Croatia Private Wine Tour

Your tour commences in one of the most picturesque wine regions in Europe- Istria. This unspoiled gourmet paradise is postcard-perfect with its rolling hills, olive groves, tucked-away medieval villages, and peaceful vineyards. The closest airport for best logistics (under a 90-minute drive) is Trieste, Italy. Venice is also viable (just over 2 hours drive), as is Ljubljana, Slovenia (1 hr 45 min drive). Your friendly, professional chauffeur will collect you wherever you wish to start the tour, and sweep you away in a luxury Mercedes to your first wine experience of the trip- Kabola winery. This historic property made its first wine vintage in 1891 and is currently run by the third generation of the Markežić family. This is a lovely spot! Set amid a sea of vines in Kanedol in the Momjan area, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, the Alps, and the Dolomites. Tour the estate and taste a range of barrel- and amphora-aged wines, including Istrian Malvasia, Amphora Malvasia, Momjan Muscat, and Teran Amfora. Delightful wines to kick off the tour.

The picturesque hill-town of Motovun is next. Welcome to the truffle capital of Croatia! The atmosphere here is sublime, with a Venetian fortress enclosing quaint, stone streets lined with gourmet shops and wine bars. It feels like Tuscany here, and you will have some free time for a wander. The views are to die for, and there are plenty of photo ops. Since you are in the truffle country, a special truffle hunting experience with a truffle tasting lunch is a must. You will head to a nearby truffle company, where you will receive a warm welcome and a short and interesting chat about their family’s truffle hunting tradition. With your private truffle hunter and trusty truffle hound, you will make your way to the surrounding oak forest to participate in a truffle hunt. This is a ton of fun, and afterward you will sit down to a truffle-themed lunch, indulging in terrific local dishes and wines.

After a fantastic first day, you will be ready to relax, and where better than a gorgeous Relais & Chateaux property located right in a vineyard? The Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery is utterly peaceful and soothing, surrounded by vines, pine trees, and olive groves. On-site, you can enjoy their Michelin-recommended restaurant, their casual pool restaurant, their relaxed wine bar, and their excellent spa, which features olive and grape-based treatments. And if you are visiting in warmer months, you can take their shuttle to their chic beach club, which is only a 10-minute transfer.

Pickup will be a little later today, so you can take your time at breakfast after a restorative night’s sleep. You will be visiting the artisanal Trapan winery this morning, just over a half-hour drive away. Owners Bruno and Irena Trapan are passionate and talented, and have made a huge name for themselves in the Istrian wine scene in a short space of time. Their ethos is biodynamic and ecological, and they describe their wines as terroir-driven natural wines. It’s a great visit, and you will love the project. A quirky goat’s cheese experience is next. Kumparička is a working goat farm, and you will quite literally meet the goats. After learning about their cheesemaking techniques during your visit, you will sit down to a delicious cheese-and-wine picnic (with homemade bread and other dishes), which is very sweet.

The day continues in the nearby Ancient Roman town of Pula. The Roman monuments here are among the best-preserved in the Roman world, truly spectacular. Your private local guide will be waiting for you at the extraordinarily perfect, 2000-year-old Temple of Augustus. Built for the first Roman Emperor Augustus, it sits right in the Forum, the central city square. On a private guided walking tour of Pula with your guide, you will visit the most important landmarks, such as the Arena of Pula. An incredible amphitheater that once hosted Roman gladiator combats complete with wild animals and stage machinery for more than 20,000 spectators, this is a jaw-dropping monument that looks like a smaller version of the Colosseum of Rome. The location, facing the sea and the harbor, looks like a movie set! Still used today for Pula’s summer film festival and an array of concerts and events, it remains the cultural heart of the town. On your tour, you will hear many anecdotes, such as the fact that Irish writer James Joyce lived here and wrote some of his early stories here (at the Café Miramar on the waterfront).

You can enjoy some free time in Pula after the tour. Sip a Croatian spritz cocktail and soak up the lively ambiance. Or have a poke around a few gift shops to pick up traditional gifts like the famous Bajadera pralines. At your preferred time, you will head back to your wine resort. If you like, your driver can take you to the adorable hill town of Bale, only a ten-minute drive from your hotel. It’s extremely cute with its cobble-stoned streets and medieval villas bursting with flowers and pretty archways. It is well worth a half-hour stroll. Have a wonderful evening.

You have a great day in store, full of great food and wine, and coastal scenery. After a relaxing and luxurious breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to a lovely wine and olive oil producer, just a few minutes’ drive away. The Stancija Collis “One Hill” Winery & Collis Oil is a family affair where the Mastilovićs lovingly make a wide range of delicate organic wines and fine Istrian olive oils. It’s a rustic, attractive working farm in a bewitching location on the only hill in the Rovinj area (hence the Latin name, Collis) with views of the sea, the Brijuni islands, and Rovinj. The views alone are worth the visit. And that’s before the delightful tasting of Malvazija Istarska, Teran, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, olive oil, cheese, and donkey milk (if you dare, it is estate-produced).

After a terrific visit and tasting, complete with amazing coastal views, carry on to the graceful town of Rovinj. Extending over a lush, green peninsula, Rovinj was once an island separated from the mainland. In the late 1700’, the channel separating it from the mainland was filled in, creating the peninsula you see today. Rovinj is called the “Venice of Croatia” with good reason, as it was part of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Pastel-colored villas, winding stone streets, arched courtyards, and Venetian Gothic architecture create a very Italian atmosphere. The bell tower of the wondrous cathedral of Rovinj was even modeled after the bell tower of St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. The two cities are today connected by a three-hour ferry, and Rovinj is understandably popular with Italians.

With your own private guide, you will hear interesting stories about the town and the area, and then it will be time for lunch. We will book you a table at an excellent spot right on the water, like La Puntulina, one of our favorites for its life-affirming views and fresh, seasonal, high-quality Italian-inspired cuisine. After lunch, you might like to stroll around Rovinj on your own and pop into the cute boutiques. A great gift idea is the terrific honey-based cosmetics line by Radovan Petrović (available in pharmacies). It´s only a half-hour drive to your resort then, and you can enjoy a wine tasting at the onsite wine lounge if you like this evening.

Today is a travel day to Northern Dalmatia, so dress comfortably and get ready for some great landscapes. On the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Šibenik, which will be your base for two nights, you will stop in the pristine town of Opatija. This darling town became a luxury resort for Habsburg nobles and high society from Vienna in the 19th century, transforming it from a sleepy fishing village to a seaside health resort. This area even became known as the Austrian Riviera.

It all began in 1844, when a wealthy Croatian merchant built the Villa Angiolina, which became a magnet for famous guests, including royalty such as Empress Maria Anna of Austria. Today, this historic villa and its gardens are open to visitors, and we recommend some free time here before you sit down for a light bite to eat. As dinner is early and will be substantial, we suggest a casual brunch, perhaps with a Croatian Pelin Spritz or two (Croatia’s answer to Aperol Spritz), overlooking the sea. Free time for a stroll and a look around, and then hit the road and continue on to Šibenik. It’s just over a three-hour transfer, so you might like a siesta on the way.

In the late afternoon, arrive in the “City of Fortresses”. Settle into your hotel and relax. The Armerun Heritage hotel is a boutique, waterfront property housed in a renovated, medieval Dominican monastery beneath Croatia’s oldest historic city ramparts. Sunsets are unforgettable here, with wide views of the Šibenik Channel where the Krka River meets the Adriatic Sea.

Tonight, you have one of the best meals of this trip in store at Michelin-starred Pelegrini. This is one of the Adriatic coast’s most atmospheric dining settings. It’s only a two-minute walk from your hotel and is located in the historic Villa Pelegrini-Tambača, a Renaissance-era palazzo overlooking the turquoise sea. You will enjoy a memorable gastronomic tasting menu paired with thoughtful Croatian wines. Chef Rudolf Štefan will thrill you with his “Dalmatian life philosophy” and “Slow Mediterranean approach”.

Spend the morning enjoying the “fortress city” of Šibenik on your own. The nickname stems from the fact that this town features one of the most impressive and concentrated systems of historic defensive fortifications on the Adriatic coast. The four imposing fortresses of St. Michael, St. John, Barone, and St. Nicholas have long protected Šibenik from attacks by both land and sea from many invaders.

Over the centuries, this beautiful town has been part of the Venetian Republic, under Croat, Ottoman , Habsburg, and Yugoslav rule- and each culture has left its stamp. Šibenik is home to some of the most extraordinary architecture and patrimony in Croatia, including the magnificent Cathedral of Saint James, a Renaissance masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here this morning is highly recommended, and it is right next to your hotel. The Lion Gate is wonderful.

In the late morning, your friendly and elegant chauffeur will pick you up and escort you to the iconic BIBICh Winery, only a half-hour drive. Charismatic wine pioneer Alen Bibić, who tragically passed away too soon, was an ambassador of Croatian wine to the world and became famous to an international audience when he was filmed in Anthony Bourdain’s TV show “No Reservations”. Thanks to his passionate dedication and talent, he revived indigenous grape varieties such as Debit, Plavina, and Babić and brought them to the world stage. Alen’s family continues his legacy today, and this is, without a doubt, one of Croatia’s best wineries. You will discover their award-winning, vinous gems on a visit, followed by a sumptuous food-and-wine pairing lunch with vineyard views in a romantic Dalmatian courtyard.

The late afternoon and evening are free to relax, unwind, stroll, and shop. In case you were interested in the beautiful waterfalls of Krka National Park, they are only a few minutes’ drive from the wine estate, and this can slot into the day if of interest. Your precise program will be custom-designed to your preferences.

Your Croatian wine odyssey continues on to a 2,300-year-old “living museum” this morning- magnificent Trogir. Just under an hour’s drive south. Your local guide will be waiting for you, and this morning, you will be awed by the history of this magical town. Trogir is one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns, celebrated for its rich blend of medieval architecture, Venetian character (Trogir was under Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797 and is called “Little Venice” today), and seafaring heritage dating back to the Greeks who founded it and later to the Romans and Byzantines.

The charming, UNESCO-listed old town is located on a tiny island between the mainland and the island of Čiovo, where it is connected by a drawbridge. Your guide will wave you through the ancient streets, with their red-roofed palaces and mansions, courtyards full of flowers, loggias and palm trees. And you will see Trogir’s most treasured landmarks, including its thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery and the Unesco-protected Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St Lawrence. Before meeting your driver, enjoy some free time for a coffee or an aperitif, and a visit to some of Trogir’s good wine shops like Delicum Nostrum.

Then it is on to the ancient Roman town of Split, stopping for a food and wine experience at Sikuli, just a 20-minute transfer away. Kastel Sikuli is a young winery run by the Kovačević family, offering convivial wine tastings with views of the sea. Taste their range of wines, including the delicious Kastel Sikuli single-varietal wines of Pošip (white) and Kaštelanski Crljenak (Zinfandel, red), as part of a six-course lunch with various food pairings. Your view could not be more sublime, of vineyards, the shimmering Bay of Kaštel, and the city of Split. After lunch, it is a hop, skip, and a jump to Split itself, and you will have a few hours of free time to relax, freshen up, etc. Your hotel (the 5* Ambasador) has a spa and pool onsite, and the rooms have a nautical décor scheme and direct views of the water.

In the early evening, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for a relaxing walking tour before dinner. Despite the fact that Split is Croatia’s second largest city, the harbor front, a 4th-century ancient Roman historic complex including and surrounding Diocletian’s Palace (built for Emperor Diocletian, “Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus Augustus), is small and surprisingly compact. Historic Split is easy to visit, and you are close to everything. Like Trogir and indeed Rome itself, Split’s old town is a “living museum,” and ancient ruins are everywhere. Enjoy the walking tour, and your guide will bring you to your dinner venue, where we will book a table for you. You are spoiled for choice of dining options from cute taverns (called “Konobas”), seafood, and Italian restaurants here. We like the Zinfandel Food & Wine Bistro, for instance. It’s only a short walk along the Riva promenade back to your hotel after dinner, and Split is beautiful when lit up at night.

This morning, you will travel by private boat to the beautiful, rugged green island of Brač. Croatia’s most photographed beach is here (Zlatni Rat), but the island offers so much more than breathtaking coves and coastline. Dotted with pine forests, olive groves, citrus orchards, fig trees, and quintessentially Mediterranean stone hamlets made with the island’s famous white limestone (also used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and said to have been used in the White House in DC), Brač is also a premium wine destination. You have a laid-back day today, and your driver-guide will show you around the island. The first stop is Supetar, the arrival port, where you will see its colorful harbor full of wooden boats. You might like to grab a coffee before the day’s activities.

On your way to your wine tasting experience this morning, make a scenic photo stop or two. Visit Pučišća, one of Croatia’s cutest villages. Apart from its bewitching setting, ensconced in a tidy stone harbor under a peaceful backdrop of pine-covered hills, this village is also famous for its stone masonry school. Stone has been extracted from the Pučišća quarries for millennia, and the town’s majestic white towers contrast dramatically with the aquamarine water.

The top-tier Stina winery is next. You will have a very special private experience organized. Your hosts will welcome you at the winery, and then, by 4X4, you will climb up the hillside vineyard to the 15th-century Stipančić Hermitage. The view upon arrival is flawless, with vineyards spilling into the turquoise waters. Enjoy a wine toast here of their Godiment Vina Brač sparkling wine right in the vineyard, while admiring this majestic landscape. Then travel back down the hill to the winery, where you will enjoy a private guided tour of the cellar and then a VIP tasting of their best wines served with light nibbles.

On their breezy, casual water-view terrace, taste exquisite Brač cheese and other tasty island bites while sampling their best wines. The Plavac Mali grape is Croatia’s flagship red grape, a Dalmatian cross of Dobričić (a native red varietal) and Crljenak (Zinfandel). You’ll taste some today, such as Stina Plavac Mali Stipančić and Stina Plavac Mali Majstor, as well as Stina Tribidrag (Zinfandel), Stina Pošip (white), and Stina Vugava (white). This late afternoon, you will travel by private boat from Bol to Hvar. Before your transfer, if you wish, you can grab a more substantial bite in Bol harbor and/or visit one of Croatia’s loveliest beaches, Zlatni Rat; this can slot in before your boat transfer. You will also catch a glimpse of it from the boat. On arrival on Hvar Island, it’s a short transfer to your hotel. Settle in and have a free evening with our suggestions.

Today, you will explore the fantasy island of Hvar. Hvar is known for its lavender fields, chic elegance, and jet-set crowd. Located in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast, between the islands of Brač, Vis, and Korčula. It is yet another splendid location on this luxury wine tour of Croatia. Like much of Croatia, Hvar has an intriguing history, having been home to Greeks, Ancient Romans, and, of course, Croatians. It is the Venetian influence that has left the biggest visual impact on the island, however. Hvar was part of the Venetian maritime empire for almost four centuries, and the island was a major strategic defense location, as the hilltop fortresses, such as the Španjola Fortress overlooking Hvar Town, attest. The Venetians also left a huge cultural heritage here, and in the early 1600’s they opened one of Europe’s earliest public theaters inside the Arsenal building. The theater, located in the old town harbor area of Hvar town, directly faces the marina and the sea on one side and St. Stephen’s Square and the cathedral on the other. It is still in use for performances and events.

You have a private tour today with a sommelier driver guide who will take you behind the scenes at a few family wine estates, like the unique underwater wine cellar at the renowned Zlatan Otok in Sveta Nedjelja (a small seaside village and wine-growing region on the southern coast of the island). Founded by Croatia’s iconic wine trailblazer Zlatan Plenković, it is now run by his children Nikola, Marin, and Antonia. Try more of Croatia’s signature red grape Plavac Mali today, like Zlatan Plavac Exclusive and Zlatan Plavac Grand Select, and other varietals like Babić (oak-aged red), Crljenak (Zinfandel), and white blends and versions of Bogdanuša and Pošip. Your host will show you hidden viewpoints, and you will enjoy a ton of great food and wine at a few different cellars today.

You will also visit the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, an ancient Greek agricultural system still in use today for vineyards and olive groves. The farming techniques have remained relatively unchanged over the last 2,400 years! Visit the attractive ancient Greek town of Pharos, now called Stari Grad, which means Old Town in Croatian. It is a peaceful contrast to lively Hvar town. This evening, enjoy a private boat trip about one hour before sunset. Get ready for some major photo ops of the “Golden Hour” when the light will get softer and warmer, and the sky will be streaked with orange and red. Sip wine as you sail towards the Pakleni islands and create memories for a lifetime. We will make suggestions for dining tonight and highly recommend the traditional “Peka” slow-roasted lamb in a traditional Konoba tavern or fresh fish with a water view in the harbor.

The outrageously photogenic island of Korčula is on the program today, and you will have a private, scenic boat transfer there this morning. Once part of the Venetian Empire, the locals believe the island was the birthplace of Marco Polo (modern-day Venetians don’t concur). Korčula is a sun-drenched island scattered with small sandy coves, charming villages, olive groves, and vineyards.

Ancient Greeks called Korčula the “black” island, thanks to the dark, dense pine forests that covered the island when they arrived. Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula town is rich in Venetian character and charm. Linked to the mainland by stone stairways, it features fortified historic walls, winding streets, medieval churches, elegant Gothic and Renaissance palaces, and astounding architectural wonders like Cathedral of St. Mark, complete with Venetian lions. You will have a short but interesting guided tour of the pedestrianized medieval old town of Korčula, and you will delight in its Venetian villas and idyllic harbor. Then it’s wine time!

The island is famous for its wine heritage, especially for the high-quality production of local Croatian white varietals like Pošip, Grk, and Rukatac (Maraština). Coastal Lumbarda and pretty Smokvica are two of the most important wine-growing villages on the island, both surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Your driver will take you on a panoramic tour this morning after your walking tour, and you will enjoy a few wine tastings, but of course, for instance, at the artisan Bire winery in Lumbarda. They do delish food platters as well, and their mainly Grk based whites (still a rarity) are a treat.

Another very interesting wine to try while on the island is the Merga Victa Pošip, a high-quality white wine produced in the wine village of Smokvica (the birthplace of the Pošip grape). The Black Island winery offers tastings where you can discover different wine styles of Pošip (fresh, sur lie, oak-aged) as well as tastings of other varietals, including red Plavac Mali, and blends- again, with a great food board. There is always a delicious nibble during your wine tastings in Croatia.

In the early afternoon, you will transfer by boat to the Peljesac Peninsula and check into your next hotel. You will be staying tonight at the Villa Korta Katarina & Winery, one of the most exclusive boutique luxury properties in Croatia. Situated quite literally on the Adriatic Sea in the coastal, aristocratic town of Orebić, this place is a dream. Settle in, relax, and enjoy. We can organize a wine tasting for you here before supper if you like. Owned by the American philanthropists and business power couple Lee and Penny Anderson, they have created a seaside sanctuary.

Dinner tonight is at their excellent on-site restaurant, paired with their own estate-bottled wines. You might like to try the Dalmatian Pašticada (Slow-cooked beef in red wine sauce, served with homemade pasta).

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and time to wander the grounds before heading to Dubrovnik. Dalmatians live for “slow living” and “Pomalo” vibes. You will appreciate having some relaxed free time here, too. In the late morning, your driver will pick you up, and you will meander down the Peljesac Peninsula. This region is one of Croatia’s premier destinations for wine (red wine from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape is particularly prized here in the Dingač and Postup wine appellations), for natural sea salt production, and for oyster and shellfish cultivation. The drive is stunning, with views of the Dinaric Alps and steep vineyards on one side and the crystalline Adriatic sea and islands on the other.

Today you will visit Ston and Mali Ston, and enjoy an oyster tasting with your local hosts on a traditional fishing boat in the tranquil bay at Bota Šare. The Ostrea edulis (European flat oysters) from Mali Ston and Ston are delicacies, and gourmet travelers and chefs flock here from all over the world. Cultivated in the pristine waters of Mali Ston Bay, they are best when served raw from the sea with a simple squeeze of lemon juice. Delicious, briny, ultra high quality- next level! On arrival, you will be greeted with a fortifying homemade brandy and local sweets before embarking on a scenic wooden boat ride through Mali Ston Bay.

Visit an authentic oyster farm, taste freshly harvested oysters paired with Pelješac wines, and savor traditional mussels buzara prepared on-site — all while taking in the history, gastronomy, and stunning views of medieval Mali Ston. Lunch will then be à la carte in Bota Šare’s restaurant, set in a medieval salt warehouse. They source all their ingredients locally, and the menu here features ultra-fresh seafood and high-grade sushi.

Behind you are the mythical Ston Saltworks, among the most ancient and active salt pans in Europe. In the Middle Ages, salt was a hugely important commodity and referred to as “white gold”. Salt is traditionally harvested through natural evaporation. The seawater here is channeled into shallow stone ponds, where the intense Dalmatian sun and coastal winds gradually crystallize the salt. This ancestral process remains in use today, maintaining production methods that have changed little since medieval times.

After lunch, visit the ancient fortress and old town with an optional (steep) walk up the walls. These well-preserved walls, which link Ston (“Little Ston”) to Mali Ston, are known as the “European Great Wall of China” and are over three miles long, shaped like an uneven pentagon. Construction began in the 14th century after the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) gained control of the area to protect the saltworks. Further fortification continued into the 16th century.

Today, it is so picture-perfect and well-preserved that the “Game of Thrones” producers hardly needed CGI to use this destination to portray the King’s Landing of Westeros. From this vantage point above the bay, you will be rewarded with exceptional views. Then it is on to Dubrovnik. Settle in to your luxury hotel, the best in town- Villa Dubrovnik. Positioned on seacliffs and offering panoramic views of the UNESCO-protected old town and the seafront, the hotel is only a short walk from the historic center, yet far enough away from the crowds. You have various dining options on-site, so relax and enjoy a free evening here without leaving the hotel. Bliss.

You have one last wonderful day to look forward to, full of great scenery, wine tasting, and graceful seascapes and vineyard views. Kick off the day with a short drive south down the Dubrovnik Riviera to Dubrovački Podrumi, one of the most prominent and historic wine producers in Croatia, located in the peaceful Konavle wine-growing area and dating back to the end of the 19th century. Wine has been made commercially in this area since the 1400’s, and the region’s flagship grapes are Malvasija Dubrovačka (most famous white, making floral, light wines) and Plavac Mali (you will be an expert by now and know all about this premium red wine grape, making rich, velvety wines). You will have a private tasting to look forward to, of their best wines such as the aforementioned Malvasija Dubrovačka, Crljenak (Zinfandel), “Trajectum” (made with high-quality 50-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines), Plavac mali from their finest parcels, and “Parac”, a Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

After the wine tasting, lunch is in a very special location, alongside the gently flowing river Ljuta and surrounded by greenery. Konavoski Dvori Eco Green Restaurant offers authentic, rustic Konavale “home style” cuisine with a farm-to-table ethos. Specialties include river trout, smoked ham “pršut”, homemade bread, and the “Ispod Peke” (under the bell) cooking. This is a method in which meat or seafood is slow-cooked under a metal bell-shaped lid over embers. You can usually find lamb under peka and veal under peka here – both are delicious! You will love the riverside views, soothing sound of the water, and relaxing ambiance here.

Before you head back to Dubrovnik, stop for an ice cream or coffee in the extremely pretty coastal village of Cavtat, which attracts mega-yachts yet still has a quiet, serene atmosphere. You will have some free time to freshen up, then before your sunset walking tour of Dubrovnik. You may have heard about how crowded this gorgeous town can get, and indeed, the saturation of cruise ships embarking here can make it too packed during the day.

The secret is to enjoy it once the day trippers have departed. With your own private guide and driver for transfers, enjoy an evening tour of the “best of” this ancient, UNESCO heritage city. Admire the medieval fortifications, the Renaissance and Baroque palaces, the romantic narrow streets and squares. You might like to enjoy dinner overlooking the old town and sea at Restaurant Panorama, or perhaps at your hotel’s fine dining option. We can make a reservation for you and organize transfers.