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Map of Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure including Croatia and Slovenia

Eat your way from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik via Motovun, Plitvice National Park, Zadar, Split and Korcula.

Embark on an 11-day food inspired journey through Slovenia and Croatia and delight in the culinary mastery of this region, while seeing the history, culture and nature these countries have to offer. Visit salt pans, a truffle farm, wineries, fishing villages and so much more. Discover why Istria is considered one of the world's leading producers of quality olive oil, eat slow-cooked meat cooked Dalmatian-style under a metal bell, raise a glass of refosk (Slovenian wine) or slivovitz (plum brandy) with your small group, and shout ‘zivjeli!’ to the simple, home-style cuisine this region is famous for.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Slovenia
Style
Original
Theme
Food
Code
ZMZE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Tuck into a traditional home-cooked dinner in Rakovica – enjoy a hearty serving of traditional Croatian kotlovina which is a mixed meat dish, traditionally made in a cauldron with robust flavours and hints of spice.

  • Learn how to prepare local delicacies with hands-on experiences that include taking a cooking class in Ljubljana to indulge in Slovenian favourites, and learning how to make local hand-rolled pasta in a small village on Korcula.

  • Get to know the local producers of some of the best eats in southern Europe with a tasting tour and lunch at a family-owned restaurant in Piran and a special truffle hunting experience with an expert in Livade. Plus, visit a nunnery renowned for its preserves and take a tour of Old Town Split with a local foodie.

  • Explore the major food reg cions of Istria and Dalmatia to indulge in iconic delicacies like cured meats, olive oils, wine, truffles, cheese and more.

  • Discover the fairytale landscapes of Lake Bled, walk the boardwalks and wonder at the falls of Plitvice Lakes, experience the sparkling port-side city of Split and visit the lush Croatian island of Korcula – surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The cuisine of Slovenia and Croatia includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Slovenia and Croatia which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

  • The Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous and stairs are commonplace. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines, so packing light is recommended. The cobblestone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.

  • Summer temperatures can reach 40C/105F or higher in some areas, so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Traditional Croatian group cooking class, prepping vegetables
Travellers posing on hike to Lake Bled, Slovenia
Traditional Croatian dish called Peka
Travellers admiring the waterfall in Plitvice Lakes national park, Croatia
Intrepid traveller sitting view view of harbour and sailing boats, Croatia
Fruit stands at a fruit and produce market in Croatia
Three men cooking mussels on boat, Croatia
A slice of a traditional Slovenian dessert called Krema Rezina
Intrepid travellers with view of Dubrovnik old town, Croatia

Itinerary
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Zivjo! Welcome to Slovenia. Known as ‘Europe in Miniature’, tiny Slovenia has a huge heart and a wealth of diversity. Best known for hearty, alpine stews, goulash and sauerkraut, Slovenia also boasts wonderful cakes and strudels, not to mention the culinary treasures found in the coastal Karst region, including teran (wine), prsut (air-dried ham) and sensational olive oils. Picturesque Ljubljana is perfect for starting a food odyssey, with a surprisingly diverse food scene – great local eateries, progressive modern restaurants, street food, cafes and cake shops. Your adventure officially kicks off with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. After this, perhaps toast to your trip with a glass of Slovenia's national drink: schnapps (zganje in Slovene). This fruit-based liqueur comes in a variety of flavours, with the local favourite being viljamoka – flavoured with Williams pear. Your leader can then suggest a great place in the heart of the city to sample some delicious traditional dishes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ljubljana - Schnapps tasting
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend.

This morning, take a public bus to the city of Bled, on stunning Lake Bled at the edge of the Julian Alps. You will have a large part of the day here but be sure to taste one thing in particular – a delicious cream cake called kremna rezina (kremsnita to the locals). It’s thought to have been invented in the kitchens of Hotel Park in 1953 by Istvan Lukacevic – chef of the hotel's confectionery store. Since its invention, more than ten million kremsnita have been baked at the hotel's patisserie. Tuck into your own slice to find out what all the fuss is about. Afterwards, perhaps hike up to Bled Castle or visit the 17th century baroque Church of the Assumption, or simply take a stroll around the lake. Return to Ljubljana in the early afternoon. In the evening, head over to a Slovenian culinary workshop in the evening to pick up some tips for creating some traditional Slovenian fare at home, followed by a hearty meal. Your hosts will provide a tasting of typical Slovenian cold starters so you won't get hungry as you cook!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bled - Day Trip by Public Bus
  • Bled - Kremsnita Tasting
  • Ljubljana - Slovenian Cooking Class
Optional Activities
  • Lake Bled - Parish Church of St Martin - Free
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

This morning, travel by public bus to Piran – a coastal town, located near the border of Italy and Croatia. The region is renowned for its production of quality olive oils, wine (especially the distinctive teran and refosk), as well as a cured ham called prsut. This is air-dried in the cold dry wind (known as the bura), which sweeps down to the coast. Take a tasting tour of the township, then venture into a family-owned konoba (restaurant) for lunch and a wine tasting. Everything you eat is grown and prepared on the property. Next, head to the nearby salt pans of Piran where salt is still manually harvested with traditional tools according to a seven centuries' old process. Cross the border into Croatia. Croatia has long piqued the interest of curious travellers searching for sunshine, sand and scenery, with charming cobblestone towns and World Heritage sites. More recently, it’s gained recognition as an exciting food and wine destination, with the region of Istria leading the charge as the culinary capital of the country. Arrive at your final destination, the Istrian town of Motovun, by early evening where you’ll be free to create your own food adventures.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Piran - Tasting Tour and Lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Motovun is one of the best-preserved medieval Istrian towns in Croatia, with houses scattered all over the hill and a spectacular view of Mirna River Valley. Motovun Forest is the best place for hunting the famous Istrian truffle, and the nearby village of Livade is considered the truffle capital of Istria. Take a walk through the woods with an experienced truffle hunter and learn about this intriguing vocation. Perhaps even sniff out a truffle of your own! Our host will then prepare fritaja - a traditional dish of eggs and truffles. Enjoy tasting this local favourite along with local sausages, cheeses, spreads and a lovely honey-topped cake. Arrive at the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast where you’ll enjoy an orientation walk through the old town. Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne. Return to Motovun and spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps seek out a local restaurant to taste more of the fantastic local produce.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Motovun - Truffle Hunt and Tasting
  • Rovinj – Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour.

Take a private transfer to the stunning World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park – the largest national park in Croatia and known to be one of the oldest in southeast Europe, full of waterfalls and spectral blue lakes. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley before skirting dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. The Upper Lakes are in the dolomite cliffs, where rushing water weaves in and out of the karst before dropping dramatically down to the forest, grottoes and steep cliffs of the Lower Lakes. Take in this lush environment on a walk and boat trip through the park. Head onwards to Rakovica village where you’ll stay the night. Dinner includes a delicious home cooked meal provided by your hosts – a hearty serving of traditional Croatian kotlovina. This mixed meat dish consists mainly of pork schnitzels and sausages, traditionally made in a cauldron (which translates to kotlovina) for large groups of people, feasts, holiday celebrations or just parties. The hosts will let you witness firsthand how the meal is prepared before you tuck in, enjoying the robust flavours and hints of spice.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Rakovica - Home-cooked meal
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Farewell your hosts after breakfast and then travel by bus to the walled city of Zadar. For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. It’s also celebrated for many culinary treasures, including fresh seafood, the sheep and goats that are reared for their meat and milk in the mountains to the north, and the wonderful fresh produce that is grown in a broad belt of land surrounding Zadar. Before exploring this beautiful city, visit a Benedictine nunnery which is renowned for its wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables that are turned into delicious jams, pickles and preserves. Learn about the lives and work of the residents from our host, perhaps picking up some gardening or pickling tips along the way! Back in Zadar you’ll have free time to explore the city. Be sure to stop by the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar’s waterfront – musical steps that celebrate the city’s relationship with the sea. Otherwise, enjoy strolling the marble streets of the Old Town, discovering Roman ruins and medieval churches. Your dining options are plentiful – lamb in red wine, fresh fish, njoki – be sure to ask your leader for their recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zadar - Nunnery & farm visit
Optional Activities
  • Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
  • Zadar - Roman Forum - Free
  • Zadar - St Anastasia's Cathedral - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Rise early this morning for a stroll through Zadar's vibrant fish market. The fish market is built into the city ramparts at the exact spot where the trawlers land with their catch. You’ll also get an opportunity to see some of the produce grown in the area this morning. Depending on the season, you may find citrus fruits and kiwis from the islands, fresh and dried figs and home-made olive oil. Afterwards, travel by public bus southeast to Split, arriving in the late afternoon. Take in vistas over vineyards, olive groves, bays, beaches, steep cliffs and islands along the way. The evening is free for your own food adventures – your leader will have plenty of local suggestions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zadar - Local market visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3-4 hrs.

You may like to live like a local this morning, strolling out to find breakfast at a local cafe, sipping coffee and watching the city come to life. If you're not a breakfast person, enjoy a lie in before discovering the vibrant mixture of golden history and present-day delights in the city of Split which grew out from the remains of Diocletian's Palace. After you’ve admired some of the most impressive ruins on the Mediterranean, soak up the sights and flavours of the city on a walking tour with a local foodie. Wander the district's winding streets before heading into the market to learn about Croatian agriculture and cuisine. Taste produce like local fruit, veggies, dried orange peel (a typical snack in Split) and finish with a lunch of soparnik, a traditional bakery treat made from finely ground wheat flour. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Perhaps take in the fantastically preserved basements under the city, along with the Cathedral in Docletian’s Peristyle and Jupiter’s Temple. As the evening rolls in, you may choose to take another cooking class or put your feet up and relax over a hearty Croatian meal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Split - Old Town Food and Culture Tour
Optional Activities
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
  • Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Enjoy a free morning in Split before catching a ferry to Korcula. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation walk to get a feel for this historic fortified island town. Korcula is steeped in a long history and has been home to Greek, Slav and Roman settlers – resulting in a romantic and evocative cultural old town. What's more, there are plenty of warm beaches to relax on if that's more your speed. You might like to take a swim, walk around the bays and villages near Korcula town, pay a visit to the Marco Polo Tower, go shopping, or just soak up the ambience. Later in the evening, you will have the option to make the short journey by local bus (approximately 30 minutes) to the tiny village of Pupnat in the interior of the island. Consider dinner in the village, enjoying a meal made entirely from local produce. Perhaps even try drinking your wine like the locals do – mixed with a bit of water.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Korcula - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Relax into island life in the morning before heading to Zrnovo village for a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn how to make zrnovo makaruni (a local hand-rolled pasta), which you’ll enjoy with lunch and some included local wines. One of these wines is Grk – a curious drop. The wine cannot replicate itself as it only has female parts and needs to be planted with another male grape variety in order to pollinate. It seems like a lot of work to make a wine, but the end result is a glass of acidic white, featuring a robust aroma and hints of pine that has been loved around the country for ages. In the afternoon, return to Korcula town for some free time – beach, anyone?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zrnovo - Cooking Class
Optional Activities
  • Korcula – Hop on hop off boat - EUR20
  • Korcula – City Museum - EUR6
  • Korcula - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance - EUR18
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Travel to Dubrovnik by catamaran this morning. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. With no activities planned, once we arrive in Dubrovnik your tour will come to an end. Your catamaran will arrive conveniently near the central bus station, from which you can get connections to the airport. If you would like to spend more time in Dubrovnik (which we highly recommend), we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). You group leader will be able to point you in the right direction to your accommodation or onward journey.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your Real Food Adventure concludes at midday today, upon arrival in Dubrovnik. Please do not book onward travel arrangements commencing before 3pm on the final day of the trip.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Ferry, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Apartment (5 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Included activities

  • Ljubljana - Schnapps tasting
  • Bled - Day Trip by Public Bus
  • Bled - Kremsnita Tasting
  • Ljubljana - Slovenian Cooking Class
  • Piran - Tasting Tour and Lunch
  • Motovun - Truffle Hunt and Tasting
  • Rovinj – Day Trip
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Rakovica - Home-cooked meal
  • Zadar - Nunnery & farm visit
  • Zadar - Local market visit
  • Split - Old Town Food and Culture Tour
  • Korcula - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Zrnovo - Cooking Class

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Slovenia & Croatia Real Food Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 7 and 8 (Hotel) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. This trip ends at 11am on Day 11 upon arrival in Dubrovnik. Please do not book onward travel arrangements commencing before 3pm on the final day of the trip.

Essential trip information

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