Chef endorses Croatia cruise of culinary delights

US chef and author Anthony 'Tony' Bourdain has endorsed a Croatia holiday as a fantastic trip for the taste buds.

The 55-year-old star has over 30 years experience in the world of fine cuisine and is a prominent figure on the Travel Channel, with his own show "No Reservations" airing every Tuesday night.

Bourdain was joined this week by Croatian MasterChef judge Mate Jankovice, for what was a special Croatia holiday themed edition of the cookery show.

Invited to sample some of the delicious delights on offer to travellers planning a trip around the region this summer, the US culinary king was evidently captivated by the variety of treats on offer to him.

His culinary tour began with a taste of the Rovinj's famed seashell mussels along with a popular shrimp and spaghetti dish known to locals.

While soaking up the local culture of the city, the US chef also had time to take in a sunset in this beautiful corner of Croatia that is famed for its summertime ambience.

Located on the popular Dalmatian coast, the city is just a stone's throw from the gorgeous sandy beaches and clear blue Adriatic that has come to be associated with sailing holidays in Croatia.

Bourdain even took up the opportunity for an Adriatic cruise of sorts, as he went fishing for small sharks with the fishermen of the region, picking up another unique taste of the Balkans experience in the process.

Yet arguably the highlight of the culinary cruise came with his sampling of the region[']s famed white truffles, which are a staple of Croatian cuisine.

Among the other highlights on show was a special meat risotto dish known locally to the Dalmatian town of Skradin.

Upon sampling a range of the dishes on offer, Bourdain was ultimately compelled to heap gushing praise on the region and its unique flavours.

"I did not have any idea what Croatian cuisine was. Nothing," he explained.

"This is world class food, world class wine, world class cheese. If you haven't been here? You're an idiot! I am an idiot!" said Bourdain.

With plenty of Croatia cruises on offer this summer, you too could taste all that the Balkans have to offer.