Istrian Pride – Wine Tour of Istria
Recently the world has turned its eyes to the wine scene in Croatia, with the Istrian Peninsula claiming the prime glances. All for a good reason! Stretched between the Alps and the Dolomites, framed in the craggy shores of the Adriatic, Croatia’s largest peninsula features an interior of rolling green hills with towns perched up high in the skies and sun-struck slopes just perfect for growing vines. The wines of Istria are thus curiously diverse, with the authentic white Malvazija, the pride of the region, or the grand Teran reds, getting the most acclaim. But the beautiful peninsula countryside is home to many boutique wineries and with each presenting a unique take on the Istrian classics, the future here looks even brighter than the present.
Stories of Zagreb
Zagreb is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Compact and charming but also exciting and diverse, it oozes that feel of a small-scale capital city which offers many options but remains in touch with its people. Surprising and entertaining around each corner, with a brimming street scene, green parks, lively markets, world-class shopping and a cool history to match, Zagreb pulses in the intriguing space between its medieval past, Art Nouveau moment and contemporary heyday. Threading the story from the olden days to the thriving present, our classic walking tour highlights the very essence of the Croatian capital.
Modrič Caving Adventure
Completely untouched by man, the jeweled walls of Modrič cave conceal a silence and darkness so rarely present in the modern-day realm. Huge stalactites and stalagmites decorate the floors and the ceilings adding a touch of out worldly to an already wondrous experience! Located near Zadar, yet situated nicely off the beaten path, this incredible cave was discovered unexpectedly in the early 1980s by a speleologist who was searching for shelter from the strong bura winds after his bike broke down. What serendipity, as Modrič cave is a wonderful hidden world of subterranean shapes and forms.
Stories of Zadar
Thanks to its atmosphere of a laid-back, yet elegant coastal town and a history as the region’s capital for 1,300 years, Zadar was voted the top choice by European Best Destinations in 2016! A city that has risen from the ashes of the tumultuous 1990’s to become a thriving and stunning city proud of its heritage and surrounding beauty definitely has a story to tell. Explore what makes this city so special and join us on a thought-provoking walking tour of Zadar!
Cooking in Dubrovnik wine county
Join Mario Bartulović, the young and enthusiastic winemaker, storyteller and advocate of the beauties of rural life, on the most authentic culinary experience in the Dubrovnik region! The ancient recipe of peka that harkens back to the prehistoric times is a quintessential Dalmatian tradition so beloved for its hearty and delicious flavors and the way it brings people together around the fire! Sharing stories over some fantastic Pelješac wines, Mario will walk you through the unique peka experience of slow cooking under the bell!
Oyster harvest and seafood picnic in Ston
The pretty peninsula towns of Ston and Mali Ston are famed for their bounty of the highly valued Croatian product, the oyster. Harvested for generations in this region, small family run farms proudly uphold the practices and traditions that have made the region famous. Enjoy oysters lifted straight from the clear blue sea to your plate! Experience the oyster harvest up close with a local fisherman – the essence of Dalmatia on a platter, enjoyed in the idyllic surroundings of the Pelješac peninsula inlets. Forget the restaurant, this the place to try one of Dalmatia’s most prized gastronomic treats followed by a seafood lunch on a quiet island. A superb day trip from Dubrovnik that takes you into both the stunning scenery of the region and up close with the friendly locals proud of their livelihood and heritage. Stop for oysters and lunch on your transfer between Split and Dubrovnik, or en route to the islands of Hvar or Korčula, or add it to our Pelješac wine tour. One of our most popular tours!
Trsteno Cooking Class
The small coastal village of Trsteno was once the summer retreat for the aristocracy of Dubrovnik where they built their gorgeous summer residences and villas. Only a 30-minute-drive from Dubrovnik, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Also known for the oldest Arboretum in this part of the world, a place where plants from all over the world celebrate unity in remarkable displays of shapes and colors, a visit to Trsteno recalls the oasis it once was. A glimpse into the past and the traditions of Dalmatian village life that still exist is made all the more special by learning and enjoying the secrets of traditional Dalmatian cooking in the beautiful ancestral villa, home and gardens of Katija!
Cooking with Tatjana
Where better to discover the secrets of the Dalmatian cuisine than with one of the most creative, charismatic and charming chefs in the region? One of our most popular experiences, cooking alongside Tatjana Ciciliani in her 13th century palace home in Trogir reveals the art of loving food from end to end. From the market to the plate, your host Tatjana will lead the way, sharing with you her passion for both the local traditions and the contemporary style of food preparation. Her charm and wit rival her exquisite talents in the kitchen so get ready for an upbeat day of heartfelt cooking with one of Croatia’s top chefs.
The roots of Zinfandel
Planted in over 10% of vineyards in California, Zinfandel was long considered an all-American vine, until… surprise! DNA-profiling techniques related this black-skinned grape back to its Croatian origins, namely, the grape called Crljenak Kaštelanski. An authentic sort from the region of Kaštela in Central Dalmatia, Crljenak is undergoing somewhat of a Renaissance on the account of its relation with the American favorite. Enjoy this exploratory tour as it takes you to the true roots of the Zinfandel grape, revealing along the way the twists and turns on its path from coastal Croatia to California. Bon voyage and cheers!
Bibich Food & Wine Experience
Meet the pioneer of contemporary Croatian winemakers, Alen Bibić. His name often comes attached to the famous regional white wine, Debit, that he himself brought back from the realm of table wines, adorning it with newfound respect. Alen obviously did something right when he revived his grandfather’s vineyards which were decimated during the 1990’s war, as his revolutionary blends soon made him the first Croatian winemaker to export to the US. His passion and knowledge on wine production, as well as the gourmet magic he creates in tandem with his wife Vesna, were recognized by Anthony Bourdain, resulting in Bibich and Skradin being featured as one of the Croatian highlights on the famous ‘No Reservations’.
