Fort Napoleon, Hvar

Our wine tasting begins with a drive to the other side of the island to the island’s most important wine region. This tour will introduces you to some of the natural beauty and culture of the island of Hvar. You’ll pass by villages and lavender fields on the way to Jelsa or Vrboska to visit a winery, where you’ll learn about winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. This tour gives you the chance to see another side of the island with a visit to a winery for a relaxing culinary experience. Enjoy a wine tasting in a unique atmosphere. Once you are picked up from Hvar, travel to Jelsa or Vrboska where you’ll visit one of the most famous Croatian winemakers to discover the wines of Hvar. You will taste wine in one of the listed wineries (Carić, Tomić or Duboković winery)!

Starting from the Hvar town, the tour continues to the Napoleon fortress at 250 m elevation with an amazing view of Hvar town and surrounding islands. The tour then proceeds following the old road, to the central part of the island, through the picturesque villages and lavender fields. Our second stop is St. Roko’s Chapel, a place with a wonderful view of Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO World Heritage). Upon our arrival in Jelsa, our host at Duboković Winery is Mr. Ivo Duboković - the owner of one of the best Croatian wines called "Medvid". He only produces 15 000 - 20 000 bottles per year and therefore his wines are in demand. Duboković’s wine cellar is situated in a traditional Dalmatian "konoba" in Jelsa. One of his co-operative vineyards is located at an altitude of 530m near Hvar's St. Nicolas peak and is over 90 years old (autochthonous wine variety called "Darnekuša"). Apart from wines you will also taste a wide variety of aromatized olive oils which he produces. Mr. Ivo Duboković is a man who is not afraid to experiment with wines and olive oil, and that makes him so special. As a result, his wines can be found at the desks of top restaurants in Croatia, Switzerland, Germany, and recently even in France. This modest but admired winery will amaze you and the flavor of aromatized olive oils will follow you throughout your vacation. The tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel after the degustation.

Experience the romance and charm of Hvar on a morning or afternoon sightseeing tour, starting with a look at the French fortress built by Napoleon’s troops at the highest point of the island. Take in the scenic views of Hvar Town, the Spanish fortress and islands of Pakleni and Vis across the harbor. Drive through the rural heart of the island and see the lavender fields of Brusje in bloom, depending on the season. Continue along an old road with perfect views of the deepest bays and reach the amazing village of Velo Grablje to explore the stone houses and courtyards along the narrow streets. Wander around abandoned village of Malo Grablje. Our authentic lunch or dinner of food typical of the Dalmatia region. will be served in one of the villages. Sample Menu: Appetizer: Local cheese and smoked ham with extra virgin olive oil from the island and marinated fish Main Course: Peka - A traditional meal of lamb or lamb and veal cooked in ash under an iron bell Dessert: Daily dessert  Beverage: Local wine, water or grappa (local brandy)

Once you’ve been picked up in Hvar, you’ll soon learn why it is sometimes called the Lavender Island. Lavender is grown on the island’s hills and rocky slopes and is at its peak in June and July. On this 3-hour program your driver/guide will take you to see the lavender fields near the village of Brusje, located high up on the old road to Stari Grad. From the village you’ll have sweeping views of the seas and the mainland. Take a walk through the lavender fields, and admire the spectacular color and enjoy the fragrance. In addition to its beauty and fragrance, lavender has been used in a medicinal capacity for over 2,500 years. Afterwards you’ll be treated with lavender dessert and souvenir.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were already growing grapes and producing wine on Hvar in 300 BC. This gave them safety, food and medicinal wealth. Vineyards are all over the island. Strong wind and sun are ideal conditions for producing the best quality wine. The wine tour begins in Hvar town with a drive to the other side of the island to the island's most important wine region. Further on, you'll visit two of the most famous Croatian winemakers. The wine tour includes wine tastings in two wineries of your choice (depending on availability). Situated in Jelsa, you will have a chance to taste what it’s like to try ”2718 hours in the bottle”. Young and ambitious ”wine newcomers” without vineyards or with very small land plots. Their feeling belief is that basing wine production on grapes purchased from other farmers can’t possibly be as good as coming from your own vineyard. Here in Croatia, Dubokovic wines have become a ”must have” in the finest restaurants, hotels and specialized wine shops. Dubokovic – Medvid wines now have the distinction of being the most expensive regular vintage wines in the country. Situated in Vrboska, the Carić family have been involved with vineyards for as long as they remember, however it was not before Vino Hvar was established that they started producing their own wines, “Carič wines”.  They have 5-hectares of vineyards in a specially designated wine growing area known as “Vinogorje Hvar.” Their wines have an individual story from the vineyard to the winery. Boutique winery Ventus opened its doors in the village of Vrisnik in 2019, which was the joint idea of two friends. The logo is inspired by the wind rose and each wine have the name of the wind that is characteristic of the location of the vineyard. Wind (lat. ventus) is the key word, and wine is ecological. After the wineries, you will enjoy a spectacular traditional Dalmatian dinner in one of the charming villages.

Once you have been picked up from Hvar, this small-group tour begins at the French Fortress built by Napoleon’s troops, on St. Nicholas Hill, the Spanish Fortress, Pakleni and Vis islands. Continue driving through the green island of Hvar, passing through Brusje, where you'll be able to walk through the Lavender fields, (seasonal options June).  Arrive at the port of Stari Grad, where the old roads are paved with amazing views. Then you'll approach the fascinating town of Stari Grad, once known as Pharia and Pharos, the Island’s capital. Continuing through the stone streets along the new Riva, and visit the fortress “Tvrdalj”, once belonging to the poet Petar Hektorović. He is known for his work named, “Fishing and talk with fisherman, and is the first realistic poem in Croatian literature. Hektorović dedicated all his life to his fortress, and still boasts the original fish pond. He always wrote: “I must go back there, for it is calling me home”. Continue through the well known UNESCO protected areas (vineyards and olives), to a small charming town Vrbovska, also called “Little Venice”. This town in Hvar is named after the many small stone bridges connecting the town over its narrow winding canal and the splendid St. Mary of Mercy fortress - church. Your next stop is for a wine tasting at one of the best vineyards on the island. Here you will have a guided wine tasting tour at one of the best wineries on the island. On the way back, you will enjoy the charming authentic Dalmatian lunch/dinner ("Pašticada" or "Gregada") in an authentic village.

Your chocolate and wine tasting begins with a drive to Vrboska, on the other side of the island of Hvar. Upon arrival, meet your winemaker host. You will have the opportunity to taste four different kinds of wines together with chocolates. The traditional Mediterranean flavours come alive once combined together. As we return to Hvar town we will drive on an old road, which is paved with amazing views, through the green and rural island of Hvar. These views can be captivating. In the second part of the experience we will meet our chocolatier in Hvar town. The chocolate tasting begins with a brief history of chocolate and its impact on health. Sample chocolate with unique flavours like Mediterranean fruits and herbs such as sage, lavender, carob, figs, and honey. You will have a chance to taste five different kinds of Chocolates and pralines.