The Last Undiscovered Wine Paradise in the World

Day 1: Croatia Arrival

Arrival to the Split airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Origin of Zinfandel

After an early breakfast you will head to Kaštela, the home of Crljenjak Kaštelanski, an ancient but not forgotten wine variety, known as being the parent vine of widely known and appreciated variety Zinfandel or the Italian Primitivo. You will visit several vineyards and cellars to notice the differences in taste and aromas of Crljenak wines, which arise due to the different cultivation and wine making methods. While enjoying your wine, you will be introduced to the rich history of wine making in Dalmatia.

Day 3: Split-Hvar

This day is reserved for island wine varieties. After breakfast in Split, you will take a short catamaran ride to Hvar – the sunniest island on the coast. This beautiful island is the home of the region’s icon variety – Plavac Mali, a hybrid variety obtained by crossbreeding the ancient Zinfandel, Crljenjak Kaštelanski you tried the day before and Dobričić grapes. This wine truly reflects the character of Dalmatia – hot, temperamental, sharp, slightly rustical and absolutely unique. Apart from Plavac Mali, you will have a chance to taste other exquisite wine sorts indigenous to the Hvar Island: Bogdanuša and Prč. An overnight stay on the Hvar Island.

Day 4: Hvar Island 

After waking up in the sunniest place in Croatia followed by a delicious breakfast, you will meet your tour leader and explore the ancient heritage and historical sites of Hvar. The island’s unique combination of the Mediterranean climate, the Roman and the medieval architecture, with some Venetian influence will make exploring much more interesting. During the Venetian rule Hvar was an important port, and today, this island is considered one of the most popular travel destinations. The tour of Hvar is planned for the morning, and you will have the afternoon free for individual activities. You will return to Split by an evening ferry.

Day 5: The Island of Brač

After a short ferry ride (45 min) you will arrive to Brač, the island closest to Split, famous for its local signature dishes, good wine and marble quarries. Marble from Brač was used in the construction of White House in Washington DC, due to its exceptional quality. You will visit a traditional stonemasonry school and enjoy some wine tasting and lunch in one of the best wineries in Croatia, the Stina Winery in Bol. The lunch featuring traditional lamb dishes will be served in an authentic setting. In the evening you will return to Split by ferry.

Day 6: Vrgorac and Imotski wineries

Meet your tour leader and set off to the Imotski county and its most important towns, Imotski and Vrgorac. This county boasts spectacular nature, interesting history and resilient people – and above all excellent gastronomic experiences, high quality wines and the first Dalmatian sparkling wine. 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 the Blue and Red Lakes as well as a beautiful sunset on the Biokovo mountain.

Day 7: Split

Your day will start with a private walking tour of the Split city centre with your guide. You will learn about Split’s evolution over the centuries – the city now offers a perfect mix of history and modern influences, amazing ancient Roman architecture infused with vibrant nightlife in fancy bars and restaurants. You will visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built as a summer residence for this Roman emperor. You will also visit Split’s outdoor grocery market. Continue your tour by visiting Salona (today Solin), an old Roman town located only 5 min away from Split, once the capital of the entire Roman province of Dalmatia. This tour will start with a visit to an olive oil mill where you will be introduced to the olive oil production process and later you will have a private olive oil tasting among the centuries-old ruins of ancient Roman buildings.

Day 8: Departure day

After breakfast a transfer to the airport will be arranged for you.