Flavors of the Adriatic: Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia - 21 Days

Highlights

• Join cooking classes to learn traditional recipes with local chefs
• Explore cities with local food guides and taste famous dishes
• Meet an oyster farmer in Ston and a beekeeper in Slovenia
• Try Croatian wines on the island of Korcula and the Pelješac peninsula
• Go truffle hunting at a family estate in the Istrian countryside

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kotor (Montenegro), Free Time

Welcome to Montenegro, a tiny country packed with plenty to see and do. This tiny Balkan nation borders Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south and is known for the beautiful beaches and medieval villages along its Adriatic coastline. On arrival, a private driver will collect you for the short transfer from Tivat Airport to the medieval coastal town of Kotor. Check into your accommodation, refresh, and then set out to explore.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is built on a sloping mountain and abounds with Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches. Among the highlights you'll see are the well-preserved Old Town and the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tripun. Go for a walk along the city walls, or relax in an ancient square while people-watching with a refreshing drink or coffee. If you love a challenge, hike the Ladder of Kotor, a steep and rocky hiking trail that connects Kotor with the Krstac Pass—don't miss the local café halfway up that sells homemade goat's cheese.

Day 2: Hike to St. John Fortress, Kotor Food & Wine Walking Tour

One of the highlights of visiting Kotor is hiking up to the St. John Fortress for fantastic views over the Old Town, the Bay of Kotor, and the surrounding mountains. It's a challenging hike that takes around 45 minutes to complete as you climb 1,300 steps to reach the top. Worth it? Absolutely. From the top of the fortress, you'll be rewarded with surreal panoramic views that belong on a postcard.

Having worked off breakfast with your rugged hike, it's time for an indulgent foodie adventure. Meet your local guide and set out to explore Kotor through its food scene. This private two-hour walking tour puts the spotlight on the city's cuisine as you walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town. You'll hear anecdotes and curiosities that make Kotor's history come alive, and visit a beloved local eatery to sample smoked ham, and cheese as you chat about the city.

Day 3: Transfer to Dubrovnik (Croatia) via Perast, Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

This morning, you'll wave goodbye to Montenegro when a private driver collects you for the two-hour transfer into Croatia to Dubrovnik. Start with a scenic drive around the Bay of Kotor before stopping at the charming village of Perast, which feels like a little piece of Venice on the Adriatic. Explore its cobbled streets and picturesque small squares, and don't miss taking a boat ride to the small island of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), the only human-made island on the Adriatic. Afterward, you'll get back on the road, cross the border, and continue to Dubrovnik, where you'll check into your hotel. 

After settling in, get a deeper look at Dubrovnik's many wonders on a private walking tour of the historic center. Entering the medieval Old Town through the 16th-century Pile Gate, you'll uncover centuries of the city's rich history as you listen to stories of local life and legends and of the importance Dubrovnik once held in the era of the Republic. This 90-minute walk includes highlights such as Onofrio's Fountain, the 15th-century Rector's Palace, Luza Square, the Church of St. Blaise (St. Vlaho), and the café-lined streets of Brsalje Street.

Day 4: Free Morning in Dubrovnik, Konavle Region Culinary Experience

This morning is yours to explore Dubrovnik, one of the most ancient fortress cities in Europe, at your pace. While there's evidence of settlements as far back as the Byzantine era, this area became an important power in the 13th century due in part to its strategic coastal position, and you can see this history told in its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains, all found within its imposing fortress walls. Don't miss visiting the Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses, or choose to walk the perimeter along the lofty City Walls.

Treat yourself to a luxurious seafood lunch in the Old Town, then use the rest of the afternoon to relax. In the evening, you'll be whisked out to a family farmhouse in the countryside. Meet your hosts and learn about regional gastronomy and Croatian culture and history. You'll help pick fresh vegetables and prepare a four-course Croatian dinner. When it comes time to sit down and taste your efforts, you'll get to pair each dish with homemade wines. Živeli!

Day 5: Half-Day Elafiti Islands Speedboat Tour

Admire the scenery of the Adriatic coast with today's half-day speedboat tour. Meet your skipper, then set out to discover one or more of the three islands of the Elafiti archipelago: Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Explore small settlements and discover hidden coves perfect for swimming. Wander around in the shade of Mediterranean vegetation, explore interesting small villages, and enjoy local cuisine. You'll return to Dubrovnik for lunch, then have the afternoon free to explore deeper.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is like a huge open-air museum filled with 17th-century buildings, but if you want to learn more, dive into one of the city's most popular museums. The Cultural History Museum in the Rector's Palace offers insight into the life of the Dubrovnik nobility. The Franciscan Pharmacy is one of the three oldest working pharmacies in Europe. The Maritime Museum, located inside the Sv. Ivan Fortress, reveals the long maritime past of Dubrovnik, while the Red History Museum explores Croatia's Communist past as Yugoslavia.

Day 6: Transfer & Ferry to Korčula via Pelješac Peninsula Wine Tasting & Oysters

Start the morning with a one-hour private transfer to the medieval city of Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, home to Croatia's finest red wines and tastiest oysters. Here, you'll find the longest defensive stone walls in Europe and discover beautiful views over the town and its glittering salt pans—some of the oldest still active in the Mediterranean. The bay of Mali Ston has a unique mix of freshwater and seawater, an essential component that makes the local oysters renowned among foodies. You'll stop to meet a local oyster farmer, then taste some day's freshest catch, accompanied by a glass of white wine.

Continue along the peninsula to a local winery where you'll visit a family-run winery to taste the region's robust red dingač wines. Standing on slopes with views across the Adriatic to the island of Mljet, you'll taste a handful of wines and learn about indigenous grape varietals. Finally, you'll be dropped in the 15th-century maritime town of Orebić, where you'll take a short ferry over to the island of Korčula. Settle into your hotel and explore the ancient town's restaurants, taverns, shops, and bars as you roam the maze of gray stone houses, alleys, churches, and squares. 

Day 7: Beach Time on Korčula, Lumbarda Wine Tour & Konoba Dinner

You've landed on one of Croatia's gorgeous islands, so why not spend at least half a day lazing about at a local beach? Pack your towel and swimwear and head to the famous beaches of the Lumbarda region, where stunning beaches and turquoise blue waters await. Take some snacks to the beach, or enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant ahead of this afternoon's private half-day wine-tasting tour.

Your tour will focus on Lumbarda—Korčula's southeastern tip—passing through fields, villages, and wineries, with sweeping views toward the sea and Pelješac peninsula. Beyond beautiful beaches and centuries-old winemaking traditions, Lumbarda is home to grk, a top Croatian white grape variety. Visit a family-run estate to learn about the indigenous grape, which thrives in the region's sandy soil, as well as plavac male, a red grape grown across southern Dalmatia. Finally, enjoy dinner at a local konoba (tavern) with a view of the sea, then return to Korčula Town.

Day 8: Ferry to Hvar, Traditional Peka Dinner

Catch a 90-minute morning ferry to Hvar, the most popular island in Dalmatia. Hvar draws visitors for its natural setting, mild climate, and its historic town of the same name. You'll have the rest of the day to explore Hvar Town, where you can visit St. Stephen's Cathedral or climb the steps to the terrace outside of the historic Arsenal to enjoy views over the harbor and the surrounding area. Hvar is the sunniest spot in the country, perfect for relaxing on the nearby beaches by the crystal clear Adriatic Sea. If you have time, climb to Španjola Fortress for amazing views.

Day 9: Hvar Cycling Tour, Ferry to Split

Today's half-day cycling excursion covers Hvar's undulating island terrain, accented with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fields full of rosemary and lavender. Meet your private guide, transfer to ancient Stari Grad, then set out to explore the north side of the island. Follow an ancient trail of the Greek Hora (agricultural plains) to a family-owned vineyard to taste fine local wines, then travel fragrant trails toward one of the most beautiful Adriatic inlets—Vrboska. Continue via dense pine forests and Mediterranean island scenery to Jelsa, for a coffee break.

Day 10: Split Culture & Food Tour, Soparnik Culinary Workshop

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Split today on a private food tour. You'll snack your way through the city's historic streets while visiting street markets, modest bakeries, and local bars while on the hunt for sweet and savory local delicacies. Meet your guide in the morning and meander over to Pazar, a lively outdoor fruit and vegetable market. See how the locals shop and sample prosciutto and cheese together with rakija, a typical fruit brandy of the region. Then, explore the palace's underground cellars and end with a savory soparnik—a type of Swiss chard-filled pie.

Soparnik is thought to be the prototype of the Italian pizza, and this afternoon, you'll learn how to make it yourself. Join a local cook in a traditional kitchen where you'll discover how to make this Croatian dish using an open hearth that every household used to have. You'll learn about its origin as you prepare it, then feast on freshly made soparnik with local wine or schnapps. The ultimate test—is yours better than the one you sampled this morning? Take the recipe and share this tradition with family and friends when you return home.

Day 11: Day Trip to Mostar & Blagaj (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

This morning, you'll cross over into neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina on an epic day trip to Mostar and Blagaj. In Mostar, you'll be met with a clash of cultures and religions. The small city, which spans a deep valley of the Neretva River, is often described as a place where "north meets south, and west meets east.” A local guide will share its rich history as you explore the highlights. Visit Stari Most, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Franciscan Monastery, the Kajtaz House, and stop to do some shopping along Kujundžiluk Street. You'll also take a break for a taste of true Bosnian coffee.

On the return to Split, you'll stop in Blagaj, a small and historic village on the Buna River. At the village's spring, in front of towering cliffs, stands a beautiful 16th-century tekija, a Dervish monastery from the Ottoman period. Take a few photos and enjoy the pristine nature that surrounds you before you return to Split for the evening.

Day 12: Transfer to Plitvice Lakes via Krka Wine Tasting & Šibenik

You'll end today in Plitvice Lakes, making three major stops along the three-hour private transfer. The first is Krka National Park, where you'll have two hours to explore its waterfalls, including the impressive Skradinski Buk, and the Krka River, which has created a spectacular canyon on its 44-mile journey (70 km) from the foothills of the Dinaric Alps to Šibenik. After, visit a family-run winery for a food and wine pairing, where you'll taste wines made from indigenous grapes of the Skradin region, as well as liqueurs made with high-quality grape brandy and wild foraged fruits and herbs.

In the afternoon, continue to the coastal town of Šibenik. A Croatian gem founded by the Croat king Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century, Šibenik is home to impressive fortresses, music festivals, and medieval gardens. The enormous St. James Cathedral is a must-see, plus you should visit one of the three fortresses. St. Michael's Fortress is a medieval fort that dates back to the first mentions of Šibenik, and today, it's a beautiful place to see the city from above. Finally, you'll reach Plitvice Lakes in time for dinner.

Day 13: Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes, Traditional Peka Lunch, Transfer to Rovinj

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's natural masterpiece, gorgeous at any time of year. A must-visit for any traveler to Croatia, the UNESCO-protected park is home to 16 glassy emerald green and blue travertine lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls, and numerous caves. This morning, you'll explore the park with a local guide, wandering wooden boardwalks as they show you the most interesting places and explain the significance of its history and natural features. You'll admire the unspoiled beauty and learn about its extensive wildlife.

You'll work up an appetite while walking along wooden boardwalks and past the spectacular lakes and falls. Luckily, a fantastic lunch awaits. Experience another traditional peka, one of Croatia's most authentic local dishes, paired with Croatian wines. After lunch, a private driver will transfer you 3.5 hours west to Rovinj, a small jewel on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula and one of the centers for good food in Croatia. Check into your hotel, then set out to find a delicious seafood dinner by the waterfront.

Day 14: Half-Day Trip to Pula, Istrian Cooking Class

Meet a private guide this morning for a half-day adventure to Pula, the largest town in Istria. Located 45 minutes from Rovinj on the peninsula's southern tip, its strategic location means Pula has been occupied throughout the centuries by everyone from the Romans to the Allied Forces in World War II. Beyond its beautiful beaches and harbor, it's most famous for its Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena, dating from the first century. Make a beeline for the arena, which is one of the 10 largest colosseums the Romans ever built.

Istria is the perfect combination of the rural and urban, coastal and countryside—and its cuisine reflects this duality. The sea gives excellent fish and shellfish, and the forests and hills give plenty of meat, mushrooms, artisan cheese, and forest fruits. This afternoon, you'll discover the art of Istrian cuisine with a cooking class. Learn to make traditional Istrian pasta and master the making of žgvacet or brodet, traditional meat, or fish goulash with a local chef. You'll have some of the world's best olive oil, truffles, wild asparagus, pršut ham, brandies, and fine wines at your disposal as you whip up the perfect Istrian meal.

Day 15: Explore Istria's Medieval Towns, Truffle Lunch at Family Estate

Today, you'll visit an area sometimes called "Croatian Tuscany" thanks to its picturesque hilltop towns, forests, and vineyards. A private driver and guide will take you to Grožnjan, a medieval hill town that was once an important stronghold for the Venetians. The town's importance went into decline with the 18th-century collapse of the empire, and more recently it's become a town of artists. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow and cobblestoned lanes, stopping to pop into one of the numerous art studios and galleries.

Continue toward Motovun, an ancient sleepy town located atop a 909-foot (277 m) hill whose city walls date back to the Middle Ages. For lunch, you'll visit a family estate for a special truffle lunch. Meet a truffle hunter to hear how truffles are found, prepared, and served. You'll snack on homemade products such as cheese with truffles, truffle oil, truffle honey, as well as truffle fritaja (scrambled eggs with truffles), which you'll help prepare. The family will share local wines and brandies, then you'll join their dogs on a stroll through the forest on a quest for the coveted white truffle.

Day 16: Transfer to Bled (Slovenia) via Piran

Surrounded by the clear turquoise water and with a fairy-tale castle topping the nearby hill, Lake Bled is certainly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This morning a private transfer will collect you for the three-hour drive to Bled, making a special stop at the Slovenian coastal town of Piran en route. Piran is defined by its Venetian influence, and this picturesque town will charm you with its architecture, colors, and beautiful views over the Adriatic Sea. Stroll around and admire Tartini Square, visit the Cathedral, and enjoy the magnificent view from its bell tower.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Piran, taking advantage of the delicious Adriatic cuisine, local seafood, and quality ingredients. After, continue to Bled. Located in the Julian Alps, the town of Bled revolves around the picture-postcard lake and its island, so check into your hotel, then go for a relaxed stroll by the water. Use your afternoon to visit the oldest castle in Slovenia on the hill, where you can have dinner with a stunning view over the lake and Bled Island.

Day 17: Discover Bled Town & Island Boat Ride, Traditional Slovenian Culinary Class

Awake ready to explore more of Bled today with a private guide. Hear about its legends, discover hidden corners, and learn about Slovenian cuisine. Then, you'll board a pletna, a traditional wooden boat, and cross to Bled Island, where you'll visit the church in the middle of the island and hear the story about the wishing bell on its tower. After, enjoy free time to stroll by the lake, or try a traditional cream cake called kremzšnta. After the two-hour tour, return to Bled Town for a light lunch ahead of your Slovenian cooking class.

This afternoon, you'll prepare and savor a delicious traditional Slovenian meal seasoned with flavorful ingredients and humor. Your entertaining culinary adventure will be an immersive experience where you'll be guided through the entire process by experienced local chefs. You'll learn about the history and cultural significance of each dish while discovering the techniques and secrets that make Slovenian cuisine so special. Once your traditional Slovenian meal is ready, sit down to relish the fruits of your labor.

Day 18: Bled Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Visit Vintgar Gorge

Rise before the break of dawn for an exciting and romantic way to welcome the day—a scenic hot-air balloon ride. Meet your pilot and climb into the basket ahead of an epic flight over Lake Bled and the surrounding rural terrain, soaking in every moment as the sun crests the Julian Alps and Karavanks. This landscape looks like something out of a children's storybook. You'll drift peacefully overhead while taking in the scene below of quaint villages, rolling hills, Slovenia's oldest golf course, and the bluish-green Lake Bled and its namesake island and cliff-clinging castle.

In the afternoon, venture out to Vintgar Gorge. Just a 10-minute taxi ride away, this is one of Slovenia's greatest natural gems and a must-visit when in Bled. Created by the Radovna River carving through the hills, you can traverse the gorge's series of pools, rapids, and waterfalls via a winding wooden boardwalk. Return to Bled and choose a cozy spot for dinner—for a memorable experience, climb to the hilltop medieval castle and enjoy Slovenian specialties with views over the lake.

Day 19: Transfer to Zagreb (Croatia) via Ljubljana, Honey Tour with Local Beekeeper

Enjoy a slow morning in Lake Bled before a private driver collects you for a transfer to Zagreb, Croatia's capital. Along the way, you'll make a stop to meet a local beekeeper and learn about bees, honey, and its production on a short tour. Did you know that Slovenia has the most beekeepers per capita in the world? You'll learn why, learn about how honey is extracted, and taste different types of honey and products. Then it's on to Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital and one of Europe's greenest cities. Stroll around and feel the relaxed atmosphere of the colorful streets and Prešern Square.

Pass by the Three Rivers fountain, visit the Cathedral and Franciscan Church, and enjoy the view of the Ljubljanica River from the Dragon Bridge. Pause for a potica cake and coffee on the Petkovšek embankment, the most popular riverside promenade in the city, then head to Ljubljana Castle for a special lunch in the restaurant. Afterward, you'll get back on the road and continue across the border to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. Check into your hotel. If there's time, you might squeeze in a visit to the Homeland War Museum, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, or the ever-popular Museum of Broken Relationships.

Day 20: Zagreb Food & Culture Tour, Stroll Around Tkalčićeva Street

Chock-full of museums, great architecture, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious food, Zagreb is an exciting city to explore. This morning, you'll get beneath its skin on a private half-day food and culture tour. Start in Ban Jelačić, the main square, and wind through the oldest part of the city in Gornji Grad (Upper Town) to taste fresh produce at the buzzing Dolac Market. You'll visit the Cathedral, Kamenita Vrata (Stone Gate), and St. Mark's Church with its famed multicolored roof. Taste delicious traditional dishes while listening to your guide share stories about the local lore.

Take the funicular down to Donji Grad (Lower Town), an area of spacious parks and boulevards, like the grand Lenuci Horseshoe (or Green Horseshoe) capped by the neo-Baroque Croatian National Theater. After, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Stroll over to Tkalčićeva Street to experience Zagreb's café culture and street-side pub scene. North of the city's main square, this famous vibrant strip is filled with small boutiques, traditional stores, and places to eat and drink, making it the perfect destination for a laid-back Croatian dinner on your final night.

Day 21: Depart Zagreb

If you have a free morning before departing, make like a local and visit one of the many café-bars in central Zagreb. Try the pedestrianized section around Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva for a morning coffee and pastry and to people-watch before you say farewell. When the time is right, a private transfer will collect you for the 30-minute drive to the airport with enough time to check into your departing flight home or onward. This concludes your grand Croatian adventure. Safe travels!

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