12-Day Gastronomic Tour of Croatia: Croatian Cuisine Exploration

Dubrovnik will welcome you with open arms as you wake with the sun and prepare for a delicious day that will be filled with the finest wines and gorgeous scenery. Your private guide will lead you on an epic adventure to Croatia’s picturesque Peljesac Peninsula. As it is Croatia’s second-largest peninsula, this vast and luscious region is known for its delectable wines, all of which are locally grown and harvested.

During your private tour, you will be provided with an inside look at what goes into each bottle of Croatian wine. You will also indulge in a fascinating behind-the-scenes journey of several family-owned wineries. As you wander among the vineyards and listen to the estate owners as they describe their life and product, it will provide you with a rare glimpse at this world that is full of grapes and gourmet goodness.

After leaving the wineries, you will also stop at Ston, which is a pretty village on the coast where you will sample the village’s claim to fame: freshly caught oysters. You will even be given the opportunity to visit the village’s old salt factory, and after a full day of fun, you will be returned to your Dubrovnik, where you will have the remaining day to spend at your leisure.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

A private walking tour of the Old City awaits as you today in beautiful Dubrovnik. This immaculately preserved enclave is an entirely walled, pedestrian-only zone, so you can stroll along its cobblestone streets and sightsee to your heart’s content amid iconic landmarks without worrying about bustling and noisy traffic. In addition to being regaled with interesting historical facts about the Old City from your knowledgeable guide, you will also sample sweet and savory delicacies.

Upon departing the Old City, you will escape the mainland for an island-hopping excursion to Lokrum Island. Here, you will not only get a unique glimpse of Croatian island life, but you will also enjoy ending your evening with a fabulous dining experience that will be complemented by a gourmet dessert and nightcap. After relaxing on your brief sail back to Dubrovnik, you will meet your private driver at the docks who will return you to your hotel, full and satisfied.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodations, tour, breakfast, dinner

Now that you have enjoyed exercising your sense of taste on some of Croatia’s best food and wine, you will put your hearing to use on an excursion to the Konavle Valley, where you will be told endless stories of wonder, intrigue, mystery, and history regarding the food and culture of this region. You will be on the edge of your seat as you are told an exhilarating mix of tall tales, local myths, and generational stories.

What makes this private tour so special is that while listening to these interesting enigmatic yarns, you will also be visiting some of the historical places that are mentioned within them. You will also sample Croatia’s most famous delicacies en route. All of this excitement will occur amid the most idyllic surroundings in Croatia’s Konavle region.

This gourmet event includes stops at unique places, such as a local medieval monastery, an ancient village, and even the spectacular Sokol Castle. At the castle, you will actually be able to delve into the origin of the Konavle region itself before returning to your Dubrovnik castle for the night.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast

Today, you will satisfy your sweet tooth and your curiosity with a delicious day of exploring the outskirts of Dubrovnik and learning all there is to know about honey. From flower to table, today’s private tour will enlighten your mind and delight your palette.

A stop at the idyllic village of Trsteno will begin your tour, and here, you will visit the Trsteno Arboretum, where you will wander among picturesque gardens and admire the many flowers and plants. It is from these flowers and plants that the pollen for the honey is derived.

Upon departing the arboretum, the magical village of Majkovi will welcome and offer you an intimate glimpse inside a traditional Honey House. While you are here, you will immerse yourself in a fascinating, behind-the-scenes education of how local honey is produced. You will also be allowed to sample the golden goodness as it is fresh from the honeycomb. Upon having your fill of nature’s candy, your private driver will return you to your hotel.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodations, tour, breakfast

The gorgeous Elaphiti Islands await as you today, and after slathering on some sunscreen and donning your favorite swimsuit and sunglasses, you will be whisked away to a day full of sunshine, sailing, and sampling the best local cuisine. On this exciting sailing adventure, you will be provided with the chance to visit the magical trio of islands that make up the ethereal Elaphiti Islands, and as you make your way between Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, you are guaranteed to fall more and more in love with this idyllic landscape.

Each of your senses will be stimulated as you see, taste, and explore the sun-dappled shores of these dazzling islands. You will also be grateful for the relaxation time that is offered by a sunlit sail on a luxurious state-of-the-art yacht. As this is a curated tour that is specifically tailored to your wants and desires, you are free to choose how to spend the lion’s share of your time aboard and on land. Whether it be splashing in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, exploring lush forest trails, making your way through magical caves, jumping off cliffs, or simply relaxing on the sand, you will be sure to have created your perfect day.

While onboard, you will be wined and dined like royalty, feasting on a variety of Dalmatian favorites. Upon your return to Dubrovnik, your private driver will be waiting at the docks to collect you and return you to your hotel.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

Today, you will say goodbye to Dubrovnik and say hello to the seaside city of Split. After checking into your luxury accommodation, you will enjoy a private walking tour of the city’s highlights that is complete with historical facts and fascinating backstories about various locales and landmarks.

The next tour is an in-depth excursion into the inside world of local olive oil. You will first stop at a local factory and be provided with a glimpse of olive oil production. You will also be able to sample some of the brand’s best olive oils. A local winery that produces artisanal olive oil will be your next locale, and after roaming around an actual olive grove, you will have the opportunity to witness the oldest olive tree in all of Dalmatia. Amid the luscious grounds, you will indulge in a picnic under the warm Croatian sun that will be complete with local wine, homemade bread, and several varieties of olive oils from today’s destinations. After an afternoon of educational and appetizing fun, you will be returned to your luxurious Split hotel, satisfied and happy.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodations, tour, breakfast, dinner

After spending a day of exploring the gorgeous Croatian countryside, you will be glad to sail away to the islands of Solta and Brac on a full day’s excursion. Not only will you enjoy the relaxing feeling of sailing away from it all and simply basking in the sunshine on board your luxury liner, but you will actually have the opportunity to indulge in a private cooking lesson on board with a local master chef. While your gourmet sensei teaches you how to craft your chosen Mediterranean dish sing, you will be creating memories that will last a lifetime.

After you have finished your lesson and the fruits of your labor, you will have several hours to swim, sun yourself on the deck or sands, and snorkel as you sail around the islands. As the day winds down and you make your way back to Split, you will enjoy a remarkable sunset while also indulging in a local pastime, which is a traditional Dalmatian dining experience that is known as “peka.” This involves cooking some form of meat or octopus on coals under a metal bell. Not only is this delicious, but it is also unique to Croatia, which will provide you with a treasured and rare experience that you will remember forever. Once you return to Split, your private driver will meet you at the docks and bring you back to your hotel.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

Departing Split will find you heading to a whimsical world that is worthy of fairies, forest nymphs, elves, and all things magical. Today’s destination is Plitvice National Park, which is featured on the bucket list of world traveler’s across the globe and for good reason. As you spend the day wandering among cascading waterfalls, gorgeous scenery, idyllic lakes, and walking paths that literally hover over the crystalline waters, you will feel as if you have been transported a heavenly realm from which you never want to return.

Upon leaving Plitvice, you will venture to the nearby Rastoke Village, where charming streets and old-world appeal will instantly capture your heart. After dining at a local tavern and enjoying a glorious traditional meal, you will be utterly smitten. Finally, after your gourmet meal and fun-filled day, you will be driven to your luxurious accommodation for the evening.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

This morning, you will still feel like you are walking on a cloud after your dreamy day at Plitvice National Park. That excellent feeling will continue as you make your way to Zagreb, which is Croatia’s capital city and crown jewel. Upon your arrival, you will waste no time in diving into the excitement of the city’s Upper Town on a private tour. While you wander among the charming cobblestone streets that are lined by rainbow-colored buildings, you will stroll by iconic landmarks, like Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church, and Dolac Market.

Once evening arrives, you will indulge in a private cooking lesson from a local master chef who will walk you step-by-step through creating an authentic Croatian meal of your choosing. The highlight of your evening will come when your culinary masterpiece is finally finished, and you are allowed to taste the fruits of your labor. As you are led back to your hotel, you will feel not only satisfied but quite proud as well. You will even be sent back with the actual recipe, which will allow you to recreate this memory any time you desire.

What’s Included: transfer, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

You will culminate your exciting Zagreb adventure with the help of a dynamic duo: wine and cheese. Your morning excursion will whisk you away to the Croatian countryside, where you will enjoy a discovery of the histories of these two favorite Croatian delicacies. Not only will you learn about the history, but you will be able to sample several local varieties and artisanal brands.

Your journey will officially begin with a stop at a stunning, family-owned estate. Here, amid gorgeous scenery and guided by the friendly and knowledgeable owner, you will be provided with a firsthand glimpse into how artisan cheese is made. You will then be led to a nearby winery, where after wandering around the stunning vineyard grounds, you will enjoy a gourmet wine tasting. A gourmand’s dream, this tour reaches its peak as you partake in a delicious meal that is naturally complemented by homemade bread, wine, and cheese.

As night descends and your dining party is complete, you will indulge in a truffle hunt. This privately guided excursion will find you strapping on a headlamp and joining in a favorite local pastime in search of one of the country’s most prized culinary treasures: the truffle. Led by a professional crew of sharp-nosed canines and a private guide, you will really get a kick out of this unique experience. At the end of the hunt, you will be rewarded with a wondrous feast of truffle-inspired treats that are all locally sourced and prepared by master chefs for your utmost enjoyment. When you are ready to return to your hotel, your private driver will be ready to return you to your luxurious accommodation.

What’s Included: transfers, accommodation, tour, breakfast, dinner

Although you will surely feel like it has arrived too soon, your last morning in Croatia will still be a sweet and savory memory as you wake to a lovely brunch. After enjoying your delicious meal, you will be driven to the airport for your international flight.

What’s Included: airport transfer, brunch