Walk Ston’s ancient walls with a local guide, taste fresh oysters on Peljesac Peninsula, and sample robust Plavac Mali wines at family-run wineries. With hotel pickup included and time for a relaxed lunch in town, you’ll experience Dalmatia’s flavors and stories in ways you’ll remember long after you leave Croatia.
“Here, we say the sea gives us three gifts: salt, oysters, and wine,” our guide Luka grinned as we rolled into Ston. He waved at a fisherman unloading crates by the harbor — everyone seemed to know him. The air smelled faintly briny, like wet stone and something herbal I couldn’t quite place. We wandered through Ston’s narrow lanes, Luka pointing out the old salt pans shimmering under the morning sun. I tried to pronounce ‘Peljesac’ properly; Luka laughed and said even Croatians argue about it sometimes.
The so-called Great Wall of Croatia loomed above us — not as tall as I’d imagined, but it snakes up the hill in this stubborn way. We climbed a bit (not all the way — my knees had opinions), pausing to catch our breath and look out over the patchwork of salt flats and red-tiled roofs. For lunch, Luka suggested a tiny spot where the owner’s mother brought out plates of grilled fish and bread that tasted like it had just left the oven. I’m still thinking about that olive oil, honestly.
After lunch, we followed the coastline deeper into Peljesac Peninsula. The road twisted between vineyards and flashes of blue Adriatic. At each family winery, someone greeted us with a handshake or sometimes just a nod — not much English, but plenty of warmth. We tried Plavac Mali reds (one glass was almost smoky) with hunks of cheese and olives. At one stop, Luka convinced me to try an oyster straight from the bay — cold, briny, almost sweet. Not sure I’ll ever taste one like that again.
The drive back to Dubrovnik was quiet; maybe it was the wine or just that feeling you get after meeting people who really love their land. I kept thinking about how everyone here seems connected — to each other, to what they grow or catch or make. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been.
The day trip lasts approximately 8 hours including travel time from Dubrovnik.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in central Dubrovnik are included in your booking.
You can choose between visiting three wineries or swapping one for a seafood tasting at a coastal fish farm.
You’ll mostly sample Plavac Mali reds along with other local varieties depending on each family winery.
Lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Ston to eat at your own expense.
The itinerary is flexible but some walking (including stairs at Ston walls) is involved; check with your guide for adjustments.
The maximum group size is 8 people per booking for this private experience.
Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, tastings at family-run wineries (or optional seafood tasting), plus guidance from a local driver who shares stories along the way before returning you comfortably back to your hotel in the evening.
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