Day 4 in Photos, Raw and Unfiltered:

Novigrad, which means "new city," is a beautiful fishing town with a protected port in the westcoast of Istria.

The Pillar of Shame

Continuing down the seaside path, lungomare.

Squad. Love this slice of Novigrad life.

The backside of the boats at the port.

With a visit to Pillar of Shame already under my belt, we stopped by Vitriol Caffe Bar right by the water for some pre-lunch cocktails and snacks. I was so obsessed with the sun-dried tomatoes that the owner packed a bunch from the kitchen for me to take home. Such hospitality. These tomatoes are so sweet, tender and full of flavour. I know this sounds utterly cheesy, but you can actually taste the Mediterranean sun that nourished them. For real.

Croatia's Italian history and close proximity to Italy meant I got to indulge in one of my favorite snacks: gelato con brioche. Except this one is with a croissant (why not) stuffed with one scoop coconut and one scoop stracciatella. Also, the Hugo cocktail (consisting of sparkling white wine, fresh mint and lime) is going to be my summer drink of choice.

And now immediately on to lunch at Cok Konoba (food & wine press trips FTW). Here are the most delicious pickled sardines.

My favorite fish dish of the whole trip. Sea bass carpaccio with just olive oil, lemon juice, and salt & pepper. Simple and delicious. I love when raw fish is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth and doesn't require any fancy toppings or seasonings.

Grilled octopus with wild asparagus (gotta eat 'em at every meal while they're in season!) and shredded egg.

More sepia risotto with sliced calamari.

Sole with shrimp on a bed of spinach and mashed potatoes.

Cheese and local honey with dried lavender sugar. The honey here, you can really taste the lavender fields.

Royal Hammam time at the Energy Clinic's Carolea Spa at Kempinski Hotel Adriatic. I spent the next two hours in this gorgeous hammam suite for a full body exfoliation, bath, and foam massage by the hammam master, Mr. Zoran. Utter relaxation after an intense few days.

The Kempinski resort overlooks the Adriatic towards Venice and Slovenia. Tonight's view at a private dinner in the Presidential Suite at Kempinski by Executive Chef Zoran Čobanov of Kanova.