Croatia: A journey through flavors and heritage

Welcome to Zagreb! On your first day in Croatia's capital, you will begin with a gastronomic tour through which you'll get acquainted with this vibrant city through its food. Embark on a stroll through the city market where you'll discover a variety of fresh produce and the scents of traditional specialties. Savor “štrukle”, a delightful dish made of pastry and cheese, and indulge in honey gingerbread cookies that will take you back to childhood. For a refreshing treat, sample honey brandy - medica, and sweeten your palate with “licitar” hearts, a symbol of Zagreb's tradition.

You will embark on a day trip to picturesque Varaždin, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich Croatian ethnographic heritage. You will visit the Lovrec Ethnographic Collection, acquainting yourself with the history and cultural legacy of this stunning region. The museum will guide you through centuries-old traditions, customs, and artworks that have shaped this significant part of Croatia. Following this, it's time for a culinary delight. Taste the renowned Zagorje "mlinci", a traditional dish made of thin pasta, often paired with sauces or meat dishes. For dessert, don't miss out on the Međimurje "gibanica", a sweet and juicy pie filled with apples, walnuts, and poppy seeds. This traditional treat will enchant you with its flavor and rich ingredients.

Another excursion from Zagreb, this time to the picturesque Samobor, a small town rich in cultural heritage and delightful cuisine. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste the famous "kremšnita", a pastry with crispy layers of dough and cream that has become a true gastronomic icon. Upon arriving in Samobor, indulge in these exceptional "kremšnita", favorites among both visitors and locals alike. After savoring the pastries, take a stroll to explore this charming town. Samobor boasts beautiful architecture, history, and natural beauty that you'll appreciate as you wander its streets. Return to Zagreb for an overnight stay in the hotel.

You'll have a genuine experience as you travel to Plitvice National Park. After admiring the natural beauties, you'll visit the Ranch Deer Valley. Dive into a symphony of nature and breathtaking beauty. You'll have a unique opportunity to pet and feed deer and magnificent horses. Amidst these wilderness charms, you'll have the chance to taste local farm products. Return to the city of Zadar for an overnight stay in the hotel.

Meet with a guide for a tour of Pag Island. Known as the "Croatian Moon", Pag stands out for its unique rocky landscape, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for producing excellent cheese from Pag's sheep and delicious lamb, Pag Island is a paradise for food lovers. Visit the Gligora cheese factory where artisans will reveal the secrets of making the famous Pag cheese. The uniqueness of Pag cheese is influenced by the climate, soil type, location, natural vegetation, cultivated plants, and the way animals are raised, which result in differences that make exceptional cheeses.

Truly experience Dalmatia with a visit to Krka National Park. There, you'll witness the genuine beauty of the karst landscape, photograph crystal-clear waterfalls, and enjoy a walk through pristine nature. Following this, you'll visit a local restaurant and taste the authentic Skradin risotto, one of the most renowned Dalmatian culinary delights. You'll continue the rest of the day in Etnoland Dalmatia, where you'll embark on a true Dalmatian adventure. Indulge in a tasting of Drniš prosciutto, known for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. Pair it with Drniš wines and other traditional Dalmatian specialties, creating a unique experience for your palate. Your journey will then take you to Split for an overnight stay in a hotel.

Discover Split through a wine adventure at the Vineyards of the Trogir-Kaštela region. You'll get to know the city of Split through a wine adventure in a winery located on mountain slopes, offering the most stunning panoramic views of Split and the islands beyond. During your visit, you'll taste extraordinary wines typical of the region and savor a variety of flavors from local cheeses, pancetta with fruit, red onion marmalade, and high-quality olive oil. As a finishing touch, don't miss out on the dessert - Trogir "rafioli", a traditional sweet treat that will captivate you with its unique aroma and texture. Return to the hotel and rest up for the new adventures that await you.

The following day, you'll embark on an excursion to the stunning island of Brač, which you'll explore on e-scooters, allowing you the freedom to traverse its picturesque paths. You'll visit the Škrip Museum, located in the village of the same name, which is the oldest settlement on the island with a history spanning over 5,000 years, as evidenced by its numerous monuments. The Olive Oil Museum showcases the traditional process of olive oil production in Brač. The museum features the old oil mill, olives for pressing, and all the traditional tools used for transporting, producing, and storing olive oil. To round off your day on Brač, you'll dine in a unique manner – prepared in the "peka" style. This Dalmatian cooking technique delivers an incredible taste to food as it's prepared under a bell-like dome or "peka" over an open flame. You'll delight in the succulent meat, vegetables, and spices, all prepared with love and care. Return to Split, overnight stay in a hotel.

You'll start your day with a tour of "Fićo" cars. These are the tiniest super mini cars ever produced in this region. It has become a symbol of nostalgia and bohemian status. It wasn't just a family car but also served as a police car and ambulance, even suitable for long-distance journeys, like shopping trips to Italy. Following the tour, you'll proceed to the Stella Croatica estate where you'll tour the factory producing handmade sweets, acquaint yourself with the picturesque botanical collection, and explore the vibrant Mediterranean garden. Sample the sugared almonds, a favorite dessert of this area, which will charm you with its sweetness and crunch. Also, don't miss the "soparnik" of Poljica, a traditional dish with thin layers of dough and a vegetable filling.

Your unforgettable journey in Split peaks on the final day, filled with excitement and natural adventures. Today's itinerary takes you to the Mosor and Kozjak mountains, where you'll embark on a unique truffle-hunting adventure. In search of these precious underground fungi, accompanied by seasoned truffle hunters, you'll learn the secrets of uncovering these delicacies. You'll delight in the crisp mountain air, absorbing the best of the mountain, all while overlooking the sea. After this memorable adventure, you return to Split to conclude your culinary journey. Here, you have had the opportunity to taste the best of Croatian food and wine, creating memories that will stay with you long after you leave Croatia.