Holidays are all about relaxation and time spent away from home while discovering the beauty of foreign places. At the end, it all comes to having great unforgettable experience that you can tell stories about. But what would a vacation be without some tasty food and mellow wine to serve it with? And that’s what Croatia is all about– a combination of breathtaking nature, fantastic wines, and great food. Let’s experience the best of it!
Day 1
Arrival to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and more than a 1000 year old City, with its historic charm. Private transfer to your hotel and check in. After a long trip hotel amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate for further days to come. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 2
Your day will start with magnificent cup of coffee in the oldest coffee shop in Zagreb situated on the main square overlooking the statue of Ban Jelacic. Croatians are very sensitive about the coffee and coffee drinking in local coffee shops is part of the culture. After morning relaxation and chatting with your colleagues, you will take a walk with your local guide and start exploring Zagreb. Guide will tell you all the interesting stories about the city. In the evening prepare for “Welcome dinner” in traditional local restaurant where food is prepared according to original recipes from 16 century. The owner is very passionate about food & wine pairing so you are in good hands to have the best food & wine experience there is.
Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 3
After breakfast departure to the region Croatian Zagorje, an area of chocolate-box enchantment: miniature wooded hills are crowned with the castles they seem designed for, and streams tumble through lush vineyards. Visit local winery (www.bolfanvinskivrh.hr).
Dinner and wine tasting with traditional folklore and music in a winery. After dinner departure back to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 4
After breakfast departure to National Park Plitvice Lakes. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen
lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. Take a walk with a local guide through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to make a wish under the largest waterfall as it is supposedly making your wishes come true . After visiting NP Plitvice, we will have a traditional dinner in local restaurant – Licka kuca. Continue to Istria region and city of Pula, city famous for UNESCO protected Roman Amphitheatre. Overnight in Pula.
Day 5
After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Pula city sightseeing. The most famous and important monument, popularly called the Arena of Pula, which was once the site of gladiator fights. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. After sightseeing of Pula, continue to the winery Kozlovic. (http://www.kozlovic.hr/index.php/en)
The hosts will be pleased to show you around their modern winery taking a total surface of 2 200 m2 and track the footsteps of grapes, from a vineyard to the bottle. You will learn about their approach to the grapes, varieties, vinification, aging and bottling of the wine with a special attention to Kozlovic winery and vineyard management. Wine tasting will be arranged in smart wine bar overlooking the vineyards. Wines will be paired with a light food from local farms and small producers.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 6
After breakfast departure to Zadar, city voted to be the best European destination for 2015, – a city monument, surrounded by historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times, Renaissance and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in the world. Hotel check-in. In the afternoon, meeting with the local guide and Zadar sightseeing. While walking with your guide through the city of Zadar, the ancient Forum, symbol of the city-church of St. Donat, St. Anastasia, monuments and palaces, you will learn all about the rich history of this beautiful old town. Tour of the Land Gate and city walls, Square of Five Wells, People’s Square and of course the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Walk along the waterfront with sounds of the sea organ, that are unique in the world, will make your experience complete. According to Albert Hitchcock Zadar is the city with the most beautiful sunset in the world and you will have a chance to be a part of it.
After Zadar sightseeing embark on a boat and begin your unforgettable night. Once the sun has set, you’ll tour Zadar by night cruise to see the city in a totally different and spectacular light. Enjoy the ultimate yacht and dining experience. While relaxing aboard, why not treat yourself with the best Croatian wines? We will have the President of Crolicious – Association holding the presentation about best wines in Zadar region. We will taste some and pare them with the served food. For entertainment, you can listen to Croatian music or international sounds from our collection. We brought a surprise on board, be ready.
Sail back to Zadar. Overnight in Zadar.
Day 7
After breakfast departure to island Pag, 5th largest island in Croatia. Visit one of the most famous winaries in Croatia, Boskinac (http://www.boskinac.com/). Some of Croatia’s best wines come from here, from these vineyards that have been cultivated for generations. The force of the southern jugo wind, the permanence of the rocky island, the fragrance of salt – all of this can be sensed in the wines, thanks to the great desire and efforts that these vineyards demand.
The mineral content of the Pag soil is a strong determinant of wines you will have a chance to taste, just as it was in the time of granddad Boškinac (the founder of the winery we are taking you to). Carefully selected local seasonal ingredients, including lamb, cheese, fish, herbs, honey and olive oil all from the island of Pag, are brought together by creative culinary team, to bring you a harmony of flavours and aromas, and to tell you the tale of island Pag. These local flavours are in step with renowned global culinary trends, and the experience is made perfectly complete with a glass of excellent wines.
Departure back to Zadar after the lunch.
Overnight in Zadar.