Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting

Taking a day trip from Dubrovnik to explore the historic towns of Ston and Korcula Island offers a blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. This tour promises a taste of Croatia’s lesser-known gems, taking you beyond the bustling Old Town into regions famed for their fortifications, oysters, and wines.

What we love about this experience is how it combines active sightseeing with relaxed moments—such as sampling local oysters and wines—making it perfect for those who want an authentic taste of Dalmatia. However, some travelers might find the itinerary’s pace a bit tight, especially if you’re keen on exploring each stop more deeply or prefer a guided tour with more structure.

This trip suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic drives, and local culinary delights, especially those eager to see how Croatia’s coastal towns still hold onto their traditions and character. It’s a well-rounded adventure for anyone wanting a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning multiple activities independently.

Key Points

Includes wine tasting — a highlight for many, with a guided tour of a local winery.
Ston’s Walls and Oysters — fascinating medieval fortifications and some of the best oysters in Europe.
Korcula’s Charm — cobbled streets, historical sites, and hints of Marco Polo’s hometown.
Comfortable transport — air-conditioned vehicles and a boat transfer make the day smooth.
Flexible timing — ample free time at each stop, though some reviews mention the need for more structure.
Mixed reviews on guides — some praise knowledgeable guides, others felt less engaged or uninformed.

What to Expect: An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour runs for approximately 11 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup (if included). It’s designed to maximize your time in two historically significant towns—Ston and Korcula—while providing moments to relax, taste, and take in the scenery.

The Journey Out of Dubrovnik

Leaving Dubrovnik behind, you’ll quickly notice the stunning coastal views as you travel north through Croatia’s countryside. The roads wind along the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its vineyards and mussel farms. The drive itself is part of the experience, giving you a fleeting glimpse into local life and the landscape that defines Dalmatia.

Stop 1: Ston – A Medieval Marvel

The first stop is Ston, a small town with a surprisingly important past. Known for its massive medieval walls—some of the longest in Europe—Ston was once the northern border of the Dubrovnik Republic and connected to Mali Ston (Little Ston). The walls are a major highlight; many travelers appreciate the chance to walk along them, soaking in views of the salt flats and the Adriatic.

As one reviewer mentions, there’s about an hour of free time here, which is enough for a quick stroll and a visit to the salt ponds or the salt museum. The town is also famed for its oysters—considered some of the best in Europe. Several guests have enjoyed sitting down at a local bar to sample these delicacies, though the oysters are at your own expense. It’s worth noting that some visitors felt the time here was limited, especially given the town’s small size.

The Scenic Drive and Vineyard Visits

Leaving Ston, the tour continues along the Peljesac Peninsula—a scenic route dotted with vineyards and old settlements. Travelers love the panoramic views and the chance to see authentic Croatian countryside. It’s a relaxing ride, with the driver sharing tidbits about local wineries and mussel farming.

Stop 2: Korcula Island – The Island of Legends

Arriving on Korcula Island entails a short boat ride from Orebi, which is often described as a fun, if somewhat small, crossing. The boat is reportedly quite intimate—some reviewers mention it being smaller than expected, which can be choppy if the sea isn’t calm.

Once on the island, you’ll explore Korcula Town, a charming, walled city that resembles a miniature Venice. Its narrow cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and historical sites create an ambiance that many find captivating. The St Marco Cathedral is a key stop, and some say it’s a must-see for its architecture and views over the sea.

The tour gives around two hours of free time, enough to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Several reviewers mention that their guides pointed out interesting sights and shared stories about Marco Polo—though the town’s connection to him is more folklore than confirmed history. Still, the local pride makes for a fun narrative.

The Wineries of Potomje

Back on the mainland, the trip continues to Potomje, home to one of Croatia’s notable wineries. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the grounds, with a tasting of several local wines and liqueurs. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of wines—some sampled up to eight different wines—and appreciated the opportunity to learn about Croatian winemaking techniques, even if the staff’s fluency was sometimes inconsistent.

Return to Dubrovnik

After a full day, the journey back offers more scenic views of the countryside, with many mentioning how relaxing and picturesque the drive was. Some guests felt the schedule was a bit rushed, wishing for more time at each stop, especially in Ston and Korcula.

The Real Deal: Authenticity, Value, and Practicalities

This tour’s value depends largely on your expectations. For $82.73, you get hotel pickup, transport, a boat ride, and wine tasting—a package that many find reasonable considering the sights and experiences. The inclusion of wine tasting at a local winery is a definite plus, providing both educational content and tastings of Croatian wines.

Reviewers who appreciated the tour often noted the knowledgeable drivers and guides, although some felt the guiding was inconsistent. One traveler, Jerilyn, highlighted that her driver was “informative and entertaining,” sometimes switching between English and Spanish, which adds a nice multilingual touch.

Highlights: Oysters, Walls, and Wines

Ston’s walls and oysters are a major highlight, especially for food lovers and history buffs. The experience of walking along the ancient fortifications and tasting fresh oysters (if you choose to) offers a tangible connection to the town’s past. Several reviews mention that the walls are impressive and worth a quick visit, with some wishing for longer to fully explore them.

Korcula Island stands out for its stunning scenery, cobbled streets, and the mythic connection to Marco Polo. Even if the historical link isn’t definitive, the town feels like a step back in time. Many guests enjoyed wandering at their own pace and taking photos of colorful houses and sea views.

Wine tasting at Potomje was frequently praised for variety and quality. Guests appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to learn about Croatian wines directly from the producers.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While many travelers enjoy the day, some reviews point out areas for improvement. A few found the boat too small and choppy waters made the crossing less comfortable. Others mentioned that the schedule felt rushed, with limited time in each location, especially in Ston.

There were also some issues with guides. For example, one reviewer felt their guide was less informative and more self-focused, sharing personal stories rather than historical insights. Others appreciated guides who made the trip lively and engaging.

A notable concern was the cancellation of the tour on some days due to low numbers, which could be disappointing if you’re booked last-minute. The tour provider offers full refunds if you cancel 24 hours in advance, but flexibility may be limited during off-peak seasons.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip offers a well-rounded snapshot of Croatia’s coastal charm, especially suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of free time and enjoy culinary experiences. It’s ideal for those who want to see Ston’s walls and oysters, explore Korcula’s charming streets, and sample Croatian wines without the hassle of planning different activities.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth guided tour, detailed historical narration, or more time in each location, you might find this experience a bit too brief or informal. For those with limited time in Dubrovnik, it provides a good balance of sights, tastes, and scenery.

The value is good for the price, especially with included wine tasting and transportation, but it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight variability in guide quality and short visits.

Final Summary

In essence, this tour offers a taste of Croatia’s coastal heritage, blending history, scenic views, and local flavors into one day. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot without feeling overwhelmed. The beautiful towns, delicious oysters, and excellent wines make it a fulfilling experience, provided you’re okay with a bit of a schedule and some variability in guide engagement.

If you’re a fan of authentic, laid-back excursions that highlight local traditions and natural beauty, this trip certainly warrants consideration. Just be prepared for a busy day, and don’t forget to bring your camera and appetite!

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the boat ride to Korcula?
The boat transfer from Orebi to Korcula is brief, typically a short crossing through the Adriatic, though some reviews mention the boat being smaller than expected.

Can I sample oysters during the tour?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to taste oysters at a local bar in Ston, but it’s at your own expense. The town is famous for its oysters, so many find it worth trying.

What is included in the wine tasting?
You’ll visit a Croatian winery on the Peljesac Peninsula where you can sample several local wines and liqueurs, with many reviews praising the variety and educational aspect.

What if the tour gets canceled?
The provider offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, or you can reschedule if available. Cancellations due to poor weather or low booking numbers are also covered.

How much time do I get in Korcula town?
You’ll have approximately two hours to explore, which is enough for wandering, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery, although some reviews wish for a bit more time.

Taking all this into account, this Dubrovnik day trip combines the best of Croatia’s historic towns, coastal views, and local flavors—ideal for travelers who want a taste of everything in one satisfying package.