A Taste of Croatia

Explore Croatia’s history, culture and exquisite cuisine on this 7-day culinary tour, Flavors of Croatia Culinary Tour with Chef Maneet Chauhan. Tour guests will get to sample Croatian dishes prepared by the James Beard Award Winner and Food Network “Chopped” Judge, Croatia’s top chefs and Chef Richard Gruica.

• Ideal length: 8 days
• Best time to go: May-June; September-October
• Flight time: LAX 13 hours 35 minutes; ORD 11 hours, NYC 10 hours 15 minutes
• Average cost per person (double occupancy; airfare not included): $3,949

Day 1: Dubrovnik

After landing at the Dubrovnik Airport, feel the warm Dalmatian breeze and sun on your face as the private transfer for your Captivating Croatia Tour greets you at the airport and takes you to a 4- or 5-star hotel, where you’ll have time to recharge and refresh before meeting the group.

After a welcome cocktail, the group will take a short trip to the top of Srđ Mountain for a spectacular view as the sun sets over Dubrovnik.

Head to the Konavle Valley for dinner at a stone countryside house to experience Peka, the famed Balkan dish cooked under coals. It’s the perfect welcome to Croatia.

Day 2: Salt of the Earth, Seaside Views, Game of Thrones & Wine

Head out from Dubrovnik to enjoy a scenic drive with amazing seaside views along the entire route. Along the way, stop at the Arboretum, the oldest one in Europe, for a brief tour of the scenery and major filming locations for Game of Thrones fans. Before heading to Peljesac, indulge in specially prepared local light bites, a sampling of Dalmatian treats.

Before arriving in one of Croatia’s most beautiful areas for wine sipping and stunning scenery, stop for a tour of the Ston Sea Salt Beds, the oldest still operational salt pools in the world. While others grab a cup of tasty local coffee, adventurous travelers can check out the Walls of Ston, the second longest wall in the world after China’s Great Wall.

Refresh and recharge after settling into the hotel, and then gather as a group for a private wine tasting and homemade dinner with one of our favorite winemakers at their lovely 700-year-old homestead.

Day 3: The Finest Things: Diving in the Dingac Wine Region + Gourmet Dinner

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in the magical Adriatic Sea with a local diver and spear fisherman to help him catch seafood that will be transformed into tasty Dalmatian dishes, such as stewed octopus and black risotto. Afterwards, enjoy a tour and gourmet dinner at the peninsula’s top winery.

Venture through this wine region where you’ll join a local fisherman who doubles as a free diver and spear fisherman. Take a swim in the Adriatic Sea along with him as he demonstrate his craft and hunt for delicious sea urchin and other edible surprises. You’ll enjoy this magical dip to explore the region’s coastline.

After a dive, take your spoils from the sea to a leafy hidden gem to grill your catch and learn how to make two Dalmatian specialties, stewed octopus and black risotto. Enjoy a relaxing meal under the trees while sipping on wines produced by the area.

After your meal and some free time, you’ll head to the peninsula’s top winery for a sunset toast of bubbly and enjoy an amazing wine tasting tour. Your day will conclude with a sumptuous degustation dinner at the winery’s gourmet restaurant followed by some star gazing.

Day 4: Korcula

Start the day with a guided tour of Korcula, a beautiful island located 30-minutes from the hotel. After exploring the city, one of Croatia’s top chefs will serve you a gourmet lunch made from the finest gastronomic products in the country. End the day sampling local jams, preserves, and wines, culminating in a laid-back pizza dinner under the stars.

Take a guided tour of the jaw-droppingly beautiful island of Korcula, the ancestral home of merchant and explorer Marco Polo. Your adventure begins with an awe-inspiring stroll through the city’s narrow streets.

Enjoy your wine-paired lunch at Dimitri Lesic, a world-famous restaurant that showcases the fusion of the finest gastronomic products available in Croatia, prepared with the gourmet stylings of one of Croatia’s top chefs!

Visit a residence that celebrates ancient artisanal crafts, where you’ll also take part in an olive oil tasting and try locally-made jams and preserves. Guests will also experience a wine tasting at one of the island’s top wineries, featuring many indigenous varietals. End the day with a pizza-pasta meal under the stars.

Day 5: From Water to Wine

Head to Mali Ston, a seaside village known for its oysters and mussels. Enjoy a boat ride along the pristine waters, while you marvel at the famous walls and craggy mountains, where you’ll get an insider’s perspective of traditional oyster farming and production. This unique experience is followed by a delectable seafood lunch.

Before leaving Palješac for the last time and returning to Dubrovnik, take a leisurely drive to the home of one of the top winemakers in Croatia for a private one-on-one tour and tasting.

Venture to Chef Richard Gruica’s favorite restaurant in Dubrovnik, the Michelin-recommended Pantarul, for a meal featuring local specialties prepared with a gourmet twist. And just in case you didn’t know, Pantarul means “fork” in the local dialect. And you’ll sink your fork into the tasty food served here!

Day 6: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Vacationers have the option to explore Dubrovnik by taking a stroll through Old Town, kayaking along the coast, or learning how to make ancient filigree jewelry. As a group, the tour continues with an immersive culinary tour which allows you to sample the local cuisine in addition to receiving a Dubrovnik history lesson.

Prepare to embark on an amazing culinary tour designed by Chef Richard Gruica, founder of Captivating Croatia Tours. With an expert food and history guide, you’ll stroll through the city’s fairytale-like surroundings while tasting the local cuisine and learning about Dubrovnik’s rich history.

Enjoy some free time after the foodie tour to explore Dubrovnik further on your own or head back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation.

Day 7: The Gypsy Table Awaits

On your last full day in Croatia, you’ll enjoy the first half of the day relaxing or spending time exploring Dubrovnik. Rest up for an amazing evening. This tour culminates with the Gypsy Table, a pop-up dinner experience in a secret location. With help from Croatia’s top chefs and Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Richard Gruica pays homage to his mother and blends the best of Croatia in a decadent feast. Enjoy your final night with amazing food, drink, and ambiance.