Stari Grad: Private Tuk-Tuk tour with Wine tasting

Stari Grad: Private Tuk-Tuk Tour with Wine Tasting – A detailed look

When it comes to discovering the scenic and authentic side of Croatia’s Dalmatian islands, this private tuk-tuk tour in Stari Grad offers a delightful blend of small-town charm, scenic countryside, and delicious local wines. While I haven’t experienced it myself, the glowing reviews suggest it’s a memorable way to explore Hvar Island’s less-traveled paths in style.

We love how this tour combines nostalgic transportation, vineyard visits, and off-the-beaten-path villages — all packed into a manageable 4-hour experience. The chance to sit in a vintage Piaggio Ape Calessino, enjoy the open-air ride, and learn about local winemaking makes this trip stand out. Plus, the inclusion of wine tasting paired with regional snacks makes it both flavorful and authentic. A possible drawback is that, at $235 for two people, it’s not the cheapest day out, but many seem to agree it offers excellent value for the unique experience and personalized service. This tour suits travelers craving a relaxed, intimate way to see Hvar’s countryside without the crowds — perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone interested in local life beyond the tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Vintage style tuk-tuk ride adds a charming, fun element to sightseeing
• Tour covers 6 villages and UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain
• Wine tasting and local snacks provide a tasty glimpse into Dalmatian food culture
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with stories about history and tradition
• Flexible booking options allow for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
• Cost reflects personalized tour with private transportation and tastings

Scenic Ride in a Piaggio Ape Calessino

One of the first things that catches your eye about this tour is the mode of transportation—a bright, open-top Piaggio Ape Calessino, a vintage Italian three-wheeler that looks like it belongs in a vintage movie. It’s a surprisingly comfortable ride, with reviewers noting how easy it is to relax and take in the scenery. The open-air element means you’ll be feeling the breeze and hearing the sounds of the Dalmatian countryside, which adds a sensory layer that typical bus tours can’t match.

Travelers like Alexie raved about Luka, their guide and driver, saying he was “very knowledgeable and made the experience that much better,” sharing stories about the villages and local history along the way. The boat-shaped vehicle injects a playful vibe into the experience, and many reviewers mention how much fun it was to see the countryside while seated in vintage style.

Exploring the UNESCO Stari Grad Plain and Villages

The tour kicks off in Stari Grad, a historic town known for its ancient Greek roots. From there, it heads through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stari Grad Plain, an incredible landscape of terraced fields and vineyards that’s been cultivated since ancient times. Driving through these fields, you’ll understand why the plains have remained largely unchanged for centuries, giving you a tangible connection to the island’s farming traditions.

Next, the route takes you through six charming villages: Vrboska, Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svire, and Vrbanj. Each offers a different slice of island life, from fishing harbors to hillside vineyards. Beth described Vrboska as “a little Venice,” with picturesque canals and narrow streets, while other reviews mention the peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere of the smaller villages.

The narrow roads, lush vineyards, and olive groves are especially beautiful when the light is just right—reviewers often comment on how the views seem to change constantly, with each village revealing new scenic angles.

Wine Tasting and Local Flavors

A key highlight is the visit to a traditional wine cellar or “konoba”, where you’ll sample some of Croatia’s most famous wines. The tasting is typically paired with small bites — prosciutto, cheese, and olives — offering a perfect pairing for the wines. Una, a wine guide mentioned in reviews, is praised for her warm and friendly approach, making the tasting both educational and relaxing.

Guests found the wines “incredible,” often noting how the tasting was a genuine experience rather than a commercialized stop. The small bites enhance the flavors and give a real taste of Dalmatian cuisine. Some guests appreciated that they had the chance to buy products directly from the cellar, turning the experience into a mini shopping opportunity.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Authentic Experience

What sets this tour apart is the balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and intimate tasting. The guides, Luka and Petar, receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Reviews mention how they share stories about the island’s traditional wine-making, local history, and the significance of the land. This added context enriches the experience beyond just sightseeing.

The small group size, limited to just two people per booking, ensures a personalized touch. Travelers like Pernille highlighted how comfortable the tuk-tuk was, and how the view was always in sight. Petar even took the time to snap photos of your, adding a memorable personal touch.

Practicalities and Value

At $235 per group, the experience is priced for couples or small groups willing to splurge a bit for this unique adventure. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple, and the entire tour lasts about four hours.

While not the cheapest, the cost reflects the intimate nature of the experience, private transport, and the quality of the tastings. Critics like Michael emphasize how the tour offers “lovely views,” a bit of history, and a fun ride—all packed into a compact package.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This makes it a low-risk option for travelers who want to lock in a memorable activity but keep their plans flexible.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is perfect for couples or small groups who want a personalized, fun way to explore Hvar’s scenic countryside. If you’re interested in local customs, enjoy wine, and appreciate charming, slow-paced villages, this tour hits those marks. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic experience that’s a step away from typical bus excursions.

Travelers seeking a playful, vintage ride that combines nature, culture, and taste will find this tour highly rewarding. The high praise from past guests about knowledgeable guides and excellent wine tasting suggests it’s worth the slightly premium price for creating special memories.

The Sum Up

In summary, this private tuk-tuk tour in Stari Grad offers an engaging blend of scenic drives, cultural insights, and delicious wine tastings. The vintage vehicle adds a playful touch, while the stops at picturesque villages and UNESCO-listed plains foster a sense of genuine connection with the island’s traditions.

While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the personalized nature, expert guides, and authentic tastings make it a worthwhile investment for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience. If you’re after a charming, intimate way to see Hvar and enjoy its culinary delights, this tour checks all the boxes.

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed but enriching adventure, couples celebrating a special occasion, or small groups wanting a memorable day with local flavor. The combination of scenic beauty, cultural stories, and wine makes it a highlight for anyone wanting to go beyond the typical tourist trail on Hvar.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a tuk-tuk ride through the villages and UNESCO Stari Grad Plain, as well as wine tasting and snacks.

How many people can join the tour?
It is designed for groups up to 2 people per booking, making it a very intimate experience.

What type of vehicle is used?
The ride is in a classic Piaggio Ape Calessino, an open-top, vintage Italian three-wheeler.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The provided information doesn’t specify, but given the vehicle and the focus on wine tasting, it’s best suited for adults.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the guide available in?
The tour is conducted in English.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately four hours, including transport and stops.

Are there opportunities to buy local products?
Yes, you can purchase wines and other products directly from the wine cellar visited during the tour.

Is it possible to customize the experience?
The details suggest a set itinerary, but the private nature may allow some flexibility; check with the provider.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
It costs $235 for up to 2 people, which many reviewers feel offers good value considering the personalized service, scenic stops, and wine tasting.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a fan of vintage rides, or just looking for a relaxed way to discover Hvar’s countryside, this tuk-tuk tour seems to combine all these elements into a memorable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: