HIDDEN FLAVORS OF CROATIA:

A Journey Through History, Wine and Authentic Cuisine

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Croatia, where every moment is filled with the magic of local traditions, exceptional gastronomic experiences, and exclusive wine tastings. This trip is perfect for all fine dining lovers, as it takes you through prestigious restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, and vineyards that proudly carry the history of Croatian winemaking. You will visit the oldest Croatian winery, which boasts nearly eight centuries of tradition, and have the opportunity to taste wines that have become synonymous with this region. You will also enjoy modern interpretations of regional specialties and taste some of the best wines Croatia has to offer. Explore the secrets of preparing traditional dishes, each paired with award-winning wines. Join us on this luxurious journey and indulge in every bite and sip that reflects the richness of Croatia’s culture and tradition.

9 days
English
Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 30 days in advance.

What’s included
Included in price
  • Accommodation
    • Three nights with BB basis at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
    • One night with HB basis at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
    • Four nights with BB basis at the Boutique Hotel Tvrđa
  • Services
    • All private transfers with English-speaking drivers
    • Private guided tours with local experts
    • All exceptional experiences listed in the itinerary
    • All meals as described in the itinerary
The price does not include
    • Personal expenses
    • Meals not listed in the itinerary
    • Any additional services not listed in the “What’s Included” section
Know before you go
  • The price of airline tickets is included in the total cost and depends on the timing of the booking.
  • The itinerary is subject to minor changes depending on the season and availability, but nothing will be omitted – any adjustments will be replaced with similar experiences. 
  • A refund is possible if the cancellation is made at least 30 days in advance; after that period, no refund is possible. 
  • The weather in Croatia can vary depending on the season, so please bring appropriate clothing for the planned activities. 
  • Certain parts of the itinerary involve walking on uneven terrain, stairs, or longer walks. Please ensure you are physically prepared for such activities. 
  • Croatia uses the euro (€). We recommend having some cash for smaller shops and local services, although credit cards are widely accepted. 
  • Travel light! We recommend luggage that is easy to carry due to possible changes in transportation or accommodation. 
  • If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate them. 
  • Check that you have a valid ID or passport, and if you are a foreign national, verify whether you need a visa to enter Croatia. 
  • We recommend travel insurance that covers medical expenses and trip cancellations. 
  • The standard voltage in Croatia is 230 V, and the sockets are type C and F. Don’t forget to bring an adapter if you use a different standard.

Full itinerary description

Departures
8:00 am
Departure Point
Zagreb, Croatia
Duration
9 days
Timeline
DAY 1, ZAGREB

Upon arrival in Zagreb, you will be accommodated in the luxurious Esplanade Hotel, where you can relax and unwind in an elegant setting. Use your free time to explore the capital at your own pace. The day ends with a dinner in a sophisticated restaurant, where you will indulge in exquisite specialties and an extensive drink selection that will complement your gastronomic experience. Overnight stay in Zagreb.

DAY 2, ZAGREB - CROATIAN ZAGORJE - ZAGREB

From Zagreb, we head towards Trakošćan Castle, one of Croatia's most recognizable and best-preserved castles. Built in the 13th century as a fortress, the castle has been home to many noble families throughout history. The most notable owners were the Drašković family, who renovated it and turned it into an elegant residence. The castle is perched on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the picturesque lake, reflecting the enchanting surrounding nature. After that, we enjoy lunch at the estate with panoramic views of the hills and vineyards. Delight in traditional dishes, prepared with a modern twist, paired with top-tier wines from their own award-winning vineyards. On our return to Zagreb, we will visit the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, one of the most modern museums in Croatia, which explores the prehistory and life of Neanderthals. Discover the history of the Earth and our ancestors in a unique way. We conclude the day with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where you will savor sophisticated dishes that combine Mediterranean and continental flavors, accompanied by an extensive wine selection. Overnight stay in Zagreb.

DAY 3, ZAGREB - ĐAKOVO - OSIJEK

Our journey continues towards Đakovo, a city with a history dating back to the 11th century. Upon arrival, we take a short break with coffee and a view of the magnificent St. Peter's Cathedral, one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in Croatia. The next must-see stop is the State Lipizzaner Stud Farm. Learn about the history and tradition of breeding these noble horses. Enjoy a tour of the stables, racetrack, riding arena, and traditional rural homestead. Climb the viewpoint offering a beautiful view of the vast pastures, just like Queen Elizabeth II and Duchess Camilla did. After this unique experience, we proceed to a local restaurant for lunch, where you’ll enjoy a fusion of traditional cuisine with a modern twist. After the gastronomic indulgence, we continue our journey towards Osijek, the heart of Slavonia. Upon arrival, we check in at the luxurious Boutique Hotel Tvrđa, offering a splendid view of the Drava River. After settling in, take a break to relax. Enjoy some free time to explore the charm of Osijek. The day ends with dinner at a restaurant known for its unique blend of traditional home-cooked dishes and modern gastronomic creations. With exquisite wines and irresistible desserts, enjoy the warm atmosphere that perfectly wraps up this enriching day. Overnight stay in Osijek.

DAY 4, OSIJEK - KOPAČKI RIT - KARANAC - KNEŽEVI VINOGRADI - OSIJEK

From Osijek, we head to the Kopački Rit Nature Park, one of the most beautiful and richest wetland areas in Europe. Here, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and great biological diversity. The park is widely known as a habitat for numerous wetland birds, the common deer population, and particularly the white-tailed eagle, a symbol of the park. Exploring this natural gem includes a pleasant boat ride, during which you can observe the untouched nature and wildlife. After the boat ride, we visit Tikveš Castle, a 19th-century complex built by members of the Tesch family from the Habsburg dynasty. Following our exploration of Kopački Rit, we head to the ethnological village of Karanac, located in the heart of Slavonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch with local Slavonian dishes, where the flavors and aromas will satisfy even the most refined palates. After lunch, take a stroll along the Street of Forgotten Time, an ethnological street of ancient crafts, which will charm you and transport you to past times while you enjoy the atmosphere that connects history with culinary magic. On our return to Osijek, we stop at the unique Tasting Room – the only distillery and tasting room for premium brandies and liqueurs produced traditionally in Croatia. Through an informative presentation, learn about the distillation process of brandies and the creation of various fruit liqueurs, followed by the best part – a tasting of these top-quality products that perfectly reflect the spirit and tradition of Baranja. After a delightful time at Kneževa Tasting Room, we return to Osijek for dinner at a restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide selection of dishes, from traditional Slavonian specialties to modern flavors. Overnight stay in Osijek.

DAY 5, OSIJEK - KNEŽEVI VINOGRADI - OSIJEK

We depart towards Kneževi Vinogradi, one of the most beautiful and visited parts of Slavonia and Baranja, known for its rich tradition and distinctive gastronomy. Upon arrival, we visit a family farm where you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of producing homemade kulen, one of the most famous delicacies of this region. Enjoy a unique experience of pairing the flavors of homemade kulen with other traditional Baranja specialties that will captivate you with their authentic aromas and tastes. After tasting Baranja delicacies, it’s time for another unforgettable experience – a visit to a winery, whose Old Cellar has a long and fascinating history. It was first mentioned in 1526 in descriptions of the Battle of Mohács, where Turkish soldiers of the great commander Suleiman the Magnificent stayed. Walk through the historic cellar and enjoy a guided tasting of several premium wines that have marked this area. But the wine experience doesn’t end here. We continue our journey to another winery, where we will enjoy a top-tier gastronomic experience paired with excellent wines from their own production. Discover all the charms of traditional Slavonian cuisine, but prepared in a modern way, with an emphasis on local ingredients and seasonal specialties, perfectly paired with wines from the winery. We return to Osijek, followed by free time for a walk or relaxation. Dinner will be served at a restaurant in which you can sample cuisine inspired by the richness of Croatian flavors, including a variety of meat and fish specialties. Overnight stay in Osijek.

DAY 6, OSIJEK - VUKOVAR - ILOK - OSIJEK

We depart for Vukovar, the city of heroes, a symbol of Croatia’s defense and suffering during the Homeland War. Spend the morning exploring this city of unbroken spirit. We visit the Vučedol Archaeological Museum, showcasing the precious artifacts of Vučedol, and the Vukovar Water Tower, a poignant symbol of resilience that stands as a monument to the city's turbulent past, bearing witness to the devastating consequences of the Homeland War. After the Vukovar tour, we head to Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia, famous for its long tradition of winemaking. Here, we visit old wine cellars dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries and enjoy a guided tasting of renowned local wines that have become synonymous with this region. Alongside the wine tasting, indulge in traditional Slavonian cuisine and various gastronomic delicacies. We return to Osijek for free time to explore the city and absorb the final impressions of this charming place. Dinner is organized at a Michelin-recommended restaurant, known for its high-quality food and elegant ambiance, featuring a rich menu with a focus on Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by premium wines. Overnight stay in Osijek.

DAY 7, OSIJEK - KUTJEVO - ZAGREB

We depart for Kutjevo, home to the oldest Croatian winery, which boasts nearly eight centuries of tradition. The winery, renowned worldwide for its unique crystal-clear golden Graševina, offers a complex portfolio of top-quality wines. Enjoy a tour of the historic cellar, where through a rich tasting of Slavonian wines and delicacies, you’ll experience the spirit of this wine region. Our next stop is another winery that blends the soul of Slavonia with modern culinary arts, offering a harmony of flavors and aromas in every dish. Enjoy lunch paired with the finest wines, complemented by unforgettable views of the vineyards. We continue our journey to Zagreb. Upon arrival, check in at the Esplanade Hotel. The evening ends at another luxury restaurant with a Michelin recommendation, known for its creative cuisine, which aims to reinterpret classics with a special focus on fine techniques and presentation. Overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 8, ZAGREB

Under the expert guidance of a tour guide, you will embark on a walking tour through Croatia’s capital and uncover its hidden wonders. Begin the tour at the Stone Gate, the only preserved entrance to the old town, and continue to St. Mark’s Church, famous for its colorful roof adorned with the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb. Stroll along Strossmayer Promenade and stop at Lotrščak Tower, known for the Grič Cannon that marks noon every day. Visit Ban Jelačić Square, then explore Flower Square and the popular shopping area on Ilica Street. Next, you will immerse yourself in the world of cuisine of Zagorje by participating in a strudel-making workshop. Learn how to prepare this traditional dish, served in both savory and sweet variations, enjoying the preparation process and tasting it alongside homemade elderflower juice or fragrant tea. After lunch, take some free time to explore the city, shop, or visit the Chocolate Museum. Dinner is organized at one of Zagreb’s most famous restaurants, which blends the richness of Croatian flavors with international trends, often using seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Enjoy an evening full of gastronomic innovations, yet maintaining the authenticity of Croatian cuisine. The restaurant also holds the Michelin Green Star. Overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 9, ZAGREB - END OF PROGRAM

Private transfer to Zagreb Airport.

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 30 days in advance.

Full cancellation policy

Map of tour

Tours & Trips

Transfers & Taxi

Vehicles that suite your travel

A pleasant drive, safe and clean vehicle and a receptive driver are
our standards for every journey. Select one of the listed vehicles
that best suits your type of travel and enjoy the drive to your
destination carefree.

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Standard

1 - 3 passengers

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Van

4 - 8 passengers

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Minibus

9 - 15 passengers

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Bus

16 - 50 passengers

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HIDDEN FLAVORS OF CROATIA:  A journey through history, wine and authentic cuisine