Zagreb - Momjan - Rovinj - Pula - Buzet - Pltvice Lakes National Park - Plastovo - Split

Welcome to an extraordinary wine-tasting journey across Croatia, a land of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled hospitality. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us on this remarkable expedition, hosted by a dynamic trio passionate about sharing their love for Croatia and its exquisite wines.

Date

Sep 15 - 22, 2024

Year

2024

Group Size

1 - 10

Tour Escort

Day 1 to Day 7

Your guides on this adventure are Lisa Albert, an American with a heart deeply entwined with Croatia, along with Ines Palac and Goran Kovacevic, both proudly born and raised in this beautiful country. Together, they will lead you to their favorite hidden gems, offering an insider’s perspective that goes beyond the ordinary.

Prepare to be enchanted as you traverse the country, experiencing not only the finest gourmet star restaurants and renowned wineries but also discovering the charm of local tavernas tucked away off the beaten path. This journey promises an unparalleled exploration of Croatia’s diverse wine culture, where every sip tells a story and every location is a piece of the country’s rich tapestry.

Embark on this unique voyage, where passion, expertise, and a deep connection to the Croatian heart create an unforgettable experience. Join us as we uncork the essence of Croatia’s wine heritage in a way that transcends the ordinary, making every moment a toast to the extraordinary. Cheers to an unparalleled wine-tasting journey!

Trip Highlights

• Tastings at 4 wineries and vineyards.

• 2-night stay in Hotel Esplanade, the most famous hotel in Zagreb.

• Take a guided walking tour of Zagreb, visiting sites such as The Cathedral of the Assumption, founded in 1093.

• Visit the oldest private wine-tasting shop in Croatia.

•  Explore the fairytale street of Tkalčićeva.

• 3-night stay at The Grand Park Hotel in Rovinj.

•  Unique gastro experience at a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

•  Truffle hunting experience with lunch.

•  Immerse yourself in history at a Roman Amphitheater.

•  Journey to UNESCO Site and first Croatian national park, Plitvice Lakes Park.

•  1-night stay at Hotel Degenija in Rakovica.

•  1-night stay at Hotel Briig in Split.

What is included in the price?

· Private transfer in a luxury vehicle (Mercedes or similar) from Zagreb airport to hotel on Sep 15th

· Sep 15 – 17, 2024 – 2 nights – Accommodation in Zagreb Hotel Esplanade 5*, Deluxe double room, breakfast, VAT and taxes included

· Welcome dinner in Zagreb on Sep 15th food and wine pairing

· Licensed Private English-speaking guide for a walking tour of Zagreb city up to 2 hrs

· Wine tasting at Bornstein Winery incl snacks

· 3 course launch at Local restaurant in Zagreb

· Private transfer from Zagreb to Rovinj, en route visit to Kabola Winery (19-seater)

· Kabola Winery visit, wine tasting, olive oil tasting incl snacks

· Dinner in Local restaurant in Rovinj incl drinks

· Food and Wine Pairing Dinner in Agli Amici Michelin restaurant (6 courses)

· Licensed Private English-speaking guide for a full day excursion to Pula and Central Istria

· Roman Amphitheatre Entrance fee

· Tasting session of truffle products and an unforgettable truffle hunting adventure with guides

· Sep 17 – 20, 2024 – 3 nights – Accommodation in Grand Hotel Park 5* in Rovinj, Premium Sea-view room, breakfast, VAT and taxes included

· Private transfer from Rovinj to Central Istria – full day excursion (19-seater vehicle)

· Private transfer from Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes – full day (19 seater vehicle)

· 3 Course Lunch in Local restaurant at Plitvice

· Entrance fee to National Park Plitvice Lakes

· Licensed Private English-speaking guide for a guided tour of Plitvice National Park up to 3 hrs

· Sep 20 – 21, 2024 – 1 night – Accommodation in Hotel Degenija 4* in Rakovica Plitvice area, Comfort double room, breakfast, VAT and taxes included

· Private transfer from Rovinj to Split, en route visit Plastovo

· Food and wine pairing at Bibich winery

· Licensed Private English speaking guide for a private walking tour of Split town, up to 2 hrs

· Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant

· Sep 21 – 22, 2024 – 1 night – Accommodation in Hotel Briig 4* in Split, Superior double room city view , breakfast, VAT and taxes included

· Private transfer in a luxury vehicle (Mercedes or similar) from hotel in Split to Split airport

TAXES and VAT INCLUDED

Not included:

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Airfare,  Travel Insurance – please do let your expert know if you need assistance.

• Additional sightseeing, activities, and experiences outside of your itinerary.

• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, mini bar etc.)

• Gratuity for services and experiences.

• Drinks from the onboard bar

Day 1 – September 15
Zagreb

Dobrodosli! – Welcome to Croatia! From UNESCO heritage sites, fascinating history and culture to beautiful beaches, secluded islands, and clear seas, discover Croatia’s breathtaking beauty, the jewel of the Adriatic!

Private transfer from Zagreb airport to your hotel is arranged. Begin your two-night stay at the Hotel Esplanade 5* in the heart of Zagreb. Relax, and freshen up before your welcome dinner at a renowned restaurant and meeting with your new fellow travelers.

The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is the most famous and one of the most luxurious hotels in Zagreb, April 2015 marked the 90th year of its existence. Its timeless elegance, sophistication, and charm, which back in 1925 attracted passengers of the famous Orient Express, today is considered an elite venue and cultural historic icon of Zagreb.

Day 2 – September 16
Zagreb

Embark on a captivating journey through Zagreb, Croatia, with our curated itinerary. Explore iconic landmarks, from the main square to St. Mark’s Church, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.

Meet with your guide for a private walking city tour of Zagreb. We’ll start with exploring the capital’s historic center, Gornji Grad (“Upper Town”), to see the top tourist attractions, find the most Instagram-worthy spots, and walk on picturesque cobblestone streets. St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most emblematic buildings, known for its gorgeous multicolored tiled roof.

Indulge in a private wine tasting at the first Croatian wine shop and savor traditional dishes at a local restaurant. Enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the charming streets of Tkalčićeva.

Day 3 – September 17
Zagreb – Buje – Rovinj

Morning departure and meeting with our driver for a private transfer from Zagreb to Rovinj in Istria.

When in Istria, it is only a short drive to the Kabola Winery. The story of wine growing in the Markežić family dates back to 1891. Since then, hardworking and patient hands have been weaving the incredible tale of their wines, inspired by the desire to stand out by being genuine and unique. They’ve managed to shape their recognizable style through the Kabola brand.

Final drive to Rovinj, check into the hotel, and relax. Begin your 3-night stay at the Grand Hotel Park 5* situated on Rovinj’s eastern shore, offering remarkable vistas of its picture-perfect old town. Later in the evening please join us for the evening walk in the Old Town of Rovinj. This evening you’ll enjoy Croatian pizza for dinner together with your fellow travelers.

Day 4 – September 18
Rovinj

At your leisure, spend the day exploring the gem of the Croatian coastline and the Istrian peninsula, the beautiful town of Rovinj. In addition, plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities in one of the best hotels in Croatia – Grand Park Hotel.

In the evening you will experience a unique gastronomic adventure in the Agli Amici restaurant. This restaurant with a selected menu brings Michelin-starred cuisine to Rovinj. Situated in the heart of the marina, the restaurant offers an astonishing vista of the old town center of Rovinj and the island of St. Catherine, as well as a unique and unforgettable gourmet experience. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star within a year of its opening!

This unique and elegant spot is located alongside the gorgeous promenade connecting the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj and the marina, where its picturesque terrace offers a direct panorama of the sea and the old town of Rovinj. The Agli Amici and Istria tasting menus bear an immediately recognizable signature, which has remained faithful to the vision of ingenious cuisine, sophisticated simplicity, and strong personality. Each dish is bursting with flavor-filled stories meeting the specific aromas of Istria and the local coastline.

Day 5 – September 19
Rovinj – Pula – Central Istria

In the morning we will depart for the day’s journey to explore the Istrian peninsula. Our next stop is Pula City – it is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. Dive into its three-thousand-year-old history, where every step you take through the old town is a landmark, begins and ends with a visit to their Roman amphitheater.

After visiting an amazing Roman heritage still well preserved we will head for a full-day excursion gastro adventure to central Istria. The Central Istria Riviera, known as Green Istria, embraces a multitude of small places with a long history and fortresses on hills with picturesque bell towers.

Today you will enjoy a unique experience during a truffle hunt accompanied by specially trained dogs. After an aperitif, we will go to the forest near the Motovun woods and Buzet – the hometown of the truffles. The biggest truffle in the world was found in this area in 2000 (1,3 kg!) with the help of dogs, specially trained to find the underground mushroom using their sense of smell. After your hunt, you will learn how to prepare a meal using truffles.

Drive back to beautiful Rovinj, free time in the evening, and prepare for our next adventure tomorrow.

Day 6 – September 20
Rovinj – Plitvice Lakes National Park

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Istria, a drive to another gem of Croatia – National Park Plitvice Lakes where we will stop for a private guided visit. Head for a truly amazing and spectacular stop – the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival meet your local English-speaking guide and explore the Plitvice Lakes Park.

The first Croatian national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes offers its visitors a blend of vivid colors, sounds, and smells that are spectacular and memorable. Its 16 cascading lakes and numerous waterfalls make up one of the greatest wonders of the world. Embraced by high wooded mountains and fed by many small rivers, the lakes are a mesmerizing view of green and blue accompanied by the thundering sounds of the many waterfalls that connect the lakes to create a true paradise on Earth.

After the tour, enjoy Lika specialties – Lunch served at Lička kuća restaurant. In the middle of the restaurant, there is an open-hearth fireplace, where lamb is roasted on a spit, and where other food specialties from Lika are prepared “under iron cover.”

This evening we will spend the night in the hotel in the vicinity of NP Plitvice Lakes. Dinner in hotel. Overnight in Hotel Degenija 4* in Rakovica

Day 7 – September 21
Plitvice – Plastovo – Split

Our journey continues through the beautiful Lika region. In the morning, after a few hours of driving, we will reach the most popular region of Croatia, a stunning Dalmatia. We’ll make a stop before Split – to visit Bibich Estate where you’ll enjoy a unique wine-pairing lunch experience at Bibich tasting room.

Food courses inspired by tradition and made from local groceries are perfectly paired with their wines, while the presentation is done by the winemaker himself. There are 5 wines paired with 5 food courses!

Final drive to Split and arrival around 3 p.m. Upon arrival in Split, we’ll check into the hotel and relax.

Meet with our private licensed local guide and enjoy the Split historical tour. The tour includes a visit to the 1700-year-old Roman Palace. It is the home of most of the city sights like the Basements, beautiful Roman squares and statues, The Bell Tower, and Jupiter’s temple.

Learn everything about major historical sites & culture and wrap up the day with a wonderful Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers and hosts in one of the best restaurants in town! Step inside Diocletian’s Palace and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants & shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years. Overnight in Hotel Briig 4* in Split.

Day 8 – September 22
Split

Breakfast at the hotel and check out! Private airport transfer has been arranged.

SRETAN PUT I HVALA! (Bon Voyage and Thank you!)