Itinerary - Authentic Croatia - Friends, Family & Flavors on the Dalmatian Coast!

Welcome to Split! Upon arrival, your host will greet you at the airport and arrange a seamless group transfer to our charming hotel, Residence Stine, your home for the week. Take some time to settle in, relax, and soak in the excitement of the adventure ahead.

Later, we’ll gather for our first group get-together at the hotel. Over refreshing drinks and light appetizers, we’ll introduce ourselves, go over the highlights of the week ahead, and start getting to know each other. Once acquainted, we’ll head out for a guided stroll through Split’s picturesque Old Town, where you’ll explore the stunning Diocletian Palace. This historic Roman-era marvel is packed with charm, history, and endless photo opportunities.

Our evening will end with a fabulous Welcome Dinner at the beloved local restaurant, Konoba Dujkin Dvor, just a short walk from the hotel. You’ll be treated to an incredible feast of authentic Croatian dishes:

• Appetizer: Fritura (Mixed Fried Seafood)
• First Course: Black Risotto and Pljukanci s Tartufima (Pasta with Black Truffle)
• Main Course: Gregada (Seafood & Potato Stew)
• Dessert: Chef’s Selection

Pair your meal with some of Croatia’s finest wines and enjoy the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of this family-run spot. It’s the perfect start to your week in Croatia—relaxed, flavorful, and full of warm connections.

Start your first full day in Split with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Once ready, we’ll head out to the vibrant Pazar Market in the heart of the Old Town. This bustling open-air market has been a cornerstone of local life for generations, offering everything from fresh produce and seafood to artisanal baked goods, cured meats, and colorful flowers. We’ll meet some of our local friends, explore the market stalls, and pick up the finest ingredients for today’s cooking class.

From the market, we’ll make our way to the private home of one of our CDV hosts, Nikola, where your first Dalmatian Cooking Class begins. Guided by Nikola and his family, you’ll roll up your sleeves and prepare classic regional dishes:

• Appetizer: Mixed Local Delicacies
• Main Course: Pašticada with Gnocchi (Braised and Slow-Roasted Veal)
• Dessert: Škartocete (Puff Pastry Cones with Cream Filling)

After the class, we’ll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor with a delicious home-cooked lunch, savoring the warm hospitality and incredible flavors of Dalmatian cuisine.

In the late afternoon, we’ll journey to the charming seaside town of Primošten, where the day takes a new twist! We’ll visit a breathtaking beach, offering you the chance to go kayaking or swim in the crystal-clear waters alongside this beautiful town. Meanwhile, we’ll uncork the Prošek to add a little bubbly to the moment.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Primošten is a perfect village to explore at your own pace. Stroll its quaint streets, do a bit of shopping, or simply soak up the stunning surroundings.

After the beach and village experience, we’ll gather for dinner at Bila Lučica, a beautiful restaurant located just steps from the sea. The evening’s menu features fresh, coastal-inspired cuisine:

• Appetizers: Tuna and Octopus Carpaccio (Alternates available)
• First Course: Sea Bass with Vegetables (Alternates available)
• Dessert: Mascarpone Cream with Figs Glazed in Wine

As the day winds down, we’ll return to Split, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the tastes, sights, and stories of Dalmatia.

Today is all about island life! Pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, and hat—we’re heading out for a full-day adventure to the stunning island of Hvar aboard the private speedboat of a local friend.

On our way to Hvar Island, we’ll stop by an area where local fishermen set cages to catch tuna. If we’re lucky with timing, we’ll get to meet some of these fishermen, hear their stories, and maybe even grab a freshly caught tuna to enjoy later! It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the local fishing tradition.

Our first stop on Hvar is Stari Grad Bay, the most beautiful and historic town on the island. Known for its charming streets, serene bay views, and historic atmosphere, Stari Grad offers you time to wander, take photos, and soak up its peaceful ambiance before we continue our journey.

From Stari Grad, we’ll head to Pero’s Ranch for an authentic and private countryside experience like no other. Here, we’ll be greeted by Nikola’s cousins—Vinka, Pero, and Barbara—and their friends. Pero and his acapella group will serenade us with traditional Croatian island songs while a lamb roasts on a spit over an open fire. We’ll sit down for an incredible family-style meal featuring:

• Appetizers: A beautiful spread of local delicacies like sausage, prosciutto, cheese, and fresh bread
• Main Course: Succulent roasted lamb
• Sides: Mixed salads
• Dessert: Pero’s Special Selection

This is a true local experience, far removed from the tourist crowds—a moment to savor the warmth, flavors, and traditions of Dalmatian island life.

After lunch, we’ll hop back on the boat and make our way to the stunning Stiniva Bay, one of the Adriatic’s most famous spots. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and accessible only by boat, this secluded bay boasts crystal-clear waters and a sense of untouched beauty. Here, we’ll turn up the music, pop open some Prošek, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its magical waters — a highlight of the day!

As we sail back to Split, we’ll unwind with the memories of the day. Once back at the hotel, we’ll gather for a casual group dinner featuring traditional Croatian street food, such as Ćevapi, burek, grilled vegetables, and other local favorites. To finish the evening, we’ll indulge in a sweet Croatian dessert, a perfect way to close out this incredible day.

Today, we journey through Croatia’s rich history and culture, starting with a drive to Čavoglave, a flashpoint of the War for Independence that began in 1991. This village played a critical role during the conflict, a war that only ended in 1995 and remains vividly etched in the local memory. Here, we will be joined by a local war veteran, someone who does not speak a word of English and is not accustomed to visitors but will share some of his powerful and deeply personal stories from the war. His accounts will provide a raw and poignant perspective on how this war of independence shaped Croatia and its people, offering an unparalleled connection to the courage and determination of those who lived through it, as well as their children.

Next, we’ll visit the City of Knin, often referred to as the “Victorious Town” due to its liberation during Operation Storm in 1995. Our time here includes a visit to the Knin Fortress, where we’ll explore its fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

From Knin, we’ll continue to the Serbian Monastery on the River Krka, a serene and sacred location steeped in history. Our host, Siniša, the monastic head of the church, will share stories about the monastery’s past and lead us through its ancient Roman-era catacombs. During our visit, we’ll sample homemade products crafted by the monks, including Rakija, wine, and olive oil, in this peaceful and exclusive setting.

After leaving the monastery, we’ll venture down to the beautiful banks of the Krka River for some time to relax and enjoy more food and beverages amidst the stunning natural surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Our day concludes at a family-run winery in the region, renowned for producing some of Croatia’s finest wines. Here, you’ll savor a delightful wine-tasting experience, paired with a traditional Dalmatian “Peka” dinner, prepared in-house with locally sourced ingredients. This classic dish, slow-cooked under an iron bell, is a true taste of Dalmatia and a fitting way to end a day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable flavors.

As the evening draws to a close, we’ll return to Split. Whether you choose to explore the town’s vibrant nightlife or relax at the hotel, you’ll carry with you the memories of a day that beautifully blended history, tradition, and incredible Dalmatian wines.

Today is all about uncovering the hidden gems of Brač, blending natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic Croatian flavors. Pack your essentials—bathing suits, towels, and sunscreen—for a full day of fun and exploration!

We’ll start with a visit to the iconic Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), one of Croatia’s most renowned beaches.

From there, we’ll cruise along the coastline to a true hidden treasure: a Cold War submarine bunker. This local favorite, virtually unknown to tourists, was originally built to house submarines during the Cold War and is now used by local fishermen.

Next, we’ll visit the charming town of Bol, where we’ll gather for a BBQ lunch at Hanni’s house. This warm and welcoming local home is the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious feast featuring:

• Main Courses: Grilled Fish and Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages)
• Sides: Mixed Vegetables, Salad, and Fresh Bread
• Dessert: Local Sweet Treats

Prepared with today’s fresh catch and local ingredients, this meal is a true taste of Brač’s culinary traditions.

After lunch, we’ll return to Split on our private boat, leaving you some time to relax, freshen up, or explore the town at your own pace before dinner.

In the evening, we’ll head to the picturesque Marjan Marina for dinner at Lučica, a wonderful bayside restaurant that highlights the flavors of the Adriatic. Tonight’s menu includes:

• Main Course: Plates of Mixed Fresh-Caught Fish
• Sides: Potatoes and Vegetables
• Salad
• Dessert: Sweet Treats to End the Day

After dinner, we will head back to the hotel, wrapping up a day filled with sun, sea, history, and incredible flavors—a perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.

Start your day with a hands-on ceramics class led by Branka, Nikola’s longtime neighbor and family friend. During this immersive experience, you’ll have the option to create ceramics the traditional way or use air-dry clay. If you choose the traditional method, your pieces will remain in the studio since there won’t be enough time for firing. However, with the air-dry clay, you’ll be able to take your creations home as a special keepsake. This activity offers a wonderful connection to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Split region.

After unleashing your creativity, we’ll gather at Nikola’s home for a relaxed buffet lunch featuring Dalmatian-style tapas. These delicious regional bites are the perfect way to refuel and enjoy some time together before the afternoon’s adventures.

Later, we’ll visit the stunning and historic town of Omiš, nestled between steep mountains and the mouth of the Cetina River. Known for its dramatic landscapes and fascinating history as a pirate haven, Omiš offers plenty to explore. For those wanting to cool off, we’ll visit Duće Beach, just a short distance from the town. This sandy beach, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, is perfect for a refreshing swim or simply relaxing by the sea. For those who prefer to stay dry, Omiš’s charming streets offer a delightful setting for a stroll. Naturally, we’ll also gather for a round of drinks to soak in the ambiance of this incredible location.

As the day transitions to evening, we’ll head to the nearby village of Gata to visit Marija’s warm and inviting konoba. Marija, an expert in Dalmatian cuisine, will prepare a traditional Croatian dinner, slow-cooked under an iron bell, alongside other local specialties such as Soparnik (a savory chard pie), and locally made cheese and prosciutto.

Our dinner will be paired with wines from Nikša, Marko, and Petra, a family who runs a small, beloved local winery. They’ll introduce us to their wines, sharing stories about their vineyards and the history of winemaking in the area. This special evening of incredible food, wine, and conversation will highlight the true spirit of Dalmatian hospitality.

After an unforgettable dinner, we’ll return to Split to relax or continue exploring the town at your own pace. It’s been a day of creativity, history, and authentic flavors, leaving you with memories to treasure.

Our final day in Croatia begins with a relaxed morning, offering you time to unwind, explore Split, or squeeze in some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. For those interested, join us for a stroll around the local markets and shops with our friend and chef, Nikša. Together, we’ll pick up fresh ingredients for tonight’s farewell dinner while sampling local products and discovering hidden gems in the heart of Split.

At midday, we’ll gather for a casual lunch in a truly unique setting: the Jazz Library Marvlvs Bar, a cozy, tucked-away spot that captures the charm and creativity of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax and savor the local atmosphere.

After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore more of Split, pack your bags, or simply relax at the hotel before the evening’s festivities.

As the day transitions to evening, we’ll meet for our final cooking class and farewell dinner, hosted at the private home and farm of Nikola’s friends and family in Kaštela, a scenic seaside town across the bay. This is a true farm-to-table experience where you’ll take part in every step of creating the meal:

• Pick fresh vegetables from their garden
• Gather farm-fresh eggs straight from the chickens
• Learn to make Croatia’s famous Peka
• Create delicious local desserts and other traditional dishes

This dinner is a true family event, where we’ll be joined by locals we’ve met throughout the week. The bar will be open, music will fill the air, and we’ll enjoy a genuine Dalmatian party. It’s a celebration of the connections and memories we’ve created together, filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of this incredible culture.

As the sun sets, we’ll come together on their terrace and konoba, enjoying a feast paired with local wines. Share stories, laughter, and the warmth of newfound friendships as you reflect on an incredible week in Croatia.

Although we’ll hate to say goodbye, we’ll return to Split and our hotel with hearts full of joy and memories to last a lifetime. This heartfelt farewell is the perfect way to close an extraordinary journey.

It’s hard to believe our incredible week has come to an end. We hope your time with us has been filled with unforgettable memories, heartfelt moments, and new friendships that will last a lifetime.

As you prepare for your journey home, CDV will provide a transfer back to Split Airport. Take these final moments to reflect on the amazing experiences we’ve shared and the beautiful connections you’ve made during your time in Croatia.

We’ll miss you, but this isn’t goodbye—it’s “see you later.” We’ll always welcome you back to Split with open arms whenever you’re ready for another adventure.

Happy travels! Until next time!