From Split to Dubrovnik, discover Dalmatia and its terroir. This region, renowned for its natural beauty, has successfully harnessed and enhanced the qualities of its terroir. Stroll through the vineyards on the mainland and on the island of Korčula, where Plavac Mali reigns supreme. It’s a meeting of the senses and civilizations:
– Ancient and Venetian cities along the Adriatic coast
– An authentic stay on the island of Korčula
– Discovering the sun-drenched vineyards of southern Croatia
– Tasting oysters in Mali Ston
– Relaxing in coves with crystal-clear waters
– Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
Day 1: Split
Arrival at Split Airport and your first glimpse of Croatia. Pick up your rental car right at the airport. Drive the first few miles in your car. Head toward downtown Split. Check in at your hotel.
Rental of an economy-class vehicle (Category E), such as a Volkswagen Polo 1.2 or similar, including: unlimited mileage, VAT, manual transmission, insurance for a single driver, and basic third-party liability coverage: collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection (TP).
You can also book these options directly with the rental company on site. Sightseeing stops, tastings, and a traditional regional meal. A stop of about 3 hours to explore an eco-village: a tour of the estate and two different tastings of your choice:
a) Croatia’s forgotten recipes – dishes based on traditional recipes and local products (cheeses, olive oils, tapenades, olives, ham, gourmet treats made with dried figs, olives, almonds, lemons, and oranges, local wines, and many other local specialties)
b) A Taste of Croatia – two types of olive oil served with bread, specialty delicacies paired with each oil, wine, and cheese. Overnight stay in a 4-star villa in an authentic, well-preserved neighborhood on the outskirts of Split. Standard Room.
Day 2: Split
All the delights of Dalmatia: wine tasting and Venetian towns. A short drive to the Venetian town of Šibenik. Explore the old town at your leisure, including its magnificent medieval quarter, where pristine stone buildings are reflected in the calm waters of the bay. Continue along the coast, enjoying panoramic views and charming little towns like Primosten. Arrive in Trogir, where you’ll wander through the narrow streets to discover the rich history of this UNESCO-protected island city.
Its Greek, Roman, and Venetian history makes it one of the most fascinating historical gems on the Adriatic coast. Admire the masterpieces created by local sculptors. The many palaces, steeped in history, are just a few of the things that will impress you on this tour through the beautiful streets of this quiet little town. Highlights: The famous St. Lawrence Cathedral, the remains of the city walls, Cipiko Palace, the Loggia and the Clock Tower, Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark’s Tower, the many narrow streets, etc. Return to Split at the end of the day. Gastronomic tasting break. Wine tasting at a vineyard near Trogir, featuring 3 wines paired with a light meal including local specialties such as appetizers, risotto, salads, and desserts. Overnight stay in a 4-star villa in an authentic, well-preserved neighborhood on the outskirts of Split. Standard room.
Day 3: Split
Explore Korčula Island, its sandy beaches and coves, its excellent wines, and the charm of its old town. Drive from Split to the ferry port. Boarding. Arrival at the ferry port of Vela Luka at the western tip of the 47-km-long island. Drive to the center to discover its authentic side and landscapes of vineyards and hidden coves, passing through scrubland and forests of Aleppo pines, cypresses, and oaks. Option to have lunch (not included) at a family-run restaurant with a terrace.
On the menu: local specialties, cold cuts, cheese, and olive oil. A real treat! Next, we head to Korčula or Lumbarda (depending on your hotel), a small village on the eastern tip of the island. Check-in at the hotel. Ferry from Split to Vela Luka on the island of Korčula. The crossing takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Food stop. En route, stop at this magnificent estate on the island of Korcula to visit a local winemaker with a family tradition of producing excellent Grk and Plavac Mali wines. The tasting takes place on a beautiful, authentic Mediterranean estate near their vineyards, where you can truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Dalmatian island. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel. Standard Room with Sea View.
Day 4: Korčula Island
A full-day private tour to explore Korčula Island and sample its culinary specialties. In just one day, you’ll enjoy:
– a glimpse into olive oil production on the island
– views of the island while visiting the villages of Lumbarda and Vela Luka and the olive groves of Potirna
– meeting two olive oil producers who share their stories and passion with you, including a tasting, etc.
– a tasting of delicious olive oil produced on the island
– lunch at a rural farm
Departing from Korčula, head to the village of Lumbarda for a tour of an old olive oil mill. The journey then continues to Vela Luka, taking in the island’s scenic views. First stop: a producer specializing in flavored oils and natural remedies. Then on to the olive grove of one of Korčula Island’s most renowned olive oil producers. Tasting of the products, followed by a lunch featuring traditional savory and sweet dishes, accompanied by local wine. Return to Korčula, passing by one of the island’s oldest olive trees. Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel. Standard Room with Sea View.
Day 5: Korčula Island
Themed afternoon and evening (tasting) with your private guide, lasting about 4 hours and by bike. The first tasting of the afternoon focuses on the island’s most famous product: wine. At this winery, you’ll be offered a white wine, Grk, followed by a red wine, Plavac Mali. The tasting continues at a small restaurant, featuring typical Dalmatian appetizers paired with another local wine.
After a short 15-minute walk, the final stop features local products such as olive oil, preserves, sweets, and homemade treats…
Total duration of the activity (including transfers): 4 hours. Difficulty: easy, suitable for everyone. Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel. Standard room with a sea view.
Day 6: Korčula Island
An authentic immersion on the Peljesac Peninsula. We set out in the morning for the pier to reach the peninsula, known for its unspoiled nature and crystal-clear sea, which is home to a rich underwater world. The backbone of this peninsula is a mountain range that rises to an elevation of 961 meters at Mount Sveti Ilija. Vines grow on the hillsides and at their base, producing highly acclaimed wines. The journey from Orebic to Mali Ston is very pleasant.
We travel through the heartland of the king of red wines, Plavac Mali. Along the way, we discover idyllic coves and a few fishing villages. We arrive in Mali Ston after visiting Ston and its ramparts. Check-in at the hotel. Ferry from Domince to Orebic. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. A stop for a gourmet meal. On the way, stop at a vineyard on the peninsula for a scuba diving excursion to visit the underwater wine cellar, followed by a visit to the wine bar to enjoy an excellent tasting of 6 wines, including 3 unique wines from their underwater cellar, accompanied by appetizers. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in the heart of Mali Ston. Economy room.
Day 7: Pelješac Peninsula
Tasting break. Stop in Mali Ston Bay for a culinary tour that begins with a scenic boat ride on a beautiful wooden boat across the bay to the oyster beds. You’ll not only have the chance to see and learn about oyster farming, but also to taste some of the world’s finest oysters paired with local wine in this stunning setting.
The oyster tasting on the boat includes: homemade rakia (brandy) or myrtle liqueur, 3 oysters, and a glass of wine. Gourmet tasting stop. En route, stop at a vineyard on the peninsula to tour the cellar and facilities and enjoy an excellent tasting of several wines. Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in the heart of Mali Ston. Economy room.
Day 8: Mali Ston
Meet your guide early in the morning for a 2-hour private walking tour of Dubrovnik. You’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy the most beautiful colors of the Adriatic. Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik has captured your imagination for weeks and found its way into your dreams. Open your eyes! Dubrovnik, the perfect city, dazzles you from the moment you arrive. You’ll discover the white marble streets, the red rooftops, the lively terraces, the seagulls in flight, and the pleasure boats returning from an excursion to the Elaphiti Islands.
Take a leisurely stroll through this truly unique city with its stunning scenery.
Highlights of the tour: Pile Gate, Stradun (the pedestrian promenade), Onofrio’s Fountain, Church of St. Saviour.
A balcony overlooking the Adriatic. From Mali Ston to Dubrovnik, cruise along the Adriatic for 1 hour. Arrival in Dubrovnik.
Then head to the airport 2½ to 3 hours before your flight. Return your vehicle at the airport. Check in and board the flight.
Would you like to experience it or plan your own custom trip with our team?