Arrive at Zagreb Airport, where your private transfer will take you to Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia. For centuries, the city has been a focal point of culture, science, and history, as well as the main hub for business, academia, arts, and sports in Croatia.

After check-in at your hotel, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Zagreb’s highlights. Stroll through the leafy Zrinjevac Park, feel the lively atmosphere of Ban Jelačić Square, and explore the medieval charm of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with its cobbled streets, historic towers, colorful markets, and Gothic churches. Continue to the elegant Lower Town (Donji Grad), dominated by the impressive Croatian National Theater, a symbol of Zagreb’s cultural heritage.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Croatian dishes paired with fine local wines.

Overnight in Zagreb

After breakfast, depart Zagreb and drive towards the Istrian coast with a stop in Plešivica wine region, often called the “Champagne of Croatia.” Here you will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience in boutique vineyards, known for sparkling wines and family-run cellars.

Continue to the elegant town of Opatija, the 19th-century seaside resort beloved by European aristocracy. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a JRE (Jeunes Restaurateurs) restaurant, followed by a guided walking tour of Opatija’s highlights. Admire lush green parks, grand Austrian villas, and the famous Lungomare seaside promenade, which has been welcoming travelers for over 160 years.

In the afternoon, travel further along the Adriatic coast to Rovinj, one of the most photogenic towns in Croatia. Explore its medieval cobblestone streets, charming squares, and the stunning Church of St. Euphemia, home to sacred relics and considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Istria. The Rovinj archipelago, with its 22 protected islands, completes this unique Mediterranean setting.

Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner on your own.

Overnight in Rovinj

After breakfast, depart for Pula, the largest city in Istria and one of Croatia’s most fascinating historical destinations. At the heart of the city stands the world-famous Roman Amphitheatre “Arena”, one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind, where gladiators once fought in front of roaring crowds. Stroll through Pula’s charming old town, filled with ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and lively squares.

Continue your journey with a guided visit to the Museum of Olive Oil, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old traditions of olive cultivation in Istria. Discover the process of olive oil production, from tree to table, and enjoy a tasting of three of the region’s finest extra virgin olive oils, paired with local snacks.

Later in the afternoon, visit a family-run Istrian olive grove, where the producer will personally guide you through the groves and explain the secrets behind their award-winning olive oils. Taste world-class oils directly from the source, while learning about the cultural and culinary importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet.

Return to Rovinj in the evening and savor a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Rovinj

After breakfast, begin your day with an authentic Istrian black truffle hunting adventure. Before setting off, learn fascinating facts about this underground delicacy: the different types of truffles, how they grow in nature, and the traditional ways to find them. Accompanied by an expert guide and trained truffle dogs, head into private family-owned forests to uncover Istria’s most prized culinary treasure.

Return from the woods to join a hands-on cooking class, where you will prepare homemade gnocchi with fresh truffles—from kneading the dough to grating the aromatic truffles over your dish. This immersive farm-to-table experience connects you with Istria’s most celebrated flavors.

In the afternoon, continue to Motovun, Istria’s most iconic medieval hilltop town, rising above lush vineyards and valleys. Explore the cobblestone streets of this fortified gem, one of the best-known symbols of the Istrian interior. Motovun is surrounded by wine-growing hills where Malvasia (white) and Teran (red) wines are produced, considered among the finest in Croatia.

Your culinary journey continues with a tasting of traditional Istrian brandies (rakija) at a local distillery, where you’ll sample distinctive flavors infused with herbs, fruits, and honey.

Return to Rovinj for a free evening to explore the town and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Rovinj

After breakfast, set out on a full-day wine journey through Istria, accompanied by your private guide. Explore the region’s most renowned wineries, each offering its own unique atmosphere, philosophy, and winemaking tradition.

Visit a mix of large, established wine estates and small family-run cellars, where passionate winemakers share their stories and techniques. Taste a wide variety of award-winning wines—from crisp Malvasia whites to bold Teran reds—that reflect the diversity and richness of the Istrian terroir.

Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, this immersive wine-tasting tour will introduce you to the authentic flavors, aromas, and heritage that make Istria one of Europe’s rising wine regions.

Return to Rovinj in the evening, with free time for dinner at leisure in one of the town’s many seaside restaurants.

Overnight in Rovinj

After breakfast and check-out, drive to the spectacular Lim Channel (Limski Kanal) for a scenic boat excursion. Surrounded by steep forested hills rising up to 100 meters, this 10-kilometer fjord-like inlet is one of the most beautiful natural sights on the Istrian Peninsula. During the cruise, enjoy a fresh oyster degustation, tasting some of the Adriatic’s finest shellfish right at the source.

Continue to Poreč, a vibrant coastal town renowned for its cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Euphrasian Basilica, a 6th-century masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Wander through the historic old town, where Roman, medieval, and Venetian influences can be admired in palaces, museums, and churches—many of which are still private homes today.

Your journey then takes you to a renowned Istrian cheese producer, where you’ll discover the secrets of traditional dairy-making. Specializing exclusively in hard cheeses, this farm preserves the authentic legacy of Istrian cheese production. A guided tasting will allow you to savor flavors shaped by the land and climate of Istria.

In the evening, cross into Slovenia and arrive at the seaside resort town of Portorož, known for its wellness spas and Adriatic charm. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a creative dining experience at Restaurant COB (Cooking Outside the Box), one of Slovenia’s most innovative culinary venues offering modern, experimental dishes.

Overnight in Portorož

After breakfast, begin the day with a guided visit to Piran, one of the most picturesque towns on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast. This charming Mediterranean gem is characterized by narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and its elegant St. George’s Church, which overlooks the town from a hilltop. Stroll through Tartini Square, named after the world-famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, Piran’s most celebrated citizen.

Continue to the Fonda Sea Bass Farm, a unique family-run project founded on a deep respect for the sea and marine life. Established with the vision of sustainable aquaculture and guided by the expertise of marine biologist Ugo Fonda, the farm raises premium-quality sea bass in a pristine natural environment.

Here, you will take part in an immersive culinary workshop, learning the secrets of preparing and cooking seafood like a professional. Master the essentials of filleting fish, preparing mussels (seasonal), making seafood pasta, creating raw fish dishes, and perfecting a traditional fish soup recipe. You’ll also gain valuable insights into how to recognize fresh fish, proper cleaning, freezing, and storage techniques—skills you can take home and use in your own kitchen.

Return to your hotel in Portorož for a free evening and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Portorož

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Formed by the Reka River beneath the Snežnik Plateau, this unique natural phenomenon features one of the largest known underground canyons in the world. Explore awe-inspiring chambers, vast stalactites, and subterranean waterfalls while learning about the cave’s geological and cultural significance.

Continue to a boutique prosciutteria, where centuries-old traditions of prosciutto production are still preserved. Enjoy an authentic tasting experience featuring various types of Slovenian prosciutto, accompanied by artisan cheeses from local producers and fresh homemade bread.

In the afternoon, proceed to the historic Lipica Stud Farm, the birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horse. For more than four centuries, this institution has upheld the art of breeding and training these elegant white stallions, celebrated for their performances in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Walk through the stables and grounds to discover the heritage and passion behind one of Slovenia’s proudest traditions.

Return to your hotel in Portorož and prepare for a memorable farewell dinner at the gourmet Restaurant Rizibizi. Known for its innovative approach, Rizibizi combines contemporary gastronomy with a refined Mediterranean touch, offering a perfect finale to your culinary journey.

Overnight in Portorož

After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to either Venice Airport (Italy) or Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia) for your departure flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of your Istria and Slovenia gourmet food & wine journey, filled with unique culinary experiences, UNESCO heritage sites, and authentic Adriatic charm.