Split to Skopje Real Food Adventure

Begin your Balkan adventure in the beautiful city of Split. Your journey starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional dinner. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore the city on foot. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Riva Promenade, a waterfront walkway stretching between Split Harbour and Marjan Forest Park. Climb to the top of the hill in the park for stunning views of the coastline and city. Wander the streets of the Old City, learning about its rich history. Don't miss the chance to try local delicacies like fresh octopus salad or soparnik, a savory pie.

Today, take a short ferry ride to the Adriatic Island of Brac, home to the largest olive grove in Croatia. Visit the small town of Skrip and its olive oil museum, where you'll learn about the island's extraordinary crop and enjoy an olive-themed feast. After lunch, indulge in a slice of hrapocusa, a local cake, in the island town of Dol. End your day in the coastal town of Bol, where you can relax on the beach before returning to Split for the night.

Start your day early exploring Split's Old City and its vibrant markets. Then, hop on a ferry to the island of Korcula, known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. After an orientation walk, you'll have free time to explore the town, visit the Marco Polo Tower, or just relax on the beach. Later, you have the option to visit the tiny village of Pupnat in the island's interior. Enjoy a meal made entirely from local produce before retiring for the night.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Korcula, perhaps sampling local sweets like amareta or kalsuni. In the afternoon, head to Zrnovo village for a hands-on cooking class in a local konoba, a traditional tavern. Learn how to make zrnovo makaruni, a local hand-rolled pasta, and enjoy your creation over lunch, paired with local wines. Return to Korcula town for some free time in the afternoon. Relax on the beach or continue exploring the town at your own pace.

Leave Korcula behind and travel to the Peljesac Peninsula, known for producing some of Croatia's finest wines. Sample a variety of local wines before continuing to the southern town of Ston. Here, indulge in an oyster tasting and seafood lunch, featuring some of the world's best oysters. After a satisfying meal, make your way to Dubrovnik, Croatia's iconic walled city. Spend the evening exploring the city at your leisure, perhaps hunting for Game of Thrones filming locations, before an optional farewell dinner with your group.

After breakfast, cross into Montenegro and visit the town of Njegusi, famous for its smoke-dried hams and cheeses. Learn about their centuries-old production process and enjoy a tasting. Next, visit an olive farm in the village of Tici, where you'll learn about organic olive oil production and taste the high-quality oil. Spend the rest of the day in Kotor, exploring its crooked walkways or climbing the hills to see the ruined fortification walls. In the evening, consider an optional dinner at a local wine bar.

After breakfast in Ohrid, head to the local green market for a traditional breakfast. Then, drive to Lake Prespa, a popular holiday spot for Macedonians. Visit a local apple farm and taste the fresh produce. Continue to the village of Dolno Dupeni on Lake Prespa, where you'll be invited into a local home for a cooking demonstration and lunch. In the afternoon, head to Bitola, where you can relax in one of the city's many cafes or explore the stalls of the Old Bazaar.

Visit the small village of Dihovo in the foothills of Mt Pelister. Meet a local beekeeper who will teach you about honeybees and give you a hands-on demonstration of an open beehive. Taste honey straight from the comb before enjoying a home-cooked meal in a traditional villa. In the afternoon, return to Bitola and consider taking a guided tour of the ancient town and archaeological site of Heraclea Lyncestis.

Start the day with a trip to the Stobi archaeological site for a short walk. Continue to the Tikves wine district, known for its abundant sunshine and rich, rocky soil. Sample local wines at two of the country's finest wineries, paired with delicious local cheeses and cured meats. Arrive in Skopje in the late afternoon and take a guided walking tour of the city center, tasting traditional Macedonian sweets along the way. Enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travelers in Debar Maalo, the bohemian heart of Skopje.