Flavors & Experiences of Croatia – From Vineyards to Wellness

6 days / 5 nights

Zagreb · Plešivica · Varaždinske Toplice & Varaždin · Istria

Explore Croatia through its local flavors, wines, culture, and wellness experiences. This six-day journey brings together Zagreb’s lively markets, the vineyards of Plešivica, the historic charm of Varaždin, and the culinary traditions of Istria.

The suggested itinerary includes four nights in Zagreb and one night in Istria, combining wine tastings, regional cuisine, hands-on cooking experiences, and time to relax.

Price on request

Your personalized proposal will be based on your travel dates, number of travelers, and preferred accommodation category. The exact services included in the price, optional experiences, and any additional charges will be clearly specified in your proposal.

Day 1 – Arrival & Accommodation

• Arrival in Zagreb.
• Private transfer by luxury minivan from the airport and check-in at a 4★ or 5★ hotel with a wellness area in or near Zagreb’s city center.
• Welcome reception with sparkling wine from the Plešivica region and traditional local delicacies.
• Dinner at a restaurant specializing in traditional Croatian cuisine.
• Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 2 – Zagreb / Welcome in the Rhythm of the City

• Breakfast.
• Guided walking tour of the Lower Town and Kaptol with a costumed guide – stories about Zagreb’s café culture, urban legends, and hidden courtyards.
• Visit to Dolac Market with tastings of local cheeses, honey, and cured meat products, including a short workshop: “Discovering the Flavors of Croatia.”
• Dinner at a Michelin-recommended / Michelin-starred restaurant with carefully paired food and wine.
• Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3 – Plešivica – In the Heart of Croatian Sparkling Wine

• Breakfast featuring local products and departure by luxury minivan to the Plešivica Wine Road, famous for its sparkling wines and family-owned wineries.
• Visit to two premium boutique wineries – meet the winemakers and enjoy guided tastings of sparkling wines and still wines accompanied by light bites.
• Participation in the “Sommelier for a Day” workshop – introducing wine decanting, tasting vocabulary, and aroma recognition.
• Afternoon: panoramic drive in vintage cars through picturesque hills, with short stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and time for photos.
• Dinner at a countryside estate offering traditional dishes in a modern interpretation, accompanied by live music from a jazz duo.
• Return to Zagreb and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Varaždinske Toplice – Peace, Water & Culture

• After breakfast, transfer by luxury minivan to Varaždinske Toplice, the oldest spa resort in Croatia (of Roman origin).
• Time at the thermal wellness center: pools with healing thermal water, an essential oil massage, and a facial treatment.
• Light lunch at a restaurant.
• Afternoon visit to Varaždin, the city of Baroque music and flowers.
• Walking tour of the historic center, including a visit to Herzer Palace and the Old Town Fortress.
• Attendance at a mini chamber music concert in a palace or at St. Nicholas’ Church (private program upon request).
• Dinner at a local restaurant renowned for its rich traditional cuisine.
• Return to Zagreb and overnight stay.

Day 5 – Istria – Cooking, Olives & Mediterranean Aromas

• Breakfast and departure by luxury minivan toward Istria, with a stop in Fužine to taste traditional forest fruit desserts at a local restaurant.
  After dessert, a 30-minute visit to the nearby Vrelo Cave.
• Continue to Motovun – walk through its stone streets and enjoy a short tasting of truffles and wine.
• Arrival at a boutique hotel or luxury villa with a wellness area in central Istria.
• Cooking workshop of Istrian specialties led by a chef – preparation of fuži with truffles, fritaja with wild asparagus, and traditional dessert kroštule.
• Visit to an olive oil mill and olive grove, where guests learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil and take part in a guided oil tasting.
• Dinner at the estate at sunset, accompanied by local music.
• Overnight in Istria.

Day 6 – Wellness & Departure

• Breakfast.
• Morning yoga and meditation in the olive grove or on a terrace overlooking the hills (weather permitting).
• Wellness ritual inspired by Istria – olive oil and sea salt body scrub, lavender aroma treatment.
• Free time for relaxation by the pool or a walk through the village.
• Activities on the final day will be arranged around your flight time and departure airport.
• Transfer to Pula or Zagreb Airport (depending on departure flight).