From Dubrovnik: Private Day Trip to Ston & Korula & wine

A Practical and Authentic Day in Dalmatia: Private Trip to Ston & Korcula with Wine

This Dubrovnik-based private tour promises an engaging blend of history, scenic views, and local flavors, all packed into a single day. For around $341 per person, you get to explore the medieval walls of Ston, wander the charming streets of Korcula, enjoy a boat ride, and sample Croatian wines—all in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

What sets this tour apart is the balance it strikes between structured sightseeing and personal freedom. You’ll have ample time to explore each site on your own, with expert commentary from your guide providing context and local insights. It’s a perfect choice for travelers craving authentic experiences without feeling rushed.

However, one consideration is the comprehensive itinerary, which can make for a long day—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule and some travel time. If you love discovering off-the-beaten-path Croatian towns with a side of wine tasting, this adventure might just be your ideal day trip from Dubrovnik.

Key Points

• Comfortable Travel: Modern, air-conditioned transport ensures a relaxed journey between stops.
• Flexible Exploration: You get time to wander at your own pace in Korcula and Mali Ston.
• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy boat rides and drives through picturesque landscapes, including Dingac wine-growing zones.
• Authentic Tasting: Sample some of the best Croatian wines at a trusted Peljesac winery.
• Historical Insights: Learn about salt production, oysters, and the story of Marco Polo from guides with local knowledge.
• Value for Money: Combining transportation, guided tours, boat tickets, and wine tasting, it offers a solid value for a full day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Day Trip: From Dubrovnik to the Dalmatian Coast

This private tour from Dubrovnik is designed to give you a taste of Dalmatia’s best-known treasures with a few surprises along the way. The journey begins with a pickup from your Dubrovnik accommodation, in a vehicle suited to the number of guests—whether a car or a van—ensuring everyone’s comfort. The driver-guide, often praised for their friendliness and wealth of local stories, sets the tone for a day filled with discovery.

What To Expect at Each Stop

Mali Ston & Salt Business

Your first stop is Mali Ston, a tiny village famous for its oysters and salt pans. The licensed guide shares tales of the salt business, which historically made Mali Ston a strategic port. You won’t necessarily stay long—just enough to soak in the atmosphere and see the impressive walls, crossing the medieval Toljevac Fortress.

Reviewers mention the salt panes and oyster farms as particularly intriguing, with one noting, “The salt business story was fascinating, and I loved seeing the oyster farms firsthand.” If you’re a foodie or simply curious, this stop offers a genuine taste of Dalmatian maritime industry.

Ston Medieval Walls & Town Tour

Next, you’ll explore the impressive 5.5 km-long walls encircling Ston, second in length only to the Great Wall of China. Walking along these walls offers striking views over the bay and a sense of what life was like when this was a fortified trading hub.

In the town itself, sights like Saint Blaise church, the Gothic town center, and the salt pans paint a picture of medieval life. A short tour with your guide reveals the significance of the Great Kastel Fort and the historic salt extraction methods still visible today. Many reviewers comment on the “charming, well-preserved streets and the opportunity to walk at your own pace.”

Boat Ride to Korcula

After Ston, it’s time for a scenic boat trip across the sea to Korcula. The boat tickets are included, and the ride offers panoramic views of the islands, with the church and monastery of Our Lady of the Angels visible along the right side.

The 20-minute crossing sets the scene for the island’s timeless charm. It’s a highlight for many, with the gentle sea breeze and beautiful vistas adding to the trip’s relaxed atmosphere.

Korcula Old Town & Marco Polo’s Birthplace

Once on Korcula, you’ll take a private walking tour through its Venetian-built streets. Expect a maze of narrow alleyways, defensive walls, and picturesque squares. Viewpoints from the city walls offer sweeping views of the surrounding sea and islands, perfect for photos.

A key highlight is the birth house of Marco Polo, where guides share stories about this legendary explorer’s connection to the island. The Cathedral of San Marco with its tall bell tower is another must-see.

Most reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge here, often mentioning how engaging the stories about Marco Polo and Korcula’s Venetian past are.

Free time after the tour allows you to stroll, grab lunch, or shop for local crafts. Many opt to try local specialties like hand-rolled pasta from Zrnovo, paired with a glass of Poip white wine for a true taste of Korcula.

Peljesac Winery Experience

Back on the mainland, the tour visits one of Peljesac’s top family-owned wineries. Here, you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions, sample five different wines and liqueurs, and tour the cellar.

The winery visit offers a deep dive into Croatian wine culture, with many reviewers noting the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the quality of the wines. It’s a highlight for wine lovers and those interested in Croatian traditions.

Scenic Drive through Dingac

The drive back includes a scenic passage through Dingac tunnel, opening up views of vines growing on steep hillsides. A stop in the Dingac zone provides a chance to appreciate the dramatic landscape, with vistas of islands like Mljet and Lastovo, as well as local fishing villages like Trstenik and Zuljana.

This part of the journey offers some of the most memorable scenery, especially if you enjoy landscape photography.

How Does the Tour Deliver Value?

At $341 per person, this tour packs a lot into a single day. Included are private transport, all boat tickets, guided sightseeing, and wine tastings—elements that would be costly to piece together separately.

The flexibility of a private tour means you can explore at your own pace, lingering in places you find particularly interesting. For example, the option to relax in Mali Ston or enjoy a leisurely lunch in Korcula’s charming streets adds a personal touch not always available on larger group tours.

Many travelers report that the guides enhance the experience with their stories and insights, making history come alive. The boat ride and drive through scenic landscapes also add a sense of adventure and tranquility, balancing cultural exploration with natural beauty.

The only potential downside for some is the length of the day—around 10 hours—so travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and travel, especially if they prefer more relaxed itineraries.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love history, scenic views, and authentic local experiences. If you’re comfortable with a busy day that covers quite a bit of ground, you’ll appreciate the mix of guided tours, free exploration, and scenic transportation.

Wine lovers will particularly enjoy the visit to the Peljesac winery, and those curious about Marco Polo or medieval architecture will find plenty to fascinate. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or independent travelers eager for a tailored, in-depth taste of Dalmatia.

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The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This private day trip from Dubrovnik offers a well-rounded glimpse into Dalmatian life, history, and scenery, making it a great value for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. With comfortable transportation and expert guides, the trip feels personalized and informative, especially for first-time visitors wanting to maximize their time in Croatia.

The stops at Mali Ston, Ston, Korcula, and Peljesac are thoughtfully chosen—each with its unique charm and stories—while the wine tasting adds a delicious local touch. The scenic boat ride and spectacular views further enrich this journey, turning it into more than just a sightseeing tour but an authentic Croatian adventure.

Best suited for those with a curious mind, an appreciation for scenic landscapes, and a love for cultural storytelling, this tour promises a full, satisfying day in Dalmatia’s captivating coastal region.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire day lasts around 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time, making it a full but manageable day out.

What type of vehicle is used?
Depending on the group size, the tour is operated in a car, van, or coach, all air-conditioned for comfort.

Are meals included?
Food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have opportunities to purchase lunch in Korcula or Mali Ston if you wish.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility to spend more or less time at certain locations, within the overall schedule.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children who enjoy sightseeing and boat rides will find this trip engaging, but be prepared for a long day of travel and walking.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour operates year-round, but spring and early autumn offer ideal weather—warm days and fewer crowds.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most stops involve walking on uneven streets and some stairs, especially in Korcula and Ston, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What’s the focus of the wine tasting?
You’ll sample five wines and liqueurs at a family-owned Peljesac winery, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot through the provider’s site, with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This private tour offers an engaging way to explore Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, combining history, scenery, and flavors into one memorable day. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, flexible, and well-guided experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby