Eat Smart in Croatia
October 6 to 17, 2021 (Rescheduled from 2020)
Embark on a Tasting Adventure
with Co-Leaders Joan Peterson and Joan Gillman
Sorry this Tour is Sold Out
October 6 to 17, 2021 (Rescheduled from 2020)
Embark on a Tasting Adventure
with Co-Leaders Joan Peterson and Joan Gillman
Sorry this Tour is Sold Out
2021 Itinerary
October 6 Day 1 - Depart for Croatia
October 7 Day 2 - Arrive in Zagreb. Check into hotel. Optional walking tour for those with early arrivals. October 8 Day 3 - Zagreb (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick us up in the morning and show us around the local points of interest, including the Upper Town, Kaptol, St. Mark’s Church, the Parliament, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and the Stone Gate, complete with a funicular ride. At the end of the tour we’ll go to a local restaurant for lunch. Return to hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure. Dinner at the Restaurant Trilogija. Overnight at Hotel Palace. October 9 Day 4 - Zagreb - Rovinj (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. We will be leaving Croatia's big city behind today and heading to the coast--the Istrian coast to be precise. Rovinj, our final destination, is a favorite place in the Istrian peninsula and we will see why at the end of the 3-hour drive. Along the way we include stops in some of the beautiful Istiran walled hilltop towns - Motovun and Groznjan. Istria is known for truffles and great cuisine. Along the way we will incorporate a few tastings to experience all the best that this beautiful region has to offer. Check into hotel; afternoon at leisure. Dinner at a restaurant in the Old Town. Overnight in Villa Ladavac. October 10 Day 5 - Rovinj (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will learn more about Rovinj on a 1.5 hour private walking tour. This tour will be led by a local guide. We will see all the main attractions including St. Euphemia Church, the town clock, and Balbi’s arch. The church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and dominates Rovinj’s Old Town, as it is built on top of a hill. Inside you’ll see the preserved body of St. Euphemia from the 6th century. This tour will introduce us to the rich history of Rovinj and all of Istria, as well as describe Italy’s influence on the region. Near Lake Butoniga in central Istria, we will experience a landscape rich with truffles. Upon arrival our host will greet us with a welcome drink and tasty truffle treats. Then it's time for adventure. With our host and his dog we will walk to locations where truffles grow, and with a little luck and persistence we will find some of these precious delicacies. Later we will go back to the host's house, where we will enjoy a traditional dish with just-picked fresh truffles and a glass of wine, served amidst authentic Istrian ambience. Overnight in Villa Ladavac. October 11 Day 6 - Rovinj to Split (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. The city of Split awaits us today. We will also be driving along the coast of Kvarner Bay. To make the most of this journey, we will take a slight detour to visit one of Croatia's signature spots, Krka Waterfalls. Along the way from Krka to Split we also make a stop at Bibich Winery, made famous by Anthony Bourdain - definitely a must! Check into hotel. Dinner at Tiffany Restaurant in the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Peristil. October 12 Day 7 - Split (B, D) Breakfast at the hotel. We will explore the inspiring city of Split with a local guide. We’ll be led through the UNESCO-listed 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s palace and the Cathedral of Saint Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast. We will also explore the ancient cellars and the square in the center of the palace. The stunning Roman temples will awaken the spirit of another time for us, as will the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. This is the best way to get to know the incredible history of this ancient city center. We will have some free time to enjoy the city and then have lunch on our own. Located in the centre of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, our cooking class starts with a guided walk through Split's green and fish markets. Popularly known as the "Pazar," the green market is the informal center of the town. Rich sights and sounds intertwine with the memorable produce sellers, locals doing their everyday shopping for lunch, and bystanders observing this Mediterranean heart of the city. The same can be said of the fish market. Local fishermen bring their catches, and the colorful fishmongers banter and bargain with shoppers throughout the morning. Our walk with a local chef will include his teaching us his insider secrets for picking fresh seasonal ingredients and the best fish of the day. We will then prepare a 3-course meal, with the recipes depending on the markets and their offers du jour. Along with food, a selection of Croatian wine will be served. Overnight at Hotel Peristil. October 13 Day 8 - Split to Korcula by Ferry (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to visit the lovely island of Korcula! The ferry port is within easy walking distance from our hotel. Our luggage will be brought to the ferry by the hotel staff. When we arrive at the port in Korcula, we’ll be met and brought to our hotel. Today we will be exploring the famed city of Marco Polo on foot, with help from an expert local guide. Korcula is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved cities in the Mediterranean, with impressive stonework from local artisans. On our 1-hour tour through the Old Town, we will get insight into Korcula’s long and rich history, from Greek and Roman times through the Venetian period and up to the present. We will explore all the best-loved sights including the Bishop’s Treasury and the Cathedral of St. Mark, and the guide can also provide us tips for must-see sights. Because Korcula is also a city rich in art, along the way we will enjoy the works of Marko Andrijic, Ivan Mestrovic, Tiziano, Carpaccio, Bassano and Tintoretto. After the tour, our guide will drop us off at our hotel, or suggest new paths for us to explore on our own. Lunch and Dinner included. Overnight at Hotel Port 9. October 14 Day 9 - Korcula (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Korcula on a Plate Private Tour. This is a delicious way to explore Korcula. With an expert local guide we will travel through Old Town, seeing the sights. Then we will visit a local family to learn how to make one of the most famous pasta dishes in the region. Of course you'll get to enjoy your handiwork for lunch. This tour ends with a wine tasting, where you'll get to enjoy some of the local vintages. There's no better way to experience the culinary side of Korcula! Afternoon on our own. Dinner at Fillipi restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Port 9. October 15 Day 10 - Korcula to Dubrovnik (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will pick us up at the hotel and begin our drive to Dubrovnik. We will first take a short ride on a ferry to get across to the mainland and then will continue to Dubrovnik. We will also arrange for a stop on the Peljesac peninsula along the way for tasting some of Croatia's best wines and a boat ride combined with oyster tasting and lunch. We will have captivating Croatian coast views practically door-to-door. Dinner at Starta Loza restaurant. Check in and overnight at the Hotel Kompas. October 16 Day 11 - Dubrovnik (B, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Dubrovnik’s Center on Foot. Today we will be exploring the elegant main streets and picturesque paths of Dubrovnik, with our own personal guide. This truly is one of the most beautiful medieval cities on the Adriatic. A walking tour of Old Town will take us to its elegant main street and most of its most important sights: The Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio’s Fountains, Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, the City Bell Tower, the Church of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint, and Rector’s Palace, the seat of the Republic and the Cathedral. This is the perfect orientational tour of the Old town and will give us the best insight into the rich history of Dubrovnik. Lunch and afternoon on own. Farewell dinner at restaurant Kopun. Overnight at Hotel Kompas. October 17 Day 12 - Depart Dubrovnik for US. A driver will pick you up at your Dubrovnik accommodation and drop you off at the airport for your departing flight. |
Join culinary expert Joan Peterson and Croatia expert Joan Gillman on this extraordinary adventure in historic Croatia along the Adriatic Sea, with its multitude of Dalmatian coastal islands. Croatia is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe, characterized by a diversity and wealth of nature, a unique cultural heritage and old world charm.
Experience a culinary and cultural adventure along the coastlines of Croatia, which is designed for the discriminating traveler who enjoys the artistry of food and meeting welcoming and friendly people. Croatia is among today's most fascinating travel destinations. If you have ever had it on your list of travel destinations, this is the time and the tour. 
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FOR A MINIMUM / MAXIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS
Prices per person in Double room $4,395. Single supplement $700.
Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 US per person is required upon booking. Once your deposit has been received, you will receive a Reservation Packet to fill out and return.
Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure.
Prices per person in Double room $4,395. Single supplement $700.
Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 US per person is required upon booking. Once your deposit has been received, you will receive a Reservation Packet to fill out and return.
Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation and Refund: If a written or faxed notice of cancellation is received from passenger 60-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance payments minus the refundable deposit will be refunded. If cancellation is made 59 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost. (rev. 4/13/2020-Covid-19)
DETAILS:
The Package Includes:
Services not included:
Note: We will be on walking tours in the historic cities and some of the hotels do not have elevators, so walking and climbing stairs will be part of the tour.
The Package Includes:
- Accommodations - including breakfast
- All airport transfers (airport transfers are not included for participants whose arrival or departure days are different then specified on the itinerary)
- Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
- All lunches and dinners, unless specified
- Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner)
Services not included:
- International flights for the participants - group airfare will be available for purchase
- Trip insurance - available for purchase
- Tourist Visa
- Beverages during lunch and dinner
- Tips for porters, waitstaff, driver and local guides; option to pre-pay tips will be available.
Note: We will be on walking tours in the historic cities and some of the hotels do not have elevators, so walking and climbing stairs will be part of the tour.
ACCOMMODATION (Subject to change)
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ZAGREB / Hotel Palace, Enjoying a superb location in the center of Zagreb, the traditional Art Nouveau Palace Hotel Zagreb offers warm, familiar atmosphere, excellent services.
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ROVINJ / Villa Ladavac, Lovely villa style bed & breakfast.
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SPLIT / Hotel Peristil, Located right next to the Silver Gates within the UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace in Split.
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KORCULA / Hotel Port 9, Within walking distance of the historic old-town Korcula, this property features modern rooms, two outdoor pools and a sundeck.
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DUBROVNIK / Hotel Kompas, Enjoying a sensational seafront setting overlooking Lapad beach and the blue-green Adriatic, the all-new Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik offers great contemporary design, a luxury spa and outstanding dining and conference facilities with exemplary service.
Joan Peterson, co-leader - Joan Peterson received her Ph.D. in Cell Biology/Electron Microscopy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1993 she began a second career. She started a publishing company, Ginkgo Press, and created the EAT SMART series of guidebooks designed for travelers and cookbook lovers. To date she has written or co-written 11 of the 14 available culinary guidebooks (Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Morocco, Sicily, India, Peru, Norway, and Portugal). She has traveled extensively for many years, and leads culinary tours to Turkey, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, Norway, Peru, Portugal, and Sicily.
Joan Gillman, co-leader - Joan Gillman has a BA degree in Art Education and Radio and TV (Indiana University) and an MBA (UW-Madison). She was the director of the Small Business Development Center at the School of Business at (UW-Madison). Following this, she became the Executive Director of the US Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, a national organization of University professors who teach Entrepreneurship, which is the US affiliate of the International Council for Small Business. This sparked her love of travel. The Executive Director position started out as a volunteer position, but included participation in a national and international meeting each year, which led to her working locally, nationally and internationally. She was a teacher in Hungary, Japan and Saudi Arabia, and worked with the Open Society to start entrepreneurship centers in Croatia, Bulgaria and Macedonia. Joan is excited to be making her 30th trip to Croatia!
Susan Chwae, host - Joan Peterson's business partner and daughter, Susan has a degree in Graphic Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the Marketing Director and technical advisor for Ginkgo Press and the EAT SMART series. Since 1997 she has provided all creative and marketing support for the EAT SMART guidebooks and the website. She has been assisting Joan or leading her own Culinary Tours since 2005.
This tour is in partner with:
Jay Way Boutique Travel
Croatia OfficeVukovarska 30, Dubrovnik
20 000, Croatia
Croatia OfficeVukovarska 30, Dubrovnik
20 000, Croatia
Updates to our T&C in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak:
On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, to be a global pandemic. Since then, the outbreak has evolved rapidly with governments around the world taking swift action to slow the spread of COVID-19. As such, our terms and conditions regarding cancellations and postponement have been temporarily amended.
These policies apply to our original 2020 Croatia tour only (Updated 1/11/2021):
If WE are forced to cancel your tour: We will transfer amounts you have already paid, minus any expenses incurred by Eat Smart Culinary Travel or the Tour Operator, to an alternate departure date to the same destination with Eat Smart Culinary Travel.
If YOU cancel your tour the following would apply: If a written or faxed notice of cancellation is received from passenger 60-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance deposits we be forfeited. If cancellation is made 59 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost. (rev. 1/11/2021-Covid-19)
On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, to be a global pandemic. Since then, the outbreak has evolved rapidly with governments around the world taking swift action to slow the spread of COVID-19. As such, our terms and conditions regarding cancellations and postponement have been temporarily amended.
These policies apply to our original 2020 Croatia tour only (Updated 1/11/2021):
If WE are forced to cancel your tour: We will transfer amounts you have already paid, minus any expenses incurred by Eat Smart Culinary Travel or the Tour Operator, to an alternate departure date to the same destination with Eat Smart Culinary Travel.
If YOU cancel your tour the following would apply: If a written or faxed notice of cancellation is received from passenger 60-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance deposits we be forfeited. If cancellation is made 59 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 50% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost. (rev. 1/11/2021-Covid-19)
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