Chef Ashley Boyd’s Festive Flavors Tour: A Culinary Holiday Expedition Through Croatia and Slovenia December 8th to 15th, 2024

Lovingly Curated by Chef Richard Gruica and The Gourmet Vacation 

Embark on an extraordinary culinary holiday expedition through Croatia and Slovenia with the esteemed Chef Ashley Boyd of 300 East in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Chef Richard Gruica, the founder of The Gourmet Vacation on what we are calling the Festive Flavors Tour: A Culinary Holiday Expedition Through Croatia and Slovenia. This enchanting journey is a celebration of festive flavors and gourmet delights, set against the backdrop of the holiday season. The trip will start and end in Zagreb, Croatia from December 8th to 15th, 2024. 

Our adventure begins in Zagreb, a city adorned with the spirit of the holidays, where we will immerse ourselves in the enchanting Zagreb Advent Christmas Market, where twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of mulled wine create a magical atmosphere. We bet you didn’t know that the Zagreb Advent market won the best market in Europe a record 3 times in a row. We will also experience a walking tour of the city including the vibrant Dolac Farmer's Market, alive with the colors and aromas of seasonal produce.

As our time in Zagreb draws to a close, we will journey to the coastal regions of Kvarner and Istria, where the sea meets the land in a fusion of culinary excellence. We will explore the area’s rich history before indulging in a seafood feast at one of the top seafood restaurants in the country, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea. We will delve into the world of truffles with a thrilling hunt near Motovun, Croatia’s prettiest hilltop village, followed by a visit to a charming distillery and a truffle meal high atop Motovun. 

We will then cross into Slovenia and discover the capital, Ljubljana, adorned with holiday cheer, and experience its Christmas market along the river at Ljubljana's festive markets, sampling local delicacies and enjoying the season's merriment. Some of our other wonderful activities in Slovenia include walking the captivating Postojna Caves, a gourmet meal at a renowned sausage maker's establishment, and spending the day indulging with a wonderful chef at his Michelin-starred restaurant and farm. 

We will experience the serene beauty of Lake Bled, with a picturesque boat ride to its island and a regal lunch at Castle Bled, as well as learning the art of chocolate making and master the creation of Potica, Slovenia's signature dessert at a rustic guesthouse. 

Our journey will conclude in Croatia's picturesque wine country, Plešivica, where vineyards beckon. Savor wine tastings at a beloved winery and a meal high in the hills and relish a sweet finale with kremšnite a symbolic Croatian dessert, in charming Samobor.

Join us on this culinary escapade, celebrating the holiday season in these breathtaking locations, where every moment will be an expression of festive joy and every day will be one to cherish this magical season in these wonderful countries. We look forward to hosting you. 

Please note- We kindly ask that all guests on Chef Ashley’s tour arrive in Zagreb no later than Saturday, December 7th as we have an early start on Sunday, December 8th. 

Saturday, December 7th-Pre-Tour-Cheers & Chats: Pre-Tour Wine Bar Meet & Greet with Chefs Ashley & Richard

Join us at our host hotel as we embark on a short stroll to one of our cherished wine bars nestled in the basement of a historic home for a lively Meet & Greet with Chef Ashley and Chef Richard. The first round of drinks is on them, setting the stage for a delightful evening to mingle with fellow guests and get to know our talented chefs before our culinary adventure begins the next day!

Overnight Stay-4+ Star Hotel in Zagreb 

Sunday, December 8th-Market Magic & Holiday Cheer: Zagreb City Tour and Advent Market

Get ready to kick off the Festive Flavors adventure from our splendid 5-star retreat conveniently located near the city center. The day starts with an engaging guided walking tour of Zagreb's rich history, exploring both the charming Upper and Lower town areas. Stroll through bustling streets as we visit the main square and the renowned Dolac Farmer's Market—an energetic hub of Croatian culture and the largest market in the country, brimming with seasonal delights. Prepare to sample meats, cheeses, and fresh baked goods as we eat our way through the market!

After some free time to explore, we will reconvene to soak up the magic of the Zagreb Advent Christmas Market. With twinkling lights, festive tunes, and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine, this market was once crowned Europe's best three times running! It is the perfect way to dive into the holiday spirit and experience the charm of Zagreb.

Overnight Stay-4+ Star Hotel in Zagreb 

Monday, December 9th-Sunset Serenity & Seafood Delights: Croatian Riviera Escape

From Zagreb, our journey winds its way towards the captivating Croatian coastline, leading us to the Croatian Riviera—our sanctuary for the next two nights. This region boasts Croatia's most breathtaking vistas, offering a feast for the eyes. We will settle into the 5-star Hilton property, promising comfort, and luxury.

But the day does not end there. Get ready to be enchanted as we chase the setting sun along the coastline to one of Croatia's most picturesque spots, Mošćenička Draga. Here, the majestic beauty of nature meets the serene sea, creating an unparalleled scene of splendor. We will visit a charming local museum dedicated to fishermen and maritime history.

The evening unfolds with a private dinner at Konoba Zijavica, one of the nation's top seafood restaurants, led by Chef/Sommelier Stiven Vucic and his wife Tea. It is a culinary prelude that sets the stage for the gastronomic delights to come.

Overnight Stay-5 Star Hotel in Rijeka 

Tuesday, December 10th-Our Istrian Truffle Adventure Day: Hunt, Taste, and Sip

Today, we venture to the Istrian Peninsula, hailed as one of Croatia's most revered regions—a captivating blend of history, natural bounty, and diverse cultural influences. Here, we will have the unique opportunity to join a truffle hunt led by a local expert and their remarkable dogs. Who knows what treasures we will unearth in the forest! Following our woodland adventure, we will indulge in a truffle tasting, savoring the riches of the area.

Next, we will visit a charming distillery for a tour and tasting of their delightful spirits. We will pause for a photo opportunity in Motovun, Croatia's picturesque hilltop town, before relishing a visit to one of the region's top wineries for a tasting and tour. Our day concludes with a truffle-themed dinner, rounding out this exceptional Istrian experience.

Overnight Stay-5 Star Hotel in Rijeka 

Wednesday, December 11th-From Caves to Culinary Delights

We kick off the day with a leisurely breakfast before saying goodbye to our accommodation. Today's adventure begins with a scenic drive from Croatia to Slovenia, featuring a stop at Slovenia's iconic natural wonder—the Postojna Caves. Hop aboard a picturesque train and ride deep into the heart of these captivating caves, where a gentle walking tour will immerse us in this enchanting underground world.

Our next stop is BioSing, where we will meet master sausage maker David Lesar. Discover the rich history of sausage-making dating back to 1492, transformed into a true culinary art by Lesar. Sample his globally acclaimed sausages, paired thoughtfully with exceptional wines from his private cellar. Indulge in a variety of exquisite sausage products and savor a meal featuring local specialties like "koznca," accompanied by a delightful surprise exclusive to this unique locale. Get ready for an extraordinary and exclusive tasting experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Following lunch, we will proceed to our luxurious 5-star accommodation, the Hotel Intercontinental. After settling in and enjoying some downtime, we will reconvene for a charming walking tour of Ljubljana, the capital adorned with festive holiday cheer. Explore the city's picturesque charm and vibrant atmosphere as we visit the Christmas market along the river, indulging in local delicacies and soaking up the joyful spirit of the season. This evening promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you the freedom to explore and immerse yourself in the city at your leisure.

Overnight Stay-5 Star Hotel in Ljubljana 

Thursday, December 12th-Slovenian Culinary Masterclass: From Farm to Michelin Star

Take the morning to enjoy it as you wish. Book a massage, head to the spa, or explore the city a bit more. For the remainder of the day, we will have the pleasure of Chef Luka Kosir's company and his talented team. Chef Luka's culinary prowess shines as he presents traditional Slovenian dishes with a unique and innovative twist. Experience a true farm-to-table adventure as we visit his gardens where many ingredients are sourced, and the heritage breed ducks he raises on his farm.

Our culinary journey continues with a visit to one of Slovenia's premier cheese makers, where we will witness the artisanal craftsmanship behind the region's finest cheeses. The highlight of the day awaits at Chef Luka's renowned restaurant, Grič, boasting an impressive Michelin Star. Indulge in a divine 7-course tasting menu paired with exquisite wines—a true gastronomic delight.

Overnight Stay-5 Star Hotel in Ljubljana 

Friday, December 13th- Our Slovenian Gastronomic Journey: Bread, Chocolate, and Potica

Begin your day with a light breakfast before embarking on today's adventure with a delightful visit to Chef Ana Ros's boutique bakery, Pekarna Ana. Alongside some of Slovenia's finest bakers and pastry chefs, they present a delightful array of sourdough breads, sweet pastries, savory treats, and delightful coffee. Chef Ana Ros is a culinary icon, celebrated as Slovenia's most renowned chef, and you can witness her exceptional skills on her Chef's Table episode on Netflix. Her accolades include being named the Best Female Chef in the World and leading the prestigious 3 Michelin Star Hisa Franko, ranking as the ninth best chef globally.

Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the resort town of Bled, nestled in the picturesque Julian Alps. Explore the captivating Lake Bled, where a traditional wooden boat called a Pletna, dating back to the 1500s, will ferry us to Slovenia's only island featuring the Church of Mary the Queen—a breathtaking and highly photographed sight.

Next, we will visit Bled Castle, a historic treasure offering stunning views of Lake Bled and the surrounding Alps where we will indulge in a modern interpretation of traditional dishes at the castle restaurant, and then a tour of the castle. We will then head to the charming town of Radovljica for a chocolate-making class, creating our own delectable treats amidst the town's enchanting surroundings.

As a special treat, we will visit an old homestead for a homemade Slovenian dinner, discovering the secrets of "potica," Slovenia's famous pastry, accompanied by live music for a truly delightful experience, concluding our unforgettable day.

Overnight Stay-5 Star Hotel in Ljubljana 

Saturday, December 14th-Finale in Croatian Wine Country: Tastings, Traditions, and Farewell Feasts

Today, we will journey back to Croatia, concluding our adventure in the picturesque wine country of Jastrebarsko and Plešivica, just outside of Zagreb. Along the way, we will make a delightful stop in the charming town of Samobor to savor a mid-day sweet treat—kremšnite, a symbolic Croatian dessert.

Following our sweet indulgence, we will continue to one of the top winemakers in the Plešivica area, a true hidden gem of Croatia's wine regions. Despite its small size, Plešivica is known for producing premium wines, and we will have the pleasure of indulging in a wonderfully diverse tasting.

Before checking into our hotel, we will visit the area's last cooper (barrel maker) to witness firsthand how he crafts his wooden creations used for storing wine and spirits. Experience the entire process up close.

Our day concludes with a memorable farewell meal at one of our favorite restaurants, featuring exclusively local and organic products—a fitting end to our extraordinary Festive Flavors tour with Chef Ashley.

Overnight Stay-4 Star Hotel Princess 

Sunday, December 15th-Till the Next Time…

Check-out and Departure

Guests will gather for breakfast at their leisure, before departing for the Zagreb Airport (ZAG) via private transfer to the airport.

-As with any trip of this nature, we are at the discretion of Mother Nature and the schedule might change based on weather or other variables outside of our control. The Gourmet Vacation strives to give all guests the best possible experience, so rest assured that even if things happen you are in very capable hands.

We look forward to hosting you alongside Chef Ashley

Culinarily yours,

The Gourmet Vacation Team and 

Chef Richard Gruica