Flavors of Croatia - Culinary Retreat
Learn Mediterranean cooking from local chefs, explore farms and wineries, immerse yourself in Istrian village life, and awaken your culinary senses.
- September 15th-21st, 2024 -
Unlocking Croatia’s Culinary Secrets!
When we gather around food and dive into the art of cooking - something magical happens. We become fully present in the moment. As we focus entirely on the flavors and techniques in front of us, past worries and future anxieties fade away, leaving us present in the now.
Istria, Croatian western region is a true culinary gem! Its vineyards and family-run wineries, olive groves and olive oil, forests laden with black and white truffles, fish, meat and pasta, as well as region’s captivating landscapes, forests and charming towns on hills, they all want to participate in amplifying our connection with ourselves, but also with nature, with earth, with people and life.
In the heart of this mesmerising land is where our Cooking retreat Croatia is taking place. It is an all inclusive six days of learning, tasting and exploring the original flavours of this territory. From cooking classes in the morning, to farm to table experiences, restaurants, and wineries in the afternoon, we believe this cooking retreat will represent and justify why the region of Istria is known as "Terra Magica” (magical land) and will make you want to come back for more!
Join us in Croatia from September 15th-21st, 2024, for an unforgettable culinary experience. Learn Mediterranean cooking from local chefs, explore farms and wineries, immerse yourself in Istrian village life, and awaken your culinary senses.
Meet the Culinary Expert - Jan Buhrman
Jan Buhrman, with over 20 years of culinary experience, is your host and guide to the rich world of Croatian cuisine. A lifelong explorer of cooking, farming, and fishing, Jan is dedicated to the essence of flavors and freshness. Her cooking classes and farm tours, focus on the connections between food, health, and community.
In 2007, Jan began teaching cooking classes and organizing farm tours, evolving to virtual platforms during the pandemic. Her expertise focuses on the intricate connections between food, health, and community. Jan believes in the power of thoughtful sourcing and mindful consumption for a healthier world.
Recently, Jan led a group on a culinary adventure to the Azores, offering an authentic immersion into the local culture. And she is hosting it again in 2024, both in the Azores and Croatia.
Why Istria?
Discover the enchanting region of Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula. With its roots tracing back to the Roman Empire, Istria boasts ancient towns, olive groves, truffle-laden forests, and a stunning coastline. Dive into the diversity of Blue and Green Istria, where the sea and inland areas offer unique culinary experiences. This retreat allows you to slow down and connect with yourself through food, while exploring Croatian food heritage and culture through the eyes of food. It is a mixture of new and old, modern and traditional - visible in every touch point of a retreat, from villas where we are staying, to typical breakfasts, visits to farms and wineries, visits to hedonistic restaurants and taverns, to cooking workshops with our excellent chefs who will share with you traditional recipes, some of them prepared in a modern way!
What to Expect?
Cooking Classes: Master the art of Croatian cuisine with three hands-on classes featuring the finest local ingredients.
Farm-to-Table Experiences: Hunt for truffles, explore olive groves, walk with goats, and taste the best olive oil in the world.
Culinary Adventures: Enjoy seafood feasts, historic dining, and visits to local wineries.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Taste & Toast Croatia, Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Cooking class, Farm-to-Table: Walk with Goats
Day 3: Truffle Hunting, Olive Oil Tasting, Fish Tavern Dinner
Day 4: Cooking class, Winery Tour, Dinner in Istrian Restaurant
Day 5: Cooking class, Visit to Motovun, Winery Exploration
Day 6: National Park Brijuni, Goodbye Dinner Party
Day 7: Farewell after Breakfast
Accommodations:
An authentic Istrian estate with original stone villas. A luxurious blend of old and new provides a genuine experience of tranquillity and relaxation.
Rustic beams on the ceiling, walls made of original Istrian stone, and natural flooring materials are just a few features of its interior decoration that set an amazing atmosphere of luxury. Yet the location is welcoming, inviting, and comfortable for the cooking & relaxing retreat experience.
The estate consists of four villas one next to each other and three of our cooking classes with the local chefs are taking their place in a beautiful big kitchen within the main villa. Each room sleeps up to two people (king size bed) and has private bathroom.
Villas are surrounded by vast green fields, vineyards and olive groves. The moment you get there you will feel its peaceful and hedonistic energy.
What is included:
7 days, 6 nights in a luxury villa in the heart of Istrian penninsula
4 cooking classes with local chefs
Yoga class at our own property, in nature, surrounded by olive grows
3 farm-to-table experiences: organic goat farm, olive grows, truffle hunting
Wine tasting, National Park visit, and more
Transportation to all the activities
What is not included:
International airfare
Personal travel insurance
Transportation from the airport
Saturday lunch (free day)
Extra excursions/events which are not within the offered itinerary
Culinary Notes & Restrictions:
Please Contact us in advance for dietary considerations so that we can fit your needs.
Gluten and dairy are a significant part of Croatian food culture, together with meat and fish.
Fresh fruits and vegetables offered at most meals.
We can accommodate all the needs and restrictions, please make sure to let us know on time.
Culinary, Educational, Hedonistic - Join Us!
Embark on a journey that blends tradition with modernity, education with hedonism. Immerse yourself in Istria's food heritage and create lasting memories. Reserve your spot for a retreat that transcends culinary boundaries.
Important notes & details:
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This trip is for those who want to push a reset button, spend some time in nature and recharge their batteries while enjoying delicious food and improving their cooking skills (bragging to their friend about a new cooking level is a bonus). This is an immersive and active retreat style, best suited for those who prefer doing things in a small group rather than on their own.
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The trip starts and finishes in Istria, Prašćari village. Pula airport is the closest one in Istria and is 60 km away our village. Zagreb airport, Croatia’s capital might be better connected to global destinations and is 247 km away from our accommodation. Ride from both airports is included in the price. For detailed information regarding the transportation, please reach out to us once when you have your flights booked.
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30 days before your trip we will email you with an itinerary of the trip, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, and more. Do reach out if you have any questions up head!
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International roundtrip airfare; Required Personal travel insurance that at least covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Meals not listed in the itinerary; Alcoholic drinks; Any extra excursions or events you plan with or without our help; excursions while free time, laundry services; tips for trip hosts of the program.
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Do have in mind that this retreat does not include only laying around and doing nothing. We are taking you on truffle huntings and walking with goats to name a few, meaning you will be walking on uneven grounds, on your feet for several hours or biking. Make sure you have comfy clothes, sneakers and hiking shoes. For evening dinners at the restaurant, a comfortable dress-up style is the best option.
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No supplies are needed for the cooking classes. Only a notebook and a pen, so that you can write down all the tips and tricks from cooking classes!
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Cooking retreat Croatia is hosted by Purple Aura’s founder who is part of this retreat, looking out for your safety & comfort. Together with her, there are two local coordinators here to serve and resolve any issues whatsoever and make sure you get the best out of this stay. They are not local guides, but a great coordinator working with all local partners and providers to ensure the right combo of pace, information and duration.
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Reserve your spot by paying non refundable deposit today. The remaining payment is due 60 days before the trip – by the August 6th. Up until August 6th you can give up your spot any time.
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As Istria used to be a part of Italy, it has a lot of Italian influence – hence a lot of gluten involved too. If you prefer vegan, gluten-free or dairy/egg free, this trip is probably not the best option for you. We can try to accommodate you, but cannot guarantee. Please contact us in advance of registering if you have any dietary questions.
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Oh, aren't we delighted to tell you September and October are THE BEST times to be in Istria! Even more peaceful, with the sun, and crisp air, not too hot, not too cold. It’s just the beginning of autumn and the colours are starting to be beautiful. Days are mostly golden. At this time of the year, days are usually warm – for long sleeves and a light jacket, with fresh evenings. The average temperature is around 15°C, with a range from low -1 °C during the night and a high of 28°C during the day. That means it's best to pack layered clothes for your stay + light jacket and umbrella for the chance of rain, and hiking shoes for the farm visits. Even though we slowly entering fall, we would still recommend bringing swimming suits. It might be warm enough to enjoy the crystal clear Adriatic sea. Small backpack and water bottle recommended!
*Please note that if the weather causes any challenges, some activities might be switched to another day.