Gastro Tour

“A meal without a wine is like a day without sunshine”

– Jean Savarin

Gastronomy (“Foodie”) tour, 6 days. Croatia and Slovenia regions.

Traveling anywhere, the local cuisine is a perfect way to capture the essence of the place. Enjoy the magic of food paired perfectly with wine and surrounded by natural beauty and the priceless cultural heritage of Croatia. It is a total experience of sensation and magic arising from a harmony of taste, bouquet, style and texture.

Day 1

Ljubljana

We can start our gastronomy tour in the small capital of Slovenia with only 300,000 people that will amaze you with its charm. Settled on the river Ljubljanica it offers you historical and visual beauty along the river’s embankments. See the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge and amazing market squares that sprawl between the two, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas with its unique architectural style that has integrated the historical structures that survived the earthquake in 1895 with modern design – the masterpiece of famous architect Jozo Plečnik. Taste Ljubljana flavors and her unforgettable “štruklji” (dumplings) with all kinds of stuffing, in one of the numerous restaurants in the city.

Bled – Afternoon

In the afternoon we explore enchanting Bled with its medieval castle perched upon the lake – blessed with natural hot springs seen as having healing powers. Bled has been a popular fresh-air retreat since the mid 19th century. Climb up the castle, paddle to the island in the mid of the lake, take a bike tour or walk the 6 km trail around the lake or simply enjoy the sunset in one of the picturesque restaurants with magical views of the surrounding hills and their reflection on the surface of the lake. Overnight in Bled in luxury tree houses which have all the comforts any luxury hotel provides, and sleep peacefully in the heart of nature.

Day 2

Goriška hills

We will explore the “Goriška Hills” or so called “Tuscany of Slovenia”, a small region of astonishing beauty characterized by rolling green hills, cypress trees, and lush vineyards squeezed between the Julian Alps, the Dolomiti mountains and the Adriatic sea. Italian influence on the local dishes as well as on the wine production (Syriah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigot, Pinot Blank, Chardonnay) gives extra charm to the famous traditional “Štruklji”, “Idrija žlikrofi dumplings”, “Bograč”, or the “Prekomurska gibanica cake”. We can visit some fine wine cellars (Simcic, Movie, Bjan, and Zanut) where the owners will seduce you with varieties of wine tastes, innovative products, vast vineyards and local hospitality. Overnight in one of their charming households or the 5 star boutique hotel in a castle.

Day 3

Rovinj

Whether you’d like to try the creative dishes with shellfish, fresh fish and crabs, Istrian truffles, prosciutto or wild asparagus, you can find then in one of the numerous luxury restaurants or cozy taverns in this romantic magical town. The Old town rises up on a peninsula and has been witness to times gone by and the invaluable accomplishments of its past artisans. It used to be a fishing town and in 1963. was declared a cultural monument with its narrow buildings, streets, small town squares and the magnificent baroque church of St. Eufemia.

Day 4

Istria

“Everything we offer you is grown in our home” is the motto that makes this region one of the most attractive gastronomic destinations in Europe. Throughout history inland Istria – Grožnjan, Hum, Motovun, Buzet – was not as developed as the coastal towns and villages and the peasants produced only the indispensable. The rich gastronomic heritage based on truffles, asparagus, olive oil and prosciutto made in the traditional way will delight even the most demanding connoisseur – “Fritaja with asparagus”, “Žgvacet”, “Maneštra”, “Pljukanci”, “Fuži with truffles”, “Boškarin” (authentic Croatian bull) and “Fritule” are just some of their traditional recipes. Istrian white Malvazija and red Teran put Istria among the 10 best wine destinations in the world according to the Wine Enthusiasts Group.

Day 5

Fužine

On our way to Zagreb, in the heart of a conifer forest, near the Bajer lake and the cave Vrelo, lose yourself in unforgettable specialties of the small village of Fuzine: homemade sausages with cabbage, “sarma” (stuffed cabbage rolls), bear paw, frog legs, roasted dormouse, strudel with forest fruits and many others.

Zagreb – Afternoon

After gastronomy and the nature paradise in Fuzine we proceed to the capitol of Croatia, a 1000 year old city that still preserves its historical identity and charm with its neo gothic cathedral, entrance to the city walls “Kamenita vrata”, the open market Dolac, numerous parks and pedestrian zones and thousands of small restaurants and bars in Tkalčićeva street or Cvjetni square where you can drink your long coffee just like in some small Mediterranean town. Zagreb’s architecture as well as its gastronomy has roots in the Austro Hungarian tradition – this is why some of the dishes such as “Kajzersmaren” will be seen as typical both in Croatia and Austria. Pepper biscuits and “licitars hearts” colorfully decorated in the typical Croatian way can be perfect souvenirs.