The Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour

Chef Richard Gruica
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11 reviews
Sep 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 16
The Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour
Croatia

Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
  • Twitter verified
11 reviews

Sep 3 - 10, 2022
Group size: 1 - 16

About this trip

Chef Richard Gruica and Captivating Croatia Tours cordially invite you to join us and our Chef-Host, the acclaimed Chef Mark Allison and escape with us to exotic Croatia for a week-long, food-centric vacation of a lifetime. Come, experience the ultimate culinary adventure which will take place from Saturday, September 3rd to Saturday, September 10th. 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 alongside Chef Mark. Experience a luxury holiday unlike any other in the style you deserve. Get ready to Eat-Drink-Explore! 


TRAVEL AND CORONAVIRUS:  

A MESSAGE TO OUR FUTURE GUESTS


COVID-19 has devastated the travel and hospitality industry worldwide. 2020 was a year to forget, however, there is hope for travel in 2022, and the entire Captivating Croatia team remains committed to providing the best small group experiences for our guests. In fact, our trips have always been about the private group experience, so we are still absolutely ready to give you an amazing vacation. As with all other companies, we are shifting and evolving in response to the Coronavirus. We are creating new policies and protocols in order to maintain the utmost safety of our guests so that you can have a worry-free experience. I have always told our guests, that once you step off that plane, I want all your worries to go away and that continues to be my belief. We know that things are constantly shifting, evolving, and changing and want you to know that the one constant is our resolve to give you the best experience possible, regardless of the circumstances. 


Many people are unaware that Croatia, was the first European country to open its borders for American’s during times of COVID-19. They love American’s and so look to having you as their guest. 


In response to the current environment, and in a show of total support for you and your comfort, I have revised our policies to give you 100% confidence and flexibility in your decision-making.

For COVID-19 related cancellations, we are offering a FULL REFUND, minus a $100 fee to cover administration purposes, transactions, and other misc. fees. Medical documentation will need to be provided for all participants seeking a refund for COVID-19 reasons. Full Refunds will also apply if Travel Restrictions are in place preventing your tour to take part. All payments can also be applied as credits for future tours with no blackout dates or expiration.


Culinarily yours,

The Captivating Croatia Team and 

Chef Richard Gruica

Chef Mark Allison Taste Croatia Tour

What’s included

  • Chef Time
    The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Mark personally throughout the trip.
  • 7 Night’s Accommodation
    Luxury accommodation 4 stars or higher
  • All Excursions
    Including food, tastings & classes
  • Private Transportation
    All transportation is included
  • Meals
    All Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • Private Guide
    Your guide (Chef Richard Gruica) is Croatian-American and also a chef!
  • Airport Transfers
    Pick up and drop off at the designated group airport
  • VIP Gypsy Table Access
    VIP Access to The Gypsy Table event

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare is not included. Guests must be in Dubrovnik ready to start the trip by 11 am on Saturday, September 3rd. We highly recommend getting in a day earlier to acclimate and to avoid issues.
  • Travel Insurance
    This is very STRONGLY recommended.
  • Tips/Gratuities
    These would be optional additional tips for guides/hosts
  • Extra Food/Drink
    Any other food/drink not provided on the tour.

Available Packages

Trip Price
$4,949
Deposit: $1,000

Available options

Itinerary

DAY 1-Saturday, Sept 3rd
WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK...THE GYPSY TABLE AWAITS

DAY 1-Saturday, September 3rd 


WELCOME TO DUBROVNIK...THE GYPSY TABLE AWAITS


Welcome to Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the host location for your amazing adventure with Chef Mark Allison and Chef Richard Gruica with Captivating Croatia. Feel the warm Dalmatian breeze and sun on your face, let it refresh you. Relax and put your thoughts of home away. We will be staying at the famed Hotel More (pronounced Morehh, meaning Sea in Croatian), which is a boutique 5-Star property built on the seaside of Lapad Bay, just outside of the walled Old Town of Dubrovnik. The Hotel More is special in several ways, not only is it an amazing hotel, but it has a Cave Bar that was voted one of the top 50 bars in the world, but Chef Richard happened to spend his summers just down the street at his family house and the area is very near and dear to him. We can’t think of a better way to start, other than with a wonderful cocktail from the famed Cave Bar followed by a dip in the Adriatic Sea. Relax and enjoy before the group departs for a truly special day in the lesser-known and lesser frequented Konavle Valley, just south of Dubrovnik. Before that, we will visit Cavtat for a walk around the charming sleepy seaside town near Konavle, with a stop for a light lunch at one of our favorite spots before heading out to a fully functioning stone mill in the countryside, where we will step back in time to see how things used to be. We will view how water was used to operate the mill in many ways and sustained the local community for ages. 


Then, get ready to experience The Gypsy Table, Chef Richard’s pop-up event concept. The location and menu are secret, the only thing we can say is that there will be copious amounts of amazing wines for everyone to enjoy. As well as, the edible delights being prepared by Chef Mark, Chef Richard and the guest chefs taking part. What a wonderful way to start the Taste Croatia Tour!


Overnight Stay-Hotel More 5-Star

http://www.hotel-more.hr/ 

Your Organizer


CR
Chef Richard Gruica
11 reviews
From an early age, Chef Richard Gruica saw how food and drink could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds, making everyone happy. With his passion for gastronomy, he decided to create the most incredible of edible journeys. Through extensive research, he presents some of the finest examples of tradition, craft and small producers from across the globe to the guests of his tours. More significantly, guests get to meet and enjoy the people that have a true passion for what they do. Forget ordinary, experience extraordinary!

Reviews

FG
Excellent food and wine knowledge. Chef Gruica was a great guide. Chef Ricky Moore is amazing and curated a feeling of togetherness in a tour of what was primarily strangers. Over that week we became friends. Many stepped outside of their comfort zones and tried (and loved) food that they'd never before imagined. Croatia is beautiful! I look forward to the next food & wine (and Pepsi!) tour!!
By Felice G for The "Kroatia Kool" Thousand Island Food & Wine Tour w/Chef Ricky Moore on Nov 07, 2023
This was not just any ordinary trip. It was a culinary adventure in a beautiful country with amazing people unlike anything we have ever experienced. Every day Chef Richard curated unique tasting experiences off the beaten path. His delicious collections blended the freshest local food from small wineries, local eateries, and farms in stunning surroundings. Every day presented unique activities exploring the real people and places that most tourists never see. I would have never imagined eating a spectacular meal in a charming winery that was prepared by the owner and his family or hunting for truffles out in the woods and having an al fresco dinner prepared right there at dusk. Day after day, the combination of food, wine, and activities was unique and different from the previous day. We absolutely will be returning for more tours with Chef Richard and definitely this Croatia tour is one of a kind and not to be missed!
By Joseph M for A 'Taste of Southern Grace' Croatia Tour w/ Chef Steven Greene on Oct 14, 2023
Beyond what we had anticipated! The immersion in the local culture made this a very special trip! We would definitely travel with Richard again!
By Karen F for The Chef Chris Coleman Taste of Croatia Tour on Aug 01, 2023
I will literaly remember these countless experiences for a lifetime. Richard's genuine enthusiasm for food, wine, and culture shined bright. My wife and I truly experienced what it means to be a world traveler. We would do another trip in a heartbeat. Thanks Richard!
By David W for Chef Sam Diminich Back to Roots Slovenia & Croatia Tour on May 06, 2023
Thank you so much for those super kind words. I love doing what I do and crafting wonderful experiences for my guests. It was a pleasure having both of you guys. Peru in 24!
By Chef Richard Gruica on May 08, 2023
I met 12 Fantastic people who have become friends and Richard was fantastic, well informed and not a "boring tour instructor". The buses that we had were extremely comfortable and classy. We were able to take our time at each spot which was important to me. Excellent time.
By Diane E for Chef Sam Diminich Back to Roots Slovenia & Croatia Tour on May 04, 2023
Thank you Diane...it was wonderful having you and so appreciate you for coming on the tour. He re is to a great trip, to new friends...loads of memories and to what the future has in store for us.
By Chef Richard Gruica on May 08, 2023
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References

What a trip! Richard created an amazing itinerary that included something for everyone. His connections to local chefs, farmers, tour guides, etc made this an unforgettable trip. Accommodations were first class, beautiful hotels and very comfortable transportation along the way. We look forward to another trip with him!
By Lewis W on 10 May, 2023