Culinary Tour of Slovenia & Croatia

(12 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Ljubljana with Lake Bled, the Julian Alps & Goriska Brda, Istria, Split & Trogir, Dubrovnik & Peljesac Peninsula

This private tour includes in-depth culinary touring in Slovenia and Istria (Croatia)—both renowned foodie destinations—as well as exploring the food and wine traditions of the Dalmatian Coast in Split and Dubrovnik.

Begin in Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. During private touring, explore the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture in the historic center; enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city; visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the capital from a forested hilltop; tour the National Gallery of Slovenia; browse local markets and shops; and enjoy leisure time to relax at local cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps. At iconic Lake Bled, ride in a private pletna (flat-bottomed wooden boat) to a tiny island with a picturesque church and bell tower. Also see Bled Castle, which perches atop rocky cliffs overlooking the water. Nearby, visit a beekeeper to learn about this popular Slovenian pastime and taste local honey. Continue to Lake Bohinj, a picture-perfect mountain lake surrounded by the rocky peaks of Triglav National Park. Visit a cheesemaking farm or the Museum of Alpine Dairy Farming to learn about and taste local cheeses. Perhaps opt for a scenic walk on a lakeside trail, or ride a cable car for incredible bird's-eye views over the lake and mountains.

Another day, take an excursion to the beautiful Goriska Brda wine region to see charming medieval hill towns and sample Slovenian wines at top wineries tucked into the rolling landscape. Also enjoy regional culinary highlights such as olive oil and seasonal fruit. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can request a lunch reservation at a top local restaurant.

Continue to Croatia and travel down the Istrian Peninsula, a bucolic region of oak forests, olive groves and pebble beaches. Stay at an upscale hotel and winery in the countryside, and enjoy activities that highlight local food and wine traditions such as hunting for Istria's famed truffles and sampling Istrian olive oil and wines. Also visit Rovinj, a picturesque jumble of pastel Venetian buildings on the Adriatic waterfront.

Next, transfer to the ancient city of Split for private touring of Diocletian's Palace, one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your private guide, walk through this living archaeological site, and see highlights such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower. Also take an excursion to nearby Trogir, a UNESCO-listed island town that preserves atmospheric Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, including the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Lawrence. Meet a chef to shop for ingredients at a local market, and then enjoy a lunch with paired wines at a beautiful countryside venue.

End your tour in Dubrovnik, a beautiful historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. With your expert private guide, explore the highlights of the Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval city walls, white limestone streets, and well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Walk atop the ramparts, visit historic palaces and monasteries, and explore the most interesting neighborhoods and backstreets. Also browse for unique crafts, olive oil and other Croatian specialties at local shops. One day, tour the mountainous peninsula of Peljesac. Enjoy private wine tastings at local wineries, and meet a local oyster farmer and sample some fresh seafood. Also see the ancient salt pans and impressive city walls in the seaside village of Ston. Another day, take a private excursion into the countryside to see village life amid vineyards and olive groves and enjoy a cooking lesson in a local home.

This tour can be further customized to include additional time in Croatia or neighboring countries such as Italy and Montenegro.