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WINE TOUR OF CROATIA
Vine-growing, winemaking, and wine drinking (of course!) are at the very backbone of Croatian lifestyle, tradition, history, and culture. Wines are also one of Croatia’s trending claims to fame. Being home to around 130 indigenous grape sorts, our small country boasts an equally impressive number of terroirs and wineries that nuance these sorts into unique labels.
From the Istrian peninsula all the way to Dubrovnik, join our wine tours guided by some of the most renowned Croatian winemakers themselves; visit the coastal as well as the island-situated wineries and master the terroir subtleties. Enjoy wine-paired dining extravaganzas and preparing traditional specialties alongside superb Croatian chefs.
PROGRAM IN BRIEF
Highlights
Wine Stories of Peljesac Peninsula
Traditional cooking in Dubrovnik region
Special wine and food tasting at Paradox Bar
Exclusive wine pairing menu at Senjkovic Winery
Wine tasting at Stina Winery on Brac Island
A unique Bibich wine experience
Truffle hunting in Istria
Meneghetti olive oil and wines
Included Basics
Private transfers throughout
Entrance tickets to all attractions
Tastings and meals per itinerary
English-speaking guides
English-speaking chauffeurs
24/7 phone support
Budget
The suggested itinerary starts at 5.400 Euro per person.
The final price of this custom tour depends on number of guests, travel dates, final route, and preferred level of comfort.
Contact us for custom itineraries or fill out our Trip Request form.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Savor the local cuisine prepared by famous Croatian chefs and paired with superior local wines selected by Croatian winemakers. Culinary and wine enthusiasts will appreciate this gourmet itinerary featuring the finest flavors of Croatia!
Wine Stories of Peljesac
Traditional Desserts
Wine & Cheese Tasting, Split
Lunch at Senjković Winery
Trsteno Arboretum
Bibich Winery Experience
Meneghetti Wines
Truffle Delicacies Tasting
Hilltop Towns
Paired with your exquisite food and wine experience, these hotels vividly illustrate the everlasting inspiration behind Croatia’s finest culinary experiences. From breathtaking views of Hotel Excelsior to traditional estates such as Villa Meneghetti, these establishments add a touch of finesse to every night of your journey.
Hotel Excelsior 5*, Dubrovnik
The iconic Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, operating for over one hundred years, is one of the finest five-star hotels on the Mediterranean according to the eminent Sunday Times. Just a few steps from the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the hotel combines a stunning location, sophisticated elegance and Mediterranean charm into an outstanding experience of superior quality.
Hotel Park 5*, Split
Built in 1921, Hotel Park is a traditional first-class hotel, located at a walking distance from the center of Split and next to the Bačvice beach. It features free WiFi and a restaurant serving both local cuisine and international dishes. The rooms feature a combination of contemporary comfort and traditional elegance while the large terrace with palm trees provides a typical and authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.
Hotel Bastion 4*, Zadar
Built on the remains of a 13th-century medieval fortress, this unique boutique hotel is situated in Zadar’s historical core, minutes away from the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Comprising 28 luxuriously equipped rooms, an assortment of gastronomic delicacies, a wellness center and a videoconference room, Bastion charms with a world-class feel of an intimate atmosphere.
Wine Hotel Meneghetti 5*, Bale
Set amidst Merlot vineyards and olive groves in the picturesque village of Bale, the beautiful Stancija Meneghetti delivers an authentic experience of a traditional Istrian estate coupled with internationally acclaimed wines and divine culinary delicacies. The ultimate Wine & Dine experience is combined with an exceptional service which makes for an unforgettable stay.
Developed together with winegrowers and winemakers, the Finest Wines of Croatia tour showcases gastronomic experiences they attend, presenting culinary and wine escapades which will excite enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. However, if you would like to visit a certain winery or restaurant, let us know: everything in this itinerary can be tailored to your preference.
Day 1
Welcome to Dubrovnik
Your private chauffer will welcome you at Dubrovnik International Airport. Enjoy the first glimpses of the Croatian coast over the scenic ride to the iconic hotel Excelsior 5*. With the old town at your fingertips, choose to enjoy a nighttime stroll down the majestic Stradun main street, or simply relax in your hotel, admiring the awe-inspiring vistas of the city walls and harbor.
Day 2
Tour Dubrovnik Old Town
After breakfast, head inside the city walls for a private walking tour around Dubrovnik old town. Learn about its history as an independent Republic, and its present as Croatia’s most famous tourist gem. Marvel at its grid layout, lined with palaces, homes, monasteries and churches. Peek at the open market and shop in Europe’s third-oldest pharmacy. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Wine tour in Dubrovnik region
Join a local wine maker for a full-day tour of Dubrovnik wine empire, the Pelješac peninsula. Visit three famous wineries to taste their wines: Miloš winery, where different labels are made of a single grape variety; Grgich, of the famous Mike Grgić from Grgich Hills in Napa Valley; and Bartulović – the winery of your host. In their 500-year-old cellar, savor wines over a true local specialty: meat and veggies slow-cooked under an iron lid called peka.
Day 4
Lunch in Trsteno Arboretum
Travel from Dubrovnik to Split. En route, stop in the quint Trsteno village for a lunch at Katja’s home. She’ll prepare something fresh and local, and you can help her by picking veggies from her garden. After arriving to Split, check into the central Hotel Park 5*. Then join a local guide to discover the maze that is Split’s historic heart: the Diocletian’s Palace, built for a Roman Emperor. Relax over a wine and delicacies tasting at Split’s premium wine bar.
Day 5
Cooking class in Trogir
Discover the secrets of the Dalmatian cuisine in a unique cooking class with one of the most creative and charismatic local home chefs – Tatjana. After a scenic transfer from Split to Trogir, a UNESCO-protected islet-town, meet up with Tatjana. Roam the green and fish markets to select your lunch, then roll up your sleeves to prepare local specialties in Tatjana’s 13 th -century palace-home. Return to Split after lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6
Wines of Brač island
Hop on a boat to travel to Brač Island and explore its landscapes and grapes with a professional guide! In the winery Stina, the first Dalmatian wine cooperative from 1903, taste their exceptional red Plavac Mali and white Pošip. In Nerezišća village, tour the winery Senjković, and sample their two signature reds over tasty homemade nibbles. Then head out to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Croatia’s best known beach that changes its horn-like shape with the winds.
Day 7
Krka Waterfalls and Bibich winery
Enjoy the journey from Split to Zadar. First, stop to have a pleasant walk of Krka National Park, boasting mighty waterfalls, serene lakes and islands, and an ethno village with restored water mills. Work up an appetite for a wine tasting and gourmet lunch served in the cellars of the Bibich Winery, a signature experience for all food and wine enthusiasts visiting Croatia. After lunch, continue to Zadar and settle in Hotel Bastion, a heritage hotel situated in the town’s historical center.
Day 8
Visit Plitvice Lakes
Visit the most famous nature site in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park, with a guide. Stroll around its 16 emerald lakes, feel the power of its waterfalls, and enjoy a lunch on your own at a local restaurant. Continue your private transfer to the hilltop town of Bale on the Istrian peninsula. Finish the day on a high note with a special wine pairing dinner at the extravagant Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery, your home for the next few days.
Day 9
Wines of Istria
Tour northern Istria and explore both traditional and modern takes on winemaking. Taste wines fermented the ancient Roman way, in amphorae (clay vessels), at Kabola winery, an authentic Istrian estate with a farm house and impressive vineyards. Then head to Kozlović winery for a sampling of the region’s authentic sorts, the white Malvazija, red Teran, and sweet Muskat. Return to Bale after a traditional Istrian lunch.
Day 10
Truffle Hunting in Istria
Roam the scenic roads of Istria toward medieval hilltop towns: enjoy an atmospheric stroll to the prominent bell tower in Oprtalj; wander the cobbled streets to many art galleries, artisan shops, and cafes in Grožnjan; head into dense forests for a truffle hunt with a professional truffle hunter and his dogs near Motovun! Enjoy your ‘catch’ in a special meal of truffle delicacies, followed by a return to the hotel.
Day 11
Departure day
Your chauffeur will meet you in the morning for a transfer to the Pula International Airport. Farewell and “Živjeli!”, as we say it in Croatia when we toast to the wonderful things in life!
SOUNDS INTERESTING?
While the program suggested is a great introduction to Croatian coastal wines, we can organize a variety of experiences based on regions, different wines, specific winemakers…
Feel free to contact us with any request you may have or learn more on our wine day tours in Croatia.
BEFORE YOU GO
Itinerary Creation
Welcoming all wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs (and those who are about to become ones) to the most fructuous wine regions of Croatia; from the wine hills of Istrian region down along the sunny Dalmatian coast and the Dubrovnik area. This itinerary may be modified to match your pace and needs. If you have a specific wine region, winery, or restaurant in mind, make sure to let us know and we will adjust it all to your preferences.
When to Travel
From April and all the way to late October is the perfect time to embark on your private wine tour of Croatia. Our wine tours and tastings are hosted by renowned Croatian winemakers and connoisseurs, for which all you need is a good will, good nose, and love for wine, naturally. And if you happen to be a foodie, lucky for you! Wines paired with splendid cheeses, olives, and seafood – be prepared to taste the best of Croatia!
Payments
50% deposit payment is due upon booking of this program. After we have received the payment, you will be sent an official confirmation to your mail. Balance payment is due one month prior to arrival. We accept wire transfer and major credit cards through our secure payment gateway (Visa, Amex, Mastercard). In case of significant changes after finalizing the trip, there will be a 250€ surcharge. For more information on Payments, visit our Terms and Conditions page.
Travel Agents
Secret Dalmatia’s team of travel designers is dedicated to creating custom-made itineraries that perfectly suit your clients’ interests. Providing exclusive experiences with our close-knit network of fascinating locals, experienced chauffeurs, and skippers, we aspire to provide unforgettable journeys in Croatia, and beyond. We remain at your clients’ disposal 24/7 over phone as your company representative, securing your relationship with your clients and making sure they are taken care of at all times.