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Taste of the Adriatic: Croatia & Montenegro
October 7-17, 2022
Explore and experience the beautiful reaches of the Adriatic Sea from storied coastal towns to gorgeous islands, peninsulas clad in vineyards and onto traditional farmhouses & eateries tucked away in hill towns that time has seemingly forgot. Savor locally sourced, fresh and delicious food & wine pairings on a daily basis. Interact with local families conveying their traditions, history and personal stories. Relax in boutique hotels, handpicked to keep everyone more than comfortable along the way. Taste of the Adriatic is not only for foodies and wine aficionados, but for those who want to best experience this area’s natural beauty, picturesque vistas and gorgeous seaside towns (minus those annoying cruise ships).
We have enjoyed our small groups so much that we will continue to keep numbers low and personal attention high. This tour will have a maximum of 12.
Tour leader TBA
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Day One
Overnight: Trogir, Croatia
Wine tasting and dinner over the Adriatic
Transfer from airport to small island town of Trogir, wedged between the mainland and a larger island. Short introduction tour of this beautiful and charming town including the 11th century St. Lawrence church with intricate stone carvings at entrance. Welcome dinner and wine tasting at Kairos winery overlooking Adriatic, Trogir and many islands. Introduction to the original Zinfandel/Primitivo: Crljenak.
Day Two
Overnight: Trogir, Croatia
Wine, sheep cheese and Michelin food on Pag Island
Morning at leisure in Trogir. Head to island of Pag with its near-lunar landscape for a special lunch and wine tasting at a One Michelin star family business that might just be the best restaurant in the whole country. Pag is also famous for its sheep cheese and olive oil and those will be highlighted too. On the way back to Trogir a stop at lovely city of Zadar to check out the blend of ancient architecture with modern touches, like the unique Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun.
Day Three
Overnight: Brac Island, Croatia
Welcome to the island of Brac
Before catching the ferry to the island of Brac we stop in Split to tour the palace built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in 297 AD as his retirement pad. Arrive onto Brac, famous for its sheep’s cheese, olive oil, Zlatni rat beach and the white stone that has helped build Diocletian’s palace and the White House. Delve into Plavac Mali (red) and one of Croatia’s best rosé at a family winery tucked away in a tiny village. Check into our hotel at the seaside town of Bol in time for the sunset.
Day Four
Overnight: Brac Island, Croatia
Hidden local gems
We spend the day hanging out with our local guide checking into all the little spots around the island. Visit to authentic traditional stonemasonry village, tastings of olive oil at a historic mill and stop for some breathtaking views atop Mt. Vidova, the highest peak of all Adriatic island. Learn how to make a mean Pašticada for tonight’s dinner with our local guide and his family’s house.
Day Five
Overnight: Brac Island, Croatia
Wines along the Adriatic
First half of the day reserved for some sailing. Sail, swim and relax as we head across to Hvar Island. Discover some very rare grapes of Bogdanuša (meaning ‘godsend’), Marastina and Kuc at a winery in the small fishing harbor town dating back to the 15th century. After sailing back to Bol, rest of day to walk along the island’s golden beach, swim or check out the Dominican monastery. Evening tasting of Vugava white wine (a personal favorite of ours) at a quayside winery.
Day Six
Overnight: Mostar, Bosnia
A Taste of the Orient
We say Doviđenja (goodbye) to Brac and head to back to the mainland and into Bosnia. No other place in Europe has quite the feel of the Orient as Bosnia and Mostar, the former Ottoman trading center of Balkans, is a great starting point. Tour the city’s Ottoman old town with its iconic 16th century stone bridge spanning the Neretva River a riverside bazaar. Stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, rolled grape leaves and some serious strong Bosnian coffee await the tastebuds. Meet with a wine producer in the Hercegovina region to try a grape (Žilavka) and a style (biodynamic) that you’ve never had before.
Day Seven
Overnight: Perast, Montenegro
Montenegro’s Beautiful Bay of Kotor
As we exit Bosnia, we squeeze in a wine tasting in the Orthodox dominated part of the country before crossing borders again. The name Montenegro (Crna Gora in the local language) means Black Mountain. And this tiny country is packed with mountains, some of which crash down into the sea. Our destination for the next 2 days is Perast, set amongst the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. This old Venetian town once known for its sailing and shipbuilding prowess still boasts many palaces from the 17th & 18th century. Dining al fresco with views out to two small islands in the bay.
Day Eight
Overnight: Perast, Montenegro
Vranac wine and an epic feast
Tour the splendid walled medieval city of Kotor, including a guided tour and time to relax, shop or hike up the 1200 steps to the ruined fortress looking down upon the town and the majestic Bay of Kotor setting. Meet with an American-Montenegrin couple whose wine is equal to their family’s unique story of how they got here. Then we head into the interior of the countryside for a farewell feast at a local farm which spit roasts goats to serve up alongside their home made baked bread, potatoes and veggies from their garden, goat cheeses and their own wines, brandies and honey.
Day Nine
overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Late morning arrival into Dubrovnik. Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik, a magical walled city with a rich and important history. Some leisure time to perhaps take an unforgettable walk along the high city walls, visit the Rector’s Palace or take the cable car up for great views of the city. Special tasting of southern Dalmatian wines at an atmospheric boutique wine bar in the old town.
Day Ten
overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Oysters, Plavac Mali wine and home cooking
Excursion to the most gorgeous wine region in the country, Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula. We follow the stunning scenery of Pelješac and delve into fresh oysters in the village famous for harvesting them. Continuing along the peninsula, we’ll meet with local vintner making organic wines, mostly Plavac Mali. He’s also a member of Slow Food and will whip up a to-die-for lunch including mom’s fresh baked bread and wild boar goulash! One more surprise winery visit before the inevitable nap and food coma. Wake up back in Dubrovnik by early evening.
Tour Dates: October 2nd – 12th, 2022
Price: $3900 (Air not included). Single Supplement is $650. We welcome singles and can try to pair you with another single to room with, but the single supplement will be required if we can’t.
Tour price includes 10 nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, 12 meals, 10 wine tastings and other sights listed in itinerary, transportation by small bus. A non-refundable deposit of $600 will be due upon booking.
Tour begins at 3 pm in Trogir, Croatia. Airport, Split (SPU).
Tour ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Airport, Dubrovnik (DBV). We can arrange transfers for an additional fee.
Pre Tour Options
We are also offering a 3 day Pre Tour trip in Croatia’s Istria region which includes truffle hunting, the world’s best olive oil, charming tiny hill towns, insanely great goat cheese and an array of Venetian and Roman architecture.
Please contact us for either options or let us know your travel desires and we can customize your own pre or post tour adventures!