An Exclusive Wine & Food Journey

brooks-black-white

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Main Program: May 2 - 9, 2022

Departure Closed

8-28

Guests

8 / 7

Days / Nights

15

Meals

If you’ve ever considered visiting Croatia, here’s your chance to explore this up and coming wine region and the stunning beauty of the Dalmatian Coast with local experts. Travel with your host Janie Brooks Heuck of Brooks Winery. Janie is a seasoned traveler and brings her hospitality and vibrant energy to this incredible program — sip and savor your way through Croatia together. Experience dramatic coastal cliffs, sparkling Adriatic waters, and rocky vineyards during this eight-day journey to the ancient cities of Split and Dubrovnik — and beyond. Discover the history and rich cultural heritage of this crossroads between East and West. Savor local specialties such as spit-roasted lamb and fresh seafood dishes characterized by a blend of Mediterranean and Slavic flavors influenced by generations of chefs and winemakers.

“If you want to see paradise on Earth, come to Dubrovnik.”
- George Bernard Shaw

Learn 

age old and modern-day winemaking techniques and taste famous Croatian varietals

Explore

the ancient walled cities of Dubrovnik, Split, and the surrounding Dalmatian Coast

View

impressive Roman architecture with stone and red tile roofs set against the sparkling Adriatic

Day 1

Dubrovnik

Land in Dubrovnik and meet your Travel Director in the arrivals hall. A private transfer takes you to your seaside setting for the next three nights. Located just steps away from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, this former 1913 royal villa turned modern retreat is perfectly situated on the Adriatic.

Settle in at the hotel and enjoy the lovely views of the garden, private beach, and Old Town. Gather with the rest of the group for aperitifs and a wine-paired welcome dinner showcasing Mediterranean flavors.

Dinner

Overnight at Hotel Kompas

Day 2

Old Town

Discover why Dubrovnik is aptly named “the pearl of the Adriatic” during a morning walking tour with an expert guide. Explore the stunning walls that surround the Old Town and marvel at the Baroque buildings and marble streets that adorn the Placa. Learn about the city’s remarkable history and its importance in Croatian culture.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of Dalmatian cuisine and learn about Croatian grown wines. The rest of the afternoon is open for you to explore at your leisure. Stroll about the ancient city, walk the walls, or venture out with expert recommendations from your guide. Dinner is on your own this evening – reservations can be been arranged for your convenience.

Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at Hotel Kompas

Day 3

Pelješac Peninsula

his morning, we’ll head to the Pelješac Peninsula – known for its fine wines and oysters. First, we’ll meet our host for the day, a renowned Croatian winemaker. He’ll provide insider access to Croatia’s most respected wine cellars. Visit Miloš winery and enjoy a tasting of Plavac Mali wine. Next, we’ll tour the Grgich winery situated within steep hills overlooking Trstenik harbor. Learn about winemaker Miljenko Grgich and his successes in Napa Valley and Croatia. Our final stop is at our hosts 500-year-old family cellar for a private wine-tasting and traditional Croatian lunch.

Back in Dubrovnik, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Take the opportunity to relax by the hotel pool or stroll through the Old Town – we check out tomorrow morning and head to Split.

Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at Hotel Kompas

Day 4

Split

Check out this morning as we make our way to Split. Savor a lunch of lamb cooked on the spit– a favored local cooking method. After, we’ll visit Klis Fortress, a medieval fortress built into the rocky ridge of a hillside village. Built by ancient Illyrian tribe, the Dalmatae, the fortress has a fascinating 2,000 year-long history. A local guide leads us on a private tour of the stronghold and museum. Enjoy panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea.

Once in Split we’ll settle into our hotel and embark on a privately guided tour of the Old Town and Diocletian's Palace. The Palace is one of the best-preserved Roman royal residences in the world. Built at the turn of the 4th century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the ancient palace contains a remarkable history and is still in use today with over 3,000 people living within the walls. Enjoy a lovely dinner in the Palace at a konoba (authentic restaurant).

Breakfast, dinner

Overnight at Hotel Cornaro

Day 5

Brač

Set sail this morning for a full day of touring the island of Brač. We’ll head down to the port and take a short boat ride over. Here we’ll experience island life as it has been practiced for centuries, if not millennia. Croatians have long lived, farmed, and traveled between the many coastal islands. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the island’s white-pebble beaches and discover some of the charming villages that dot the harbour.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a simple island meal paired with wine indigenous to the island. Learn about the wines unique flavors and challenges in growing grapes in this special place. In the late afternoon we’ll board our boat and head back to Split. The evening is at your leisure.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Overnight at Hotel Cornaro

Day 6

Diocletian's Palace

Relax this morning as we’ll meet our expert guide and chef for today’s activity mid-morning at Riva – the prominent seaside promenade of Split. Experience the everyday energy of the city during our stroll to the fish market. Along the way, our chef introduces us to the history of Mediterranean fishing, local customs, and the unique items in and around the lively, active fish market.

Take part in a cooking workshop at our final stop – a restaurant in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. Sip wine while learning about local ingredients such as Croatian olive oil. The class is followed by a lunch of your making. The evening is on your own.

Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at Hotel Cornaro

Day 7

Krka National Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading out of the city early afternoon to Croatia’s national treasure, Krka National Park. Krka River, the centerpiece of the park has seven waterfalls, but Skradinski buk is the longest and most beautiful. Stroll along the winding wooden paths with your guide, explore the local water powered mill, and absorb the the surrounding natural beauty.

Next, continue onwards to the small village of Plastovo. Here we’ll stop at Bibich Winery for an unforgettable gourmet experience. Bibich Winery has a limited production of award-winning white and red wines as well as exceptional brandies. Winemaker, Alen Bibic and his wife Vesna deliver a world-class tasting experience. We’ll enjoy a multi-course farewell dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients and wine personally chosen by Alen.

Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at Hotel Cornaro

Day 8

Split

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a private transfer to Split Airport for departures home. If you would like to continue your exploration of Croatia, extend your trip with a four-day visit to the Istrian Peninsula.

Breakfast

Extension – Istrian Peninsula

Day 8

Traveling from Split toward the Istrian Peninsula, stop at the Plitvice Lakes National Park for a private walking tour with a local guide. Learn the legend of the lakes creation after a long drought and stand in awe of the park’s astounding beauty. Waterfalls, rolling hills, 16 lakes, and an abundance of flora and fauna are a feast for the eyes. After, enjoy a traditional lunch before heading to Bale, where we’ll reside for the next three nights at a luxe villa and wine estate. Upon settling in, enjoy a wine-paired dinner featuring estate vintages.

Dinner

Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti

Day 9

Relax at the estate this morning over a leisurely breakfast. In the afternoon we’ll tour the Istrian Peninsula visiting two small, yet renowned, wineries along the way. First, stop at an authentic Istrian estate and farmhouse with more than a century of winemaking traditions. After a scenic drive, we’ll arrive in the valley of Vale where we’ll meet the King of Muskat — the region’s sweet wine made from indigenous grapes.

Breakfast

Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti

Day 10

Spend the afternoon discovering two medieval towns of Istria. Explore the charming artists’ town of Grožnjan before heading to picturesque Motovun — an ancient, walled, hilltop village. In the Motovun forest, we’ll embark on a private truffle hunt with specially trained dogs. After, enjoy a dinner featuring truffles at a Motovun restaurant.

Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti

Day 11

Savor an early breakfast then take a private transfer to the Pula Airport for flights home.

Breakfast, lunch

Accommodations

The Fine Print

Questions? Get in touch.


Details

Dates

Main Program: May 2 - 9, 2022
Extension (optional): May 9 - 12, 2022

Flight Information

If you would like assistance with reserving your flights, please contact us at guestservices@experi.com.

Activity Level

This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.) which can leave some areas inaccessible — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.

Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.


Included

  • Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
  • Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine with most major meals
  • All private excursions described in the itinerary along with the services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation
  • Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
  • Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program

Not Included

  • Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
  • Air and land transportation to/from host cities
  • All types of personal insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals

Rates*

Classic: $5,995
Jr. Suite: $7,695 (limited availability - upon request)
Single: $7,995

Extension Rates*

Classic: $3,495
Single: $4,995

*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple, quad, and child accommodations.


Deposits

A $1,000 non-refundable deposit per person reserves your space for this program. Final payments are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. An additional $500 non-refundable deposit per person is required for extension reservations.

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions at https://experi.com/terms.

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