Croatia: Wine, Spirits & the Adriatic Coast invites you to experience one of Europe’s most captivating destinations through the people, places, and producers who shape its drinking culture.

This is a small-group journey through one of Europe’s most captivating regions, where dramatic coastlines, island life, and centuries of tradition come together in unforgettable ways.

Traveling from Split to Dubrovnik, we’ll move along the Adriatic at a relaxed pace, exploring historic cities, sun-washed islands, and rural wine regions that remain deeply connected to the land and sea.

Along the way, you’ll meet brewers, winemakers, distillers, and families who shape the region’s drinking culture, pairing their stories and techniques with remarkable food, scenic travel, and time to linger in each place.

What sets this experience apart is how we discover Croatia—through its craft alcohol traditions and the people behind them.

This journey is designed for travelers who enjoy cultural exploration, beautiful scenery, and meaningful local connections, with craft alcohol as a unifying thread throughout the experience.

You can expect a thoughtful balance of guided activities and free time, allowing space to explore on your own while still enjoying exclusive visits and shared moments as a group.

Our days unfold at an unhurried pace, often with relaxed mornings and immersive afternoons focused on tastings, conversations, and hands-on experiences.

Craft beer, wine, and spirits are woven naturally into the story of each destination—not as standalone events, but as expressions of history, geography, and everyday life.

You’ll travel by ferry, road, and boat, enjoy locally inspired meals, and stay in comfortable hotels well-situated for exploring each town.

Above all, expect a trip that values connection—connection to place, to the people who call Croatia home, and to fellow travelers who share an appreciation for good conversation, good company, and the simple pleasure of raising a glass in extraordinary settings.

U.S. travelers will depart the United States on this day in order to arrive in Split during the daytime on Thursday, October 1st, allowing for smoother travel and an easier transition into the trip.

If you choose to arrive early, we can arrange your pre-trip night at the same hotel used for the start of the tour, so there’s no need to change rooms or move locations once the official program begins. This extra night gives you time to recover from travel, explore Split at your own pace, and ease into the rhythm of Croatia before the group experience begins.

A selection of optional pre-trip experiences will also be available for those arriving early, ranging from light sightseeing to food- and culture-focused activities.

Whether you prefer independent exploration or an organized extension, arriving a day early offers a more comfortable and flexible start to the adventure ahead.

Arrival in Croatia / Welcome to Split / Settle in along the Adriatic

Morning: You will arrive in Croatia and make your way to Split, where the Adriatic Sea and centuries of history immediately set the tone for the journey ahead. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and get settled in, with time to refresh after your travels.

Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to ease into Croatia at your own pace. You may choose to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, explore the edges of the Old Town, or simply relax and soak in the coastal atmosphere as the city comes to life around you.

Evening: This evening is free to enjoy on your own, whether that means a casual seaside dinner, an early night to recover from travel, or a first glass of Croatian wine overlooking the harbor.

Lodging: Hotel Dioklecijan, Split

Breakfast: not included
Lunch: on your own
Dinner: on your own

Split Old Town / Craft beer tasting / Welcome dinner by the sea

Morning: This morning, you will explore Split’s historic heart on a guided walk through the Old Town, including Diocletian’s Palace, where Roman ruins, medieval streets, and modern daily life exist side by side. We’ll introduce you to the story of Split as both an ancient city and a living, working community.

Afternoon: We will step into Split’s growing craft beer scene with a guided visit to a local brewery and brewpub. You’ll meet the brewers, learn how Croatia’s craft beer movement has taken shape, and enjoy a curated tasting of approachable and creative styles that reflect Dalmatian character and innovation.

Evening: We will gather for a relaxed welcome dinner at a seaside restaurant, sharing fresh local seafood and Dalmatian specialties paired with regional wines. This is our first shared table of the trip and the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers as we officially begin our journey together.

Lodging: Hotel Dioklecijan, Split

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: on your own (suggestions provided)
Dinner: group dinner included

Catamaran to Hvar / Island arrival / Free time by the sea

Morning: This morning, we depart Split by catamaran and travel along the Adriatic to the island of Hvar. The crossing offers open-water views and a relaxing transition from city life to island pace as we arrive in one of Croatia’s most celebrated coastal destinations.

Afternoon: We will travel into Hvar’s countryside for a deeply immersive “Back to the Roots” experience at a family-run estate dedicated to preserving the island’s rural heritage. You will be welcomed by your hosts and introduced to traditional methods of wine and spirit production, including tastings of homemade rakija infused with local herbs and traditional prošek made using time-honored techniques.

Evening: This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may choose to dine in town, sample a local wine bar, or simply unwind after a day of travel and let island life set the rhythm for the days ahead.

Lodging: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, Hvar

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: on your own
Dinner: on your own

Catamaran to Korčula / Boutique winery visit / Old Town arrival

Morning: This morning, we depart Hvar by catamaran and continue our island journey to Korčula. As we travel south, you’ll enjoy changing coastal views and a sense of moving deeper into Croatia’s wine-producing heartland.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a stroll through the town on a guided tour. We'll visit a family-owned winery tucked into the village of Žrnovo, just outside Korčula Town. You will be welcomed with a homemade liqueur before enjoying a guided tasting of the winery’s wines, paired with a light local snack. As we taste, we’ll learn about Korčula’s indigenous grape varieties and the traditions that shape winemaking on the island.

Evening: After checking into our hotel, the evening is free to explore Korčula’s Old Town, wander its narrow stone streets, or enjoy dinner at one of the town’s inviting local restaurants.

Lodging: Marko Polo Hotel, Korčula

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: included
Dinner: on your own

Korčula to Pelješac / Landmark winery tasting / Mali Ston oysters / Continue to Dubrovnik

Morning: This morning, we depart Korčula Old Town by a small local ferry and make the short crossing to Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula. From the water, you’ll enjoy beautiful views back toward Korčula’s stone walls and towers as the island slowly fades behind us and we transition from island life to Croatia’s most important wine region.

Afternoon: We will travel inland to visit one of Croatia’s most respected family-run estates, where minimal intervention, native grape varieties, and Pelješac’s rugged terroir define every bottle. You will be welcomed into the cellar for an in-depth introduction to the winemaker's philosophy, followed by an exclusive guided tasting of seven wines along with the estate’s award-winning olive oil, paired with a cheese snack. Afterward, we continue north to Mali Ston, where we’ll enjoy freshly harvested oysters paired with local Pelješac wines, offering a true taste of one of Croatia’s oldest and most prized oyster-farming traditions.

Evening: After our tastings, we continue by road to Dubrovnik and check into our hotel. The evening is free to relax after a full and memorable day, enjoy dinner on your own, or take a gentle evening walk as you settle into the city that will be our final base.

Lodging: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: included
Dinner: on your own

Dubrovnik Old Town / Hands-on gin experience / Free evening in the city

Morning: This morning is free to explore Dubrovnik on an optional guided city tour. We will walk the streets of the Old Town and visit historic sites. Or, you can opt to go on your own and enjoy a café along the Stradun, or take in views of the Adriatic before the afternoon experience.

Afternoon: We will visit a local distillery for an immersive introduction to modern Croatian gin-making. The experience begins with a premium gin and tonic, followed by a guided, hands-on workshop where you’ll explore botanicals, learn about the distillation process, and create your own personalized gin blend. Each participant will design a custom label and take home their handcrafted bottle as a unique keepsake from Dubrovnik.

Evening: The evening is free to enjoy Dubrovnik as you wish. You may choose to dine in the Old Town, return to a favorite spot discovered earlier, or enjoy a relaxed evening reflecting on the journey with fellow travelers.

Lodging: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: on your own
Dinner: on your own

Elafiti Islands boat experience / Adriatic views / Farewell evening

Morning: We depart Dubrovnik this morning for a private boat excursion to the Elafiti Islands, a small archipelago just off the coast known for clear waters, quiet villages, and unspoiled scenery. The relaxed pace of the morning allows you to enjoy the Adriatic from the water and appreciate the region from a different perspective.

Afternoon: Our time among the islands includes opportunities to take in coastal views, enjoy time on board, and savor a leisurely lunch paired with local wine. This is a chance to slow down, reflect on the journey, and enjoy the final shared experience of the trip in a truly scenic setting.

Evening: We return to Dubrovnik for a farewell evening at your leisure. Whether you choose a final dinner overlooking the city walls, a quiet walk through the Old Town, or a toast with new friends, this evening offers a fitting close to our time together.

Lodging: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik

Breakfast: at the hotel
Lunch: included
Dinner: on your own

Departure from Dubrovnik

Morning: After breakfast, guests will depart Dubrovnik for onward travel. Transfers to Dubrovnik Airport will be arranged based on flight schedules.

Perhaps you are leaving later in the day, or staying an extra night? Consider adding on an optional extension from our friends at Rewind Croatia.