The euphoria Friends and Family Croatia Experience, June 8th to 15th, 2024

The euphoria Greenville Team cordially invites you to join them and our host, Chef Richard Gruica, the founder of Captivating Croatia Tours to escape with us to exotic Croatia for a week-long, food-centric vacation of a lifetime. Come, and experience the ultimate culinary adventure which will take place from Saturday, June 8th to Saturday, June 15th, 2024. 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. Experience a luxury holiday unlike any other in the style you deserve Get ready to Eat-Drink-Explore!

Day 1-

Saturday, June 8th 

Welcome to The euphoria Friends and Family Croatia Experience…

Welcome to Dubrovnik, one of the world's most enchanting cities, and the starting point of your incredible journey on the euphoria Friends and Family Croatia Experience with Chef Richard Gruica. Feel the warm Dalmatian breeze and let the beauty of Dubrovnik captivate you. Our luxurious accommodation awaits at the renowned Hotel More (more-ehhh), which means Hotel Sea, a boutique 5-star property nestled along the shores of Lapad Bay, just outside the historic walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town. The Hotel More is not only an exceptional hotel but also houses a unique Cave Bar, voted one of the top 50 bars in the world. Chef Richard has a personal connection to this area, having spent summers nearby at his family house. To kick off the tour in style, indulge in a refreshing cocktail at our reserved VIP area on the terrace of the Cave Bar and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Relax and savor the moment, take in the beauty and serenity of the area before we enjoy the rest of the day in the lesser-known Konavle Valley, south of Dubrovnik.

Our visit to Konavle begins in the countryside where we will explore a fully functioning stone mill, a true glimpse into the past and a testament to the community's sustainable use of water throughout history. We will then gather at an old stone homestead for a delectable meal centered around meats cooked under the Peka, which is a traditional Croatian cooking method that has been passed down through generations. It involves slow-cooking meat, typically lamb or veal, along with vegetables in a covered dome-shaped baking dish. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish, with the meat becoming incredibly tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up the rich flavors of the marinade. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious and aromatic dish.

Peka is not just a cooking technique but also a social and cultural experience. It is often prepared for special occasions or gatherings, bringing family and friends together to share in the anticipation and enjoyment of the meal. The unveiling of the peka, with its aromatic steam escaping, is a moment of excitement and anticipation, signaling the delicious feast that awaits. We will get to experience just that. We will have the added bonus of one of the top young winemakers joining us for dinner. His name is Petar Crvik and he has been shaking up the Croatian wine community with his creations, enough so that he has won several Decanter Wine Award medals, the equivalent of The Academy Awards. We will try his wines throughout the night. 

What a remarkable way to kickstart our trip! So, prepare to be enchanted by the culinary delights, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes that await you on this extraordinary journey through Croatia. 

Please note, that all guests should arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia within their own timeframe with the tour beginning on Saturday morning, June 8th. Due to the nature of the ongoing travel industry, we advise that our guests arrive in Dubrovnik no later than Friday, June 7th. This night is not covered in the package.

Overnight Stay-Hotel More 5-Star

Day 2-

Sunday, June 9th

The Pearl of the Adriatic...See the Sights and Savor the Bites

Our day begins inside the ancient city of Dubrovnik, where we have arranged for a walk along the famed walls of the Old Town. Be prepared to take the BEST selfies ever! Afterward, you will experience another project of our founder, Chef Richard Gruica on his “Sights and Bites” food and wine/history walking tour, where you will be expertly guided through a tasting of the Old Town of Dubrovnik by our Foodie/History Guide. Prepare to be seriously wowed by the city’s fairytale-like setting, enjoying its shiny white limestone streets, and enchanting narrow alleyways all while you eat and drink your way through the otherworldly Old Town. Enjoy free time after the foodie tour to explore Dubrovnik further on your own. Please bring comfy walking shoes/sneakers/sandals!!!

Overnight Stay-Hotel More 5-Star

http://www.hotel-more.hr/

Day 3-

Monday, June 10th 

Check Out/Check In

Embark on a Journey through Wine Country: Revel in Scenic Coastal Beauty

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we set off to explore the captivating wine region. Our route will take us along the picturesque coastal highway, treating our eyes to breathtaking vistas along the way. Our destination is the renowned Pelješac Peninsula, a true gem of Croatia, known for its exceptional wines and stunning landscapes. We will be delighted to call the Aminess Grand Azur Hotel our home during this leg of our journey (we are here for 4 nights). Nestled along the Adriatic Sea in Orebić, this 4-star property promises a comfortable and relaxing stay.

En route, we will make a stop at The Arboretum, a historic site that holds the distinction of being the oldest in Europe. Notably, it has also served as a significant filming location for the beloved Game of Thrones TV series. Here, we will embark on a brief tour of the scenic surroundings, immersing ourselves in its natural beauty. 

As we venture further along the coast, we will make a pit-stop to Mali Ston, a seaside village that is famed for its oysters and mussels. We will ride on a boat along the pristine waters, taking in the rustic villages and tall craggy mountains, where we will get a demo on oyster farming and production, a tradition that has been happening here since antiquity. The oysters here are so good, that even ancient Roman emperors used to put in delivery orders! We won’t need that as we will enjoy them right on their floating dock. 

We have an exciting SUPRISE detour planned at the Milos winery. This particular winery, which is one of the most respected in all of Croatia, holds a special place in our hearts and we are thrilled to visit their newly opened tasting room. Anticipating the wonderful experiences that await us, our anticipation grows stronger with every passing moment. Upon arrival and settling into our hotel, we will gather for a private homemade dinner at a wine maker’s house to try his wines and food, both crafted with love, we will relish the flavors and embrace the warmth of Croatian hospitality. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of wine, indulging in the beauty of Pelješac and savoring the fruits of its vineyards. Today will be a day that seamlessly blends scenic wonders, delectable wines, and exquisite cuisine.

Check-In and Overnight Stay-The Aminess Grand Azur 4-Star 

https://www.aminess.com/en/aminess-grand-azur-hotel

Day 4-

Tuesday, June 11th 

From Water to Wine…

Today, we will venture through the wine region of Dingač and hop on a couple of boats. The boats will take us out to experience the azure waters of the Adriatic. We will be joined by a local fisherman who doubles as a free diver and spearfisherman. After he demonstrates his craft, feel free to jump into the Adriatic with him and cool yourself down. In addition to fishing, we’ll go hunting for delicious sea urchins and other edible Adriatic surprises. After some time exploring the coastline, we will go back to shore and take our spoils to a leafy hidden gem to grill off our catch. We will also savor stewed octopus and black risotto, two Dalmatian specialties, and enjoy a relaxing meal under the trees while sipping on wines produced by the owner and his family. After the meal, we will return to the hotel to take some free time and refresh before we head to the peninsula’s top winery for a sunset toast of bubbly. We will then take part in a tour of the winery. Today concludes with a pizza/pasta meal under the stars!

Overnight Stay-The Aminess Grand Azur 4-Star 

https://www.aminess.com/en/aminess-grand-azur-hotel

Day 5-

Wednesday, June 12th 

Krazy for Korčula…Marco?

This time we will hop onto a car ferry as we head to the historic island of Korčula, the ancestral home of Marco Polo, and you thought he was Italian! Our adventure in Korčula begins with a guided tour of the city and its narrow streets, followed by lunch at the famed one Michelin-starred LD Restaurant, showcasing the fusion of the finest gastronomic products available in Croatia and the gourmet stylings of Chef Marko Gajski, one of Croatia’s top chefs. After, we will then visit one of the island’s most famed wineries for a tasting. Our visit to Korčula, concludes with some free time for shopping/exploring/eating/drinking on your own before heading back on the ferry back to the mainland.

Overnight Stay-The Aminess Grand Azur 4-Star 

https://www.aminess.com/en/aminess-grand-azur-hotel

DAY 6-

Thursday, June 13th 

One with the Land

With the Pelješac Bridge connecting mainland Croatia once more, we are thrilled to present our guests with incredible new experiences. Today, we venture to the fertile heart of Southern Dalmatia, immersing ourselves in the charm of the Neretva Valley. Our journey commences with a visit to the fascinating Narona Archaeological Museum, housing the extraordinary discovery of an Augusteum, a temple dedicated to the cult of the Roman Emperors, built around 10 BC. where we'll delve into the region's rich history.

Next, we embark on another delightful boat adventure aboard the "copulas or lada’s," gliding gracefully through the waters amidst the renowned mandarin groves. A rustic meal awaits us, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Neretva River, paired with wines from a local favorite winery located in the area offering a true taste of the region's authentic flavors. The winemaker will be joining us for the meal to talk about his wines. 

Overnight Stay-The Aminess Grand Azur 4-Star 

https://www.aminess.com/en/aminess-grand-azur-hotel

DAY 7-

Friday, June 14th 

The Best of What is Around…BOWA, Our Island Oasis

Check-Out

Our day commences with us checking out and making our way back to Dubrovnik, where we will embark on another memorable boat journey, this time heading to the enchanting island of Sipan, where BOWA awaits us, resembling a Caribbean paradise. At this seaside oasis, the owners catch their own fish, ensuring the freshest culinary delights for us. The rhythm of the experience is set by Mother Nature herself, allowing us to indulge in leisurely swims or resting in between courses, fully immersing ourselves in the serene ambiance. (bring your bathing suits...of course) We will be taking in most of the day here. 

Later, we'll return to Hotel More, our previous haven in Dubrovnik, where we'll regroup for a short trip to the summit of Srd Mountain. From there, we'll witness a breathtaking sunset overlooking the beauty of Dubrovnik, a perfect way to culminate our journey.

As the week comes to a close, we'll gather for our farewell dinner at one of our cherished restaurants in Dubrovnik, toasting to an extraordinary adventure with the heartfelt Croatian expression, "Zivili!" Cheers to an amazing week. 

Cheers to an amazing week or as they say in Croatia…Zivili!

Check-In and Overnight Stay

Hotel More 5-Star

http://www.hotel-more.hr/

DAY 8-

Saturday, June 15th 

Fond Farewll…Till We Meet Again

Fond Farewell

Check Out

Guests will gather for breakfast at their leisure, before departing for the Dubrovnik Airport via private transfer.

I so look forward to hosting you. 

Culinarily yours,

Chef Richard Gruica and the Captivating Croatia Team

-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. Captivating Croatia strives to give all guests the best possible experience, so rest assured that even if things happen you are in very capable hands.

The euphoria Greenville Team cordially invites you to join them and our host, Chef Richard Gruica, the founder of Captivating Croatia Tours to escape with us to exotic Croatia for a week-long, food-centric vacation of a lifetime. Come, and experience the ultimate culinary adventure which will take place from Saturday, June 8th to Saturday, June 15th, 2024. 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. Experience a luxury holiday unlike any other in the style you deserve Get ready to Eat-Drink-Explore!