Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting

If you’re planning to explore beyond Dubrovnik’s famous walls, a full-day trip to Ston and Korcula Island offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and excellent local flavors. This tour, priced at around $83 per person, promises an immersive experience—covering two historically significant towns, a boat ride, and a wine tasting. The reviews suggest it’s a popular choice, with a solid 4-star rating from 130 travelers, though not without some bumps along the way.

What we love about this tour is its rich combination of cultural sights and scenic landscapes. The chance to walk along Ston’s ancient walls and sample fresh oysters is quite special, especially since those oysters were historically prized across Europe. Plus, the visit to Korcula, allegedly Marco Polo’s birthplace, offers a picturesque peek into a walled medieval town with a charming ambiance. A highlight for many is the wine tasting at a local vineyard, which adds a flavorful local touch.

One aspect to keep in mind is that some travelers found the guided commentary less detailed than hoped, and boat rides or tours of vineyards can feel somewhat rushed or less structured than expectations. The duration of stops—about an hour in Ston and three in Korcula—means you’ll need to pace yourself, but plenty of reviewers appreciate the overall value and the chance to see these hidden gems.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and leisurely exploration. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded day without the hassle of planning individual transport or guides, especially for those who enjoy a small-group setting and tasting local wines.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary blending history, scenery, and tasting experiences
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and boat transfer included
• Informative local guides with positive comments on their enthusiasm and knowledge
• Good value for money given the mix of sights, tastings, and transport
• Varied experiences—from walking historic walls to sampling wines and oysters
• Some reviews mention that the guided commentary could be more detailed, and boat size might be small

Exploring the Tour in Depth

The Starting Point: Dubrovnik’s Outskirts

The tour begins early at 8:00am, with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. This early start is typical for full-day excursions—allowing you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The journey out of Dubrovnik’s core provides a chance to catch panoramic views of the coastline as the vehicle heads north. Transport is via an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps comfort high on warm Croatian days.

Stop 1: Ston – Medieval Walls and Oyster Sampling

The first major stop is Ston, often called the “oyster capital” of Europe. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore the 14th-century walls that stretch for miles, offering fantastic views of the salt flats and surrounding countryside. These walls were part of a defensive system that marked the northern border of the Dubrovnik Republic and connected to Mali Ston, the “Little Ston.” Walking along these fortifications is an easy but rewarding way to get a sense of medieval Croatia.

Many reviews mention that Ston’s walls are impressive, and that walking along them provides a tangible connection to history. You’ll also have the option to sample oysters at a local bar—though this is at your own expense, and you’ll want to budget a few euros for fresh, locally farmed oysters. Suzanne_B noted the oysters were “some of the best you’ll ever taste,” which speaks to their quality.

However, some found the time in Ston a bit limited—about an hour isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s enough for a quick walk and a snack if you’re quick. If you’re into salt production or medieval defenses, this stop offers a neat glimpse into Croatia’s past.

The Drive through Peljesac Peninsula

After Ston, the journey continues along the Peljesac Peninsula, renowned for its vineyards and shellfish farms. The scenic drive offers sweeping views of rolling hills, vineyards, and traditional settlements. The driver’s commentary often includes interesting tidbits about the local wine and mussel industries.

Reviewers appreciated the picturesque scenery, noting how the landscape transitions from rocky coastlines to lush vineyards. It’s a relaxing drive that sets the stage for the next adventures.

Stop 2: Korcula Island – Historic Charm and Alleged Marco Polo

Next, you board a boat in Orebi to cross over to Korcula Island. The boat ride is relatively short but can be choppy—some reviews mention it being quite a small vessel with rough water, so it might be uncomfortable for sensitive travelers. The water is often described as crystal clear, and the ride offers lovely views of the coast and the island.

Once on Korcula, you’ll spend about two hours exploring the walled town. The streets are narrow and cobbled, full of history and charm, often compared to Venice for its architecture. While locals might be convinced that Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, this remains a tradition rather than a confirmed fact. Still, visiting St Marco Cathedral and wandering the town’s alleys are worthwhile.

Many reviewers found this part of the trip to be the highlight—Kosta_P called it a “quaint little town,” and others appreciated the ample free time to stroll, take photos, or relax at a seaside café. One guest noted that the views from the town are “breathtaking,” making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or some quiet reflection.

The Wine Tasting at Potomje

After returning to the mainland, the tour heads to Potomje, a small village famous for its wineries. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of local wines and liqueurs, often described as an educational experience. The winery tour includes a walk around the grounds and a chance to sample six different wines—a true treat for wine lovers.

Reviewers, like Susan_M, enjoyed the wine tasting and found the staff well-organized. Some, however, felt the explanation of the wines could be more detailed, but overall, it added a flavorful finish to the day.

Return Journey

The drive back to Dubrovnik offers a chance to reflect on your day, with views of the Croatian countryside. The tour concludes around 5:30 pm, with drop-off at your hotel or original pickup point.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering?

Value for Money: For around $83, this tour packs in several highlights—historical sites, scenic boat rides, wine tasting, and transport. While some reviews mention that the guided commentary could be more detailed, many found the overall experience to be well worth the price, especially considering the convenience of having all logistics handled.

Authentic Experience: The stops are genuine—walking along Ston’s ancient walls, exploring Korcula’s charming streets, and sampling local wines. The tour isn’t overly commercialized, offering a taste of real Croatian culture.

Scenic and Cultural Balance: The combination of coastal scenery, medieval architecture, and culinary delights makes this a well-rounded day trip for those wanting more than just a sightseeing bus.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Some travelers reported that the boat ride could be uncomfortable due to its small size and choppy water—if you’re prone to seasickness, pack accordingly. Others felt that their guided tours lacked depth and wished for more detailed commentary, particularly in Korcula. The limited time in Ston may also be a downside if you’re eager to explore in-depth or visit the salt flats or oyster farms.

Plus, a few reviews mention cancellations—some trips were canceled due to insufficient numbers, so it’s wise to confirm your booking and check the cancellation policy (full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance).

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, hassle-free day trip that covers a good mix of history, scenery, and wine, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided experience without too much fuss, and those who can tolerate a bit of bus time and short boat rides. It’s especially suitable for first-timers in Croatia wanting to see a bit of the countryside and taste local flavors.

This tour may not be perfect for those craving an in-depth guided tour of each site or larger groups that might feel less intimate. If you’re seeking a very leisurely, unstructured free exploration, you might prefer to explore independently or choose a customized private option.

FAQs about the Tour

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient.

How long is the entire trip? The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 8:00am and returning around 5:30pm.

What’s the main highlight of the trip? Many travelers rave about walking the medieval walls in Ston and exploring Korcula’s charming streets.

Do I get to taste oysters? You can sample oysters at a local bar in Ston, but it is not included in the price and is at your own expense.

Is wine tasting included? Yes, the tour includes a guided tasting at a Croatian winery, where you’ll sample six different wines.

What about boat quality? The boat from Orebi to Korcula is described as small, and water conditions can be choppy—be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride.

How much free time do I get? You’ll have about an hour in Ston and roughly three hours in Korcula to explore independently.

Is this tour suitable for children? The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 21, but children can enjoy the scenic drive and sightseeing.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and some cash for oysters or souvenirs are recommended.

Final Thoughts

For travelers who want a full taste of Croatia’s coastal charm, this Ston and Korcula day trip offers a good mix of history, scenery, and flavor. You’ll enjoy walking ancient walls, wandering through a picturesque island town, and tasting some of Croatia’s best wines—all comfortably arranged in one day.

While it’s not a perfect, all-encompassing guided tour, the experience captures the essence of these remarkable places and provides enough flexibility for independent exploration. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a well-rounded Croatian adventure without the hassle of self-organizing transport and tickets.

If you love history, coastal vistas, and wine, and don’t mind a bit of a busy schedule, this trip is likely to leave you with lasting memories—and some delicious local wines to take home.