Korcula, Croatia - Mediterranean Cruises

This scenic drive will take you around the beautiful island of Korcula, followed by wine tasting in a local winery.

Lush green vineyards, silvery olive groves and centuries-old pinewoods are on show during your scenic drive. With Korcula's rich ecology, dense woodland and aromatic Mediterranean plants, it’s hard not to imagine you are in some latter-day Garden of Eden.

Pass by the largest settlement on the island, Blato, and continue to Vela Luka, situated on the western side of the island of Korcula, in a large bay surrounded by tranquil islets. An oasis of Dalmatian and Mediterranean influences, unpolluted sea and air, olive groves and fig trees, makes it an ideal place to stop for independent exploration. Vela Luka is surrounded by the richness and beauty of nature, so walk along the seafront or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés.

A visit will be made to the small village of Smokvica, where some of the best wines of the region are produced. At the Toreta Winery, view the old tools used for wine growing during centuries gone by and, of course, enjoy some wine tasting.

Note: There are 19 steps leading to the toilets at the Winery. Walking is optional during the free time in Vela Luka. The shops close in the afternoon and do not all accept Euros, local currency (Kuna) is required. It is not advisable to book this excursion if you suffer from vertigo as it involves winding roads.

Sit back, relax and admire the scenery as your boat heads for the Korcula archipelago, made up of 20 beautiful islands.

Sail through the Peljesac Channel, past Majsan Island, where pre-historical ruins still stand, and around the island of Vrnik, famous for its stone quarry from which magnificent white limestone is extracted.

At Orebic, a picturesque town situated on the south-western portion of the peninsula, a short stop will be made for you to disembark and stretch your legs.

Your cruise will continue onto the fishermen’s town of Racisce, built around a small bay surrounded by hills and sandy vineyards. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the area or take a dip in the refreshing Adriatic Sea.

Refreshments of juice and cookies will be served in a local outdoor hotel café whilst you relax and take in the charming surroundings of this traditional community. Your return journey will sail by many of the stunning islands, most of which are still uninhabited.

Note: Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in the brochure. There are steps to get in and out of the boat, 15 steps to the café and a 500-yard walk from the pier to the town of Racisce. Please be advised that if you sit outside on the boat you will have better views, however if you sit inside, you will hear the guide much better. Depending upon the time of year a light jacket may be required. Not all cafés or restaurants accept Euros and it is therefore advisable to carry local currency (Kuna). Please bring a towel and swimwear if you wish to swim at the beach.

A fascinating insight into the history and architecture of this beautiful town.

This walking tour of Korcula weaves in and out of the stone paved streets of one of the most beautiful towns in Dalmatia. The tour highlights the variety of architectural styles seen in Korcula.

Starting with the 14th century fortifications, pass by the Rector’s Palace with its 15th century turrets. Continue into the City Museum, housed in a 16th century mansion and filled with an impressive array of artefacts that bring the history of Korcula alive. Visit the Cathedral Sveti Marko, built in Gothic-Renaissance style by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry. A stop will be made at The Museum of Icons, which houses a unique collection of Byzantine icon paintings on wood and gold. The House of Marco Polo, famous world traveller and writer, will be viewed from the outside.

Note: The tour is entirely on foot, over paved surfaces with several steps. Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Perfect for wine lovers and those who enjoy the countryside. Great local wines and food will give you a real taste of Croatia.

Your tour begins with a short boat ride to Orebic where the transport changes to coach for the drive to Trstenik. This picturesque, sunny town was home of sea captains and sailors. Orebic offers a pure environment, untouched nature with hundred-year-old pines and cypress trees, almond trees, agavas and wild flowers.

Drive past the beautiful vineyards and many small villages that dot the Peljesac peninsula. Situated in the south of Croatia, this beautiful area is said to produce the best wines in Croatia. Visit the famous cellars of the Grgich Winery and taste a sample of the wines produced from the grapes grown in their own vineyards.

At the home of the Bartulovic family, you’ll be treated to a typical local luncheon including goat and sheep’s cheese, salted sardines and salad. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the ‘konoba’ style dining room.

Leaving Potomje by coach, head for Orebic to rejoin your boat for the relaxing sail back to Korcula.

Note: There are steps to get in and out of the boat and rough ground at the Bartulovic Winery. The road to the winery is quite steep and those who suffer from vertigo should be advised.

Explore the highlights of the only Dalmatian peninsula, with a boat ride to Orebić, free time in Ston and a snack and wine in Kuna.

Your tour begins with a 30 minute boat transfer to Orebić, during which you will discover that Peljesac is rich in natural and spiritual heritage with some of the most stunning scenery of the Adriatic. This is due to the numerous fertile fields protected by hills and their slopes exposed to the sun, thus being able to produce outstanding wines.

Continue by coach towards the town of Ston, which is famous for its production of salt and oyster cultivation; explore this area with a walk through the town.

Stop at the village of Kuna for a typical village snack and take the opportunity to test out the red and white wines, after which you will have the opportunity to visit the Franciscan Monastery known for its collections of artefacts and also visit the Donkey Farm.

Note: There is approximately 20 minutes of walking on this tour over mostly paved pathways. There are some winding mountainous roads during the drive.

Experience typical Croatian village life with a visit to a family estate to sample the hospitality and lifestyle of the locals.

Your 20 minute scenic drive will take you to the Bire family country estate, where you will be able to feel the romantic atmosphere of ancient times. The estate produces the famous wines Grk and Plavac Mali, as well as other domestic products of the island. Take a stroll around the estate and enjoy the typical Korcula village scenery including orchards and vegetable gardens.

After tasting the award winning wine, enjoy a delightful meal, made with homemade pasta that originates from Korcula, whilst Mrs Bire demonstrates pasta production in the traditional way.

Note: The amount of walking on this tour is at your discretion whilst wandering through the estate and village. There are several steps to negotiate and some of the ground at the winery is uneven with gravel.