Private Tour: Ston and Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip with Wine Tasting

When traveling to Dubrovnik, a day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, historical charm, and authentic Croatian flavors. This private tour promises a flexible, intimate experience, taking you from the bustling streets of Dubrovnik to the tranquil coastal villages, with plenty of stops to indulge in local wine, oysters, and seafood.

What stands out most about this tour is the personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, the opportunity to visit family-run wineries and taste some of Croatia’s best wines is a highlight. However, a potential consideration is the travel time—roughly an hour each way—which might feel a bit long if you’re eager to maximize your time at each stop.

This experience is ideal for those who love wine, seafood, or simply want a relaxed, authentic taste of Croatian coastal life. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate a private, tailored approach over large group excursions. For anyone craving a deeper connection to local culture with expert guidance, this trip offers a well-rounded day of discovery.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The tour is tailored to your interests, with the flexibility to add stops or extend visits.
• Scenic coastal drive: Expect stunning views along the Dalmatian coast, crossing the impressive Franjo Tudman Bridge.
• Cultural highlights: Walk along the historic walls of Ston and learn about the area’s salt production.
• Wine and seafood: Sample wines from family-run wineries and enjoy fresh oysters and mussels, often highlighted by guests as a major perk.
• Personalized guide: Guides like Luka, Ivan, and Drazen receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling.
• Good value for money: At around $312 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, private transport, and tastings, offering a comprehensive experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Peljesac Peninsula Private Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The day begins with pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel, usually around 10:00am. The small group size (up to 8 people) ensures personalized service, and the air-conditioned vehicle offers comfort for the approximately one-hour drive. Passing over the modern Franjo Tudman Bridge, you’ll get your first glimpses of the Dalmatian coastline—think turquoise waters and rugged cliffs—setting the tone for a relaxed day.

Guests consistently mention the smooth, comfortable journey, with guides like Drazen and Ivan providing engaging commentary about the area’s history and landscape. As reviews highlight, this private setup means your group can customize the pace, with some guests even requesting additional winery visits or extra stops.

Ston and Mali Ston: Oysters, Walls, and Salt

The first major stop is Ston, famous for its medieval defensive walls and delectable oysters. The walls stretch over 4 miles, making them some of the longest in Europe, and are a sight to see, especially for history buffs or anyone who loves walking old fortifications. One reviewer, Sarah, pointed out that their guide shared a lot about the region’s history, making the visit both fun and educational.

Next, stepping inside the old salt factory reveals how this tiny town once became wealthy through salt harvesting—an industry that shaped its identity. Tourists get a chance to learn how salt was produced and why it was so valuable. Many reviews mention the salt factory tour as a highlight, with guests appreciating the chance to see an authentic, working site rather than just a museum.

Lunch and Oysters

After soaking in the history, you’ll have time for a lunch break—typically at your own expense. Many visitors recommend trying the famous oysters, which have a reputation that dates back to Roman times. One review highlights that even Roman emperors sent oysters to Rome from this region, emphasizing their quality.

Some guests opt for fresh seafood like mussels and enjoy the scenic waterfront in Mali Ston. The oysters are often described as some of the best tasted in the area, with reviews praising their freshness and flavor. For many, this part of the trip is a culinary highlight—an authentic, locally sourced experience.

Wineries and Coastal Views

The second half of the tour covers the Peljesac Peninsula’s renowned wine country. Three family-run wineries are typically visited, each offering a different vibe: from large, well-established producers to tiny, unpretentious vineyards.

Guests note the warm hospitality and passion of the winemakers, who often personally guide tasting sessions. The wines, especially Plavac Mali (the region’s signature grape), are served alongside local snacks or charcuterie boards, adding to the pleasure. Multiple reviews, including Mary and Terri, rave about the quality of the wines and the stories behind each label.

A stop at a coastal fish farm is also common, where you can sample freshly caught seafood, adding another layer of authenticity to the day. One guest remarked that the seafood was “delicious” and “a highlight of the trip,” emphasizing the freshness of the local catch.

Return to Dubrovnik

As the day winds down, you’ll head back along the scenic coast, passing through small fishing villages and vineyards. Most tours wrap up around 5:00pm, with hotel drop-offs in Dubrovnik.

Guests often leave feeling that the experience was well-balanced, providing both a taste of history and the chance to unwind with wine and seafood in a gorgeous setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private trip is perfect for travelers who want an intimate, flexible experience with a knowledgeable guide. It suits those interested in Croatian wine and seafood, as well as those eager to walk along historic walls and learn about local salt production.

If you’re comfortable with a roughly one-hour drive each way and enjoy personalized service, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s also ideal for groups or couples who prefer a quieter, more exclusive outing over busy group excursions.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers excellent value for its price, the travel time might be a downside for some—especially if you’re eager to spend more time actively exploring. The start time is usually at 10:00 am, with some reviews mentioning the early start for avoiding lines, but this can sometimes feel a bit rushed if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Food and drinks at lunch are not included, so plan to budget extra for a seafood feast or a glass of local wine. Lastly, the tour’s flexibility means it’s best suited for those who enjoy spontaneous options or want to customize their day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, this tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubrovnik hotel, making it very convenient for travelers.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore Ston, taste wines, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Are wine tastings included?
Yes, the cost covers visits to three family-run wineries with tastings included. Expect to sample regional Plavac Mali, among others.

Can I visit oyster farms?
Absolutely. Many guests enjoy sampling fresh oysters and mussels, often highlighted as a major highlight of the trip.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience for your group, ensuring personalized attention and the ability to tailor stops to your interests.

How many people typically book?
The maximum group size is 8, making it intimate and allowing your guide to give more focused insights.

What is the price for this tour?
It costs around $311.72 per person, which many find reasonable given inclusion of private transport, guide, and tastings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, a camera, and some cash or card for lunch and additional purchases.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, but it’s best to check if your children enjoy wine and seafood tasting experiences.

Wrapping It Up

This private Ston and Peljesac Peninsula day trip offers a well-rounded glimpse into Croatia’s coastal charm, blending history, gastronomy, and scenic beauty. The knowledgeable guides, like Luka and Ivan, elevate the experience with insightful stories and genuine hospitality. The chance to sample top-quality wines and fresh oysters in a relaxed setting makes it a memorable outing, especially for those who love authentic local flavors.

While the drive is a bit longer, the trade-off is a highly personalized, flexible experience that caters to your interests. The inclusion of wine tasting, oyster sampling, and visits to historic sites ensures you leave with a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture and culinary delights.

Overall, this tour is an excellent choice for couples, foodies, wine lovers, or anyone seeking a private, meaningful adventure outside Dubrovnik’s walls. The combination of stunning views, expert guides, and authentic local flavors makes it a worthwhile addition to any Croatian itinerary.