A short, half an hour driving distance from Dubrovnik, Arboretum Trsteno provides a blissful contrast to the bustling summer days of the region’s jewel. Actually, this should come as no surprise, given that it was exactly for this reason that the noble family Gozze of Dubrovnik established their estate here back in the 16th century – to enjoy their summers away from the heated stone of the Old Town and immerse in the refreshing cool of nature, inspiring views of the Elaphite islands, and no one but birds in vicinity. Having asked ship captains to bring back seeds and plants from their distant travels to enrich the expansive gardens, the family set foundation for what is today the oldest Arboretum in this part of the world, famous for its impressive Asian plane trees, over 500 years old.
A hearth-warming cooking class
This special cooking class in Dubrovnik starts with an easy stroll through the magical Trsteno Arboretum. Katja’s incredibly friendly smile will immediately make you feel welcome and completely at home. Katja’s house is a typical Dubrovnik one, with lots of stone, a beautiful terrace and a lively garden where you will pick the veggies for your cooking class.
Cook the catch of the day
Should you choose fish over meat or the classic peka menu, Katja’s father, who is a fisherman himself, and well-connected in the local fishing community, will select a nice fresh piece for you, so you can also learn how to handle, clean and prepare the catch of the day in a truly local way.
Make bread from the scratch
As no true traditional lunch around Dubrovnik comes with processed bread, you will help make the dough, knead it and then wait longingly until the iron dome lid, called peka, does its magic: just like our ancestors used to do every day. This cooking class near Dubrovnik gets your ready to live every day to the fullest, with homemade bread!
The joys of living on the Croatian coast
At Katja’s, your experience will burst of joy from simple, everyday pleasures of living on the Croatian coast. Delight in picking, preparing and cooking everything you are about to eat but beware – working for your lunch never felt so good!
A short, half an hour driving distance from Dubrovnik, Arboretum Trsteno provides a blissful contrast to the bustling summer days of the region’s jewel. Actually, this should come as no surprise, given that it was exactly for this reason that the noble family Gozze of Dubrovnik established their estate here back in the 16th century – to enjoy their summers away from the heated stone of the Old Town and immerse in the refreshing cool of nature, inspiring views of the Elaphite islands, and no one but birds in vicinity. Having asked ship captains to bring back seeds and plants from their distant travels to enrich the expansive gardens, the family set foundation for what is today the oldest Arboretum in this part of the world, famous for its impressive Asian plane trees, over 500 years old.
A hearth-warming cooking class
This special cooking class in Dubrovnik starts with an easy stroll through the magical Trsteno Arboretum. Katja’s incredibly friendly smile will immediately make you feel welcome and completely at home. Katja’s house is a typical Dubrovnik one, with lots of stone, a beautiful terrace and a lively garden where you will pick the veggies for your cooking class.
Cook the catch of the day
Should you choose fish over meat or the classic peka menu, Katja’s father, who is a fisherman himself, and well-connected in the local fishing community, will select a nice fresh piece for you, so you can also learn how to handle, clean and prepare the catch of the day in a truly local way.
Make bread from the scratch
As no true traditional lunch around Dubrovnik comes with processed bread, you will help make the dough, knead it and then wait longingly until the iron dome lid, called peka, does its magic: just like our ancestors used to do every day. This cooking class near Dubrovnik gets your ready to live every day to the fullest, with homemade bread!
The joys of living on the Croatian coast
At Katja’s, your experience will burst of joy from simple, everyday pleasures of living on the Croatian coast. Delight in picking, preparing and cooking everything you are about to eat but beware – working for your lunch never felt so good!
In 2005, Secret Dalmatia was started from pure love for Croatia’s heritage, its incredible diversity, and beauty. We have since remained faithful to our initial mission – and are still today a boutique travel agency dedicated to showing the true, wholesome Croatia to the discerning travelers who want to experience our country and all our riches, not just see it.
A bottle of Croatian wine or rose liquor will go far in telling stories, and so will some of the praised olive oils. Keep the memory of the Adriatic alive with salt from centuries’ old pans at Ston or Pag Island or with a sample of Istria’s famed truffles. Lightweight travelers should consider typical spices like lavender or rosemary, herbal teas or candied orange peels and almonds.
