Croatian Islands: Wine and Sunshine
The name of our tour pretty much says it all. There will be no shortage of great wines or sunshine as we explore Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. The not-to-be-missed historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir find their way on here as well. And as for islands, we’ll be ferry hopping from Korcula (alleged home of one Marco Polo) to Brac (their native Vugava white wine goes down well on a hot summer’s day) to the island furthest from the mainland, Vis. Sip on terrific Plavac wines in an underground cellar that used to be a military bunker, nosh on delicious lamb slow cooked for hours, visit ancient vineyards planted by Greeks that once served as RAF runways for Allied B-24 bombers, duck into a small blue cave that is Croatia’s answer to Capri, sail a bit of the Adriatic in a traditional wooden sailboat that fishermen once hauled in their daily catch or just find your own secluded cove and chill for the day. As the old Croatia tourism slogan used to say: this is the Mediterranean as it once was.
Day One
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Welcome to Dubrovnik with a walking tour of this gorgeous, historic fortified city on the Adriatic. Introduction to Croatian wines at a lovely hidden wine bar with our favorite sommelier, Ana. Dinner at a boutique restaurant atop the Jesuit Staircase made famous in Game of Thrones.
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Day Two
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Morning at leisure to explore Dubrovnik. Take an unforgettable walk along the city’s towering high walls, check out the imposing Lovrijenac Fortress, historic Rector’s Palace or grab the cable car up for a magnificent view. Afternoon excursion to a micro wine region south of the city for lunch and wine tasting with a local wine maker.
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Day Three
Overnight: Korcula
Depart Dubrovnik and drive along the Peljesac peninsula, arguably the most beautiful wine region of Croatia. A short stop in a tiny fishing village to taste their famous oysters before wine tasting with an incredible view. Get to know Plavac Mali and Tribigrad (the original Zinfandel), the two big red wines of this area. Meet with a local who makes organic wine and enjoy his mom’s home cooked lunch. Transfer to the island of Korcula, Croatia’s largest island and alleged birthplace of one Marco Polo, then tour the compact Korcula Town.
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Day Four
Overnight: Korcula
First half of day at leisure with options of sea kayaking or cycling or just chill out at the beach. We will explore other villages on the island while sneaking a few tastings and dinner at a winery. Posip and Grk, both white wines, are Korcula’s two most treasured varietals.
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Day Five
Overnight: Milna
Wake up to the smell of sea breezes from the Adriatic as we ferry from Korcula Island to the island of Brac a few hours away. Celebrate the second island of our tour with a few glasses of Vugava, indigenous to Brac, at a winery right in the harbor. Then we will go to the interior of the island for a delicious meal of lamb and octopus cooked under a metal bell that the locals call peka. Tasting and tour at an olive oil mill turned into a museum to see how they produced oil before modern technology. Early evening arrival into the seaside town of Milna.
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Day Six
Overnight: Komiza
Morning and early afternoon to swim, relax and grab a bite to eat before we ferry over to the island of Vis, Croatia’s furthest island away from the coast, which contains an extraordinary amount of history for such a small island. Welcome drink at a 200 year old British fort with great views. Transfer to the fishing town of Komiza. Dinner at local konoba (traditional Croatian eatery).
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Day Seven
Overnight: Komiza
Learn the island’s fascinating history. It was closed to foreigners during the Yugoslav days because it had a secret rocket base and hidden submarine yard. Tour both places along with other military tunnels and the highest peak of the island where Tito and his partisans had a cave to hide from the Nazis. Enjoy roasted lamb for lunch in between uncovering all the layers of history. Mid-afternoon and onwards at your leisure back in Komiza.
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Day Eight
Overnight: Komiza
Get a deep dive into the story of local people, maritime heritage (little Komiza was once the centre of the fishing industry in the Adriatic) and island customs with a unique sailing experience aboard the Falkuša, a traditional fishing boat. Then visit the Blue Cave, like a smaller version of Capri, on the nearby island of Bisevo where we will also have lunch. Mid-afternoon and onwards at your leisure back in Komiza.
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Day Nine
Overnight: Trogir
Morning ferry back to the mainland and arrival into Split, Croatia’s 2nd largest city and main ferry port. Guided tour and a must-see, Diocletian’s Palace. It was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian as a retirement palace in 297 AD. Free time to explore more of this ancient area of the town and grab lunch before we depart for afternoon wine tasting. Check into our hotel in Trogir, one of the most charming spots on the Adriatic and actually a small island connected to the mainland by a short bridge.
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Day Ten
Overnight: Trogir
Morning walking tour of Trogir, including a visit to the 11th century cathedral containing marvellous stone carving works. Optional visit to the Krka National Park, about one hour north, with its many lakes and cascading waterfalls to explore. Late afternoon departure to a winery situated above on the hills overlooking Trogir & islands. The perfect spot for a farewell sunset dinner.
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Day Eleven
Tour Ends
Tour is over after breakfast. Your guide will be available to assist you with your departure, if needed.
Twenty-five years ago, Andrew got bit hard by the travel bug when he took his first trip abroad, backpacking around Europe for 6 months. Eventually, he took the big plunge and in 2014 he moved to Slovenia, the charming Alpine/Balkan/Mediterranean country where east meets west.
Andrew has been leading & organizing tours for the past 20 years. He loves to champion countries and regions that many travelers have yet to explore. His three favorite aspects of traveling are sampling the local cuisine and wine, sharing travel escapades with other travelers and hanging out with the locals.
Price: $4900 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $700. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, wine tastings, and 10 nights lodging in boutique hotels. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Croatia tour begins in Dubrovnik (DBV) and ends in Trogir (nearest airport Split (SPU).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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