Wine Cruise (Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik) 8 Days
08 Days : DUBROVNIK – KORČULA – HVAR – BIŠEVO (BLUE CAVE) / VIS – PELJEŠAC – STON / MALI STON / SLANO – DUBROVNIK
Tour overview:
The secret love affair between the sea and the wine has been going on since ancient times, and few are those who can resist it. By joining this exceptional cruise which includes the islands Korčula and Hvar, and the city of Dubrovnik, you will become a part of that unbreakable bond. A tour of the wineries, the cellars and the local winemakers on the islands and along the mainland coast around Dubrovnik enables one to learn about the tradition of viticulture and taste the life of the striking part of Croatia.
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN DUBROVNIK
Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik harbour for check-in from 14.00h onwards. After settling in, transfer to the city gates for a guided tour of one of the world's most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Meander through the narrow streets, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ Mountain to enjoy scenic views of the mighty ramparts and the Elaphiti Islands. Return transfer to the vessel for a welcome dinner & cocktail reception. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (D)
Day 2 - DUBROVNIK – KORCULA
Departure towards Korčula island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. While wandering along the herringbone pattern streets, discover legends, tales and monuments – Korčula treasures more of those than any other place does. Early afternoon panoramic drive through vineyards to visit the famous sandy beach Lumbarda and wine tasting in a well-known local winery with grappa and snacks. Overnight in Korčula. (B, L, WT)
Day 3 - KORCULA - HVAR
Early departure towards Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic to visit the local farm and enjoy their wine, olive oil and traditional homemade products. Visit the Lavender Museum and Distillery with a presentation of lavender history on the island of Hvar. Transfer back to Hvar for the afternoon guided tour. One can find many historical landmarks in Hvar such as the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe which was founded in 1612, to name a few. In the evening Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment - many restaurants, bars and cafes are open long into the night. Overnight in Hvar. (B, L, WT)
Day 4 - HVAR - BISEVO (BLUE CAVE) / VIS
Early morning cruise towards the small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (entrances to be paid on the spot). Continue to the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and closed to the public for years. Due to this isolation, Vis retains a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Situated on the northern side of the island, Vis has developed near the remains of ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia. Enjoy the wine tasting at a local, family-owned winery situated in an old tunnel, with a long winemaking tradition. Overnight in the port of Vis. (B, L, WT)
Day 5 - VIS - KUCISTE (PELJESAC)
Morning departure towards the Pelješac peninsula, well known for its excellent wine. Lunch on board and early afternoon transfer to the famous Korta Katarina winery, for a guided tour of the production, followed by the wine tasting. Continuation to family-owned Boutique Winery Mikulić in Orebić. Get to know the small family-owned winery and traditional winemaking process and enjoy the wine tasting of the award-winning Croatian wines, followed by dinner. Late transfer back to the vessel. Overnight on the Pelješac peninsula. (B, L, WT, D)
Day 6 - KUCISTE (PELJESAC) – STON / MALI STON / SLANO
Departure after breakfast towards Trstenik. The first stop is the widely known Grgić Winery, founded by the highly awarded and legendary Napa Valley winemaker Mike Grgich. Here you will have the chance to taste their superb wines: Plavac Mali and Pošip. Transfer to the Croatian Museum of Viticulture Putniković, where the visitors are introduced to the traditional process of winemaking, from vineyards to barrels, the historical development of the vines and finally the wine collection, followed by a high-quality wine tasting with snacks. Then on to Ston, a small village, once fortified, famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s vast medieval ramparts, head towards Europe's oldest saltworks known as the trademark of Ston, a short coastal walk that leads to an oyster farm. Learn about the oysters and enjoy the special tasting of this delicacy. Transfer to Slano for the Captain’s dinner with live entertainment onboard. Overnight in Slano. (B, WT, CD)
Day 7 - SLANO – DUBROVNIK
Cruise towards Dubrovnik with the scenic cruise alongside the old Dubrovnik city walls. Lunch onboard. Mooring at the Dubrovnik harbour followed by a visit to the Konavle area and Crvik winery to taste the native Dalmatian wine sort ‘’Maraština''. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B, L, WT)
Day 8 - DEPATURE FROM DUBROVNIK
Gather for one last breakfast at the vessel, followed by goodbyes with the crew and all the new friends, before they see you off in Dubrovnik for transfer to the airport. (B)