Our Taste of Croatia Tour is one I am excited to launch. This is the homeland of my Pop, and where Ravlich comes from. I am also joined on this trip by Julie Le Clerc who grew up surrounded by Croatians in West Auckland and has been to Croatia several times.
Cost
$12550pp (twin share)
$2750 single supplement
Highlights
We will –
- Cooking class in Hvar
- Truffle hunt in Istria
- 4 winery visits and tastings
- Split city walking food tour
- Oyster experience in Ston
- Visit to Salt Factory in Nin
- Dubrovnik cable car ride to Mountain Srđ
- Dinners in local Konoba, local village and local favourites
When
Our 2027 Tour is scheduled for late May, the perfect time. The weather is beautiful and the crowds are small.
Itinerary
Day 1
We start our tour in Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula.
Rovinj is picturesque small coastal town, and it is here we will be based for our first 3 nights. Check in to our hotel is 2pm. Once checked in and settled and perhaps with some time to wonder around town we will meet for an aperitivo together and then our first meal.
Day 2
Today we visit the medieval hilltop town of Motovun rising over the Mirna River valley and discover why it is called the monument city. The best preserved medieval Istrian fortress was built on top of a steep 277m high hill, with a staircase of 1052 steps to the top.
From this vantage point you can see the Motovun forest that spreads for miles along the valley of river Mirna. This is where we will find the famous Istrian truffles. So after a city tour, we off on a truffle hunt. We’ll meet the Zigante family, who will share the story of Istrian truffles, and enjoy a 3-course lunch with these sought after fungi.
Istria is also famous for its olive oil, so we’ll indulge in a tasting as well as visit the famous Roxanich winery and enjoy their beautiful wines.
To round off our day we will enjoy dinner at a local konoba.
Day 3
After breakfast we’re off on another day exploring the beautiful Istrian peninsula, heading first to Pula. The history of Pula starts with the myth of the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece. Various layers of history took part in the making of this unique town in which Roman temples sit beside baroque palaces, early Christian churches stand face to face to Austrian villas, and the remnants of mediaeval walls are cut through by antique town gates. We’ll visit the amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
Next it’s the town of Poreč, where we’ll enjoy a 2-hour city tour and visit one of the most the UNESCO heritage listed St Euphrasies Basilica.
On our way back to Rovinj, we’ll stop at Benvenuti winery. We’ll have a guided tour through wine cellar and tasting of 4 wines paired with some local products.
Day 4
After breakfast and checking out we say goodbye to the Istrian Peninsula and head towards Dalmatia. On our way to Zadar, we will stop in the old town of Nin – the town of salt and ancient kings. This charming town is the oldest royal town in Croatia. Located on a small island connected by stone bridges, Nin is rich in history, narrow cobbled streets, and fascinating stories. We’ll visit the famous Nin Saltworks, where you’ll learn about traditional salt production, and the Museum, which reveals why this “white gold” was so valuable throughout the centuries. A short walk through the town will also reveal the world’s smallest cathedral and the remains of a Roman forum. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to our hotel for the night.
Day 5
We’ll meet our local guide for a tour of Zadar including a stroll along the unique Sea Organ.
Then we will be back on the road as we head towards Split, but not before a stop in Jadrtovac near Šibenik to visit local winery. Surrounded by stunning karst landscapes and vineyards shaped by the sea breeze and rocky soil, this winery is known for producing organic wines with strong character, especially from the indigenous Babić grape. During our visit, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their award-winning wines, paired with local delicacies, all while learning about the unique terroir and modern winemaking methods that respect centuries-old tradition.
We’ll arrive in Split with time for you to chill before meeting again for dinner.
Day 6
This morning we will meet our local guide and start an epic 4-hour Split food walking tour. We’ll hear stories, history, and secrets of the city, along with the most delicious cuisine. We’ll visit the famous local market, enjoy a shot of Rakija, and visit historic monuments like Diocletian’s Palace.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy some free time to explore Split at your own pace before we meet again and head for dinner a traditionally prepared meal in a rural household.
Read what I ate in Split on my last visit
Day 7
This morning, we are catching the ferry to Hvar.
In the afternoon we’ll have a guided tour of Hvar culminating with lunch in the local restaurant. We’ll visit the famous lavender fields.
For dinner tonight we are in for a treat with a wine pairing dinner experience at Giaxa restaurant, one of the most recognizable restaurants not only on the island but in the entire Dalmatia region.
Day 8
After breakfast, we’re ready for another day full of unique experiences on Hvar island. We’ll go back in time at Terra Arhaica, 200 years into the past in fact. We will find out how people used to live, learn some of the old crafts, try traditional dishes and much more. Then we’ll step into a world of culinary delight with a traditional island cooking class, set in an ancient kitchen, followed by the lunch.
The afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy Hvar.
Day 9
This morning we will board a catamaran and head to Korčula – the island of legends and stone beauty. Often called “Little Dubrovnik” for its charming medieval architecture, Korčula is a true Adriatic gem. Surrounded by ancient walls and turquoise waters, this island town is famous as the birthplace of Marco Polo, and for its rich cultural heritage, narrow stone streets, and vibrant traditions. Whether you’re strolling through the old town, discovering local wines, or watching the traditional sword dance Moreška, Korčula offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and island charm.
As we near the end of the tour we have left this day for you to spend how you like, be it discovering the town or lazing by the pool/beach or possibly both.
Day 10
We’ll start the day off with a short city tour, then we’re off to visit 2 local wineries with wine tasting of prestigious island wines, followed by the lunch in local restaurant.
The evening is yours to enjoy Korcula at your leisure.
Day 11
This morning we take a short ferry ride to Pelješac. Our first stop is the visit and wine tasting at unique Edivo winery, where they store the wine underwater in the sea for more than 700 days. The sunny climate ensures perfect conditions for the winegrowers on the peninsula. The picturesque hillsides and valleys of Pelješac are covered in vineyards. We then continue to Ston, the oyster-growing capital in Croatia. We will visit the oyster fields, have a short walking tour (city walls). The little town of Ston (population around 500) was an important military fort of the maritime Republic of Dubrovnik. Fascinating 14th century walls, three miles long, making it the second longest ancient wall in Europe, after Hadrian’s Wall in Scotland. Its 41 towers and seven bastions were meant to protect Ston’s valuable salt works; which has been produced here for over 4,000 years!
After the tour, it is a perfect time for lunch in the traditional Dalmatian fish restaurant called Bota Šare. Once we are full, we continue our journey towards Dubrovnik where you have a free evening to explore the city.
Day 12
This morning we will enjoy a tour of Dubrovnik – a city-monument, registered on the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. The city walls of Dubrovnik girdle a perfectly preserved complex of public and private, sacral and secular buildings representing all periods of the city’s history, beginning with its founding in the 7th century. Catch the cable car up to the mountain Srđ for the best views and photos of the city. Then we’ll visit the main city street, Stradun, and the Cathedral.
Then we head to the agritourism region Konavle where we will visit the Old mill and a small river Ljuta while enjoying the lunch in “Kameni Mlini”.
We’ll be back in the city in time to freshen up before our final dinner together.
Day 13
Time to head home or on to your next adventure. Let us know if you need help organising a transfer to the airport or train/ferry station.
What’s included.
- Daily breakfast
- most lunches (with wine!)
- 8 Dinners (with wine)
- 12 nights’ beautiful accommodation
- Expert local guides + Kiwi hosts
- All transport including ferries
Not Included
- Flights
- airport or train station transfers
- tips
- travel insurance
Accommodation
Our goal is to enjoy costal Croatia at a leisurely pace. This means we try to stay 2 nights at most stops.
Hotels are 4+ star and chosen on location and facilities.
Group size
Taste of tours specialises in small group tours, with a max of 12 guests.
Activity Level
To fully enjoy our tours, it’s important that you feel confident in your mobility. Our days are often long and include up to an hour or more of walking each day, sometimes on uneven terrain and stairs. While the level is never overly strenuous, all guests must be able to keep up with the rest of the group without assistance.
Packing tips
Weather is always unpredictable, so I suggest packing a lightweight rain jacket.
2 pairs of comfortable shoes is a must. Alternating your shoes each days helps. Make sure they are worn in, flat comfortable shoes.
Togs! That Adriatic Sea is mighty enticing, plus some of our hotels have pools.
Check out more of my tips here https://tasteoftours.com/2025/08/03/top-ten-travel-tips/
What our guests have said about Taste of Tours
FAQ
I’m travelling solo, what are my options?
More than half our guests a solo travelers. If you are travelling alone our tours are a great way to meet likeminded travelers.
If you want your own space paying a single supplement will mean you have your own room.
If you are an easy-going traveler and happy to share, we can introduce you to other solo guests to see if you would get on. We leave the decision to you if you want to share.
What is the average age of travelers?
Our youngest guests was 24, our oldest 85. The majority of our guests are aged between 55-75 years old.
As they say age is just a number, and like life the real requirement is a great attitude!
What fitness level do I need?
You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy our tours but Croatia, like many European countries is filled with pedestrian zoned cities. This means the only way to see the city is on foot. Note this is often cobbled streets. So, to get the most out of the tour and enjoy all the sights and not hold up fellow tour guestsvyou must be able to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.
With this said we are here to help you enjoy your time so please let us know before booking if you have any mobility issues so we can keep this in mind and offer alternatives when we think it best.
What’s Included?
A lot! This is a wine and food tour, so we include almost all your meals, and this includes wine at lunch and dinner. All the activities listed are included as well as a Kiwi host, air-conditioned transport, 4-star accommodation, local guides.
What’s not included?
Flights, travel insurance, tips .
How do I book?
Fill out the booking form here.
As soon as the tour meets its min number, we will be in touch along with an invoice for your deposit (20% non-refundable). Once the deposit has been paid your place is secured.
The balance for the tour is due 90 days before the tour begins.
If you would like to set up a payment plan please let us know and we can break the tour cost into monthly or weekly instalments.
How do I get there?
The tour starts in Rovinj.
- Pula Airport (PUY): Located 40 km south of the city, this is your closest and most convenient airport. From Pula, you can catch a local bus to Rovinj’s main bus station or pre-book a private transfer.
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE) or Trieste (TRS): Major international hubs for long-haul flights. From Venice, you can take the direct ferry to Rovinj which takes 3 hours. https://adriatic-lines.com/ or you can catch a bus which takes just over 4 hours.
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG): Located 262 km away but a bigger hub than Pula Airport Zargreb is roughly 3 hours away. From here you can take an intercity bus to Rovinj.
Can I extend my stay?
Of course! This is your holiday.
If you would like to book extra nights at our hotel pre tour in Rovinj or post tour in Dubrovnik please let us know asap so we can secure these for you.
I’m gluten free, is this an issue?
No! While there may be a few things you miss out on, we will make all our restaurants aware of your request and alternatives will be made available.
I’m vegetarian, is this a problem?
No!
Click here to secure your spot
