All year
8 days
2+

Dalmatia - last wine paradise

Dalmatia, unlike any wine region in the world offers unique blend of climate, land and character of people and together this combination produces some of the best wines in the world. Changing one of the aspects of this region would unhinge entire process and would leave us without this thousands year old tradition of wine producing.

That tradition, throughout the centuries has made abundance of local wine varieties, of which Dalmatia has more than 300. It is said: "How many islands that many wine sorts!"

Truly Dalmatia is the last undiscovered wine paradise in the world where one can enjoy amazing scenery with great glass of wine and worm greetings of its people.

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TAILOR MADE YOUR TOUR

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tour info

experience traditional way of wine producing
discover Dalmatian dishes and pair them with local wines
Brac culinary and wine heritage
exploring unique connection of wine producing and local people and life

8 days
2+
EUR

Europe

Split - Kaštela - Island of Brac - Vrgorac - Island of Hvar

Croatia

HERITAGE:

For those who seek context

Diocletian's Palace in Split; City Hall; Jupiter's Temple; Fortress Topana in Imotski; Citadel in Hvar; ancient Roman roads;

CULTURE:

For an authentic experience

Ivan Meštrović Gallery Split; Emanuel Vidović Gallery Split; Archeological Museum; Ethnographic Museum; Museum of Croatian Heritage; Dalmatian klapa – band singing a cappella; Dalmatian folklore dances;

NATURE: Red and Blue Lake next to Imotski; bike tour; winery visit at Hvar;

GASTRONOMY:

For discerning palates

Dalmatian pašticada; Dalmatian pršut (smoked ham); homemade goat cheese; sea fish served with best local olive oils; grouper brodet; broth; octopus baked under peka; cuttlefish risotto; salad of sea spider, lobster or shrimp with capers and olives; almond cake; Hrapoćuša cake; gingerbreads from Old Town Hvar; rožata; Croatian wines and rakija;

EXPERIENCE: enjoying some of the best Croatian wine sorts and tasting them for the first time - Crljenak, Pošip, Bogdanuša, Parč, Plavac Mali, Trnjak, Vranac; buying fresh vegetables at traditional Dalmatian farmers' market; listening to Dalmatian klapa singing among old stone houses; get the full experience of wine manufacturing; learn to cook traditional Dalmatian dishes;

ITINERARY

Day 1

Croatia Arrival -Wine Paradise

Arrival to Split airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Origins of Zinfandel

Your wine trails of the day will start with the early breakfast and heading up to Kaštela, home to Crljenjak, ancient but not forgotten wine sort. Its exceptional historical taste precedes only its importance because it is the father of widely known and appreciated sorts Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. You will visit several vineyards and cellars to taste the soft differences of every single grape which arise due to the different preparation and other conditions. While enjoying your wine, you will be introduced to rich Dalmatian history of wine making and the specialties that lie in the mere process.

Day 3

Split-Hvar

The next day is reserved for island wine sorts. After breakfast in Split, you will take a short catamaran ride enjoying the Adriatic blue crystal water and shortly arrive at Hvar – the sunniest island in the coast. This beautiful island is the home of region's icon – Plavac Mali, a cross between ancient Zinfandel, Crljenjak Kastelasnki whose taste you've enjoyed the previous day, and Dobričić grapes. This wine truly reflects the character of Dalmatia – hot, temperamental, gorgeous, sharp, slightly rustical and absolutely unique. Apart from Plavac Mali, you will have the chance to taste other exquisite wine sorts indigenous to Hvar island, Bogdanuša and Prč. Overnight stay on Hvar island.

Day 4

Hvar-Split

After waking up in the sunniest place in Croatia followed by a delicious breakfast, you will meet your tour leader and continue this wine adventure getting acquainted with Hvar ancient heritage and historical venues. Its unique fusion of Mediterranean climate, Roman and medieval architecture 'sizzled' with Venetian influence will make roaming around much more interesting. Hvar gained glory and power during the Middle Ages being an important port within the Venetian naval empire. And today, this island is recognized as one of the most popular and favorite resorts. Hvar exploration is set for the morning, and the afternoon will be at your leisure for an individual and private experience of this vibrant and colorful city. Afterward, you will return to Split by an evening ferry ride.

Day 5

Island of Brac

After short ride with ferry (45 min) you will arrive to Brač, First island of the coast of Split. Famous for its local dishes, wine and quarry's of marble. Marble from the island of Brac is considered to be of the highest quality and was used in the construction of White House in Washington DC. Visit to stonemasonry school which keeps tradition of working with the stone. After that visit wine tasting and lunch would be held in one of the best wineries in Croatia, Stina Winery in Bol. Selection of different wines will be served. Lunch will be organized on the island in authentic setting serving traditional lamb dishes, famous throughout in Croatia. In the evening return to Split with ferry.

Day 6

Vrgorac and Imotski wineries

Meet up with your tour leader and set off for Imotski county and its pearls, Imotski and Vrgorac. This is county of spectacular nature, long history and resilient people with excellent gastronomic specialties, high quality wine sorts and the first Dalmatian champagne. After the visit to the wine cellars and savouring the best Kujundžuša wine and homemade grappa, you will continue your journey while enjoying panoramic views of Blue and Red Lakes and sunset on Biokovo mountain.

Day 7

Split

Your day will start with a private walking tour of Split’s city center with your guide. Split city has evolved over the centuries. Split offers a perfect mix of history and modern influences, amazing ancient Roman architecture infused with modern bars, restaurants and vibrant life. Visit Diocletian’s Palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built as a residential summer palace for the Roman emperor. On your tour you will visit Split's open green market. Continue your tour by visiting Salona, old Roman town 5 min away from Split, once capital of entire Roman province of Dalmatia now ruined. First you will visit olive oil making facility where you will have short tour of entire producing process and later among the ruins and old stones, standing there for thousands of years, have your own private olive oil tasting.

Day 8