About the Croatian Culinary Adventure
At a glance...
Country: Croatia
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Activity: Hiking, rafting, sightseeing, and eating!
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate
Comfort: 3*-4* hotels
Price: Based on double occupancy. See booking page for single supplement upgrade.
Get ready for a unique, challenging, and delicious adventure into the wonders of Croatia, a Mediterranean gem where ancient walled cities, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and lush national parks converge to create a paradise for history lovers, beachgoers, and adventurers alike. Over eight memorable days, you will experience the best of Croatia via foot and boat, exploring the Istrian countryside, Cetina River, and three stunning national parks — all with a hearty helping of warm local culture and a special focus on the region’s incredible cuisine. With our Croatian Directors, TJ and Becky Jambrovic, we have developed a unique adventure for foodies and hikers — a rare treat for our Hobnail community. We’ve even included a “Game of Thrones”-themed meal at a traditional Dubrovnik restaurant located along the steps (pictured at the top) where Queen Cersei embarked on her famous “Walk of Shame” in the iconic HBO miniseries. Don’t wait — reserve your spot now!
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CROATIAN CULINARY ADVENTURE
8 days/7 nights- Click on the preferred date to register:
- May 24-31, 2025
- September 27 – October 4, 2025
- Registration deadline is 60 days prior to the start of the trek.
Croatian Culinary adventure Details
Please read all of these carefully!
Truffle hunting in Motovun
Experience the Istrian tradition of truffle hunting with a local hunter and his dogs, followed by a delicious lunch of truffle pasta, etc.
Plitvice National Park walking tour
Enjoy a six-mile trek through one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Europe, featuring more than 90 waterfalls and a stunning sequence of turquoise lakes separated by travertine barriers.
Hiking Paklenica National Park
At the top of this spectacular trail, enjoy a traditional lunch prepared using a time-honored cooking technique called “peka,” or “under the bell.”
Krka’s Colorful Pools and Waterfalls
Hiking in the Krka National Park takes you on trails with wooden bridges, past numerous waterfalls and turquoise pools. You can even take a swim in the gorgeous waters if you’d like.
River Rafting
Beginner-friendly white water rafting on the Cetina River.
Old-town Dubrovnik
Enjoy a guided walk through the ancient city of Dubrovnik followed by a “Game of Thrones”-inspired lunch at a traditional restaurant and a hike to the top of Mount Srd, which towers above the city.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels
- All meals on the trek as specified in the itinerary and gratuities for servers
- Water, red wine, and white wine with meals
- Local, professional English-speaking leader and guide(s)
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip
- All guided hikes, activities, and culinary excursions in the itinerary
- Transport to the airport in Dubrovnik for departure
- National park and nature park entry fees
- Entrance tickets to Dubrovnik Walls and other stated attractions
- Local tourist taxes
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Meals not included on the itinerary
- Drinks other than water and red/white wine during meals
- Airport pick-up in Zagreb
- Tips for drivers, guide(s), etc. (we’ll provide guidance on this)
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure or transportation
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure. (Read more in the “Training” tab.)
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek (with at least a $500 deposit), we will give you a call to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we will also invite you to join a private group page just for your trek. This is a great way to interact with your fellow trekkers, and possibly your guide, before departure. You can post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other just fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive our Hobnail app, which is full of great information including a day-by-day schedule, beautiful photography, and important details about your trek. As your trip gets closer, we will load your flights and other more specific information into the app so you’ll feel even more secure in knowing where you’ll be staying and even how to get around the airports you’ll travel through.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Like all of our adventures, you need to have achieved a good level of fitness prior to departure for this trek. Remember, these are not simply vacations that incorporate a little bit of walking. On the contrary, these are active adventures! In most cases, you will be on your feet for several hours each day, and in some cases, hiking along rough trails and possibly, steep inclines. It is your responsibility to train, practice, and have yourself in the best condition possible by the time you depart.
So, if you are expecting a 10-mile day of hiking on your trip, emulate that hike at home — repeatedly. If you expect consecutive days of hiking on your trip, complete consecutive days of hiking at home. Same with biking. Do more and more of this as your departure approaches so that when you’re actually there, your muscle memory will kick in. Train hard at home so that things will be easy during the actual trip.
Trust us — your adventure will be infinitely more fun if you are physically prepared for it. If you need help or suggestions with training, feel free to call or email us!
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff.
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome Meeting & Dinner in Zagreb
Welcome to Zagreb!
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the city center in the afternoon. You’ll take a short walk around the lively capital before enjoying your first meal together in Croatia.
Your dinner tonight will feature dishes from Zagreb and northern Croatia, such as cheese strukli, hunter’s stew, and Zagreb’s take on wienerschnitzel. During the meal, you’ll get to know each other and discuss the details of the upcoming adventure through Croatia. You’ll have the rest of the evening free to relax on your own.
Accommodations: Hotel in Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Truffle Hunting in Motovun, Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting
After enjoying your first breakfast in Zagreb, you’ll have a 3-hour drive to the region of Istria. Known as Croatian Tuscany, this heart-shaped peninsula is famous for its rolling countryside and culinary delights.
Today, you’ll get to experience the Istrian tradition of truffle hunting with a local hunter and his dogs. Learn more about this delicacy as you search for them in the Motovun forest, then enjoy your findings during a delicious lunch with truffle pasta, truffle cheese, and more, prepared for you by your hosts.
The day’s adventures aren’t done yet! After your delicious lunch, you’ll explore Motovun’s old town and take in the panoramic views from the city walls, which date back to the 11th century. You’ll also take a stroll through some of the local vineyards and sip the region’s white malvasia and red teran wines.
You’ll have the rest of the evening on your own – you can relax at the hotel, have dinner in Motovun (we’ll recommend our favorite spots), and enjoy the lovely Istrian sunsets.
Accommodations: Hotel in Motovun
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park Walking Tour
Today, we embark on a journey to one of Europe’s most enchanting natural wonders – Plitvice Lakes National Park. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this unique park features a series of turquoise lakes connected by travertine barriers and adorned with more than 90 waterfalls.
Our adventure begins with a scenic, three-hour drive from Lovran to the park entrance. Upon arrival, we’ll head out into the park’s intricate network of wooden pathways and bridges, treating ourselves to breathtaking vistas of 16 stunning lakes, picturesque forests straight out of a fairy tale, and majestic waterfalls. The beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes are teeming with diverse wildlife and hidden caves. The trail spans approximately 6 miles, typically taking 5-6 hours to complete, and we will provide a lakeside picnic lunch. If you prefer, you can grab sandwiches or snacks from a quaint restaurant along the route, or we can make a quick stop at a local market in the morning to pack your own provisions.
After our hike, we’ll hop on a quick, 15-minute bus ride to view the lakes from a different perspective before returning to the starting point. Then, it’s just a few minutes from the park entrance to our cozy accommodation for the night. We’ll reconvene for a delightful dinner once everyone has had some time to unwind and relax.
Accommodations: Hotel in Plitvice
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking Distance: 6 miles
Activity Time: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Hiking Paklenica National Park
Our day begins with a scenic 45-minute drive to Paklenica National Park, a true gem nestled within the Velebit Mountain Range. Known for its stunning hiking trails and world-class rock climbing routes, this park boasts the largest and most pristine forest complex in Dalmatia.
We’ll embark on a hike through Velika Paklenica, the park’s main canyon, where towering limestone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop. Look closely, and you might catch a glimpse of climbers tackling the park’s impressive multipitch routes, some of which rise over 1,200 feet high. As we continue, our trail will wind through serene forested areas, gradually leading us to the Ramica Dvori mountain hut.
At the top, we’ll be rewarded with a traditional meal prepared using the age-old technique of “peka” or “under the bell.” While enjoying this hearty meal, we’ll take in breathtaking mountain views and sample homemade liqueurs crafted from local herbs and fruits. If we’re fortunate, our hosts might even treat us to a lively traditional song on the accordion—a perfect way to embrace the local culture.
The hike is a round-trip journey, taking us back through the canyon to our starting point. In total, we’ll cover around 8 miles, with 1,700 feet of elevation gain, over approximately 4-5 hours of hiking.
Afterward, we’ll set off on a two-hour drive to our next destination: Omis, a charming town situated at the mouth of the Cetina River. Once a notorious pirate stronghold, Omis now serves as a playground for adventure enthusiasts. You’ll have the evening to explore its vibrant streets and enjoy a meal at one of its many restaurants.
Accommodations: Hotel in Zadar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking Distance: 8 miles
Activity Time: 5 hours
Elevation Changes: +1700 ft
Day 5: Krka National Park Hiking
After breakfast, you’ll have a one-hour drive from Zadar to the town of Skradin, the gateway to Krka National Park. You’ll hike from Skradin along the Krka River into the main part of the park. The trail features a series of wooden bridges and winds past numerous waterfalls that tumble into turquoise and emerald pools. You’ll also get the chance to see the world’s second-oldest hydroelectric power plant and tour an Ethno Village with 19th-century watermills and a small museum featuring traditional outfits and textiles from the region. The hike is around 7 miles long and is relatively flat. It should take about 4-5 hours, including breaks to enjoy the scenery.
After touring the park on foot, you’ll have a short drive (about 25 minutes) to a very special spot for lunch. Located just next to the Krka River and Roski Waterfall, this small family restaurant has tables in the shallows of the river, so you can dine with your feet in the water. What an experience! You’ll enjoy homemade prosciutto and cured meats and cheeses that are traditional for this part of Dalmatia.
After lunch, you can go for a swim beneath the waterfalls before the drive back to Skradin. You’ll have the evening on your own to explore the quaint town. Your guide can provide some restaurant recommendations for dinner if you’d like.
Accommodations: Hotel in Skradin
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Activity Time: 4-5 hours
Day 6: Cetina River Rafting, Hike to Pirate Fortress
After breakfast this morning, you’ll have a 1.5-hour drive from Skradin to Omis. Located at the mouth of the Cetina River, the town of Omis was once a pirate stronghold. Today, it’s a paradise for adventurous travelers, with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, rafting, zip-lining, and more.
Once you arrive, you’ll hike up to a 14th/15th-century fortress perched on a cliff 860 feet above the town. The fortress, an important defense during the Venetian empire as they fought against the Ottoman invasion, was designed as a refuge for the townspeople in the event of an attack. The hike is steep but short and should take about 1.5 hours in total.
After the hike, you’ll have some free time to get lunch on your own in the town of Omis. In the afternoon, you have an exciting (but also beginner-friendly) white water rafting trip on the Cetina River. You’ll paddle through crystal clear waters and over waterfalls as the river winds its way through the dense forest.
After rafting, you’ll get settled into your hotel and meet back up later for dinner. You’ll taste the local seafood with a mixed platter of grilled fish, squid, and shellfish, or try slow-cooked octopus peka.
Accommodations: Hotel in Omis
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Activity Time: 1.5 hours
Day 7: Exploring Dubrovnik, Hiking to Mt. Srd
On our final full day of exploration, we’ll immerse ourselves in one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations — Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this ancient walled city is not only steeped in history but also gained global fame as the filming location for King’s Landing in the HBO series, “Game of Thrones.” Enjoy exploring the Old Town with your guide and viewing this ancient city from the vantage point of the walls.
We’ll pause our sightseeing adventures for a Game of Thrones-inspired lunch at a charming traditional restaurant. Here, you’ll savor authentic Dubrovnik cuisine crafted from centuries-old recipes, all while being transported into the realm of King’s Landing. Located at the top of the famed stairs where Queen Cersei’s dramatic “walk of shame” unfolded, the restaurant offers a special GOT-themed menu, adding to the immersive experience.
Following lunch, you’ll have around an hour of free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Later, we’ll embark on a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Srd, which towers above the city. The trail offers stunning vistas of Dubrovnik and the neighboring Elaphiti Islands. At the summit, we’ll gather for a delightful light dinner overlooking the city, after which, depending on the group’s preference, we can either hike back down to the city or opt for a cable car ride. The round-trip hike spans about 3 miles with an elevation gain of 850 feet from the trailhead (1,350 ft if starting from sea level in town).
Accommodations: Hotel in Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Change: +1350 ft
Day 8: Departure
Today marks the end of your adventure. We’ll be sorry to see you go!
Your guide will take you to the Dubrovnik airport in time to catch your international flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is Croatia?
Nestled in the heart of Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, Croatia boasts a diverse and captivating landscape shaped by its unique geographical features. Along its stunning Adriatic coastline, Croatia is adorned with over a thousand islands, each offering its own distinct charm, from the lush greenery of Hvar to the rugged beauty of Cres. The Dinaric Alps stretch across much of Croatia’s interior, forming a rugged spine that offers breathtaking vistas and outdoor adventures. In the north, the fertile plains of Slavonia are crisscrossed by rivers, including the mighty Danube, which marks Croatia’s border with Serbia.
Inland, Croatia is dotted with picturesque lakes, forests, and rolling hills, with notable natural wonders such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its cascading waterfalls and crystalline lakes. From the pristine beaches of the Dalmatian Coast to the verdant valleys of Istria, Croatia’s geography is as varied as it is breathtaking.
Croatia's history in a nutshell
Croatia’s history is a tapestry woven with diverse influences, spanning millennia of civilizations and empires. The region’s roots trace back to ancient times, with Illyrian tribes inhabiting the land before the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century BC. Under Roman rule, Croatia prospered as a key province of the empire, evidenced by the well-preserved Diocletian’s Palace in Split. With the decline of the Roman Empire, Croatia experienced waves of invasions and migrations, including Slavic settlements in the 7th century, which laid the foundations for the Croatian identity and language.
In the medieval era, Croatia emerged as a powerful kingdom, forming personal unions with Hungary and briefly with the Kingdom of Croatia and Kingdom of Hungary united under the Habsburgs. However, the Ottoman incursions in the 15th and 16th centuries brought turmoil to the region, leading to conflicts and the gradual decline of Croatian autonomy.
The 19th century saw a resurgence of Croatian nationalism, culminating in the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918, later renamed Yugoslavia. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia declared independence, leading to the Croatian War of Independence, which ultimately resulted in the recognition of Croatia as an independent state in 1992. Since then, Croatia has undergone significant political and economic reforms, solidifying its place as a vibrant European nation with a rich cultural heritage.
CROATIAN CULINARY ADVENTURE
8 days/7 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
Registration deadline is 60 days prior to the start of the trek.
