Slovenia to Macedonia Real Food Adventure

21 days
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Small Group Tour
If it's a gourmet feast you want, a gourmet feast you shall get! This food inspired journey through the Balkans includes visits to salt pans, a truffle farm, wineries, waterfalls, national parks, fishing villages and so much more. Discover why Istria is considered one of the world's leading producers of quality olive oil, eat Dalmatian-style under a metal bel...
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$9,072
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Experience an authentic taste of this region and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Rakovica, Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
    • See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit local farms, a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, a Benedictine nunnery and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
    • Take a day trip to the island of Brac and indulge in the finest organic olive oils from the largest olive grove in Croatia, followed by a sugared walnut cake that has become ‘a protected item of intangible heritage’!
    • Try the most iconic foods of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, honey, apples and locally produced wine.
    • Learn how to make a hand-formed pasta shape in a Croatian konoba, the greens-filled soparnik with experts in Split, and brightly coloured and flavoured ajvar in Dolno Dupeni.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

What's this trip about?

    If it's a gourmet feast you want, a gourmet feast you shall get! This food inspired journey through the Balkans includes visits to salt pans, a truffle farm, wineries, waterfalls, national parks, fishing villages and so much more. Discover why Istria is considered one of the world's leading producers of quality olive oil, eat Dalmatian-style under a metal bell, raise a glass of Slovenian wine or plum brandy with your small group, and shout 'zivjeli!' to the simple, home-style cuisine this region is famous for. Indulge in a traditional barbeque in Kosovo, dine on home-grown produce in the private garden of a Dihovo family and visit a centuries-old olive press outside of Kotor. Experience next level hospitality on this unforgettable epicurean odyssey.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLjubljana
End CitySkopje

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Croatia
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • Ljubljana
  • Mavrovo
  • Montenegro
  • Skopje
  • Split

Activities

  • Cooking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Bled - Kremsnita Tasting
    • Smartno - Wine tasting
    • Trebese – Organic farm visit & lunch
    • Motovun - Truffle Hunt and Brunch
    • Rovinj – Day Trip
    • Motovun - City walls
    • Rakovica - Home-cooked meal
    • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
    • Zadar - Nunnery & farm visit
    • Zadar - Local market visit
    • Split - Village cooking demonstration
    • Brac - Olive oil museum
    • Brac - Hrapoćuša cake tasting
    • Split - Old Town markets & culture tour
    • Zrnovo - Cooking Class
    • Peljesac - Wine tasting
    • Ston - Oyster tasting
    • Lustica - Olive oil farm visit
    • Njegusi - Smokehouse visit & tasting
    • Shkoder - Rozafa Fortress visit
    • Prizren - Leader-led city tour
    • Pristina - Serbian barbecue lunch
    • Pristina - Leader-led city tour
    • Pristina - Gracanica Monastery visit
    • Debar - St Jovan Bigorski Monastery visit
    • Kuratica - Home-cooked dinner
    • Ohrid - Green Market
    • Prespa - Agriturismo visit & tasting
    • Prespa - Home-cooking demonstration
    • Dihovo - Home-cooked lunch
    • Dihovo - Beekeeper farm visit
    • Tikves - Wine tasting
    • Stobi - Stobi archaeological site
    • Skopje - Leader-led walking tour with traditional sweets

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ljubljana

Zivjo! Welcome to Slovenia. Known as ‘Europe in Miniature’, Slovenia has a huge heart and a wealth of diversity. Best known for hearty, alpine stews, goulash and sauerkraut, Slovenia also boasts wonderful cakes and strudels, not to mention the culinary treasures found...

Day 2 Bled - Smartno

This morning, jump in your private transport and head off to the city of Bled. Tucked in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this resort town is home to the glacial Lake Bled, known for its picture-perfect landscape. When you arrive, hike up to the 11th-century Bled Cas...

Day 3 Motovun

Today you’ll take a tour of an organic farm and orchard for an olive oil and dried fruit tasting. In the heart of the countryside of Slovenian Istria, you’ll learn the traditional methods of organic farming and low temperature drying, which helps preserve the unique f...

Day 4 Motovun

Motovun is one of the best-preserved medieval Istrian towns in Croatia, with houses scattered all over the hill and a spectacular view of Mirna River Valley. Walk the city walls this morning, enjoying the sprawling countryside views. Motovun Forest is the best place f...

Day 5 Plitvice National Park - Rakovica

Take a private transfer to the stunning World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park – the largest national park in Croatia and known to be one of the oldest in southeast Europe, full of waterfalls and blue lakes. The waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge ...

Day 6 Zadar

Farewell your hosts after breakfast, and then travel by to the walled city of Zadar. For centuries, Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and you can feel the city's rich heritage in every step. It’s also celebrated for many culinary treasures, including the fresh s...

Day 7 Split

Rise early this morning for a stroll through Zadar's vibrant fish market. The fish market is built into the city ramparts at the exact spot where the trawlers land with their catch. You’ll also get an opportunity to see some of the produce grown in the area this morni...

Day 8 Split

After breakfast this morning, you’ll have the day to explore Split at your own pace. Sitting on a peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Split is a jewel on the Dalmatian coast. Why not take a stroll along the Riva Promenade – a waterfront walkway that stretches...

Day 9 Split / Brac

Today, you’ll be hopping on a short ferry to take you to the Adriatic Island of Brac, just off the Split coast. Known for being the largest olive grove in Croatia (with over one million olive trees!), this small island is home to a range of delicious regional dishes. ...

Day 10 Korcula

Wake up bright and early to explore Split’s Old City and the fish, fruit and vegetable markets. Wandering the historic city centre with your local leader, enjoy your last morning in this beautiful city before jumping on a ferry to the island of Korcula. Steeped in a l...

Day 11 Korcula

The morning in Korcula is yours to enjoy. For a sweet start to the day, why not see if you can find some amareta (a local dessert with a crunchy outside and soft inside made of whipped egg whites, almonds and citrus zest) or some kalsuni (a crescent-shaped cookie made...

Day 12 Dubrovnik

Leaving Korcula behind, you’ll travel to Peljesac, a peninsula off southern mainland Croatia. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample what is considered some of the country’s finest local wines. Vineyards are scattered all along the peninsula, with the fertile soi...

Day 13 Dubrovnik

Enjoy a free day in Dubrovnik. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and easily covered on foot. The next stage of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm today. After your important mee...

Day 14 Kotor

After breakfast, cross into Montenegro and visit the town of Njegusi, known around the country for its famous smoke-dried hams and cheeses. Stop at a smokehouse, where your leader will explain their production process, dating back for centuries, and will also take you...

Day 15 Prizren

Say goodbye to Montenegro and head to Kosovo. The first stop on the journey is Rozafa Fortress, Albania, one of the last strongholds of the allied Christian forces against invading Ottomans in the 15th century. In the afternoon, arrive in Prizren, the second largest c...

Day 16 Ohrid

Start the day with a guided tour of Prizren. Pass by the sights, smells and sounds of the bazaar, with a whole range of specialties on offer, including stuffed peppers, which are a big hit. After visiting the bazaar, continue to Pristina, Kosovo’s capital and largest ...

Day 17 Ohrid

Ohrid is Europe’s oldest lake and, as one of the oldest human settlements in the world, it’s got a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickn...

Day 18 Bitola

After leaving your accommodation in Ohrid, head down to the green market for a traditional breakfast. You might like to try the best burek in town or enjoy a gjomleze pie (a traditional dish made from an old Ohrid recipe). Drive onward to Lake Prespa, a beautiful area...

Day 19 Bitola

Today you’ll visit Dihovo – a small village sitting in the foothills of Mt Pelister. A local beekeeper will teach you about the honeybee and you’ll get hands-on with an open beehive demonstration. After, enjoy a tasting of honey extracted straight from the comb before...

Day 20 Skopje

Start the day with a trip out to the Stobi archaeological site for a short walk. Stobi, once known as Paeonia, was conquered by the ancient kingdom of Macedon and became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia Salutaris. Continue to Tikves wine district – the p...

Day 21 Skopje

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you wish to spend more time in Skopje or want to explore the fascinating Matka Canyon, just speak to your booking agent.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,720
Price per day$320
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
17 May 2025
06 Jun 2025
$8,820
07 Jun 2025
27 Jun 2025
$8,820
21 Jun 2025
11 Jul 2025
$8,480
12 Jul 2025
01 Aug 2025
$8,480
02 Aug 2025
22 Aug 2025
$8,480
16 Aug 2025
05 Sep 2025
$8,480
13 Sep 2025
03 Oct 2025
$8,820

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
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  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
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Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
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Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
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Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (16 nights),Apartment (3 nights),Guesthouse (1 night)

Transportation & Flights

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Ferry,

Transportation & flights

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Ferry
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. EUROPEAN LEADERS Intrepid trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. We also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Tim's
  • Orce Nikolov 120,
  • Skopje
  • MACEDONIA, REPUBLIC OF
  • Phone: +389 2 323 7650
Trip ID
intrepid-ZMZMC

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