Full Day Private Tour to Trsteno, Ston and Peljeac Wineries

Planning a day trip from Dubrovnik that combines natural beauty, historical sites, and some of the region’s best wines? This private tour promises just that, taking you along Croatia’s stunning coast and into its centuries-old traditions. While the experience offers several highlights, it also has some quirks worth knowing before booking.

We like the chance to enjoy a luxury Mercedes ride directly from our accommodation, making the day feel relaxed rather than rushed. The visit to Trsteno Arboretum, with its ancient trees and Renaissance roots, is a real treat for plant lovers. The opportunity to explore Ston’s formidable walls and walk through oyster farms in Mali Ston adds a tangible sense of history and local flavor. Plus, the wineries on Peljeac offer a taste of Croatia’s renowned wine culture, which has been cultivated since Greek and Roman times.

That said, some travelers might find the itinerary somewhat fluid — since it’s a private tour with no fixed guide, the stops can be adjusted or might run on a loose schedule. And with a starting price of around $500 for a group of three, it’s a considerable investment, especially if you’re not a wine enthusiast or eager to explore each site thoroughly.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate customizable experiences, comfortable travel, and the chance to combine natural beauty with historical and culinary delights.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows you to customize the day based on your interests.
• Luxury transportation ensures comfort while traveling along the coast.
• Rich cultural sites like Ston’s historic walls and oyster farms bring authentic local flavor.
• Wine tasting opportunities at three renowned wineries showcase Croatia’s vinicultural history.
• Potential for additional costs with admission fees for some sites, such as the Ston City Walls.
• Long day with varied stops—perfect for curious travelers wanting a rundown of the region.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This private tour runs roughly 10 hours, with a small group of up to three people, making it a very personal way to see some of Croatia’s lesser-known treasures near Dubrovnik. The day begins with a pickup directly from your hotel or port, which sets a convenient tone. The drive in a comfortable Mercedes along the Adriatic Highway is scenic and smooth, giving you time to settle in and start soaking in the views.

Trsteno Arboretum: Croatia’s Oldest Renaissance Garden

Your first stop is the Trsteno Arboretum, about 14 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik. This garden, established in 1492, is a highlight for landscape lovers and history buffs alike. Its renaissance design features beautiful trees, exotic plants, and an irrigation aqueduct built centuries ago. The fact that it’s Croatia’s oldest of its kind makes it a unique snapshot of the country’s botanical history.

The arboretum is worth a 45-minute visit, though note that admission fees are not included — expect to pay around 10 euros per person if you want to explore more deeply. The setting is particularly picturesque in spring when blossoms are in full bloom, or in autumn when the foliage turns golden.

The Unique Experience of Edivo Wine Bar

Next, you’ll stop at Edivo, the world’s first underwater winery located in the Adriatic Sea. While the official tour may be short, this winery is a conversation starter about innovation in wine production. You might find it intriguing to see how the wine is stored and aged beneath the waves — an artful blend of tradition and modernity. It’s a free stop, but it offers a chance to learn about Croatia’s unique wine culture, especially as Edivo’s wines are crafted to reflect the maritime environment.

Grgic Vina: A Legendary Name in Croatian Wine

Your journey continues to Grgic Vina, established by renowned winemaker Miljenko Mike Grgich, who gained fame in Napa Valley. Since 1996, they’ve been producing native Dalmatian grape varieties. Here, you’ll likely get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine production process and have the opportunity to taste some of their celebrated wines.

This stop is particularly valuable for wine enthusiasts interested in Croatia’s wine heritage. The winery’s reputation for producing high-quality wines from native grapes means you’ll sample some authentic flavors that have been cultivated for centuries.

Exploring Peljeac Peninsula and Ston

The drive along Peljeac is a highlight in itself, showcasing scenic coastlines, shingle beaches, and terraced vineyards. The peninsula is a historic hub for winemaking, with a tradition dating back to ancient Greece and Romans.

Once in Ston, the famous city walls stretch for over seven kilometers, forming one of the longest fortification systems in Europe. Walking along the walls offers panoramic views of the salt pans and the sea — a moment to appreciate Croatia’s strategic and maritime history. Admission to these walls costs about 10 euros, and the experience is a visceral connection to the past.

Mali Ston: Oyster and Mussel Farms

No visit to Ston would be complete without a taste of its seafood tradition. Mali Ston hosts some of the best oyster and mussel farms in the world, with a history of oyster farming that spans centuries. You might visit a local farm, learning about how these shellfish are cultivated in the pristine waters.

The tour allocates about 1.5 hours for this stop, giving you enough time to walk around the oyster farms and possibly sample fresh shellfish. It’s an authentic slice of local life and a chance to savor some of the finest oysters Croatia has to offer.

Milos Winery and Ston Salt Works

The final winery, Milos, specializes in producing high-quality Plavac Mali wines from organic vineyards. Here, you’ll learn about their sustainable practices and enjoy more wine tastings — a fitting end for enthusiasts eager to compare flavors.

Lastly, a visit to Ston Salt Works offers a glimpse into the region’s natural resources. Salinity, geography, and history have made salt production an important industry here for centuries. The site is worth a shorter stop, providing insight into traditional salt harvesting methods.

Returning to Dubrovnik

After a full day of exploring, you’ll enjoy a comfortable drive back in your Mercedes, reflecting on your experiences and the diverse history, scenery, and flavors of Croatia.

The Real Value and Who Should Book This Tour

Given the price point, this tour favors travelers who appreciate personalized, flexible experiences and want to see a variety of sites without the hassle of separate bookings. For wine lovers, the stops at Grgic and Milos wineries could be particularly valuable, especially since the region’s wines are renowned for their quality. The inclusion of cultural sites like Ston’s city walls and oyster farms makes the experience well-rounded, blending history, nature, and cuisine.

However, the lack of a fixed itinerary or guide means you need to be comfortable with some spontaneity or have specific interests you want to prioritize. The tour’s cost also factors in; for some, the value might be high if they indulge in tastings and optional extras. For others not deeply into wine or history, it might seem pricey compared to more structured options.

The timing flexibility is a plus: since it’s private, you can potentially customize the stops if you communicate your preferences beforehand. Still, managing expectations about admission fees and optional activities is important to avoid surprises.

FAQs

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Since most stops focus on wine tasting and historical sites, it’s best suited for adults. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children might not find the wine stops engaging.

• Can I customize the itinerary?
  Yes, being a private tour allows for some flexibility. You can discuss your preferences with the driver/guide beforehand.

• How long are the drives between stops?
  The longest drive is about 1.5 hours along the Peljeac Peninsula, with shorter rides to each site. The total duration is approximately 10 hours.

• Are meals included?
  No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or arrange your own lunch, especially if you want to sample local specialties.

• Are entrance fees included?
  No, fees for sites like the Ston City Walls, Trsteno Arboretum, and Salt Works are separate. Expect to pay around 7-10 euros per site.

• What is the vehicle like?
  The tour uses a luxury Mercedes, providing a comfortable and smooth ride along the coast.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a comprehensive look at Croatia’s coastal charms, blending natural beauty, historic walls, and world-class wines. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience and are comfortable with some flexibility. The scenic drives, authentic sites, and exquisite wines are sure to make for a memorable day.

However, it’s worth weighing the cost against your interests. If wine tasting, coastal scenery, and historical sites are your priorities, this tour delivers. If you prefer a more structured or guided experience, or have a tighter budget, you might want to explore other options.

In essence, if you’re eager to explore the lesser-known gems around Dubrovnik at your own pace, this tour could be a rewarding choice — just keep in mind the optional costs and the possibility of a more spontaneous schedule.

Enjoy your Croatian adventure!