Taste of Croatia Private Trip

Your gourmet journey begins in the magnificent capital city of Zagreb. The economic and cultural hub of the country, Zagreb is a wonderful example of an enlightened European city. Take a private guided tour and discover its Austro-Hungarian heritage and stunning 13th century architecture and monumental landmarks. Exercise your cultural senses by visiting the Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church and the galleries and museums situated in the heart of the city. Many of the elegant local restaurants serve traditional and classic Croatian cuisine to tempt your taste buds.

The majestic Trakošćan Castle is situated a short drive outside of the city of Zagreb. The 13th-century fortification within the Zagorje principality was built to protect the region against Ottoman Empire invasion. Explore the expansive castle grounds. Your driver/ guide will take you inside, showing you the highlights and explaining the fascinating stories of the Draskovic family, once the owners of this property. You will also visit the charming, baroque town of Varazdin, which used to be Croatian capital, today known as a tranquil city of churches, angels and a 15th century fortress.

Your culinary tour continues in the charming west coast fishing port of Rovinj. Today we uncover the secrets of truffle hunting on a unique excursion experience. Scour the Motovun forest, hills and valleys for rare truffles with the help of specially trained truffle hunting dogs. Afterwards, learn how to prepare the truffles and sample a dish made with the delicious precious ingredient. Before returning to Rovinj, stop off at the walled, central Istria hilltop village of Motovun, and enjoy breathtaking views of the rural landscape and vineyards from its precipice. It’s not surprising that Motovun is often compared to Tuscany.

Today you are free to roam Rovinj at your own pace. Discover its hidden boutiques, cafes and restaurants for yourself. Shop for souvenirs to take back home and enjoy lunch in a friendly local restaurant. The region is famed for its exquisite local Malvazija wine that you can sample with your meal. In the afternoon, wander through the quaint medieval town’s cobbled streets and explore the historic and famous well-preserved Gate of St. Benedict, Gate of the Holy Cross and the Portica. You will easily spot the steeple of the hilltop church of St Euphemia from anywhere in the town.

You cannot leave Croatia without seeing the natural wonders of the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park. The 295 sq km forest reserve and beauty spot is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country and boasts a collection of 16 terraced lakes that are chain inter-linked via waterfalls. Explore the wonderland of water on foot by navigating your way around the wooden bridges, pathways and hiking trails that take you up close to the cascades. Spot the beautiful native flora and fauna as you ride on the panoramic train or glide across the lakes in an electric boat.

As we travel through the breathtaking Croatian landscape towards Split, we make a detour at the renowned Bibich Winery in Skradin. The winery has won numerous awards for its wines and is firmly positioned on the world wine map. Sample some of the finest wines in the country while tasting a variety of complementary snacks. The nearby ethno-village showcases ancient life through physical reconstructions and displays. Enjoy a taste of the past and local delicacies. On arrival in Split in the afternoon, join our guided tour of the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world.

Wake up to the sunshine and the landmark attractions of Split. After breakfast our gourmet guide will meet you and give you a tour of Split’s Green Market where you will get to choose the ingredients for your delicious lunch. Whilst you are in the market, the guide will explain all of the different types of fresh food available to buy, much of which is local to Croatia. After gathering all your ingredients, join an experienced chef and watch as your lunch comes to life and enjoy a delicious traditional Croatian lunch which you have helped to prepare.

The jet-set island of Hvar is today’s destination. The sunniest island in the Croatian archipelago is a desirable holiday spot for royalty and the rich and famous. It flaunts a lush landscape, fragrant lavender fields, secret coves and picturesque villages. Hvar Town is a vibrant hot spot and the perfect place to sample local wine and gourmet fine dining. See the town through the eyes of an experienced guide on a private tour of the city. Walk along the cobbled streets that are lined with historic buildings. From the top of the Fortress Fortica you can enjoy spectacular vistas.

Enjoy a half-day wine tasting experience at the Tomić Winery. The boutique winery is set in picturesque grounds and boasts Roman-style wine cellars where you can sample a variety of delicious local wines. Try Plavac Mali, local Bogdanuša or ‘prošek’ (sweet dessert wine) Hectorovich. All the wines are stored in the winery’s stone cellars in a similar way to the method used by Roman ancestors. Learn about the art of wine making in Croatia and how to choose the best foods to pair with your preferred tipple. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the beautiful island.

It’s time to island hop from Hvar to Korčula. The island is the most populous in the Adriatic and is home to a quaint fortified town that was once ruled by the Venetians. Take note of the town’s ingenious layout design. The unique fishbone pattern streets prevent the strong winds freezing the houses during winter and increase air circulation in the summer. Stroll along the promenade and enjoy views of Pelješac Peninsula’s vineyards and surrounding islands. Visit the rural vineyards and olive groves of Konoba Belin or Ranch Maha and taste the freshest traditional local cuisine with accompanying magnificent scenery.

Dubrovnik is the final destination on the food lovers map of Croatia. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the city is filled with magical architecture, historic monuments and cultural attractions. Arrive in Dubrovnik in style by catamaran and join our private tour to the Old Town. Explore the famous sights and visit some of the locations featured on the hit TV fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Finish the tour with a cable car ride to the top of Srd Mountain. From the panorama station you can observe the ancient city walls, the shimmering sea and the neighbouring Elaphite Islands.

Celebrate your last day with a gastronomic feast. We journey through the stunning countryside of the Peljesac Peninsula stopping off at three different wineries, and the Dingač vineyard. Sample the finest local cuisine, freshly caught and prepared oysters and delicious, locally made red and white wines. The gourmet lunch menu features 3 courses for you to enjoy in a delightful setting. Return to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the city in greater depth. Take a stroll along the limestone paved, pedestrianised Stradun, and dine in a stylish restaurant that boasts spectacular sea facing vistas.

Check out of your hotel after breakfast for your return private transfer to Dubrovnik airport and your flight home.