NEW! Zadar: Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour

If you’re considering a way to truly connect with Zadar beyond the typical sightseeing, this Food Tasting & Old Town Walking Tour might be just what you need. We haven’t been on this tour ourselves, but based on reviews and what’s included, it promises a flavorful journey through Dalmatia’s streets, flavors, and history—all in just two hours.

What draws us in is the balance of excellent food, engaging storytelling, and the opportunity to walk through Zadar’s historic sites. We love how the tour combines tasting local specialties like fresh fish by a MasterChef with learning about the city’s past from a local guide. The chance to pair regional wines and craft beers also sounds like a nice touch. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s quite a tasting-heavy experience, so it’s best suited for those ready to sample rather than feast.

If you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or someone eager to experience Zadar’s authentic flavors with the background stories that bring them to life, this tour could be perfect. It’s not ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain food allergies, but otherwise, it offers a genuinely enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours in the Old Town.

Key Points

• Gourmet Focus: You’ll sample a range of Dalmatian dishes, wines, and craft beers, with expertly paired offerings.
• Local Insights: Guided by a knowledgeable storyteller, you’ll learn about Zadar’s history and culture in an engaging way.
• Authentic Flavors: The tour includes special experiences like tasting fish prepared by a MasterChef and enjoying prosciutto and cheese in a historical setting.
• Convenient and Compact: At just 2 hours, it’s a manageable way to get a taste of the city without a long commitment.
• Inclusive Experience: Four unique stops at handpicked locations offer a well-rounded, authentic look at local cuisine.
• Small Group Vibe: The group size tends to be intimate, encouraging personal interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Zadar’s Flavors and Streets

This tour offers an inviting way to get familiar with Zadar’s culinary identity and its historic charm. Starting near Novi caffe, the guide leads you through some of the city’s most iconic sites, weaving stories of the past into each stop. You’ll see landmarks like the Church of St. Simon, the Roman Forum, and the Church of St. Donatus, all while learning about their significance. This combination of sights and stories helps you appreciate Zadar’s layered history, making the experience more than just tasting.

First Stop: The Church of St. Simon

The tour begins at Novi caffe, a cozy spot that sets a friendly tone. From there, a quick walk takes you to the Church of St. Simon, one of Zadar’s most recognizable landmarks. The guide shares snippets about the city’s history here, making the visit a bit more meaningful. It’s a short sightseeing stop, but it hints at the deep roots of the city.

Sampling Dalmatian Cuisine

Next, the journey shifts gears to food. You’ll visit a local restaurant where fish prepared by an award-winning MasterChef awaits. We love the idea of tasting fish made by someone with a reputation for excellence. The emphasis on regional fish dishes means you’ll get a true taste of Dalmatian seafood traditions. Pairing this with regional wines accentuates the flavors and offers a sense of local craftsmanship.

Market and Historic Squares

After lunch, a leisurely walk brings you to People’s Square and the Zadar Market. These vibrant spots add a lively backdrop and give insight into daily life in Zadar. The guide will likely share stories about the vendors, local produce, and how these spaces have transformed over centuries.

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More Tasting and Cultural Highlights

Back to the restaurant for another stop, you’ll sample prosciutto and cheese, produced by local families. Sitting in an atmospheric, once-abandoned church, makes this tasting feel like a special occasion—an intimate way to enjoy the city’s culinary heritage. The experience isn’t just about the food; it’s about appreciating the land and people behind it.

Turkish Influence and Unique Flavors

One of the tour’s standout moments is tasting evapi, a Balkan dish with Turkish roots, paired with local craft beer brewed by women. We loved the reviews praising this pairing, noting how well the flavors complement each other and highlight the diverse influences on Zadar’s cuisine.

Ending on a Sweet Note

Finally, the guide might serve a digestif made from local herbs, rounding out your tasting journey with a flavorful herbal infusion. Afterward, you’ll return to Novi caffe, ending the tour with a sense of having experienced Zadar’s flavors in a lively, storytelling environment.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is the knowledge and friendliness of the guide. Tour participants praise guides like Dina for her storytelling skills, making each stop engaging and memorable. This personal touch transforms a simple food tasting into a lively cultural experience.

The quality of the tastings also seems top-notch. Several reviews mention how the food and drinks are thoughtfully paired, with some even calling their guide’s selections “fantastic” or “top notch.” The inclusion of regional wines, craft beers, and dishes crafted by local chefs makes this more of an authentic culinary journey than just a tasting.

On top of that, at just $53 per person for two hours, many reviewers felt the experience offered excellent value. The four stops, each with a unique focus, ensure you get a well-rounded taste of Dalmatian cuisine and culture without feeling overwhelmed or overstuffed.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a smaller group, the tour feels intimate, and attendees can easily ask questions or chat with the guide. Several reviews comment on how the relaxed vibe and friendly guide made the experience more enjoyable. It’s a good option if you prefer your tours smaller and more personal.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a nice touch, though it’s worth noting that it involves walking around Zadar’s Old Town. The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately, especially if the weather turns—some travelers mention enjoying the experience even in less-than-perfect weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for foodies, history buffs, and culture lovers who want a compact, engaging experience. It’s best suited to travelers aged 18 and up, especially those willing to sample alcohol. If you are vegan or vegetarian, or have gluten or lactose intolerances, you might find some of the offerings less suitable, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Zadar food tour offers a great combination of culinary delights, cultural storytelling, and scenic walks. The focus on regional foods, wines, and local stories makes it a well-rounded experience for those interested in authentic Dalmatian flavors. The price point is reasonable, especially considering the quality of tastings and the knowledge shared by guides like Dina, who are highly praised.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed way to see Zadar’s historic streets while tasting its best dishes and drinks, this tour hits the spot. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy pairing food with stories and want to understand how history influences cuisine.

While not suitable for vegetarians or those with certain food allergies, it’s a solid choice for most travelers eager to enjoy local life through its flavors. Just remember, it’s a tasting experience—not a feast—so come hungry but prepared for a curated sampling, not a full-on meal.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour includes alcoholic beverages and is designed for adults over 18. It’s not suitable for children under 18.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, the tour meets near Novi caffe and does not include hotel transportation.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking around Zadar’s Old Town, and be prepared for weather conditions since the tour goes rain or shine.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
The tour features traditional Dalmatian dishes with fish and meat, so it might not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Check with the provider if dietary restrictions are a concern.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including four tasting stops and sightseeing.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Dina for their friendliness and depth of knowledge about Zadar’s history and cuisine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a lively, flavorful, and authentic way to get to know Zadar. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone eager to learn about regional traditions, you’ll come away with new tastes, stories, and impressions of this charming Croatian city.

You can check availability for your dates here: