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Day 1: Arrive Zagreb
Begin in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital an amazing art and culinary
city. Spend three nights at the charming and the most luxurious Regent Esplanade
hotel on the famous Mihanović street and just a short walk from beautiful and
pristine Zrinjevac Park.
Regent Esplanade, Zagreb, (D).
Day 2: Zagreb
During your private tour, explore interesting neighborhoods such
as the Upper town, Tkalčićeva street, favorite Dolac market, museums, theaters,
galleries and favorite culinary spots. Learn to prepare classic “purgerski”
specialties such as “Grenadir marš”, “krpice sa zeljem” and “štrudla od sira”
during a private cooking class in a typical Zagreb restaurant. Next morning
don’t miss out on learning what real “gablec” with homemade “sir i vrnje” and
“kukuruzni kruh” is all about!
Regent Esplanade, Zagreb, (B, L)
Day 3: Zagreb/Varaždin/Zagreb
Visit Varaždin and the picturesque Zagorje region and sample
artisan specialties such as “kobasice” “pileća juha s rezanicma”, “purica s
mlincima”, “zagorski štrukli” and “gibanica” in one of the local farm
establishments. The fresh ingredients and amazing taste will inspire to make
these recipes when you return home.
Regent Esplanade, Zagreb, (B, L)
Day 4: Zagreb/Samobor/Opatija
Next, transfer to the dreamy Istrian Peninsula for three nights.
En route, make a stop the small charming town of Samobor nearby Zagreb and enjoy
the artisanal lunch of “kotlovina”. Don’t forget to try the best dessert of the
region “kremšnita”, a mouthwatering custard cake. Continue to Opatija in Kvarner
region for a dinner of “surplice” with local scampi, or perhaps the best local
lamb and a glass of famous Žlahtina wine.
Hotel Mozart, Opatija, (B, L, D).
Day 5: Opatija/Pula/Poreč/Motovun/Opatija
This morning we’ll do as Istrians do; first an aperitif of
mistletoe, rue or honey schnapps. Next we will have cheese and prosciutto
accompanied with Istrian soup, followed by scrambled egg made with asparagus
(during the springtime when the ingredients are the freshest). To walk off a few
of those delicious calories, you will take a private sightseeing site tour of
Pula & Poreč. Your local guide will take you to see best preserved amphitheater
and the famous basilica St. Euphrasius. Don’t miss the magnificent Motovun, a
stunning medieval hilltop village with defensive walls, towers, gates and
flowering vines. Take in the sweet aroma of “maneštra od bobići” and a local
specialty of artisan pasta infused with the best and most flavorful Istrian
truffles. Hotel Mozart, Opatija, (B, L).
Day 6: Opatija/Krk Island/Plitvice
Take a private excursion to the beautiful Island of Krk, the
largest island in the Adriatic. Visit a local estate to enjoy an intimate farm
tour. Taste local olive oil and “formajela” cheese and enjoy an authentic
cooking class and lunch on the farm. The island of Krk is the cradle of culture
and important literary history. You will view many monuments, museums and sacral
buildings such as the medieval town center. Visit the Franciscan monastery on
the islet of Košljun and view the Baška tablet in Jurandvor. The tablet is the
first recorded document of the earliest form of Croatian language.
Hotel Jezero, Plitvice, (B, D).
Day 7: Plitvice/Zagreb
This morning take a boat tour of Plitvice's stunning waterfalls
or go for a brisk walk around these amazing lakes. Start with a sip of the
delicious locally made “šljivovica” plum (or pear) brandy. Enjoy it with a piece
of “škripavac” cheese, dried game and warm home-made bread. We highly recommend
a dinner of traditional Lika baked potatoes with lamb cooked “pod pekom” or
under the embers in an iron bell. If you prefer fish over meat, this is the
place for “lički riblji paprikaš” or Lika fresh-water fish soup. Regent
Esplanade, Zagreb, (B, L).
Day 8: Zagreb
Take a small bag of traditional “paprenjak” or pepper biscuits
with you to share a taste of Croatia with your friends and family at home.
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