Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip From Dubrovnik With Wine Tasting

Exploring the historic towns of Ston and Korcula Island from Dubrovnik promises a captivating cultural experience. Visitors will marvel at the impressive medieval fortifications of Ston before discovering the picturesque island birthplace of Marco Polo. In Korcula Town, they’ll stroll the charming Venetian-influenced streets and sample local wines and liqueurs. But the real allure lies in the scenic boat ride across the Adriatic, which adds to the enchantment of this immersive journey through the region’s rich heritage. Those seeking to enjoy the captivating history and flavors of Croatia won’t want to miss this remarkable day trip.

Key Points

• Explore the well-preserved medieval fortifications and historic sites of Ston, including the impressive 14th-century walls and remnants of old salt pans.
• Discover the walled Korcula Town, the reported birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, featuring Venetian-influenced architecture and a charming historic center.
• Take a scenic boat ride across the Adriatic waters to reach Korcula Island, offering picturesque coastal views.
• Visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo and learn about his legacy at the dedicated museum.
• Savor a selection of award-winning local wines and liqueurs, including the renowned Korcula Grappa, while experiencing the region’s culinary traditions.

Exploring Ston’s Fortified Medieval Village

Ston’s fortified medieval village stands as a testament to the region’s rich history, its imposing walls and towers still intact centuries after their construction. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll be transported back in time, marveling at the well-preserved architecture and the strategic importance of this once-thriving defensive outpost.

The 14th-century walls stretch for over 3 miles, making them one of the longest continuous fortification systems in Europe. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon the remains of the old salt pans, a reminder of the town’s former economic significance as a center of salt production.

Whether you’re admiring the views from the top of the walls or exploring the quaint shops and cafes, Ston’s medieval charm is sure to captivate you.

Discovering the Birthplace of Marco Polo

After exploring the fortified medieval village of Ston, the tour continues to the island of Korcula, reported to be the birthplace of the famed explorer Marco Polo.

Visitors can stroll through the walled Korcula Town, admiring its Venetian-influenced architecture and experiencing the island’s rich history. The historic center is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, with the iconic red-roofed houses and ornate churches that Korcula is known for.

Travelers can imagine themselves stepping back in time as they explore this well-preserved medieval town. Along the way, they may stop to sample local wines and liqueurs, getting a taste of the island’s culinary delights.

Korcula offers a glimpse into Croatia’s past and the life of one of history’s most renowned adventurers.

Strolling the Walled Korcula Town

Leaving behind the fortified medieval village of Ston, the tour arrives at the island of Korcula, where visitors can stroll through the walled Korcula Town. Its Venetian-influenced architecture and rich history captivate the senses, transporting travelers back in time as they explore the maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with iconic red-roofed houses and ornate churches.

Three highlights of wandering the town include:

1. Marveling at the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Mark, known for its elaborate stone carvings and Renaissance-style architecture.
2. Stopping for a refreshing drink at one of the lively outdoor cafes along the Riva waterfront promenade.
3. Visiting the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, a medieval tower now converted into a museum celebrating the famous explorer’s legacy.

Scenic Boat Ride to Korcula Island

The ferry ride from Orebić to Korcula Island offers a delightful scenic journey across the sparkling Adriatic waters, providing travelers with picturesque views of the rugged coastline and verdant hills that dot the landscape.

As the boat slices through the waves, passengers can admire the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them. The ride across the channel takes around 30 minutes, allowing ample time to soak in the serene atmosphere and capture stunning photographs.

Upon reaching the island, visitors are greeted by the historic walled town of Korcula, which is said to be the birthplace of the renowned explorer Marco Polo. This scenic boat transfer sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Korcula Island.

Sampling Local Wines and Liqueurs

Following the scenic boat ride to Korcula Island, the day trip continues with a visit to a local winery on the Peljesac Peninsula, where travelers can sample an array of the region’s finest wines and liqueurs.

At the winery, guests can look forward to:

1. Tasting a selection of award-winning red and white wines, showcasing the unique terroir of the Peljesac region.
2. Sampling local liqueurs, including the renowned Korcula Grappa, a smooth and flavorful grape-based spirit.
3. Learning about the winemaking process and the history behind the family-owned winery from knowledgeable staff.

This wine tasting experience offers a perfect opportunity to savor the rich flavors and traditions that make Croatian winemaking so special.

Key Highlights of the Day Trip

Perched atop a peninsula, the historic town of Ston captivates visitors with its miles of well-preserved medieval walls, a testament to its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.

Nearby, Korcula Island is renowned for its historic Korcula Town, where travelers can stroll the winding streets within the fortified walls and uncover the island’s strong connections to the legendary explorer Marco Polo.

The scenic boat ride from Orebic to Korcula provides a delightful journey, setting the stage for exploring the island’s charms.

No visit would be complete without a stop at a local winery on the Peljesac Peninsula, where travelers can savor the region’s renowned wines and liqueurs.

Inclusions and Exclusions for the Tour

The tour includes a professional English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle transport, boat transfer from Orebic to Korcula, and a wine tasting at a local winery.

However, gratuities and food/drinks not specified are excluded from the tour package. Some key exclusions are:

1. Gratuities for the driver and any other service providers.
2. Food and drinks, unless explicitly included in the tour.
3. Any additional activities or experiences not mentioned in the tour itinerary.

The tour is designed to provide a hassle-free day trip from Dubrovnik, allowing travelers to explore the historic sites and savor the local wines without worrying about the logistics. The inclusions and exclusions ensure that the tour cost is transparent, and travelers can budget accordingly.

Logistical Details and Cancellation Policy

The tour lasts a full day, with a minimum age requirement of 21 years for the wine tasting.

The maximum group size is capped at 100 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. This gives participants the freedom to adjust their plans as needed without incurring any penalties.

The tour’s logistics are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience, from the air-conditioned vehicle transport to the scenic boat ride from Orebić to Korčula Island.

With these practical details in place, travelers can focus on seeing the rich cultural and natural wonders of Ston and Korčula.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or in small groups. The maximum group size is 100 people, according to the provided information.

Can Children Under 21 Participate in the Wine Tasting?

No, children under 21 cannot participate in the wine tasting. The tour’s inclusions specify that the minimum age for drinking is 21 years. While underage travelers can join the tour, they won’t be able to sample the wines.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour operator will adjust the itinerary as needed. This could include rerouting the tour, substituting activities, or cancelling the wine tasting. Refunds or rescheduling may be offered depending on the severity of the weather.

Are There Any Additional Fees Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?

There don’t appear to be any additional fees beyond what’s listed in the inclusions. The tour provider covers the key activities and transport, though travelers will need to pay for their own food, drinks, and gratuities during the day.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour offers some accessibility features, but the full extent may vary. Those with mobility issues should inquire about accommodations like accessible transportation and assistance navigating historic sites. The provider can advise on the specific needs that can be met.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Dubrovnik immerses visitors in the rich history and culture of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

Exploring the impressive fortifications of Ston, then discovering the charming Venetian-influenced architecture of Korcula Town, guests are treated to a scenic boat ride and the chance to sample local wines and liqueurs.

This immersive experience showcases the region’s natural beauty and centuries-old heritage.