The Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour

CR
Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
15 reviews
Sep 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 16
The Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour
Croatia

Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
15 reviews

Sep 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 16

About this trip

Chef Richard Gruica and Captivating Croatia Tours cordially invite you to join us and our Chef-Host, the acclaimed Chef Mark Allison and escape with us to exotic Croatia for a week-long, food-centric vacation of a lifetime. Come, experience the ultimate culinary adventure which will take place from Saturday, September 3rd to Saturday, September 10th. Get ready to explore one of the most beautiful places in the world, as we visit Dubrovnik and the areas surrounding Croatia’s most storied city, brimming with history and lore, while enjoying the very best food, drink, and sights alongside Chef Mark. Experience a luxury holiday unlike any other in the style you deserve. Get ready to Eat-Drink-Explore! 


TRAVEL AND CORONAVIRUS:  

A MESSAGE TO OUR FUTURE GUESTS


COVID-19 has devastated the travel and hospitality industry worldwide. 2020 was a year to forget, however, there is hope for travel in 2022, and the entire Captivating Croatia team remains committed to providing the best small group experiences for our guests. In fact, our trips have always been about the private group experience, so we are still absolutely ready to give you an amazing vacation. As with all other companies, we are shifting and evolving in response to the Coronavirus. We are creating new policies and protocols in order to maintain the utmost safety of our guests so that you can have a worry-free experience. I have always told our guests, that once you step off that plane, I want all your worries to go away and that continues to be my belief. We know that things are constantly shifting, evolving, and changing and want you to know that the one constant is our resolve to give you the best experience possible, regardless of the circumstances. 


Many people are unaware that Croatia, was the first European country to open its borders for American’s during times of COVID-19. They love American’s and so look to having you as their guest. 


In response to the current environment, and in a show of total support for you and your comfort, I have revised our policies to give you 100% confidence and flexibility in your decision-making.

For COVID-19 related cancellations, we are offering a FULL REFUND, minus a $100 fee to cover administration purposes, transactions, and other misc. fees. Medical documentation will need to be provided for all participants seeking a refund for COVID-19 reasons. Full Refunds will also apply if Travel Restrictions are in place preventing your tour to take part. All payments can also be applied as credits for future tours with no blackout dates or expiration.


Culinarily yours,

The Captivating Croatia Team and 

Chef Richard Gruica

Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour

What’s included

  • Chef Time
    The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Mark personally throughout the trip.
  • 7 Night’s Accommodation
    Luxury accommodation 4 stars or higher
  • All Excursions
    Including food, tastings & classes
  • Private Transportation
    All transportation is included
  • Meals
    All Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • Private Guide
    Your guide (Chef Richard Gruica) is Croatian-American and also a chef!
  • Airport Transfers
    Pick up and drop off at the designated group airport
  • VIP Gypsy Table Access
    VIP Access to The Gypsy Table event

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare is not included. Guests must be in Dubrovnik ready to start the trip by 11 am on Saturday, September 3rd. We highly recommend getting in a day earlier to acclimate and to avoid issues.
  • Travel Insurance
    This is very STRONGLY recommended.
  • Tips/Gratuities
    These would be optional additional tips for guides/hosts
  • Extra Food/Drink
    Any other food/drink not provided on the tour.

Available Packages

Trip Price
$4,949
Deposit:$1,000

Available options

Single Person Supplement
$1,000

Itinerary

DAY 1-Saturday, Sept 3rd
WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK...THE GYPSY TABLE AWAITS

DAY 1-Saturday, September 3rd 


WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK...THE GYPSY TABLE AWAITS


Welcome to Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the host location for your amazing adventure with Chef Mark Allison and Chef Richard Gruica with Captivating Croatia. Feel the warm Dalmatian breeze and sun on your face, let it refresh you. Relax and put your thoughts of home away. We will be staying at the famed Hotel More (pronounced Morehh, meaning Sea in Croatian), which is a boutique 5-Star property built on the seaside of Lapad Bay, just outside of the walled Old Town of Dubrovnik. The Hotel More is special in several ways, not only is it an amazing hotel, but it has a Cave Bar that was voted one of the top 50 bars in the world, but Chef Richard happened to spend his summers just down the street at his family house and the area is very near and dear to him. We can’t think of a better way to start, other than with a wonderful cocktail from the famed Cave Bar followed by a dip in the Adriatic Sea. Relax and enjoy before the group departs for a truly special day in the lesser-known and lesser frequented Konavle Valley, just south of Dubrovnik. Before that, we will visit Cavtat for a walk around the charming sleepy seaside town near Konavle, with a stop for a light lunch at one of our favorite spots before heading out to a fully functioning stone mill in the countryside, where we will step back in time to see how things used to be. We will view how water was used to operate the mill in many ways and sustained the local community for ages. 


Then, get ready to experience The Gypsy Table, Chef Richard’s pop-up event concept. The location and menu are secret, the only thing we can say is that there will be copious amounts of amazing wines for everyone to enjoy. As well as, the edible delights being prepared by Chef Mark, Chef Richard and the guest chefs taking part. What a wonderful way to start the Taste Croatia Tour!


Overnight Stay-Hotel More 5-Star

http://www.hotel-more.hr/ 

Your Organizer


CR
Chef Richard Gruica
15 reviews
From an early age, Chef Richard Gruica saw how food and drink could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds, making everyone happy. With his passion for gastronomy, he decided to create the most incredible of edible journeys. Through extensive research, he presents some of the finest examples of tradition, craft and small producers from across the globe to the guests of his tours. More significantly, guests get to meet and enjoy the people that have a true passion for what they do. Forget ordinary, experience extraordinary!

Reviews

JR
This was my second tour with Chef Richard's organization, and I can say with certainty that it won't be my last. From the moment I signed up for this tour, I knew I was in for something special. Chef Bob's deep desire to know more of Irish food and culture, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, created an experience that transcended the typical tourist route. We ventured off the beaten path, immersing ourselves in the vibrant food scene that lies beyond the well-trodden streets of Dublin. The tour began in the bustling markets of the capital, where Chef Richard & Bob introduced us to artisanal producers, guiding us through the art of traditional Irish bread-making and the nuances of award-winning farmhouse cheeses. His insider connections opened doors to hidden gems, like a family-run distillery, hand-crafted knives, and farms that left our palates forever changed. As we journeyed westward, the landscapes became more rugged and the flavors more wild. In Galway, we savored the briny bounty of the Atlantic in the form of the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. We discovered the joys of farm-to-table dining, reveling in the perfect harmony of seasonality, provenance, and innovative technique. Throughout the tour, Chef Richard & Bob's unwavering passion for Irish cuisine and their deep connections with local food producers shone through. His curated experiences allowed us to peel back the layers, revealing the rich tapestry of history, tradition, and innovation that underpins this remarkable culinary landscape. I left Ireland with a profound appreciation for the country's food culture, a suitcase full of artisanal treats, and a heart overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this truly remarkable journey. If you're seeking an immersive, unforgettable culinary adventure, I cannot recommend Chef Bob Cook's Ireland tour, hosted by Chef Richard Gruica, highly enough. It's an experience that will forever shape the way I approach and enjoy food. Don't miss out on future tours with Chef Richard's renowned culinary community. Sign up today to stay up-to-date on all the exciting upcoming adventures!
By Julia R for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 24, 2024
Richard is the host extraordinaire! Bob Cook’s Emerald Isle was an adventure beyond my expectations. Our days were full of fascinating experiences, fabulous food and sights that I will cherish forever. Expertly planned to fill our days with adventure without ever feeling rushed or short on time. I would gladly take another trip with our guide, Richard Gruica.
By Denise D for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 21, 2024
It is amazing how much food and activity gets packed into this tour without seeming super rushed and rarely getting up early. Hotels are top of the line. Food experiences are all unique and special and vary from home cooked meals on a farm, cooked by the farmer to Michellin starred 24 course adventures. Many excursions are off the beaten path and avoid the crowds while still accomplishing the "must-dos". The addition of amazing chefs sets these apart! Bob Cook is a super nice, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful chef!
By Kirk t for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 17, 2024
Our trip to Croatia with Richard was everything I had hoped for and so much more! Every detail was planned for our group, which made it so easy for us to just show up, relax, and have a wonderful time. Richard catered to our group's needs and had a very thought-out itinerary for us. We experienced so many food & beverage excursions that we would never have done ourselves or even known about. And not to mention that Croatia is absolutely stunning. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!  Our group is ready to plan our next adventure with The Gourmet Vacation!
By Morgan M for The euphoria Friends and Family Croatia Experience on Jul 08, 2024
FG
Excellent food and wine knowledge. Chef Gruica was a great guide. Chef Ricky Moore is amazing and curated a feeling of togetherness in a tour of what was primarily strangers. Over that week we became friends. Many stepped outside of their comfort zones and tried (and loved) food that they'd never before imagined. Croatia is beautiful! I look forward to the next food & wine (and Pepsi!) tour!!
By Felice G for The "Kroatia Kool" Thousand Island Food & Wine Tour w/Chef Ricky Moore on Nov 07, 2023
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References

What a trip! Richard created an amazing itinerary that included something for everyone. His connections to local chefs, farmers, tour guides, etc made this an unforgettable trip. Accommodations were first class, beautiful hotels and very comfortable transportation along the way. We look forward to another trip with him!
By Lewis W on 10 May, 2023