Chef Sarah McClure’s
Bites, Blossoms & Backroads of the Adriatic
with The Gourmet Vacation ✨

April 18th–April 25th 2027

The spring of 2027 marks a special reunion. After sharing an unforgettable journey in Ireland, Chef Sarah McClure of Southside Smokehouse & Grille in Landrum, South Carolina, and Chef Rihard Gruica, founder of The Gourmet Vacation, come together once again to lead an immersive culinary voyage through the Adriatic—inviting you to experience the region not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest at the table. Come eat, drink, and explore Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.

From the floating romance of Venice to Slovenia’s vineyard-laced hills, from truffle forests and Roman amphitheaters to the glittering edge of the Adriatic Sea, this experience is designed for travelers who crave depth, beauty, and unforgettable flavors. Each day reveals a new layer of the region’s soul—guided by chefs who know where the real stories live: in farms, cellars, kitchens, and centuries-old traditions carried forward with modern artistry.

You’ll dine with Michelin-starred chefs, hunt truffles with locals and their dogs, taste world-class olive oils and orange wines at their source, and wander storybook towns where time slows, and meals stretch long into laughter. This is a celebration of craftsmanship and connection—of blossoms in bloom, backroads less traveled, and bites that linger in memory long after the last glass is poured.

This is not just a vacation or just a food tour.

It’s an immersive culinary voyage shaped by intention, passion, and heart. Travel alongside Chef Sarah and Chef Richard as they once again open doors to the people, places, and plates that define the Adriatic’s vibrant spirit—building on a partnership forged through shared tables, shared stories, and extraordinary journeys.

Come for the food.
Stay for the magic.
Leave with stories you’ll tell for years.

Chef Sarah McClure is the chef and owner of Southside Smokehouse & Grille in Landrum, South Carolina, where her cooking is rooted in regional tradition, bold flavor, and heartfelt hospitality. A respected Culinary Ambassador for South Carolina, she proudly represents the state’s rich food culture on both national and international stages, earning recognition for her thoughtful, soulful approach to cuisine.

A passionate world traveler, Chef Sarah draws inspiration from global kitchens, local markets, and shared tables around the world, weaving those experiences into her work with authenticity and ease. Whether cooking over live fire, collaborating with fellow chefs, or leading immersive culinary journeys, she brings curiosity, warmth, and a deep love of connection to everything she does.

Chef Richard Gruica is the founder and creative force behind The Gourmet Vacation, a boutique culinary travel company known for blending exceptional food experiences with authentic cultural discovery. A chef, storyteller, and global explorer, Richard curates immersive journeys that connect travelers with the world’s most inspiring chefs, artisans, farmers, and winemakers—opening doors to experiences few ever access.

From intimate cooking classes in hidden kitchens to tastings with culinary legends, Richard’s travels celebrate place, people, and flavor with intention and heart. Whether savoring seafood in Peru, hunting truffles in Istria, or exploring street food in Hong Kong, his mission is simple: to create deeply personal, unforgettable moments around the table that guests carry with them long after the journey ends.

Sunday, April 18th

Day 1 – Tour Kickoff-Toast the Journey: Wine Country Beginnings

Welcome to Chef Sarah McClure’s Bites, Blossoms & Backroads of the Adriatic with The Gourmet Vacation

Your journey begins in the romantic city of Venice, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers, Chef Sarah McClure, and Chef Richard Gruica, the founder of The Gourmet Vacation. Chef Sarah and Chef Richard will guide the guests through a week of deep culinary discovery, heartfelt hospitality, and unforgettable flavors.

We will depart Venice in private luxury bus and head straight into the rolling green hills of Slovenia’s famed Goriška Brda wine region, often called the “Tuscany of Slovenia.”

Our stop? A gourmet welcome lunch on a hilltop terrace, surrounded by terraced vineyards and panoramic views. Hosted by the vibrant duo Nejka and Chef Uroš, this multi-course feast showcases the best of local Istrian cuisine—from their famed in-house prosciutto and slow-raised meats to fresh vegetables and handmade delicacies. Each course is paired with exceptional sparkling, natural, and orange wines, setting the tone for the flavor-forward week ahead. The venue itself is a vibrant celebration of food, wine, and artistic expression.

Next, we’ll journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s storybook capital with roots dating back to the 12th century. After checking into the luxurious 5-star Hotel InterContinental, we’ll gather for a guided stroll through the city’s picturesque streets. The evening is yours to wander, soak up the city’s vibrant charm, and maybe even discover a few surprises along the way. Enjoy every bite, sip, and step—this is just the beginning!

A beautiful beginning to a week of discovery, connection, and indulgence.

🚨 Important Arrival Note:

Guests are responsible for arriving in Venice, Italy no later than 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 18th, when the tour officially begins. To ensure a smooth and stress-free start, we highly recommend arriving on or before Saturday, April 17th. Anyone arriving late will need to arrange their own transportation to the first hotel in Rovinj.

At the end of the journey, we’ll transport all guests to a central drop-off point, after which onward travel and accommodations will be on your own.

Important Note Regarding Currency

For all of our European journeys with The Gourmet Vacation, please note that the trip price is listed and payable in Euros (€). All transactions on our end are processed in Euros, as this is the local currency of the destinations we explore.

We truly appreciate your understanding, as this ensures smooth operations with our partners abroad and allows us to deliver the seamless, authentic experiences you’ve come to expect.

Thank you for being part of these adventures—we can’t wait to welcome you!

🏨 Overnight Stay: 5 Star Hotel in Ljubljana

Mon, April 19th

Day 2 – Farms, Stars & Culinary Delights: A True Farm-to-Table Journey with Chef Luka Košir  

Sleep in, sip your morning coffee slowly, and ease into the day—because once we head out, it’s a full-on celebration of Slovenian soil, sustainability, and serious flavor.

By midday, we’ll trade city streets for Slovenia’s emerald countryside, where verdant fields, forests, and winding country lanes lead us to one of the country’s most exciting culinary minds: Chef Luka Košir. Known for pushing boundaries while staying deeply rooted in tradition, Chef Luka is the force behind Grič, a Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star–awarded restaurant tucked into the hills just outside Ljubljana. But before we taste his genius, we’ll see exactly where his inspiration—and ingredients—come from.

🧀 Cheese, Trees & Quacking Royalty

Our first stop is a charming artisanal goat cheese farm, where we’ll meet the passionate producers and the curious, playful goats responsible for some of Slovenia’s finest cheeses. Watch as milk becomes magic, and sample cheeses that range from soft and tangy to aged and nutty—all infused with the terroir of the land.

Next, it’s off to Chef Luka’s own farm, where you’ll meet his rare heritage-breed ducks (yes, actual waddling VIPs). Since 2013, Luka has been raising them with care and intention, part of his mission to fully close the gap between farm and plate. We’ll check out the gardens, farms, and even take a peek at the forest lands that supply wild herbs and mushrooms for his menus.

🌟 A Michelin Meal in the Hills

After walking the land, it’s time to taste the story. We’ll settle in for a long, luxurious multi-course tasting menu at Brunarica Grič, where roughly 80% of what’s on the plate comes from within a few kilometers—most of it from Luka’s own hands. His dishes are thoughtful, whimsical, and deeply Slovenian, balancing rustic roots with modern finesse.

Expect house-made cheeses, wild greens, tender duck, forest-foraged elements, and surprising touches—each paired with exquisite Slovenian wines that sing in perfect harmony. And all of this is served in a setting that feels like a hidden mountain retreat, warm and serene, just like Luka’s approach to food.

By the end of the day, you’ll understand why Grič isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a philosophy, and why Chef Luka is not only a rising star, but one of the most important voices in sustainable European cuisine.

🏨 Overnight Stay: 5 Star Hotel in Ljubljana,

Tuesday, April 20th

Day 3 – Legends, Lakes, and Alpine Magic

Get ready for a storybook day in the heart of the Julian Alps! We’ll start with a breathtaking drive to the picture-perfect town of Bled, a gem tucked into Slovenia’s mountainous north. Once there, hop aboard a hand-crafted Pletna boat, a tradition that’s been gliding across Lake Bled since the 1500s. You’ll be ferried to Slovenia’s only island, where the Church of Mary the Queen awaits—ring the wishing bell and snap that perfect photo (it’s the most iconic spot in the country).

Back on shore, we’re heading to a charming countryside homestead for a soul-warming Slovenian lunch, complete with live music and a hands-on peek into the making of potica—a sweet spiral pastry that’s basically a national treasure.

Next, climb high (not literally—we’re driving!) to the legendary Bled Castle, where stone walls and sky-high views reign supreme. From the fortress, the panoramas of the lake and snow-kissed Alps are postcard perfection.

But we’re not done yet—our final alpine stop is the fairy-tale village of Radovljica, where cobbled lanes and local charm await. After soaking up the magic, we’ll head back to Ljubljana for a relaxed evening on your own—maybe a glass of wine with a view?

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Hotel in Ljubljana

Wednesday, April 21st 

Day 4 – Truffle Hunts & Underground Wonders

Today is a sensory feast that unfolds in layers—earthy, aromatic, mysterious, and bold. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Ljubljannd head to our Croatian portion of our trip, but before we do, we will head to BioSing, home of David Lesar, Slovenia’s legendary sausage artisan whose roots go all the way back to 1492. That’s right—while Columbus was sailing west, David’s ancestors were perfecting the art of sausage-making. Today, his creations are found in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. We’ll tour his cellar, taste a curated selection of dry-aged, wood-smoked sausages (including the iconic koznca), and enjoy an intimate meal paired with local wines—a masterclass in slow food and time-honored techniques.

From there, we leave the surface world behind and head underground into the breathtaking Postojna Caves—a subterranean wonderland of stalactites, winding passages, and cathedral-like chambers. Hop on the scenic cave train, then stroll through glowing limestone halls that feel like stepping into another world.

Next stop: CROATIA and the forests of Istria, where we’ll join a local truffle hunter and their incredible four-legged partners for a real-deal truffle hunt at our dear friends, Prodan Tatrufi. With noses to the ground, these dogs lead us into the wild in search of culinary gold—those fragrant, elusive underground gems. Once we strike truffle, it’s time to indulge. You’ll enjoy a rich truffle degustation, with flavors that celebrate the land’s earthy, luxurious bounty.

Just when your taste buds think they’ve peaked, we’ll pop into Aura, the cutest craft distillery you have ever seen, where ancient techniques meet local ingredients in every sip. A lively tour and a guided tasting of spirits—think herbaceous rakija, smooth brandies, and creative infusions—will awaken your inner connoisseur.

Our journey ends in the picturesque town of Rovinj, right on the Croatian coast. We'll be staying at a luxurious 5-star hotel, our base for the next couple of nights. After checking in, get lost in the charming town of Rovinj.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Hotel in Rovinj

Thursday, April 20th 

Day 5– From Ancient Arenas to Olive Oil Dreams: A Day of History, Art & Michelin-Recommended Indulgence

Prepare to journey through millennia as we set off for the storied coastal town of Pula, a gem of Istria with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years. At the heart of this seaside city stands the majestic Roman Amphitheater, known simply as The Arena—one of the world’s best-preserved Roman coliseums. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour that transports you back to the days of gladiators and emperors, as we stroll beneath stone archways and along ancient streets rich with myth and memory.

From the echoes of antiquity, we move into a town buzzing with contemporary creativity: Vodnjan. This small, unassuming village is home to two of Croatia’s greatest treasures—world-renowned olive oil and a vibrant street art scene that has transformed the town into a colorful open-air gallery.

We’ll visit Chiavalon, Croatia’s most awarded olive oil producer, whose oils have been recognized as the world’s best for eight consecutive years. Here, you’ll discover the passion and precision behind every bottle as we tour the groves, learn about centuries-old cultivation methods, and taste the golden elixir straight from the source. Whether it’s peppery, grassy, or buttery, every drop tells a story of Istria’s land and labor.

But the day’s not over yet—far from it.

This afternoon, we make our way to the small fishing village of Banjole, where an extraordinary dining experience awaits at the Michelin-recommended Batelina, the family-run seafood haven of Chef David Skoko, one of Croatia’s most celebrated chefs and a champion of sustainable, sea-to-table cuisine.

Here, surrounded by the salty breeze and a table full of the Adriatic’s finest offerings, you’ll enjoy a multi-course seafood feast crafted with precision, tradition, and Chef Skoko’s unmistakable flair. From raw preparations to grilled masterpieces, each dish is inspired by the day’s catch and elevated by his deep respect for the sea. And to make the experience even more unforgettable—a special surprise is in store during the meal. We won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s a moment that brings together the very best of storytelling, hospitality, and culinary artistry.

After a full day of flavor, culture, and connection, we return to the serene comforts of the 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, with hearts full and appetites thoroughly satisfied.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Hotel Lone – 5-Star Luxury in Rovinj, Croatia

Friday, April 23rd

Day 6 – From Rosé to Orange: Seaside Sips & Wine Revelations

Today, we swap one seaside town for another, as we roll out of Rovinj and cruise to Portorož, Slovenia’s glittering gem on the Adriatic. Nicknamed the “Port of Roses,” this breezy resort town is equal parts coastal glamour and laid-back charm—just the kind of place where flip-flops meet five-star elegance.

Our new home? The legendary Kempinski Palace Portorož—a grand dame of a hotel that once hosted royals and still drips with Belle Époque beauty. Ocean views, a stunning spa, and next-level service? Yes, please.

But hold onto your wine glasses—because the real magic begins just a short drive away in Izola, where the Orange Wine Festival takes over the seaside with a swirl of color, flavor, and excitement. Set against a sparkling Adriatic backdrop, this festival draws passionate winemakers and vino lovers from all over the world.

We’ll sip and swirl our way through some of the boldest, most unique wines on earth—orange wines, which are made by keeping white grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation, giving the wine its signature amber glow and wildly complex personality (think dried fruit, herbs, a bit of funk, and a kiss of tannin).

As the sun sets over the sea, we’ll toast to a day of discovery before returning to our luxurious oasis for a cozy night’s sleep.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Hotel Portorož

Saturday, April 24th

Day 7 – Adriatic Exhale & Old School Indulgence

The morning drifts in gently and stays that way. No alarms. No rush. Sleep a little longer. Wander down for a slow, sunlit breakfast. Let the coffee linger. Let the second coffee linger even longer.

Then we ease into one of Croatia’s greatest cultural treasures: Fjaka. Not laziness. Not idleness. More like a warm breeze for the soul. A delicious state of contented nothingness where the only real objective is… absolutely none. Spa treatment? Yes. Sauna session? Naturally. Barefoot stroll along the Adriatic with salt in the air and nowhere to be? Perfect. The art here is simple: unwind, recharge, exist.

But once your appetite stretches and starts whispering for more, we pivot.

We’re going back to school. Literally.

A quick glide over the border into Croatia, and we roll into the hilltop town of Buje, where an old schoolhouse has retired its chalkboards and replaced them with wine glasses. The restaurant is Stara Škola, which translates to Old School. The name nods to history, but what’s happening inside is thoroughly modern and wildly delicious.

The building has been beautifully restored into a serious culinary playground, and it also houses one of the region’s standout wineries. So instead of pop quizzes, we’ll be studying vintages. Instead of detention, we’ll be detained by another pour.

And then comes the grand finale.

A collaborative dinner with Chef Sarah, Chef Jan of Stara Škola, with the winemaker joining us at the table. Expect plates landing like applause, wines poured with stories attached, laughter rising with the steam from the kitchen. It’s the kind of evening that gathers up the whole trip and ties it neatly with a corkscrew.

If all homework felt like this, we’d all be straight-A students.

Overnight Stay: 5-Star Hotel

Sunday, April 25th

Day 8 – A Taste of Trieste & Farewell to Flavors

As our unforgettable journey winds down, we say goodbye to our luxurious Slovenian stay and make our way back to the canals of Venice. But before we return to La Serenissima, we’ll enjoy a final flavorful stop in the charming port city of Trieste—a vibrant cultural crossroads where Italian elegance meets Central European soul.

Here, in a city that once linked empires and now links cultures, we’ll pause for a delicious experience at Eataly—Italy’s temple of taste. Overlooking the sparkling Adriatic, Eataly Trieste invites us to savor one last deep dive into Italy’s regional cuisines, with artisan delights, perfectly paired wines, and panoramic views that capture the spirit of the journey.

The very name Trieste—from the Latin Tergeste, meaning “marketplace”—feels like a fitting close to our week of culinary exploration. It’s a final bite of the magic we've shared: the bustling markets, the long tables, the unforgettable meals, and the laughter that echoed through vineyards, ancient ruins, and kitchens.

As we return to Venice in the late afternoon, we carry with us not only the flavors of this adventure, but the memories made with Chef Sarah and Chef Richard and our incredible group—a week filled with discovery, joy, and the kind of moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.