Flavors of Croatia - Culinary retreat, September 2024 | This EVENT IS FULL AND CLOSED

Come join me in unlocking Croatia’s culinary secrets in beautiful peninsula of Istria, Terra Magica!

Come to Croatia to explore all of its uniqueness. Our Croatian culinary adventure will take place in the region of Istria!

Istria is north-western region of Croatia and is also the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea, located at the very head of it. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, with 90% of surface area being part of Croatia. Steeped in history, Istria’s roots date back to the Roman Empire, evident in its well-preserved ancient towns, amphitheatres and temples.  And the reason why among all of the beautiful parts of Croatia. There are vineyards and family-run wineries which produce world class wine, olive groves and olive oil, forests laden with black and white truffles, fish, and grass-fed meats. The region’s captivating landscapes, forests and charming hillside are all part of the reason why this region is often referred as Terra Magica (magical land).

“Terra Magica” captures the essence of Istria as a place where natural beauty, history and culture come together to create unforgettable experience for those who visit.

We will be exploring both of its stunning sub-regions known as Blue and Green Istria:

Blue Istria is its coastal region, characterized by the stunning blue Adriatic sea. It offers rich seafood culture, as the sea provides abundance of fish, shellfish and octopus – and tehniques Croats use to make them are so unique and must try while in Croatia. From grilled fish to seafood risottos and shellfish pasta, Blue Istria’s cuisine revolves around the bounties of the sea. Dining in Blue Istria means savouring the freshest seafood paired with the best local wines and olives and I cannot wait for the group to explore it!

Green Istria on the other hand encompasses the lush, inland areas of Istria, known for their picturesque landscapes, rolling hills and olive grows. This region is famous for its agricultural produce, particularly olives and truffles. The fertile soil yields high-quality olive oil which is a key ingredient in Istrian cuisine. And it is the Istrian region that is proclaimed to be the best olive oil region in the world for seventh year in a row! Truffles, found in the forests of Green Istria, are a culinary treasure and are used to enhance many local dishes, including pastas and various traditional stews.

The importance of Blue Istria and Green Istria in the culinary experience lies in the diversity of ingredients and flavors they offer. And together, they create a gastronomic experience that showcases the bounty of the land and sea, making Istrian cuisine truly unique. I am happy to have been able to find the best from both sub regions and to invite you to join along on this culinary journey.

In the heart of the land  is where we will be Unlocking  all Croatia’s culinary secrets. This retreat is an all- inclusive six days experience of learning, tasting and exploring the original flavours of this territory. From cooking classes in the morning with passionate chefs, to farm to table experiences: olive tasting with Rene and his family, walk with the goats and become a shepherd with Tita and her father for a day, white truffle hunting with a family , and there are restaurants, taverns, and wineries in the afternoon, as well as hikes through both Green and Blue Istria.This Croatian region of Istria is known as "Terra Magica”.

Experiences:

There are three cooking classes from Croatian chefs that use the finest ingredients, from the territory of Croatia. Three farm to table experiences,immersed in culture, nature and food. There is olive harvesting and tasting the olive oil from the worlds’ best olive oil region. White truffle hunting for one of the most expensive ingredients in the world. Walk with the goats and learning why goat cheese never tastes exactly the same, as goats eat more than two hundred different plants in the forest. And there are hikes through magnificent Blue and Green Istria, as well visit to local winery.

The goat farm experience, begins with a family farm who produces organic and unpasteurised goat cheeses.  Their 250 goats graze on ecologically clean pastures all year round on the east coast of Istria. Their cheese is organic, seasonal, local and made sustainably. Just like the landscape, their cheese changes throughout the year. Here we will meet the goats, learn about their goat cheese production process and see where their cheese age, and we will stay with the family for dinner overlooking sunset.

White truffle hunting is an experience we all need to experience at least once in a lifetime!

Several excellent types of truffles grow in Istria year-round, while the season for the most treasured one, white truffles, lasts from September to November. The main site of the truffle is the beautiful Motovun forest - and this is where we are taking you for the exceptional experience of truffle hunting. Under the guidance of expert truffle hunters and their trusty companions, the truffle-hunting dogs, you'll witness the excitement and anticipation that fills the air. As you delve into the lush forest, your senses will awaken to the earthy aromas and the thrill of the hunt. We will finish the experience with a cooking class and tasting of these truffles.Traditional Istrian dishes prepared with truffles are very simple, particularly when the white truffle is being used. Nothing should be allowed to impair its majestic gastronomic presence, and so, what we hunt is what we grate over home-made Istrian gnocchi!

Istria boasts a two-thousand-year-old tradition of olive cultivation, as well as eleven autochthonous varieties of olives, each one possesses its own unique character, producing exceptional oils. Come along as we visit an Istrian olive oil tasting adventure.

You will be introduced to the best olive oil region in the world! For the seventh year in a row, Istria has been declared the best olive oil region in the world according to the Italian Flos Olei. You will be guests at a family property built in 1899, located on a small hill surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards. Come learn about the history of olive cultivation and phases of premium olive oil production today. You will hear from our hosts and their family tradition, harvesting process, year around works in the olive grove, how olive oil is extracted and how it should be properly stored, the evolution from past to today. Proceeding to the charming garden where professional Olivo Istriano olive oil tasting will takes place, followed by a typical Istrian charcuterie board with homemade and local products only such as local cheeses, grandma's ricotta, jam, bread, prosciutto,..

There is also a fish tavern, a haven of culinary surprises, where there's no traditional menu. Instead, they crafts dishes based on the freshest daily catch, showcasing the true essence of this family's recipes and the treasures the sea has to offer!

And there are Brijuni! One of the most beautiful Croatian National park! The Brijuni or the Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen small islands. We will be visting the largest one called Big Brijun (Veliki Brijun) which lies 2 kilometres (1 mile) off the coast. On the northern edge of Veliki Brijun a unique Safari Park stretches along 9 ha inhabited by a peculiar mix of autochthonous Istrian and exotic South American, African and Asian fauna. The Indian elephant Lanka, llama - the South American camels which, according to the native legend, were domesticated in the very beginnings of human existence, zebras, Indian sacred cows and ostriches are the friendly inhabitants of the Safari Park.

Then there is a stroll through most charming towns on hills: Motovun and Grožnjan and so much more! Come and join me!

Croatia day by day sample itinerary:

Accommodations:

Prascari Estate

 An authentic Istrian estate with original stone villas. A luxurious blend of old and new provides a genuine experience of tranquillity and relaxation.

Rustic beams on the ceiling, walls made of original Istrian stone, and natural flooring materials are just a few features of its interior decoration that set an amazing atmosphere for you to relax. Yet the location is welcoming, inviting, and comfortable for the cooking retreat experience.

The estate consists of four villas one next to each other and three of our cooking classes with the local chefs are taking their place in a beautiful big kitchen within the main villa. Each room sleeps up to two people (king size bed) and each have private bathroom.

Villas are surrounded by vast green fields, vineyards and olive groves. The moment you get there you will feel its peaceful and hedonistic energy.

Room options:

You can expect this experience to be:

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE:
TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN

This retreat takes you to exploration of Croatian food heritage and learning about Croatia through the lens of food. It is a mixture of new and old, modern and traditional - visible in every touch point of a retreat, from authentic stone and wood villas where we are staying, to typical Croatian breakfasts - exploring the variety of it every morning, to visiting farms and wineries, restaurants and taverns, to cooking workshops with local chefs who will share with you traditional recipes.

EDUCATIONAL:

On the cooking classes you will be learning tips & tricks from top Croatian chefs on how to easily prepare delicious seafood and pasta dishes rich in flavour, authentic to Croatian territory. On the farm to table experiences, you will learn about the culture and enjoy nature. There is olive harvesting and tasting the olive oil from the worlds’ best olive oil region. Then there is hunting for one of the most expensive ingredients in the world - white truffles. And then there is walk with the goats and learning why goat cheese never tastes exactly the same, as goats eat more than two hundred different plants in the forest.

HEDONISTIC:

Fall in Istria - golden time to be there. Green grass, yellow and red coloured leafs, blue sky above and crispy air around. Best conditions to enjoy time with yourself and others. When not eating the food you personally made throughout four cooking classes with top Croatian chef, we are taking you to authentic culinary experiences, best wineries and top-ranked restaurants for the ultimate hedonistic experience.

Relaxing:

Food, sleep, long walks and time in nature. Restore your mind during slow activities and reward your body with plenty of ripe seasonal ingredients to cook and taste.

Important notes and details:

This trip includes:

•   6 nights in a luxury villa in the heart of Istria

• four cooking classes with top local chefs, including myself

• Yoga class preparing your senses for the upcoming experience of cooking!

• three private farm-to-table experiences: hunting for one of the most expensive worlds’ ingredients: white truffles and making a dish with it; walk with goats and introduction to cheese making process and tasting it; learning about extra virgin olive oil production and tasting olive oil form the region which has been proclaimed to be the best in the world for 7th year in a row!

• wine tasting at the region’s top notch winery

• six breakfasts, lunches, and dinners: at the local farms, highly-ranked restaurants and at our villas with top Croatian chefs!

• Visit to National park Brijuni

• Hikes and walks in two charming towns on hills

• transport during all activities – flights and air port pick up / drop off are not included.

1. Note: The trip itinerary starts at 1 PM local time on September  15th so we recommend you arrive a night before to acclimate. The trip fee does not include a hotel for the night of September 21st; however, we can help you book accommodation within your budget.

This trip does not include:  

• International roundtrip airfare;

• Required Personal travel insurance that at least covers medical emergencies and cancellations;

• Meals not listed in the itinerary;

• Alcoholic drinks;

• Any extra excursions or events you plan with or without our help;

• Excursions while free time,

• Tips for tour guide, transportation or trip hosts of the program.

This culinary experience is not for vegetarians or vegans. Fish option will be offered most meals.

The trip starts and finishes in Istria, Prašćari village. Pula airport is the closest one in Istria and is 60 km away our village. Zagreb airport, Croatia’s capital might be better connected to global destinations and is 247 km away from our accommodation.

We will be hiking so comfortable layers are suggested. Sneakers and hiking shoes are perfect for this trip.
For the evening dinners, a comfortable dress up style is the best option, but not required.

Travel arrangements: 

30 days before your trip we will email you with an itinerary of the trip, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, and more. Do reach out if you have any questions up head!

Booking terms & cancellation policy:

To secure a room- $1.000. deposit is required.
A secure bank to bank transfer will be provided for  your balance.
The $1.000 per person is non-refundable.

50% Die Jan 15th, 2024
Balance due by April 1, 2024

To reach Jan for any questions: 508-360-4491

Once you have booked on-line, Jan will contact you directly to welcome and answer your questions.
A bank link will be sent to you for payments.
We recommend that you secure travel insurance for this trip as there are no cancellations following the deposit.

Culinary notes & restrictions:

As Istria used to be a part of Italy, it has a lot of Italian influence – hence a lot of gluten involved too, which can be turned into gluten-free options. Please contact us in advance of registering if you have any dietary questions.

Weather:

Oh, aren't we delighted to tell you September and October are THE BEST times to be in Istria! Even more peaceful, with the sun, and crisp air, not too hot, not too cold. It’s just the beginning of autumn and the colours are starting to be beautiful. Days are mostly golden. At this time of the year, days are usually warm – for long sleeves and a light jacket, with fresh evenings. The average temperature is around 15°C, with a range from low -1 °C during the night and a high of 28°C during the day. That means it's best to pack layered clothes for your stay + light jacket and umbrella for the chance of rain, and hiking shoes for the farm visits. Even though we slowly entering fall, we would still recommend bringing swimming suits. It might be warm enough to enjoy the crystal clear Adriatic sea. Small backpack and water bottle recommended!

*Please note that if the weather causes any challenges, some activities might be switched to another day.

How to pack:

Pack light, casual and comfortable.  We suggest you bring layered clothes, swimsuits (for the beach), hiking shoes, small backpack and water bottle, comfortable clothes for hiking, as well as a raincoat!
*Please note that if weather causes any challenges, some activities might be switched to another day. 

Supplies:

No supplies are needed for the cooking classes. Only a notebook and a pen, so that you can write down all the tips and tricks from cooking classes!

What participants are saying about previous experiences: