Dubrovnik food and wine flotilla

Our Dubrovnik base is situated in the attractive village of Komolac, a 10-minute taxi ride from Dubrovnik Old Town. ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your first day making yourself at home amidst the Renaissance palaces and ancient citadels, exploring the labyrinth of marble paved streets to find hidden cafés and shops.

Discover Dubrovnik

An aerial view of Old Town

Ride a cable car to the summit of Srd Hill for spectacular aerial views of Dubrovnik’s magnificent Old Town. You’ll have a unique perspective on one of Croatia’s most famous landmarks.

From Dubrovnik’s picturesque harbour, set sail on your flotilla yacht charter for Croatia’s clear Adriatic waters. You’ll head north up the Kolocepski Channel toward the lush island of Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Glide along the coast, stopping to enjoy the beautiful beaches on Lopud Island before mooring in Šipan. The town is nestled in a small natural inlet on the east coast of the island, providing perfect sheltered mooring for an overnight stop. Visit the 16th-century defence tower, built to protect the town from marauding pirates.

Wines and vineyard

Vineyard: Family Danicic

Take a ten-minute stroll through Sudurad to the Dancic vineyard and try out their award-winning 2013 Plavac Mali red wine.

Wines: Plavac Mali, Merlot

One of Croatia’s most planted varieties, the Plavac Mali grape is known for producing robust red wines with black cherry flavours. They are high in tannins, with surprisingly excellent ageing characteristics.

Head northwest out of Sudurad and sail the majestic Pelješac coastline towards Trstenik, one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. A small town at the foot of towering mountain ranges, Trstenik boasts a unique marine ecosystem and clear waters ideal for scuba diving. Once in Trstenik, wine buffs will enjoy sampling the famous Plavac Mali red while relaxing at waterside restaurants.

Wines and vineyard

Vineyard: Matusko, Grgić Vina Winery

Introduced by the Greeks and advanced by the Romans, wine production has a long history in Peljesac. Tonight, we will head to the Matuško Winery to sample their signature Dingać, grown on vines that spread across a south-facing slope. We will then finish the evening with a baked peka in the local Konoba Antunović.

Wine: Dingač

Dingač is a classic Mediterranean wine, made from grapes that flourish in the region’s sun-drenched summers and short, mild winters. Dry and ruby red, Dingač is a controlled designation of origin wine, which means it can only be made from the local grapes, grown on the steep southern hillsides of the Pelješac peninsula. Try it with slices of local pršut and aged cheese.

Casting off from Trstenik, you’ll make your way westwards to the small fishing village of Lumbarda. Along the way you’ll pass scenic mountains and beautiful beaches that will tempt you to drop anchor and go for a swim. Visit the hidden beach of Lenga, where you’ll find pebble coves sheltered between high rocks. Lumbarda’s wide bay offers ample mooring, and the town is also known for its dry, aromatic Grk Bijeli white wine, so treat yourself to a glass or three while you’re here.

Wines and vineyard

Vineyard: Bire Agrotourism

This evening, we will sample a true taste of southern Croatia, getting behind the scenes with an agro-tour of the Bire vineyard. Try the home made macaroni with chopped meat, smoked ham and goat cheese, and enjoy two amazing wines, Grk & Plavac Mali.

Wines: Grk, Plavac Mali

Known throughout the region as the great pollinator, Grk grapes grow in the sandy soil of Lumbarda’s sunny slopes, and are necessary for the pollination of other varieties, such as Plavac Mali. Characterised by a distinctive aroma and good legs, Grk is a dry white wine with a long, slightly tart finish, and should be served cold, at around 12°C.

Now that you’re used to your yacht, use today to strike out on your own or with a small group of new friends. You’ll have the splendour of the Dalmatian Coast at your fingertips. Indulge your curiosity and head further into the Adriatic, or visit that wonderful destination you loved too much to leave behind. If you want ideas, ask your lead crew for recommendations and the latest weather updates so you can make the most of your time.

Sail from Korcula Island and navigate the channels to the town of Ston where the fleet will regroup. Ston is a veritable melting pot of rich historical and cultural heritages, and these diverse influences shine through in the local delicacies. Dalmatian dishes based on domestic fish, locally-grown vegetables and fresh olive oil are served across the town’s numerous restaurants, taverns and rural houses. Take in a wine tasting or two and indulge in the most famous Pelješac wine, Dingač.

Local wines

Local wines: Dingač (red)

Dingač is made from a group revered as "the blood of the soil" because of its resistant to drought. Matured in oak barrels, it has a full, rounded and sweet taste.

Leave Ston and sail the short distance towards our Dubrovnik base, taking as much time as you like to explore the Benedictine monastery on the island of Lokrum and the dramatic walled defences of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, complete with cannons. Or head to the island of Lopud and stop off for lunch on the beaches of Šunj or Misty. There are no cars on Lopud, so a yacht is the only way to reach these perfect picnic spots.