Food & Wine Tours | Balmar Experiences

Indulge your senses

Indulge your senses by joining in on our tasty food and wine tours. Sample local delicacies, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes like pašticada and peka, while learning about the region’s gastronomic heritage. Visit family-owned wineries in Istria and Dalmatia, where you can taste exquisite wines and meet the passionate producers behind them. Go shopping at the green market and prepare a mouth-watering lunch with your private chef. Food and wine tours offer a delicious way to experience a country’s flavors, connect with its culinary scene, and meet some of the most interesting and insanely talented locals.

Discover Croatia’s Culinary Delights

Croatian cuisine is a delightful mix of Mediterranean, Italian, and Central European influences, shaped by centuries of trade, culture, and regional traditions. Our food and wine tours in Croatia showcase the best of the country’s gastronomic offerings, from fresh seafood along the coast to hearty dishes in the countryside.

Dalmatian Cuisine and Wine

Dalmatia, with its stunning coastline and island charm, is famous for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors. On our Dalmatian food tours, you’ll taste local specialties like grilled fish, black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink), and the traditional peka (a slow-cooked dish of meat and vegetables). You’ll also visit family-run wineries where you can sample indigenous varieties like Plavac Mali, a robust red wine, and Pošip, a crisp white wine.

Istria – The Tuscany of Croatia

Istria, the country’s culinary heart, is renowned for its truffles, olive oil, and fine wines. On our Istrian tours, you’ll visit local markets, enjoy truffle hunting experiences, and sample delicacies such as Istrian prosciutto, local cheeses, and hand-made pasta. We’ll take you to some of the best local wineries, where you’ll taste exquisite wines like Malvasia and Teran.

Zagreb – Croatia’s Urban Food Scene

Zagreb’s culinary scene is a mix of old-world charm and modern innovation. On our Zagreb food tours, you’ll enjoy classic dishes such as sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) and strukli (a pastry filled with cheese), paired with local wines from Croatia’s famous wine regions. We’ll also explore the city’s vibrant cafe culture, with stops at iconic cafes to taste rakija (fruit brandy) and homemade pastries.

Savor the Flavors of the Balkans

The Balkans is a region steeped in culinary diversity, with each country offering its own unique flavors and culinary traditions. Our food and wine tours in the Balkans provide an unforgettable journey through vibrant markets, traditional kitchens, and local wineries, showcasing the region’s best ingredients and dishes.

Unforgettable Wine Experiences

The Balkans and Croatia are home to some of Europe’s most exciting and emerging wine regions, offering rich, bold wines that are waiting to be discovered. Our wine tours take you to some of the region’s finest vineyards, where you can learn about local wine-making traditions, meet passionate winemakers, and taste a wide variety of wines.

Croatia’s Wine Regions

From the rolling hills of Istria to the sun-drenched islands of the Dalmatian coast, Croatia’s wine regions produce a wide range of exceptional wines. On our wine-focused tours, we’ll take you to local vineyards in regions like Pelješac, Hvar, and Istria, where you’ll taste indigenous varieties like Plavac Mali, Grk, Pošip, and Malvasia.

Balkan Wine Treasures

The Balkans has a long history of wine-making, and our tours will introduce you to the best wines in countries like Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit local wineries and taste varietals like Vranac, Prokupac, and Žilavka, all while learning about the ancient traditions that make Balkan wines so unique.

Hands-On Cooking Classes

For those who want to take their culinary experience to the next level, we offer hands-on cooking classes where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes from the region. Guided by local chefs, you’ll get the chance to prepare everything from fresh pasta and truffle-infused dishes to savory meat stews and decadent desserts. Afterward, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with local wines.

A Sustainable Culinary Journey

Our food and wine tours in Croatia and the Balkans are built around sustainability and supporting local producers. We work closely with small, family-owned farms, artisanal producers, and independent wineries to ensure that your experience is not only delicious but also responsible. By supporting local businesses, you contribute to the preservation of traditional culinary practices and the protection of the environment.

Why Choose Us for Your Food and Wine Tour?

Expert Knowledge

Our tours are led by knowledgeable local guides and chefs who are passionate about sharing the rich culinary and winemaking traditions of their homeland.

Authenticity

We offer authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that take you beyond the typical tourist spots to discover the true flavors of Croatia and the Balkans.

Tailored Itineraries

Whether you’re a food connoisseur, a wine enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a unique travel experience, we can tailor our itineraries to fit your tastes and preferences.

Private & Small Group Tours

We keep our tours small to provide a more intimate and personalized experience, ensuring that you get the most out of every stop on your culinary journey.

Food and wine tours

Food and wine tours in Croatia and the Balkans offer an unforgettable way to experience the flavors, traditions, and cultures of one of Europe’s most exciting regions. From tasting world-class wines and traditional dishes to exploring hidden culinary gems, our tours provide a rich and immersive experience that will leave you with memories (and recipes) to cherish. Join us for a journey through the Balkans’ vibrant food culture, and let your taste buds discover the best of Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and beyond.