Our cooking tours never repeat! Each is a unique opportunity to learn about local dishes and techniques—some going as far back as the Iron Age, like peka. Recipes that have been lovingly saved from oblivion by generations of Dalmatians determined to keep their culinary traditions alive. On each tour, our experienced guide will teach you not only about the food you will enjoy, but about the life in Croatia.
Culinary tour of Dalmatia - Zagora and the Islands - 2013
Dalmatia is a land where cultures collided bringing together the traditions of Orient and cuisine of Venetian nobility…each with a distinctive personality and history. Along the Dalmatian Coast the cuisine has a definite Mediterranean flavor with world class olive oils superb wines and seafood. Travel a short distance into the hinterland, and you will find meats and vegetables, and even bread baked under the peka – traditional technique dating back millennia. On the islands, cheeses and lamb grilled on a spit are served in family owned konobas or taverns… We invite you to explore the tastes of Dalmatia…a land of thousands of islands, of history, beauty and mystery. And yes, a land with a rich culinary history which many people have yet to discover. On this gastronomic journey you will taste and learn all about the dishes and wines of Croatia’s region known as Dalmatia. From Split to Dubrovnik and points between you will experience one of Europe’s incredible culinary locations, meeting people and traveling down back roads on a journey you won’t forget.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer from the Split airport to the UNESCO town of Trogir right on the coast of the Adriatic. This 15th century gem is actually located on an island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. It is full of twisting back medieval streets and Romanesque architecture. Check in at the Hotel Pasike, a historic family home, which has been carefully renovated and transformed into a charming inn. Each of the seven rooms feature antique furniture, private, modern bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite tv, and internet connection. The owners pride themselves on friendly service. Dinner tonight in a local restaurant featuring local Croatian specialties.
Day 2
Morning and early afternoon at leisure to explore the treasures of Trogir. Later you'll depart for the hinterlands of Trogir. The village of Primošten Burni makes for a perfect setting for our first cooking lesson. «Peka» is one of the best known traditional Croatian dishes. Though simple at first glance, «Peka» requires a great deal of skill and experience.We'll also learn how to prepare the typical Dalmatian sweet called fritule and enjoy a unique atmosphere of the authentic 300 years old Dalmatian hosehold. Dinner follows the lesson accompanied by local Babich wines, some of the best in Croatia!
Day 3
Morning departure for the island of Brač, third largest of Croatia’s Adriatic islands. First we'll visit the village of Skrip which is the oldest village on the island, dating back to pre-Roman times. Then its on to the village of Dol, where we will learn all about the preparation of "vitalac," a lamb dish unique to the island of Brac. It is a vital part of Croatia's gastronomic, as well as social culture; this is exactly why it is included on this particular tour. While the lamb is cooking, we'll enjoy a welcome marenda of prsut, cheese, olive oil, bread, and wine. Everythiing is made locally. After picking vegies in the garden we'll return to the restaurant for our lunch which will also feature hrapaćuša cake, another specialty of the island. Return to Split by ferry. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the city. Overnight, Hotel Pasike.
Day 4
Morning departure to the historic seaside town of Sbenik – a UNESCO World Hertiage site on the shores of the Adriatic about an hour from Trogir. We will meet our host, Chef Rudi, the owner of the famous Pelegrini Restaurant in Sbenik. Rudi will take us to visit the local market and pick the ingredients for day's lesson which entirely depends on the ingredients available and you and Rudi decide to prepare! Expect anything from creative seafood delicacies to molecular cuisine! Pelegrini is famous for its modern twist on traditional dishes! Tonight we will enjoy some of Dalmatia's most intriguing wines at the Bibic Winery in Plastovo. Last night at Hotel Pasike, Trogir.
Day 5
Today we discover the natural wonders and beauty of the Peljesac Peninsula and enjoy the gastronomical specialties of this area of Dalmatia. Peljesis a slender mountainous area that covers almost 90 kilometers along the Dalmatian coast. Our first stop will be the towns of Ston and Mali Ston. The former is home to what once was the most important fortress along the republic’s northern border. It was also a major salt-producing town, as evidenced by salt pans in the inlet. We'll stop in the sleepy sister town of Mali Ston, home to Croatia's most delicious oysters, carefully grown in beds throughout the bay. A local oysterman will harvest them right out of the sea for you to enjoy right on the spot!. Then it’s on to wine country with stops at some of Croatia’s most illustrious producers. The wines of Milos, Grgich, and Bartulovic will give you fascinating insight into this fabled wine making area of Croatia. And you're in for another special treat today for lunch--peka at the Bartolovic cellar! The traditional slow-cooked meal of lentils, vegetables, and meat cooked for hours under a metal dome over a slow-burning hearth. Overnight stay in beautiful Hotel Ostrea in Mali Ston.
Day 6
A visit to the gorgeous Mljet National Park on the island of Mljet is the next stop on the tour. Beautiful landscapes and astounding sceneries are present throughout this southern Dalmatian island. Today your cooking lesson will focus on the traditional Dalmatian fish dish of Mljet Brujet, a time-honored fish stew which can be made in various ways. We will focus on Mljet’s version composed of different types of white fish including conger (sea eel), frog fish, and spiny lobster. Return to the quaint town of Ston in the evening where the group will gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight stay in charming Hotel Ostrea.
Day 7
Since the tour has now ended, your departure is scheduled from Dubrovnik airport. However, if you wish to spend more time on your own in Croatia, we’ll be happy to work with you to arrange any accommodations or services you may require.
May 23, 2013
Private departures available year round, group discounts available
Program price includes:
4 nights at Hotel Pašike, Trogir
2 nights in Hotel Ostrea in Mali Ston
Breakfasts daily
All tourist taxes and VAT
All lessons with lunch and drinks per itinerary
Wine tasting per itinerary
Welcome and farewell dinner
Airport transfers
All transfers per itinerary
Experienced, English speaking guide
Cost per person, double occupancy: 1 900,00 Euros /based on 4 people minimum
Culinary tour of Croatia - 2013
Dalmatia is a land where cultures collided bringing together the traditions of Orient and cuisine of Venetian nobility…each with a distinctive personality and history. Along the Dalmatian Coast the cuisine has a definite Mediterranean flavor with world class olive oils superb wines and seafood. Travel a short distance into the hinterland, and you will find meats and vegetables, and even bread baked under the peka – traditional technique dating back millennia. On the islands, cheeses and lamb grilled on a spit are served in family owned konobas or taverns… We invite you to explore the tastes of Dalmatia…a land of thousands of islands, of history, beauty and mystery. And yes, a land with a rich culinary history which many people have yet to discover. On this gastronomic journey you will taste and learn all about the dishes and wines of Croatia’s region known as Dalmatia. From Split to Dubrovnik and points between you will experience one of Europe’s incredible culinary locations, meeting people and traveling down back roads on a journey you won’t forget.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer from the Split airport to the UNESCO town of Trogir right on the coast of the Adriatic. This 15th century gem is actually located on an island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. It is full of twisting back medieval streets and Romanesque architecture. Check in at the Hotel Pasike, a historic family home, which has been carefully renovated and transformed into a charming inn. Each of the seven rooms feature antique furniture, private, modern bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite tv, and internet connection. The owners pride themselves on friendly service. Dinner tonight in a local restaurant featuring local Croatian specialties.
Day 2
Morning and early afternoon at leisure to explore the treasures of Zagreb. Later you'll depart for the hillside of Zagorje. The town of Krapina makes for a perfect setting for our first cooking lesson! We will learn the tradition of „štrukli“ and famous „purica z mlincima“. Dinner follows the lesson accompanied by local wines, some of the best in Croatia!
Day 3
Morning departure for Istria. This magical peninsula symbolizes great food and wine in all of Croatia and they are proud of it! The arrival to boutique San Rocco restaurant will be a special treat as the introduction to our next cooking class starts the very afternoon with our visit to the great truffle hunting grounds in Motovun. Overnight, Hotel San Rocco.
Day 4
We have a morning lesson in traditional pasta making and cooking several local specialties all accompanied with wine tasting of superb local wines. Istria is recently making world gastronomy headlines with its superb olive oils as well – tasting of which will be another unique thing accompanying our cooking lesson in traditional Istrian cuisine. Last night at San Rocco hotel.
Day 5
Morning departure to the historic seaside town of Sbenik – a UNESCO World Hertiage site on the shores of the Adriatic about an hour from Trogir. We will meet our host, Chef Rudi, the owner of the famous Pelegrini Restaurant in Sbenik. Rudi will take us to visit the local market and pick the ingredients for day's lesson which entirely depends on the ingredients available and you and Rudi decide to prepare! Expect anything from creative seafood delicacies to molecular cuisine! Pelegrini is famous for its modern twist on traditional dishes! Tonight we will enjoy some of Dalmatia's most intriguing wines at the Bibic Winery in Plastovo. Last night at Hotel Pasike, Trogir.
Day 6
Today we discover the natural wonders and beauty of the Peljesac Peninsula and enjoy the gastronomical specialties of this area of Dalmatia. We'll stop in the sleepy sister town of Mali Ston (where we overnight) home to Croatia's most delicious oysters, carefully grown in beds throughout the bay. A local oysterman will harvest them right out of the sea for you to enjoy right on the spot!. Then it’s on to wine country with stops at some of Croatia’s most illustrious producers. The wines of Milos, Grgich, and Bartulovic will give you fascinating insight into this fabled wine making area of Croatia. And you're in for another special treat today for lunch--peka at the Bartolovic cellar! The traditional slow-cooked meal of lentils, vegetables, and meat cooked for hours under a metal dome over a slow-burning hearth. Overnight stay in beautiful Hotel Ostrea in Mali Ston. Ostrea.
Day 7
Since the tour has now ended, your departure is scheduled from Dubrovnik airport. However, if you wish to spend more time on your own in Croatia, we’ll be happy to work with you to arrange any accommodations or services you may require.
May 23, 2013
Private departures available year round, group discounts available
Program price includes:
1 night at Hotel Dubrovnik, Zagreb
2 nights at San Rocco, Brtonigla
1 night at Hotel Pašike, Trogir
1 night in Hotel Ostrea in Mali Ston
All tourist taxes and VAT
All lessons with lunch and drinks per itinerary
Wine tasting per itinerary
Welcome and farewell dinner
Airport transfers
All transfers per itinerary
Experienced, English speaking guide
Cost per person, double occupancy: 2 450,00 Euros /based on 4 people minimum
