If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik and want to explore beyond the city walls, the Korcula Day Tour offers a compelling way to see some of Croatia’s most picturesque spots without the hassle of logistics. This full-day excursion combines history, scenic views, and local flavors, giving you a well-rounded taste of Dalmatia’s coastal charm.
What makes this tour stand out are three specific features we particularly like: the chance to walk along Ston’s impressive medieval walls, the opportunity to visit Korcula’s charming old town, and the inclusion of a local wine tasting that highlights the region’s renowned vineyards. The tour’s structured yet flexible itinerary allows for free time in key spots, perfect for wandering at your own pace or snapping photos of postcard-perfect vistas.
One possible consideration is the long bus ride—with travel times being substantial, it might test your patience if you’re not a fan of long coach journeys. However, for those eager to see multiple sights in one day, the experience offers excellent value and diverse scenery.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a blend of history, scenery, and local culture. If you enjoy exploring historic sites, tasting regional wines, and soaking in stunning coastal views, this trip will suit you well.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines visits to Ston and Korcula Island with wine tasting.
- Historical Highlights: Explore Ston’s medieval walls and Korcula’s old town, including St Marco Cathedral.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea and Peljesac Peninsula.
- Flexible Itinerary: Free time in Ston and Korcula allows personalized exploration.
- Authentic Experiences: Tasting regional wines at a local winery adds a flavorful touch.
- Transport & Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle, boat transfer, and door-to-door pickup included.
A Closer Look at the Korcula Day Tour
Looking for more options in Dubrovnik? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Starting the Day: Pickup and Early Departures
The tour kicks off early, with passengers being picked up from their Dubrovnik accommodation between 07:30 and 08:00. The use of air-conditioned vehicles makes the long ride more comfortable, but keep in mind that the total time spent in transit can be quite lengthy—around 7 hours in total, from pickup to return.
First Stop: Ston’s Medieval Marvels
Arriving in Ston around 09:30, you’ll immediately notice the second-longest medieval city walls in the world. As one of the tour’s highlights, these fortifications offer a glimpse into Croatia’s fortified past, with plenty of spots for photos and wandering. The free time here—roughly an hour—lets you enjoy a coffee in the quaint town, walk along the walls, or perhaps visit the Ston saltworks if you’re curious about traditional salt production (this optional visit is available upon request).
Reviewers have praised guide Davor for his engaging storytelling and humor, making the exploration of Ston more than just sightseeing—it becomes an enjoyable experience. One reviewer, Dean, specifically mentioned that Davor’s “great Game of Thrones tour” added a fun twist to the visit, since parts of the series were filmed in the region.
Coastal Views & the Ride to Korcula
At 10:30, you’ll depart for Orebi, arriving around 11:45. The journey is a scenic one, with views of the Adriatic Sea and Peljesac Peninsula. While some travelers might find the bus ride lengthy—reviewers like Françon noted that “the travel time is too long compared to the interest of the destinations”—others appreciate the chance to relax and take in the scenery.
More Great Tours NearbyKorcula Island: Exploring Marco Polo’s Birthplace
Around noon, the boat ferry takes you across to Korcula, a highlight of the tour. The island’s winding streets, charming old town, and St Marco Cathedral make for an enchanting visit. You’ll have several hours here for sightseeing, lunch, or simply soaking up the ambiance.
One of the real treats is the sun-drenched coastline, which travelers say can be perfect for a quick beach visit if you’re craving some time by the water. The free time is enough to explore independently or follow local recommendations for a meal at one of the traditional restaurants—some guests mention that local eateries serve delicious seafood that pairs beautifully with Croatian wines.
Wine Tasting & Return Journey
At 15:00, everyone gathers at the port for the return trip to Orebi, where, around 15:45, you’ll visit a local winery, Vinery Marlais, for wine tasting. At just 10 euros per person, this adds a delightful local flavor, especially since the region is famous for its wines from the Peljesac Peninsula. As one reviewer noted, “the wine tasting was a highlight,” with the chance to buy bottles directly from the winery to take home.
The return to Dubrovnik is scheduled for around 17:30–18:00, completing a long but rewarding day.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour’s price of $101 per person reflects good value, especially considering the transportation, boat rides, and guided commentary. Included are the air-conditioned vehicle, pickup/drop-off at your location, professional guide, and boat transfer to Korcula.
However, wine tasting is not included in the initial fee, but the visit to Vinery Marlais is optional and costs around 10 euros. The tour does not specify the exact wines offered, so if you’re keen on exploring local varieties, it’s worth setting aside some budget for tasting.
Practical Tips
- The tour operates on a minimum of four people, so confirm in advance if traveling during the off-season.
- Be prepared for a long day, including travel time and walking around historical sites. Comfortable shoes are essential.
- Bring some cash for optional visits and purchasing wine.
- Carry sunscreen, a hat, and swimming gear if you plan to enjoy the beach in Korcula.
Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviews
Guests have shared valuable insights. Dean appreciated the guide Davor’s engaging narration and humor, which turned the day into more than just sightseeing. Julie noted that the driver was excellent, although she mentioned that the mini bus’s air conditioning wasn’t the best—a reminder to stay hydrated and cool.
Françon’s review pointed out that the bus travel time was long relative to the sights, a common consideration for day trips across Croatia’s scenic but lengthy routes. Still, most agree that the stunning views and historical sites make the journey worthwhile.
The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?
This Korcula Day Tour from Dubrovnik offers an excellent way to see a slice of Croatia’s coastline and culture without the stress of planning individual trips. It’s best suited for those who want to combine history, scenic beauty, and local flavors into one day, especially if you enjoy walking and exploring charming old towns.
If you’re looking for a well-organized, reasonably priced outing with knowledgeable guides and a balance of free exploration and guided insights, this tour provides great value. The inclusion of a wine tasting adds a memorable regional touch that many travelers cherish.
However, if you’re sensitive to long travel times or prefer shorter, more relaxed excursions, the extended coach ride might be less appealing. The tour is also flexible enough to allow some independent adventures in Korcula, which can be a bonus for those who want to customize their experience.
This trip offers a blend of Croatia’s historical highlights, scenic vistas, and authentic local experiences perfect for travelers eager to get a taste of Dalmatia’s coastal treasures.
FAQ
How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup is between 07:30 and 08:00 from your Dubrovnik accommodation, so plan to be ready by then for a smooth start.
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, a professional guide, boat transfer to Korcula, and the wine tasting at Vinery Marlais. Lunch and optional visits, like the saltworks, are on your own.
How long is the bus ride?
Expect to spend a considerable amount of time traveling—around 7 hours in total—so prepare for a long day.
Can I go to the beach in Korcula?
Yes, there’s free time in Korcula where you can visit the beach, take a swim, or relax before heading back.
Is the wine tasting worth it?
At 10 euros, the wine tasting at Vinery Marlais is an authentic regional experience, with the chance to purchase wines directly from the winery.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, some cash for extras, and possibly swim gear if you want to enjoy Korcula’s beaches.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for those interested in history, scenic views, and local food and wine experiences. Keep in mind the long travel times for younger children.
This Korcula Day Tour from Dubrovnik blends scenic beauty with cultural richness, making it a well-rounded choice for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Dubrovnik
- Private Elaphiti Islands Tour-Explore Blue and Green Cave
- Dubrovnik: Private Full- or Half-Day RIB Boat Rental
- DUBROVNIK-Private boat excursion- Elaphiti Islands
- Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Private Sunset Boat Tour
- Private tour from Split to Dubrovnik with Oyster Tasting
- From Dubrovnik: Ston Town, Peljesac & Saltworks Private Tour
More Tours in Dubrovnik
More Tour Reviews in Dubrovnik
Still browsing? Here are more Dubrovnik experiences we've covered recently
- Luxury yacht: Sunset Blue Cave & Panoramic Tour w Wine
- Korula Day Tour From Dubrovnik
- Wine Tour – Get to know local grapes
- From Dubrovnik: Bosnia Day Tour, Cave, Ombla & Trsteno
- Private Elaphiti Islands Tour-Explore Blue and Green Cave
- Dubrovnik: Old Town & City Walls Tour with Optional DU Pass
- Dubrovnik: Private Full- or Half-Day RIB Boat Rental
- Split: Dubrovnik Day Tour
- From Dubrovnik: Ston, Korcula, Peljesac and Local Farm Visit
- Dubrovnik: Sunset Boat Party with DJ & Blue Lagoon Swim Stop
- DUBROVNIK-Private boat excursion- Elaphiti Islands
- Dubrovnik: 3-Hour Morning or 2-Hour Afternoon Sea Kayaking