Croatian Culinary & Wine Journey: 6 Days from Zagreb to Istria
6 days
Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula & beyond
Discover the flavors of Croatia on a 6-day Croatian culinary and wine journey from Zagreb to Istria.
Visit charming towns, taste local cheeses, olive oils, wines, and traditional dishes, and explore vineyards, truffle forests, and artisan farms along the way.
Days 1-3
Day 1 – Zagreb: Welcome to Croatia & Culinary Highlights
Arrive in Zagreb and begin your gastronomic journey with a guided city walk through the historic Upper and Lower Town. Discover local markets, traditional bakeries, and try Zagreb specialties such as štrukli (cheese pastry). Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring modern Croatian cuisine in one of the city’s top restaurants. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 2 – Samobor & Plešivica: Pastries, Vineyards & Wine Tasting
Travel to Samobor, a charming town near Zagreb known for its culinary traditions. Stroll the picturesque streets and taste the famous Samoborska kremšnita (cream cake) along with other local delicacies.
Afterward, continue to the Plešivica wine region, famous for its family-owned wineries and sparkling wines. Spend the afternoon visiting vineyards, tasting local wines such as Graševina and Pinot Noir, and learning about traditional winemaking. Return to Zagreb for the night.
Day 3 – Opatija & Rovinj: Coastal Gastronomy & Scenic Views
Depart from Zagreb or Plešivica and drive along the beautiful northern Adriatic coast to Opatija, a historic coastal town known for its elegant architecture, seaside promenade, and charming cafés. Enjoy a stroll along the famous Lungomare promenade, sample local pastries or coffee, and take in the stunning views of the Kvarner Gulf.
In the afternoon, continue to Istria and arrive in Rovinj, one of Croatia’s most picturesque towns. Explore the old town and its waterfront, and enjoy a tasting of local olive oils, cheeses, and seafood, or participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare authentic Istrian dishes. Overnight in Rovinj.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Plešivica – Often called the “Croatian Champagne region,” is renowned for its boutique wineries, cool-climate vineyards, and exceptional sparkling wines. This small, hilly region near Zagreb produces elegant Pinot Noir, rich Riesling, and high-quality traditional-method sparkling wines.
Motovun – Perched high above the Mirna Valley, is one of Istria’s finest gastronomic destinations. The area is world-renowned for its white and black truffles, which grow in the nearby Motovun Forest and inspire many local delicacies. Traditional taverns (konobe) pair these rich flavors with handmade pastas, local cheeses, and hearty Istrian dishes.
Rovinj – It is one of Istria’s top culinary destinations, blending Mediterranean flavours with strong Italian and Istrian influences. Fresh seafood, daily catch from local fishermen, and specialties like scampi, mussels, and octopus shape the town’s coastal cuisine. Inland ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, truffles, and Istrian prosciutto—add depth to its gastronomic identity.
Days: 4-6
Day 4 – Motovun & Istrian Hills: Truffles & Wine
Drive to the hilltop town of Motovun, renowned for truffles and Istrian wines. Take a guided truffle hunting tour, enjoy a tasting of truffle-based delicacies, and sample local wines such as Malvazija and Teran. Wander through the medieval streets of Motovun and savour the stunning panoramic views. Overnight in Motovun or Rovinj.
Day 5 – Pula & Istrian Gastronomy: Goat Farm, Olive Oil & Local Flavors
Travel to Pula, home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater and charming coastal streets. Begin the day with a visit to a traditional Istrian goat farm, where you can see the farm in action and enjoy a fresh, locally-prepared lunch featuring goat cheese, seasonal vegetables, and other regional specialties.
Afterward, visit a nearby olive oil factory to learn about the production process and taste high-quality Istrian extra virgin olive oil paired with local bread and delicacies. End the day with a brief walking tour of Pula’s historic center.
Overnight in Pula or Rovinj.
Day 6 – Departure: Farewell Croatia & Liqueur Tasting Option
Spend a relaxed morning exploring any remaining sights or shopping for local specialties. For those interested, there’s an optional visit to a local liqueur shop, where you can observe the process of crafting traditional Istrian liqueurs and enjoy a tasting of different flavors.
Finish your tour with a final sampling of Istrian wines and delicacies before you depart from Pula or a transfer back to Zagreb.
EXPERIENCES HIGHLIGHTS
Truffle hunting – Discover the magic of Istria’s forests through an authentic truffle hunting adventure. Guided by expert hunters and their trained dogs, you’ll explore hidden woodland trails in search of prized white and black truffles. The experience usually ends with a tasting of fresh truffle delicacies, making it a delicious blend of nature, culture, and gourmet indulgence.
Wine Tasting With a Local Touch – Enjoy authentic continental wines and sparkling wines in family-run vineyards, paired with local delicacies and stories from the winemakers themselves.
Goat farm – visit to a traditional Istrian goat farm, where you can see the farm in action and enjoy a fresh, locally-prepared lunch featuring goat cheese, seasonal vegetables, and other regional specialties.
Testimonials
Every detail of the day felt thoughtful and well-organized, and it was great to support Ivica and his local business. I highly recommend this private and accessible tour to anyone looking to explore Plitvice Lakes in a relaxed and personal way.
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
Adriatic Hotel Rovinj – This chic boutique hotel is located in Rovinj’s historic centre and is entirely inspired by art. Every part of the hotel is decorated with art by Croatian artists made exclusively for the hotel.
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – Opened in 1925 to serve passengers of the legendary Orient Express, it remains an architectural gem with a graceful Art Deco design and an old-Hollywood glamour feel.