DAY 1, ZAGREB
Upon arrival in Zagreb, enjoy a private transfer to the luxurious Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, renowned for its historic charm. After check-in, use your free afternoon to relax in the hotel’s spa or take a stroll through the charming streets of the city. In the evening, savor a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where you’ll taste innovative dishes with exceptional attention to detail and enjoy food and wine pairings. Overnight stay in Zagreb.
DAY 2, ZAGREB – CROATIAN ZAGORJE – ZAGREB
Begin the day with an early departure from Zagreb to Trakošćan Castle, one of Croatia’s most famous and well-preserved castles. Built in the 13th century as a defensive fort, it later became a luxurious residence for noble families, most notably the Drašković family, who restored it. The castle is perched on a hill offering panoramic views of a picturesque lake surrounded by nature. Enjoy lunch at a traditional estate overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards of Zagorje. Indulge in modern interpretations of traditional dishes paired with award-winning wines from the estate's vineyards. On the return to Zagreb, stop at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, one of the most modern and intriguing museums in Croatia, dedicated to the study of prehistory and the life of Neanderthals. Experience history through a story of our planet and its first inhabitants. The evening will end with another exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a sophisticated combination of Mediterranean and continental flavors paired with an extensive wine list. Overnight stay in Zagreb.
DAY 3, ZAGREB – OPATIJA
Explore the charms of Croatia’s capital with a guided walking tour. Discover the historic Upper Town, starting with the Stone Gate; the only preserved entrance to the old city and St. Mark’s Church, recognizable by its colorful roof featuring the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. Walk along the Strossmayer Promenade, stop at Lotrščak Tower, known for its noon cannon shot, and visit Ban Jelačić Square. End the tour with shopping or a visit to the Chocolate Museum. Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn the art of making “štrukli”, a traditional Zagorje pastry that comes in savory and sweet varieties. Enjoy the preparation process and tasting accompanied by homemade elderflower juice or aromatic tea. In the afternoon, continue to Opatija, taking in the beautiful Istrian landscapes. Dinner awaits with Kvarner Bay specialties - fresh scampi, olive oil, local brandy, and wines that complement the culinary experience. Overnight stay at the luxurious Hotel Ambasador.
DAY 4, OPATIJA – PULA – ROVINJ
Explore Opatija, also known as the ‘queen of Croatian tourism’. In Opatija, we will enjoy a walk along Lungomare, a beautiful coastal promenade offering incredible views. Passing by famous Art Nouveau villas such as Villa Angiolina and Villa Miramar, we will feel as though we've stepped back in time. Our journey continues to Pula, one of Istria's most important destinations, which introduces us to the rich history and natural beauty of this Adriatic region. We will tour the city, visiting Forum Square, the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world; the Temple of Augustus, a perfectly preserved Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, which takes us back to ancient Pula. Lunch is organized as an unforgettable gastronomic experience, enjoying rich dishes with a focus on the bounty of the Adriatic Sea. We continue on to Rovinj, with a stop in Vodnjan, where we visit a family farm, where we learn about the production of various oils, cheeses, prosciutto, and wines, along with tastings. In Rovinj, dinner is organized at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where you can enjoy a unique fusion of Italian and Croatian cuisine. Overnight at the luxurious Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, offering a beautiful view of the town and St. Euphemia’s Church, along with a top-notch spa and pool facilities.
DAY 5, ROVINJ – KRK
Explore the narrow stone streets of Rovinj, which exude Venetian influence. Rovinj is a city that looks like a fairytale, with its well-preserved old town and colorful facades of houses climbing toward the bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church, offering an incredible view of the town and surrounding islands. After the tour, head to one of Istria's renowned wineries to enjoy a wine tasting with a beautiful view of the Istrian landscape. The next stop on our journey takes us to a family truffle farm, where you'll experience a unique adventure – we will participate in a truffle hunt with the help of experienced dogs and learn all about this prestigious ingredient. Afterward, we will prepare a truffle dish, giving us an authentic insight into Istria's gastronomic tradition, based on simple but incredibly rich flavors. We then drive to Krk, where a dinner and accommodation await us at Vinotel Gospoja, offering a blend of luxury and relaxation. The love for wine and gastronomy is showcased here in a unique setting surrounded by natural and cultural beauty. Tasting top-quality local wines and delicacies infused with the flavors of the bora wind, the Adriatic Sea, and fragrant island herbs will provide a memorable experience. Overnight stay.
DAY 6, KRK – PLITVICE LAKES
This day is dedicated to natural beauty. In the morning, we depart from Krk and head towards Plitvice Lakes, one of Croatia’s most famous UNESCO sites. Upon arrival, we stop for lunch at a restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Lika dishes. After lunch, we begin the tour of Plitvice Lakes. This park delights with its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and pristine nature. The tour includes walks along the lakes and a boat ride, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. After sightseeing, we visit a nearby family farm where dinner awaits, along with a tasting of local products and an evening gathering around a campfire. Overnight at the luxurious Hotel Degenija.
DAY 7, PLITVICE LAKES - ZADAR
We begin the morning with a sweet visit to a local family farm, where we visit the inhalation cabins and taste different types of honey. The journey then continues towards Zadar, a city rich in history and cultural landmarks. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing lunch where you will savor fresh and aromatic Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on seafood and local specialties, prepared with care and love for tradition. After lunch, take some free time to rest in the hotel's spa center or go for a walk. The afternoon is reserved for a unique experience – learn the secrets of making liqueurs in one of Zadar's workshops, where you will have the chance to prepare your own liqueur from the marasca cherry, one of the most famous and traditional alcoholic beverages originating from Zadar. A tasting of various other liqueurs and desserts, such as traditional rafioli and kroštule, will also satisfy even the most demanding palates. In the evening, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Kalelarga. The day will end with dinner, where you will indulge in gourmet delicacies such as black risotto or brudet, paired with a glass of excellent local wine that perfectly complements the flavors of the Adriatic. Overnight stay at the charming Falkensteiner Hotel, where the artistic ambiance and the history of the city will surround you with warmth and comfort.
DAY 8, ZADAR - PAG - ZADAR
Visit Pag, synonymous with the world-famous cheese, and experience the aromas and flavors of the best cheeses in Croatia during a tasting with a panoramic view of the island of Pag. Enjoy pairing the cheeses with local wines. After the tasting, a lunch follows at one of the local restaurants where you will taste Pag's trademark dish – lamb, which has a unique flavor due to the climate in which the indigenous sheep live and feed. After lunch, explore the heart of ancient Zadar with a professional guide. Enjoy the tour of the Forum, once the center of Roman life; the impressive Church of St. Donatus, built on the foundations of a Roman temple; the Sea Organ, a unique architectural installation that produces melodic sounds with the help of waves; and the Greeting to the Sun – an impressive installation that collects solar energy and creates spectacular light effects at sunset. Use the free afternoon to relax in the hotel’s spa center or explore the city on your own. Dinner is organized at a restaurant specializing in Dalmatian specialties. Overnight in Zadar.
DAY 9, ZADAR - KRKA NATIONAL PARK - SPLIT
We embark on another combination of natural beauty and eno-gastronomic experience. Our journey takes us to Krka National Park, home to the Krka River, which creates seven magnificent waterfalls, the most famous of which is Skradinski Buk, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. Rest your soul in this oasis of peace and visit the old mills and ethnological village. After the park tour, enjoy a wine & food pairing experience at one of the local wineries. Taste the finest wines of the region and traditional culinary specialties. After feeling full and rested, we continue towards Split, the second-largest city in Croatia. Begin a journey through Split’s history with a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit St. Domnius Cathedral, the Palace Cellars, and the Vestibule, while learning interesting stories about Emperor Diocletian’s life and the Romans. Use your free time to stroll down Marmont Street or shop for locally handmade souvenirs. End the day with a beautiful view of the sea and dinner at a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean and Dalmatian flavors. We recommend trying traditional pašticada and its modern version. Accommodation is provided in the luxurious Hotel Ambasador, located by the sea with a view of the Adriatic Sea.
DAY 10, SPLIT - OMIŠ - IMOTSKI
We continue our journey to the nearby town of Omiš, known for its history, natural beauty, and cultural monuments. Enjoy stories about the famous Omiš pirates who roamed the Adriatic during the Middle Ages and visit the renowned Fortica and Mirabela fortresses. During lunch, we visit a nearby family estate where we will roll up our sleeves and try making traditional soparnik. This dish is made from simple dough filled with Swiss chard, parsley, and onions. The dough is rolled out, filled with the ingredients, and then baked in a round shape, often over a fire, which gives it a unique flavor. After baking, the soparnik is topped with olive oil and garlic. Such a lunch traditionally calls for a glass of good wine. Therefore, the next stop on our journey is a winery located in the Imotski wine region, with a tradition spanning over 200 years. Enjoy a wine tasting with a view overlooking the expansive vineyards. Dinner is organized as a special local experience in a restaurant that bases its cuisine on the cooking of Dalmatian mothers and grandmothers, but with a modern twist. Through Imotski cuisine, you will recognize influences from Ottoman, Venetian, French, and Austrian culinary traditions that have shaped the region over the years. Overnight stay at the luxurious Emotheo Hotel.
DAY 11, IMOTSKI - PELJEŠAC - DUBROVNIK
The day begins with a visit to Ston, a small gem on the coast, known for having the largest city walls in Europe, more than six centuries old. Walking along these impressive walls, you will feel the history of this place while enjoying an incredible view of the town and surrounding areas from above. Ston is also famous for its salt production tradition, so you will have the opportunity to visit the saltworks, which dates back to Roman times, and experience the tradition of salt production that is still maintained today. Lunch takes you to Mali Ston, a town famous for its oysters, an essential specialty of this region. Along with freshly prepared seafood dishes such as buzara and risotto, you will have the chance to savor the flavors of traditional Dalmatian cuisine. After lunch, we visit one of the most famous and prestigious wineries on Pelješac with a long family tradition that goes back centuries. Specializing in the production of top-quality wines, the winery combines ecological vine growing with traditional winemaking techniques. We then visit another Pelješac winery focused on producing premium wines, especially the indigenous variety Plavac mali, from which some of the best wines on the Adriatic are made. The winery specializes in Dingač wine, one of the most famous Croatian wines originating from this region, which is protected by its geographical origin. After a tasting and presentation of traditional Pelješac wines, we continue towards Dubrovnik. Use your free time to take a walk or relax in the luxurious hotel. To end the day, enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience at a restaurant with a sea view, where you will taste specialties paired with a selected wine, before settling into the luxurious Hotel Excelsior, offering perfect accommodation by the coast with an unforgettable view of the Adriatic and the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
DAY 12, DUBROVNIK
With the guidance of an expert guide, explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town, stroll along the Stradun, and enjoy sightseeing of landmarks such as the Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Sponza Palace. Be sure not to miss the stunning view from the Dubrovnik city walls, which will leave an indelible impression of this historic city. After the city tour, indulge in exclusive dishes made from local ingredients and selected wines in the sophisticated ambiance of a Michelin-recommended restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time for your final exploration of Croatian flavors and traditions with a self-guided walk through Dubrovnik. Dinner is organized at a restaurant known for its rich offer of seafood and traditional Dalmatian dishes with a modern twist, also awarded a Michelin star. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
DAY 13, DUBROVNIK - END OF PROGRAM
Private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.