CROLICIOUS EXPERIENCE How to be Crolicious? What does it mean to be Crolicious? It takes a blend of adventurous minds, a dash of creativity and an insider’s scoop to the ultimate local culinary experiences and fortunately this secret society exists. Launched in 2015 by Via Tours Croatia, this special association has grown to a celebrated group of members including 20 boutique, family owned wineries and local farms across Croatia that offer incredibly delicious experiences that have no equal. And now, we’d love to share a bit of the Crolicious recipe with you: Step 1 is all about the wine. From tastings of award-winning blends that are out of the public eye, preserved for the most discerning clients,o t discovering the authentic way of life of Croatian winemakers who open their sanctuaries to travelers, to spectacular food and wine festivals and pairing education options, and even partaking in the harvest, Crolicious travelers gain access to all of these special secrets. Step 2 infuses the discovery of brandy. It’s a lesser known fact that Croatians are big on producing homemade brandy from grapes or plums, blending honey, cherry and other sweeteners until they arrive at the perfect pitch. When you’re Crolicious, you have the opportunity to observe this process and taste the results. Step 3 folds in the food experiences which are unparalleled. Natural, authentic, fresh and delicious, Crolicious programs infuse unique opportunities to taste some of the most divine creations born out of this magical land, seeing it prepared and harvested up close and personal. Travelers who wish to delve into regional specialties will love cooking classes at local farms , or partaking in unique activities native to particular regions such as olive harvesting, truffle hunting & tasting or partaking in the art of honey production. Adventurous cooks may prefer to rent a villa and embark on a market shopping experience with a local chef, rounding back to cook with him in a gorgeous location, while ocean lovers can indulge in having a private sunset dinner on a boat, or even visiting a local oyster and mussel farm, watching them being taken from the sea and freshly prepared to eat, paired with homemade wine. California Zinfandel Until only recently, Zinfandel was California's "mystery grape" because its origins were unknown. DNA fingerprinting has confirmed that Italy's Primitivo and Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient Croatian variety, are genetically identical to Zinfandel grapes. However, differences in vine vigor and cluster size separate Zinfandel from its genetic twins, and further differences in cultivation, terroir and winemaking combine to give Zinfandel its own particular flavor profile with a truly American name, history and style. On wine labels, U.S. regulations require that Zinfandel and Primitivo be identified separately. Studies indicate that the grape used for making California Zinfandel probably originated in Croatia. Historians believe that in the 1820s a nursery owner brought Zinfandel cuttings that were Croatian in origin to the United States from an Austrian collection. The Zinfandel name, however, is truly American—the earliest and only documented use of the name is in America where a Boston nursery owner advertised Zinfandel for sale in 1832. Source: Wine Institute Detailed suggested itinerary Day 1 Arrival to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and more than a 1000 year old City, with its historic charm. Private transfer to your hotel and check in. After a long trip hotel amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate for further days to come. In the afternoon get ready for “Welcome dinner” hotel restaurant ‘’Zigante. Zigante is one of the best restaurants in Zagreb and Croatia and is famous for truffle dishes and tremendous wine selection from the best local wineries around Croatia. This multi course meal will be paired with best local wines and chef and sommelier with be present to explain every aspect of different types of wines and the regions. Overnight in Zagreb. Meals: (D) Activities: / Day 2 Your day will start with magnificent cup of coffee in the oldest coffee shop in Zagreb situated on the main square overlooking the statue of Ban Jelacic. Croatians are very sensitive about the coffee and coffee drinking in local coffee shops is part of the culture. Morning sightseeing with a local guide to explore the city will take about 2H after which we shall continue to Croatian Zagorje and Bolfan winery. In early afternoon, departure to the region Croatian Zagorje, an area of chocolate-box enchantment: miniature wooded hills are crowned with the castles they seem designed for, and streams tumble through lush vineyards. Visit local winery Bolfan. Meet with the owner taste local homemade food, participate in harvest and learn how the wine is prepared in old and traditional way. (www.bolfanvinskivrh.hr). After dinner and live entertainment departure back to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb. Driving: Zagreb – Bolfan Winery (1:30H) Meals: (B) + (D) Activities: Walking tour of Zagreb (1,5 - 2H) – Light activity level Grape Harvest – Medium activity level Day 3 After breakfast departure to National Park Plitvice Lakes. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. Take a walk with a local guide through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to make a wish under the largest waterfall as it is supposedly making your wishes come true.. After the park sightseeing we shall proceed to a local restaurant for lunch. Lunch will be served in a nearby restaurant called Petro Rastoke. (http://www.petro-rastoke.com/petro_galerija.html ) After lunch, continueo t Zadar, city voted to be the best European destination for 2015, - a city monument, surrounded by historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times, Renaissance and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in the world. Please feel free to enjoy hotel amenities and one of the biggest and best wellness centers in whole Croatia. Overnight in Zadar. Driving: Zagreb – NP Plitvice ( 2.30H) NP Plitvice – Zadar (2.30H) Meals: (B) + (L) Activities: Walking tour of NP Plitvice Lakes (3,5H) – Light/Medium activity level Day 4 After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Zadar sightseeing. While walking with your guide through the city of Zadar, the ancient Forum, symbol of the city-church of St. Donat, St. Anastasia, monuments and palaces, you will learn all about the rich history of this beautiful old town. Tour of the Land Gate and city walls, Square of Five Wells, People's Square and of course the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Walk along the waterfront with sounds of the sea organ, that are unique in the world, will make your experience complete. According to Albert Hitchcock Zadar is the city with the most beautiful sunset in the world and you will have a chance to be a part of it. Free afternoon to enjoy hotel amenities or explore Zadar on your own. In the early evening we are taking you to Royal vineyards for a dinner and wine tasting. The food will be served and paired to perfection. You will have a chance to try Crljenak, believed to be the father of Californian Zinfandel. Crljenak is an old Croatian indigenous variety whose records and memorials date back to the 15th century. It is scientifically proven that American Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo are identical to Crljenak, and they trace their ancestry from it. The wine is fruity, easy to drink, with, soft flavor and intensive red-ruby color. The aromas are accented with fruity charm of blueberries, blackberries, plums and raspberries. On the palate it acts rounded, with moderate tannins, of a very elegant structure and with fine dosage of wood. (http://www.kraljevski- vinogradi.hr/en) Overnight in Zadar. Meals: (B) + (D) Activities: Zadar walking tour (1,5H) – light activity Wine tasting and dinner in Royal wineyards near Zadar Day 5 Breakfast in the hotel and relaxed morning to enjoy peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon (around 1PM) embark on a boat and sailing around NP KORNATI. This archipelago consists of 89 islands covering an area of 114 square miles (300 square km), with most of it declared a National Park – and with its natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why. Once the sun has set, you’ll be served with a gala dinner on a yacht. Enjoy the ultimate yacht and dining experience. While relaxing aboard, why not treat yourself with the best Croatian wines? Croatian cuisine will be paired with best tasting wine blends for your best experience. Enjoy mouthwatering meal with the views on the islands and most spectacular sunset in the world. Overnight in Zadar. Meals: (B) + (D) Activities: Sailing around NP Kornati Yacht dinner with Zadar wine region presentation Day 6 After breakfast we will head towards Island Pag. Walking through the center of old city of Pag after the exhibition of salt, you will be able to see the Congregation Church of Mary's Assumption and Duke's Castle. The excursion continues visiting the Convent of St. Margaret, known by Baškotini - a hard roll made by nuns available for all attendants of excursion. Apart from cultural and historical monuments - Church of Mary's Assumption, Convent of St. Margaret and Skrivanat Tower, excursion includes a visit to “Pag Lace Gallery”, “Permanent exhibition Bartol Kašić” and exhibition “Seven centuries of Benedictines” . After visiting the center of town, the excursion continues traveling to the Old Town of Pag, rich archaeological site and sanctuary, where you will see the Church of St.Mary, which holds a statue of Madonna and the ruins of Franciscan monastery.