boat over to the island of Hvar and explore its lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards, highest island peaks and secluded beaches. Mingle with friendly locals in a tiny village and have them reveal some of the island food and wine secrets.
Continue to Dubrovnik with a stop in Ston on Peljesac Peninsula for the best oysters.
Culminate this unique gourmet experience of Croatia in the small village near Dubrovnik while you prepare a traditional home-cooked meal.
12 days
- Destination
1
Zagreb
Arrival to Zagreb airport followed by private transfer to your luxury hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or opt to stretch your legs after a long flight by taking a short walk to the Upper town for the spectacular views of Zagreb at night. Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb, (B) 2
Zagreb
Experience the Croatian capital with all of your senses in the company of your expert local guide and a chef. Zagreb is a city with endless charm and history to discover. The city dates back to the medieval days, and the architecture is absolutely stunning. The sightseeing tour will bring you to St. Mark’s church in the Upper Town and the Lotršćak Tower to admire the most beautiful view of the city. There will be enough time for a delicious fresh baked pastry and a cup of excellent coffee in one of the side walk cafes in Gornji Grad. Enjoy the city’s abundance of beautiful parks, chic cafes and restaurants around town and along famous Tkalčićeva Street.Or sample some great home-made cheese and wine as you chat with friendly locals at Dolac, the lively open air market.
Here we select the fresh locally grown ingredients to prepare a traditional meal of the Zagreb area during a private cooking class. Enjoy your first Croatian home-made lunch that you proudly made yourself with a step-by-step instructions of the local chef. A few glasses of the fine local wine will indeed pair well with your gourmet meal. Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb, (B, D)
3
Zagreb/Zagorje/Zagreb
Explore Zagorje, a beautiful countryside in the vicinity of Zagreb, on a full day excursion of the charming Trakošćan castle, and always mysterious Veliki Tabor castle. After a short drive by the private driver through the fascinating rolling hills, small vineyards, quaint villages and tiny farms, we reach Trakošćan, the best preserved castle in Croatia. This small castle was built in the late XIII century as part of the defense fortification network of the Zagorje region and it served as Western Europe’s border against Turkish army. Visit the castle in the company of your expert local guide, and admire the beautiful lake and the forest surrounding it.
Next, we take you to a village Gornja Stubica for a delicious lunch of traditional Zagorje specialties; turkey or duck with mlinci and zagorski strukli followed by tasting of local wines.
We will stop at Veliki Tabor castle for picture taking as we return to Zagreb. Here you will learn of ‘Veronica from Desinic’, an intriguing story. According to the legend Veronica was walled-in into walls of castle. From time to time people of Desinic, a village close to the caste, can still hear her cry at night. Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb, (B, L) 4
Zagreb/Samobor/Rovinj
Next, transfer to the dreamy Istrian Peninsula for three nights. En route, make a stop at the small charming town of Samobor in the vicinity of Zagreb, and enjoy the best dessert of the region “kremšnita”, a mouthwatering custard cake.
Continue to Rijeka in Kvarner region for a lunch of “surplice” with local scampi, or perhaps the tasty local lamb and a glass of famous Žlahtina wine, before you head to your hotel in Rovinj. Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj, (B) 5
Rovinj
Enjoy a private walking tour of Rovinj, admire its fantastic setting with centuries old red-roofed houses clustered around the hill of a former island. In the company of your expert local guide, stroll its narrow streets and explore local neighborhoods, art galleries, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Taste Istrian prosciutto, goat cheese, white and black truffles , wild asparagus, Boškarin beef, brandies and the famous Istrian wine and olive oil.
Stop for lunch at any of the nearby restaurants and taste delicious Istrian fuži (pasta) or order a plate of succulent seafood, polenta with cod fish, risotto with nettle, sardines under salt, the famous Istrian vegetable stew, fried dough and other specialties.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing and swimming at a beach that’s located just below St. Euphemia church. Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj, (B) 6
Rovinj/Grožnjan/Motovun/Rovinj
Enjoy this day traveling though the rolling hills of the Istrian Peninsula. Discover Groznjan, a charming little town with abundance of great art and music, filled with galleries, art shops and great views of the area. In Oprtalj we stop for a walk to taste Istrian wines and cheeses.
We head to the Motovun forest where you will begin your hunting adventure for black and white truffles. You will be accompanied by the licensed truffle hunters and their specially trained dogs. Regardless of your luck in truffle hunting, you will have an opportunity to taste some of the best specialties made with truffles, such as cheese, biscuits, sausages, and many other interesting delicacies.
There is no better way to savor the Istrian Peninsula than to enjoy dinner of authentic truffle specialties that you made yourself during your private cooking class with a local expert. End this amazing day with a glass or two of locally grown Muscat of Monjan or the ruby-red Teran. Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj, (B, D) 7
Rovinj/Plitvice/Split
Transfer by private car and driver through the rugged Lika region to the astonishing Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy the refreshing boat ride and hiking tour of the Lakes and admire the striking views of the waterfalls. Break for lunch of tasteful locally raised roasted lamb or pork with potatoes, freshly caught wild trout with a glass of brewed beer and a slice of home-made cherry, peach and cheese strudel. Afterwards, continue to Split for overnight. Hotel Marmont, Split, (B, L) 8
Split
Visit the ancient cellars of the Diocletian’s Palace during your private walking tour of Split. Your expert local guide will take you through the narrow cobblestone streets the insider way. Visit the colorful open marked called Pazar, fish market with the best selection of sea food just caught by the local fishermen, a local butcher, cheese and prosciutto producers, wine and chocolate producers. Sample traditional specialties as you learn the stories and myths about the ancient recipes still being prepared in Split.
Next, head to the countryside of Split in the company of your private driver and expert local guide. Tour the family vineyard and its production of amazing and mysterious wines. Meet the wine making family, taste excellent Zinfandel and Merlot blends. Stroll through the vineyard and get to know the traditional game of balote. In the company of your host, explore the back roads and village slopes. Your dinner will be prepared by the wine maker and his wife and we know for sure that you will remember this genuine experience for the rest of your life! Hotel Marmont, Split, (B, D) 9
Split/Hvar/Split
Transfer to Hvar by a private boat. Start the island exploration with a private drive through the scenic countryside of scented lavender fields, olive groves, quaint seaside villages and vineyards. The view from the highest island peak St. Nikola will absolutely mesmerize you. Enjoy a succulent lunch of Dalmatian specialties prepared in an olive grove just for you and your group of friends. A glass or two of superb local wine from of the island’s boutique wine cellars will just add a perfect touch to a magnificent day. Continue your island exploration in the company of your local guide and return to Split by private boat. Hotel Marmont, Split, (B, L) 10
Split/Ston/Dubrovnik
Transfer to Dubrovnik by car and driver with a stop in Ston on Pelješac Peninsula for wine and oyster tasting. Pelješac Peninsula is famous for the finest vineyards in all of Croatia. Here we will visit a few of the prominent local wineries and will be introduced to the best local wines, such as Postup and Dingač, the first Croatian wine to gain protected geographic origin in 1961. The bay of Ston is Croatia’s cradle of mussel and oyster farming. Here you will enjoy oyster tasting. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, (B, L) 11
Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik Countryside /Dubrovnik
Start your exploration in the company of your local guide. Stroll down to the city center and explore its cobblestone streets and squares. Learn about magnificent history of medieval Dubrovnik, its traditions and everyday life. Visit the beautiful cloister at the Franciscan Monastery. Delight in the artistic treasures of the Assumption of the Virgin, and visit the Rector’s Palace, and XIV-century Dominican Monastery. Visit local market and shops and taste local specialties.
Yet another unforgettable food and wine experience is waiting for you in the heart of Dubrovnik countryside. In the company of your host, you will have the opportunity to prepare authentic specialties of Dubrovnik countryside. After a traditional welcome drink, learn the basics of the Dubrovnik cuisine. There is a nice selection of home-made meals that you can choose to prepeare, such as Dalmatian peka (lamb or veal baked under an iron bell), menestra (cooked cabbage with potatoes, a Dalmatian stew), ražnjići – skewers on laurel sticks, šporki makaruli -pasta with meat, gradele- grilled meat or fish, bobica – beans and dried meat, homemade bread, deserts, etc.
And there is really no better way to end this amazing Flavors of Croatia journey than with a home-cooked meal that you just learned to make yourself. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, (B, L) 12
Depart Dubrovnik
Transfer by car and driver to Dubrovnik airport.
YOUR VACATION INCLUDES
HOTELS
NOT INCLUDED
- Private sightseeing of Zagreb with cooking class and lunch
- Private excursion to Zagorje, visit to Trakoscan Castle with traditional lunch
- Private sightseeing of Rovinj with food tasting
- Private excursion of Istrian countryside, visit to Groznjan and Motovun
- Truffle hunting in Istria with cooking class and dinner
- Self-guided tour of Plitvice lakes with optional dining experience
- Pprivate sightseeing of Split with food tasting
- Private visit to family estate for wine tasting and home-made dinner & wine tasting
- Private boat excursion to Hvar island with lunch in an olive grove and island exploration
- Private wine and oyster tasting in Ston
- Private sightseeing of Dubrovnik with food tasting
- Private cooking class in a village near Dubrovnik with lunch or dinner
- All private transfers by car and driver as per the itinerary
- VAT
- 24 hour assistance in Croatia if needed
HOTELS
- Zagreb, Hotel Esplanade, 3 nights, breakfast
- Rovinj, Hotel Monte Mulini, 3 nights, breakfast
- Split, Hotel Marmont, 3 nights, breakfast
- Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior, 2 nights, breakfast
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare, tips,
- €1 – €3.5 tourist tax per person per day, drinks, telephone charges and incidentals
- Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion
| DATES | |
| SEASON I | November 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021 |
| SEASON II | April 1 – May 10 & October 1 – October 31, 2021 |
| SEASON III | May 11 – September 30, 2021 |
| Rates are in US dollars. | |
| PRICES (per person based on double/twin occupancy) | |
| Rate Per Person | |
| SEASON I | From $5,595 |
| SEASON II | From $6,395 |
| SEASON III | From $6,795 |