EUROPE
Croatia’s Culinary Delights 10 days from $7,990
Taste your way through Croatia—from the foodie haven of Istria to the ramparts of Dubrovnik—sampling wines, truffles, and oysters from the source and cooking Croatian dishes with a local chef. HIGHLIGHTS Sample freshly caught seafood at a family-run oyster farm in Ston. Meet a local chef in the seaside town of Trogir for a market tour and five-course dining experience. � Enjoy truffle hunting and wine tasting in Istria and stay at a renowned wine estate. � Savor a traditional peka dinner at a family home in the Konavle Valley. � �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you.
Days 1 & 2 – Zagreb, Croatia Arrive in Croatia’s capital, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Your country specialist will have recommendations for what to see and do. Join your private guide the next day for a walking tour of Zagreb’s historic sites and lively Dolac Market. Day 3 – Istria With fresh seafood, rolling vineyards, and olive groves, the Istrian peninsula is Croatia’s gastronomic capital. Set off with a truffle hunter and his dogs to search for these delicacies, and savor a truffle tasting at his farm. Stop in the medieval hilltop village of Grožnjan, then enjoy a tour and tasting at an acclaimed winery. Day 4 – Plitvice Lakes National Park Venture into the World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park with a local guide, following walkways that wind through a maze of interconnected waterfalls and lakes. Then take a short boat ride to the upper trails for a different perspective. Day 5 – Šibenik Meet the owners of the family-run Vizzulin Winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines and homemade charcuterie. Spend the night on the Dalmatian Coast in the fortified seaside town of Šibenik. WHERE TO STAY Meneghetti Wine Hotel Intimate wine estate situated near a medieval village on the Istrian peninsula. Fenomen Plitvice Unique luxury hotel in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Life Palace Heritage Hotel Set within a 15th-century palace in the heart of Sibenik’s charming Old Town. Hotel Marmont Heritage Only a short walk from Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Hotel Excelsior Early 20th-century royal villa perched on the Adriatic with stunning views of the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. 10
Day 6 – Trogir Experience Trogir’s open-air market with a local chef. Hear about the role of city markets as social and cultural hubs as you stroll past colorful seasonal produce and learn how to pick the best of the fishmongers’ catch. Join your chef at a private villa for an interactive five-course cooking experience, paired with local wines. Day 7 – Split Dating to the 4th century, Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split is considered one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Discover Split’s highlights and lesserknown gems on a private walking tour with your expert guide. Days 8–10 – Ston & Dubrovnik Following a tasting at a celebrated winery, head to the historic town of Ston, whose bay is renowned for Europe’s most sought-after oysters. Learn how shellfish are raised and harvested at a family-run oyster farm and savor fresh oysters and mussels paired with local wine. Continue to Dubrovnik and discover this World Heritage city from your expert guide as you walk along the historic walls and visit important sites. Conclude your journey at a family home where you join your hosts in preparing a traditional dinner, capped off by homemade brandy.
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