Slovenia to Macedonia Real Food Adventure

Embark on a scenic journey to Bled, a resort town nestled in the Julian Alps. Discover the enchanting Lake Bled and hike to the historic Bled Castle for breathtaking views. Visit the iconic Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on the lake's island. Indulge in the local dessert, kremna rezina, before heading to Smartno for an afternoon wine tasting. Enjoy a free evening to explore this charming village on the Italian border.

Begin your day with a walk along the city walls of Motovun, taking in the stunning views of the Mirna River Valley. Join a truffle hunting experience in the Motovun Forest, followed by a brunch featuring local truffle dishes. Travel to Rovinj, a romantic town on the Adriatic Coast, and explore its architecturally rich Old Town. Return to Motovun for a leisurely evening, perhaps sampling more of the region's culinary offerings.

Experience the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cascading waterfalls and vibrant blue lakes. Enjoy a walk and boat trip through this lush environment before heading to the village of Rakovica. Here, you'll be treated to a home-cooked meal featuring traditional Croatian kotlovina, prepared by your hosts. Spend the night in Rakovica, soaking in the local hospitality.

Bid farewell to your hosts in Rakovica and journey to the historic city of Zadar. Discover its rich heritage and culinary treasures, including a visit to a Benedictine nunnery known for its fresh produce. Explore the city's vibrant streets, Roman ruins, and medieval churches at your leisure. Don't miss the unique Sea Organ, an art installation that creates music with the waves. Enjoy a free evening to sample Zadar's diverse dining options.

Start your day with a visit to Zadar's bustling fish market, where you can witness the local catch and seasonal produce. Travel by public bus to Split, where you'll meet a local family specializing in soparnik, a regional pastry delicacy. After a cooking demonstration, return to Split for a farewell drink with your group, marking the end of this leg of your journey.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Split, exploring the city's vibrant culture and history. Stroll along the Riva Promenade, visit Marjan Forest Park for panoramic views, or wander the streets of the Old City. Sample local delicacies like octopus salad or soparnik for a light lunch. In the evening, join a meeting to welcome new travelers and perhaps enjoy an optional group dinner to get to know your fellow adventurers.

Depart Split for the island of Korcula, steeped in history and Renaissance architecture. Explore the narrow streets and squares of Korcula's Old Town, or relax on its beautiful beaches. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time to swim, visit the Marco Polo Tower, or simply soak in the island's ambiance. Consider an optional dinner in the village of Pupnat, savoring a meal made from local produce.

Spend a leisurely morning in Korcula, perhaps sampling local desserts like amareta or kalsuni. Head to Zrnovo village for a hands-on cooking class in a traditional konoba, where you'll learn to make zrnovo makaruni pasta. Enjoy your culinary creations over lunch, paired with local wines. Return to Korcula town for an afternoon of relaxation or exploration.

Leave Korcula for the Peljesac peninsula, where you'll sample some of Croatia's finest wines. Continue to Ston for an oyster tasting and seafood lunch, savoring the region's renowned delicacies. Arrive in Dubrovnik, the iconic walled city, and enjoy an evening at leisure. Explore the city's historic sites or join your group for a farewell dinner.

Cross into Montenegro and visit the village of Njegusi, famous for its smoke-dried hams and cheeses. Enjoy a tasting at a local smokehouse before heading to Tici for an olive farm tour. Learn about traditional olive pressing techniques and sample the farm's organic olive oil. Arrive in Kotor for an evening of exploration, with the option to dine at a local wine bar.

Begin with a guided tour of Prizren, exploring the vibrant bazaar and sampling local specialties. Continue to Pristina for a city tour and a Kosovo-Serb barbecue experience. Visit the Gracanica Monastery before traveling to North Macedonia. Stop at the spiritual St Jovan Bigorski Monastery before arriving in Ohrid for the evening.

Explore Ohrid, Europe's oldest lake and a treasure trove of historic sites. Visit the Sveti Naum Monastery and Tzar Samoil's Fortress, or enjoy a day trip to Ohrid Lake. In the evening, experience local hospitality with a home-cooked meal in the village of Kuratica, sampling homemade rakija and traditional dishes.

Visit Dihovo for a beekeeping experience, learning about honey production and enjoying a tasting. Savor a home-cooked meal in a traditional villa before returning to Bitola. Consider a guided tour of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient town founded by Philip II of Macedonia, to delve into the region's rich history.

Explore the Stobi archaeological site before heading to the Tikves wine district for a tasting of local wines, cheeses, and cured meats. Arrive in Skopje for a guided walking tour of the city center, sampling traditional Macedonian sweets. Celebrate your journey with a final dinner in Debar Maalo, Skopje's bohemian heart.