Day 1 - Saturday, June 1st: Embracing the Charms of Rural Dubrovnik: A Celebration of Wine, Water and Fire…
Welcome to the captivating city of Dubrovnik, a renowned culinary gem, and the starting point for your gastronomic journey alongside Chef Sayeh Tavangar and Chef Richard Gruica. Let the gentle Dalmatian breeze caress your senses, allowing the enchanting beauty of Dubrovnik to set the stage. Your opulent retreat is none other than the prestigious Hotel More, a boutique 5-star haven gracing the picturesque shores of Lapad Bay, just beyond the ancient walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town.
Hotel More not only offers exceptional lodging but is also home to the exceptional Cave Bar, a place celebrated among the world's top 50 bars. This locale holds a special place in Chef Richard's heart, as he spent summers nearby at his family's residence. To kick off our journey in style, savor a refreshing cocktail at the Cave Bar and indulge in a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Take a moment to relax and savor this experience before we set off on an extraordinary day in the less-explored Konavle Valley, located to the south of Dubrovnik.
Our exploration of Konavle begins with a visit to a family-owned winery, offering you the opportunity to sample their exceptional wines and uncover the secrets of their time-honored winemaking traditions, with a heritage spanning over six centuries. Our voyage then leads us deeper into the countryside, where we'll stumble upon a fully operational stone mill—a captivating glimpse into the past and a tribute to the community's sustainable water use throughout history.
To culminate our culinary journey, we'll gather at a centuries-old stone homestead for a lavish feast. The centerpiece of this culinary spectacle is meat prepared using the traditional Peka method. Peka is a cherished Croatian cooking tradition handed down through generations, entailing the slow-cooking of meat, often lamb or veal, alongside vegetables in a covered, dome-shaped baking dish. The result is a succulent, richly flavored dish where the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while the vegetables absorb the essence of the delicious marinade. This unhurried culinary process gives rise to a symphony of harmonious aromas and flavors.
Peka is not just a cooking method; it's a social and cultural experience, often reserved for special occasions or gatherings that bring family and friends together in anticipation of a shared feast. The unveiling of the Peka, with its aromatic steam wafting out, is a moment of excitement and anticipation, signaling the delightful meal that awaits. You'll have the privilege of savoring this unique experience.
What an extraordinary way to kickstart your journey on the Taste of Croatia Tour! So, prepare to be entranced by the culinary wonders, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes that await you on this exceptional voyage through Croatia.
Please note that all guests should arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia at their own pace, with the tour commencing on Saturday, June 1st. We estimate a departure from the hotel lobby at 2 pm to kick off our adventure. Due to the dynamic nature of the travel industry, we recommend that our guests arrive no later than Friday, May 31st.
Overnight Stay-Hotel More 5-Star
http://www.hotel-more.hr/