Springtime Flavors: Chef Michael Schwartz's Culinary Journey Through Slovenia and Croatia

April 20th to 27th, 2025

Embark on an exquisite culinary journey with the renowned Chef Michael Schwartz as we traverse the enchanting landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Goriška Brda, often hailed as the "Tuscany of Slovenia," to the historic, cobblestone streets of Pula, this meticulously curated tour offers a deep dive into the region's rich food and wine culture. Savor gourmet meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients, indulge in Michelin-starred dining experiences that elevate traditional cuisine, and partake in thrilling truffle hunts that promise to unveil nature's hidden treasures. Sample the finest wines, from sparkling to natural and orange, each sip complemented by breathtaking backdrops of rolling hills, medieval towns, and coastal vistas.

Delight in the ultimate farm-to-table experiences, where you'll meet passionate artisans and chefs dedicated to sustainable practices. Unwind in luxurious accommodations that blend comfort with style, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventure. This is not just a tour, but a celebration of culinary excellence, cultural immersion, and the sheer beauty of Slovenia and Croatia. Join us for a gastronomic adventure that promises unforgettable flavors, stunning scenery, and memories to last a lifetime. This is more than a trip—it's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts. Join us for a journey that is as enriching as it is delicious.

 Your adventure begins in the romantic city of Venice, where you'll be whisked away to the picturesque wine country of Goriška Brda, Slovenia. Indulge in a gourmet lunch atop a terrace, savoring local delicacies and the region's finest wines amidst breathtaking vineyard views. Cross into Croatia to stay in the charming coastal town of Rovinj, where you'll enjoy a sunset stroll and a delightful dinner in the heart of the old town.

Discover the ancient wonders of Pula with a private tour of the Roman Amphitheater, and experience the world-renowned olive oils and vibrant street art of Vodnjan. Enjoy an exquisite seafood feast at Batelina, prepared by Croatia’s top chef, David Skoko. In Motovun, join an exhilarating truffle hunt and relish a truffle degustation, then visit a local distillery for a tour and tasting of their finest spirits.

Journey into Slovenia to explore the enchanting Postojna Caves, followed by a visit to BioSing to meet master sausage maker David Lesar and taste his globally acclaimed sausages. In Ljubljana, immerse yourself in a farm-to-table experience with Chef Luka Kosir, exploring his duck farm and an artisanal goat cheese farm before enjoying a Michelin-starred meal at Grič.

In Bled, take a traditional wooden Pletna boat to Slovenia's only island and visit the Church of Mary the Queen, followed by a tour of Bled Castle. Relax in Portorož, known as the "Port of Roses," and partake in the vibrant Orange Wine Festival in Izola, celebrating the unique world of orange wines. Craft your own gin at the Brin micro-distillery and enjoy a gourmet lunch at Gostilna Mahorčič, before unwinding with a spa treatment or a leisurely seaside stroll.

Conclude your journey in Trieste, Italy, diving into the heart of Italian culinary tradition at Eataly. Return to Slovenia for a unique cheese-tasting experience at Golden Ring Cheese in the Slovenian Alps, where artisanal cheeses are aged in an old military bunker. This culinary journey blends exquisite dining, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable adventure.

Sunday, April 20th

Day 1- Tour Kickoff - Venice to Slovenia: From Vino Views to Rovinj's Sunset Delights

Welcome to Springtime Flavors: Chef Michael Schwartz's Culinary Journey Through Slovenia and Croatia! Our adventure kicks off in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, where a luxurious van eagerly awaits to whisk us away to the stunning landscapes of Slovenia. Get ready for an unforgettable food and wine experience!

Our first stop is the legendary wine country of Goriška Brda, often called the "Tuscany of Slovenia". We will start with a gourmet lunch high atop a terrace with jaw-dropping vineyard views, where we will enjoy a multi-course feast of local delicacies paired with the region's top-notch sparkling, natural, and orange wines. This culinary extravaganza is hosted by the dynamic duo, Nejka and Chef Uroš, at their venue renowned for its meats, especially their mouthwatering in-house prosciutto. It is a true haven of cuisine, wine, and art. 

Next, we cross into Croatia, where the beautiful scenery will sweep you off your feet. Our journey ends in the picturesque town of Rovinj, right on the Croatian coast. We'll be staying at the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone, our base for the next few nights. After checking in, we'll gather for a sunset stroll, watching the sunset behind the charming town of Rovinj. Then, we'll dive into the heart of the old town for a laid-back meal of pizza/pasta and lots more wine. What a fantastic way to kick off our tour!

Please Note-Each guest is responsible for making their way to Venice, Italy, before our tour kicks off at 11:00 am on Sunday, April 20th. To ensure a smooth start to our culinary adventure, we recommend arriving no later than Saturday, April 19th, so we can all depart together on the 20th. If you miss the departure, you will need to arrange your transportation to our first hotel in Croatia. At the end of the tour, we'll take everyone back to our central return spot, from which point you'll be responsible for your accommodation and onward travel. 

Overnight Accommodation- 5-Star Hotel Lone-Rovinj, Croatia

Mon, April 21st

Day 2-From Ancient Arenas to Olive Oil Dreams: A Day of History, Art, and Michelin Delights 

Today, we head to Pula, a coastal town with over 3,000 years of history, famed for its well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, the Arena. We'll enjoy a private tour of the arena and the city's historic streets, uncovering ancient relics and fascinating stories along the way.

Next, our adventure takes us to Vodnjan, a town famous for two incredible things. First, it's home to Croatia's top olive oil producers, winning the title of the world's best olive oil for eight years in a row. Istria's olive oil is truly a global superstar. Second, Vodnjan is known for its vibrant street art scene, with an annual festival that brings the town's artistic flair to life. In Vodnjan, we'll visit Croatia's premier olive oil producer, hear their amazing story, and taste their exceptional oils—an experience that will make you appreciate this liquid gold even more.

The culinary highlight of the day awaits us with Croatia's top chef, David Skoko, at his Michelin-recommended restaurant, Batelina. Here, we'll savor an exquisite seafood feast that's sure to delight your taste buds. To make the experience even more memorable, a special surprise is in store during the meal. 

Overnight Accommodation- 5-Star Hotel Lone-Rovinj, Croatia

Tues, April 22nd

Day 3- Truffle Hunts and Underground Wonders: A Culinary and Scenic Adventure from Motovun to Ljubljana

After checking out, we’ll stop for a photo op by Motovun, a stunning hilltop town known for Croatia's most scenic vistas. Then, it’s off to the heart of Truffle Country for an exhilarating truffle hunt with a local expert and their skilled dogs. Among the trees, we’ll search for these underground treasures and then indulge in a delicious truffle degustation. Next, we visit a charming distillery, where you’ll enjoy a fascinating tour and a tasting of their finest spirits.

Our adventure continues into Slovenia to explore the iconic Postojna Caves. A scenic train ride takes us deep into these captivating caves, followed by a gentle walking tour to discover the enchanting underground world.

Then, we head to BioSing to meet the master sausage maker, David Lesar. His families’ culinary artistry dates to 1492, when skilled woodworkers perfected the art of sausage-making. David’s sausages are now globally acclaimed and served in top dining establishments. We’ll enjoy a cellar tour, taste an array of exquisite sausages paired with exceptional wines, and savor a meal featuring local “koznca” sausages and a special treat.

We will then arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s captivating capital, rich in history since the 12th century. After checking in at the luxurious 5-star Hotel Intercontinental, we’ll regroup for a walking tour of the city. Enjoy Ljubljana’s picturesque charm and vibrant atmosphere as you explore and immerse yourself in the city’s delights at your own pace.

Overnight Stay-5-Star Hotel Intercontinental-Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Wed, April 23rd-

Day 4-Farms, Stars, and Culinary Delights: A True Farm-to-Table Experience

Start your day at your own pace, enjoying a relaxing morning. The rest of the day, however, promises a memorable culinary journey with the talented Chef Luka Kosir and his team. Chef Luka reimagines traditional Slovenian dishes with a creative twist, offering an authentic farm-to-table experience at his restaurant, Grič (meaning "hill" in Slovenian). Impressively, about 80 percent of the food we'll savor today is sourced from Chef Luka's family farm, including the gardens and forest lands. We’ll also meet the heritage breed ducks he raises and visit an artisanal goat cheese farm.

Artisanal Cheese and Ducks Aplenty-

Our culinary adventure begins with a scenic drive from Ljubljana into Slovenia’s lush countryside. First stop: one of the region's top cheese makers. Here, we'll get an insider's look at the artisanal cheese-making process and meet the charming goats that produce these delectable cheeses. Next, we head to Chef Luka's duck farm. Since 2013, he has been raising heritage breed ducks, preserving the farm-to-table connection. This visit gives us a holistic view of the food production cycle, from farm to plate.

Michelin-Star Delights-

Our journey culminates at Brunarica Grič, Chef Luka's Michelin-starred restaurant. Grič also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. We'll indulge in a multi-course tasting menu, each dish paired with exquisite wines, showcasing Chef Luka’s culinary brilliance. This experience is the ultimate treat for your taste buds, capping off a day of gastronomic delight and farm-fresh discoveries.

Overnight Stay-5-Star Hotel Intercontinental-Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Thurs, April 24th

Day 5-Lakeside Legends and Alpine Adventures

Our journey kicks off with a scenic drive to the resort town of Bled, nestled in the stunning Julian Alps. We'll explore the captivating Lake Bled aboard a traditional wooden Pletna boat, a charming vessel that has been in use since the 1500s. This boat ride will ferry us to Slovenia's only island, home to the Church of Mary the Queen, the most photographed spot in the country.

After our boat ride, we'll head to an old homestead for a homemade Slovenian lunch. Here, we'll uncover the secrets of "potica," Slovenia's most famous pastry, while being serenaded by live music.

Next, we'll venture to the majestic Bled Castle, a millennia-old fortress perched high above the lake, offering breathtaking views of Lake Bled and the surrounding Alps. After exploring the castle, we'll make our way to the charming town of Radovljica to soak in its enchanting atmosphere. We'll then conclude this unforgettable day and return to Ljubljana, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Overnight Stay-5-Star Hotel Intercontinental-Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Friday, April 25th

Day 6- From Rose to Orange: A Day of Coastal Charm and Wine Wonders

Today, we bid farewell to Ljubljana and set off for a seaside stay in Portorož, a vibrant resort town on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. Known as the "Port of Roses," Portorož charms with its beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and fun. 

After checking into our new home, the Kempinski Palace Portorož, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea, the hotel occupies an ornate, palatial building, once frequented by royalty, we are in for a special treat: The Orange Wine Festival in the nearby town of Izola. This lively event celebrates the unique and diverse world of orange wines. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, winemakers, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs from around the globe gather here for this event, and we get to indulge in tasting some of the most exquisite orange wines. The festival blends education and entertainment, making it one of the highlights of our trip. Plus, Chef Michael will make a culinary appearance at some point during the festival.

But what exactly is orange wine? Despite its name, orange wine isn't made from oranges. It is crafted from white grapes, with the grape skins and seeds left in contact with the juice for an extended period, much like red wine production. This skin-contact fermentation gives the wine its distinctive amber or orange hue and a unique flavor profile. Orange wines often feature complex aromas and tastes, including dried fruits, nuts, and spices, with a slightly tannic texture. This ancient winemaking technique produces wines with remarkable depth and character, offering a fascinating alternative to traditional white and red wines.

We'll end our day with a comforting meal and a restful night's sleep, ready for more adventures ahead.

Overnight Stay-5-Star Kempinski Palace Portorož-Portorož, Slovenia 

Sat, April 26th

Day 7-Craft, Savor, and Relax: A Day for the Senses 

This morning, we embark on an exciting journey to Piran's historic sea salt area, where centuries-old salt pans still produce salt using traditional methods. Prepare to be captivated by the process and soak in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. But that's not all - get ready for a unique experience as we craft our very own "One in A Million Gin" at the Brin micro-distillery. While our gin distills, we'll stroll over to Gostilna Mahorčič, a Michelin spot, for a lunch featuring local Karst specialties with a gourmet twist, courtesy of the talented husband-and-wife team, Martin and Chef Ksenija Mahorčič. And guess what? Everyone gets to take home their own bottle of "One in a Million" Brin Gin as a special gift!

After our culinary adventure, we'll return to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation, embracing the Croatian concept of "Fjaka" - a "psychophysical state of mind with aspiration for nothing". Whether you're indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, unwinding in the sauna, or taking a leisurely seaside stroll, the choice is yours. Just remember to kick back and enjoy! 

Overnight Stay- 5-Star Kempinski Palace Portorož- Portorož, Slovenia 

Sun, April 27th

Day 8- From Trieste Treasures to Alpine Delights: A Culinary Finale

After bidding farewell to our hotel, we embark on a thrilling journey to the vibrant city of Trieste, a bustling maritime crossroads connecting Northern Italy, Germany, Austria, and Central Europe. Here, amidst the lively streets and rich historical backdrop, we'll dive headfirst into the heart of Italian culinary tradition at Eataly. This gastronomic wonderland celebrates Italy's diverse cuisine with a mouthwatering array of gourmet offerings, promising a feast for the senses.

The name "Trieste" itself holds a captivating origin, rooted in the Latin word "Tergeste," thought to have Venetic origins. This blend of "terg," meaning "market," and "-est," denoting "place," perfectly captures the essence of our Eataly experience—a vibrant marketplace brimming with history and flavors waiting to be explored.

Returning one last time to Slovenia, we ascend into the majestic Slovenian Alps for an unforgettable finale at Golden Ring Cheese. Tucked away amidst the mountain peaks, this artisanal cheese producer boasts a one-of-a-kind aging process, storing their cheeses in an old military bunker deep within the alpine terrain. This innovative method infuses the cheese with a unique flavor profile, which we'll savor over a delightful meal (rumor has it that Chef Michael will join Chef Richard in the kitchen for some culinary magic), marking the perfect conclusion to our week of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments before our return to Venice.

Return to Venice late afternoon.