Split, Croatia is jewel of a city spread across a peninsula on the Dalmatian coast off the Adriatic Sea. Drenched in ancient history, Split thrives today as a destination for food, wine, and the cultural preservation of time-honored traditions. Coastal Croatian cuisine is influenced by its Greek and Roman history, including Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on local seafood.
Our small group of travelers will explore this corner of Croatia while we learn the culture and history through walking and tasting tours; cooking with local chefs; tasting olive oil and honey on a visit to a nearby island; sampling local wine in the Roman palace; and a visit to the birthplace of Zinfandel. We’ll also have free time for hiking, museums, and shopping. Luxury accommodations, gratuities, and most meals are included. See below for tour details and pricing.
Split, Croatia Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1 – Arrivals Saturday, September 25. Transfer from the Split airport to our hotel.
Day 2 – The first morning is all yours. Sleep in and shake your jet lag, visit museums and shops, or explore the Sunday Antique Market. We’ll meet in the early afternoon for a walking/tasting tour and learn the history of the Diocletian's Palace, built for the Roman emperor in AD 305. We’ll hold our Welcome Reception that evening on the rooftop of our hotel overlooking the city.
Day 3 – Take a ferry ride (about 45 minutes each way) to the island of Šolta to meet locals whose families have been making olive oil and honey for generations; enjoy tastings, lunch and free time in the village or at the beach. Back in Split, you’ll have the evening on your own to explore the city’s restaurants.
Day 4 – Today we’ll visit the medieval Klis Fortress on the outskirts of Split, with its breathtaking views of the city and surrounding islands. For “Games of Thrones” fans, you’ll recognize the city of Meereen, filmed here. Our lunch will be in the olive garden with vegetables we’ll pick ourselves. We’ll learn the centuries-old Dalmatian custom of cooking peka, meats and vegetables cooked under a bell-shaped dome over an open fire. You’ll have free time in the afternoon in Split, then we’ll head to a local restaurant for a light dinner.
Day 5 – Through DNA testing, Croatia is now known to be the birthplace of the Zinfandel varietal. We’ll head about 40 minutes outside the city to villages which once held the summer residences of Croatian kings, where we’ll visit two family-run wineries for tastings and lunch. This half-day tour will give you time on your own in Split in the evening.
Day 6 – An easy walk from our hotel, we’ll meet a local chef to shop with locals at the outdoor Green Market and Fish Market, where we’ll choose ingredients for our lunchtime cooking class. That evening we’ll go on a walking and tasting tour of the ancient city.
Day 7 – You’ll have the full day free for last minute shopping, exploring museums, visiting the beach or hiking. We’ll give you a list of ideas. That evening we’ll gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Departures, Saturday October 2. Head home or onto your next adventures!
$3,495 Double Occupancy Single Supplement - $600 Deposit of $800 per person holds your spot