Hidden Dalmatia:

Authentic Flavours & Local Living

Hidden Dalmatia: Authentic Flavours & Local Living is a curated journey through Croatia’s islands, hinterland, and coastal heritage, designed for travellers seeking authentic experiences rooted in tradition, gastronomy, and local life. The itinerary combines sailing between islands, immersive cultural encounters, and visits to family-run estates, wineries, and heritage sites, offering a deeper connection to Dalmatia beyond its well-known highlights.
From the ecological boutique accommodation in Split, the journey continues across Brač, Hvar, Sinj, and Imotski, blending active exploration with meaningful local experiences such as olive oil and wine tastings, traditional island cuisine, cycling routes through coastal villages, and visits to UNESCO-protected cultural landscapes. Each day reveals a different layer of Dalmatia—its natural beauty, living traditions, and regional identity—through carefully selected, small-scale and sustainable experiences.
The program is designed to showcase authentic flavours, local craftsmanship, and the slower rhythm of Dalmatian life, combining sea, stone, and inland landscapes into one cohesive narrative of discovery.

7 days
English
Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 30 days in advance.

What’s included
Included in price
  • Accommodation in carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels
  • Private driver and professional local guide throughout the journey
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and touring
  • Daily breakfast
  • Authentic Dalmatian culinary experience featuring traditional Peka and Soparnik
  • Olive oil tasting experience on Brač
  • Wine tasting and lunch on Brač
  • Cooking class with local food on Hvar
  • Wine tasting on Hvar
  • Lunch in Sinj
  • Wine tasting in Imotski
  • Wine tastings at selected local wineries
  • All sightseeing tours and experiences as outlined in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all included attractions and sites
  • Full trip planning and on-the-ground support
The price does not include
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Optional activities and services
  • Any items not expressly listed under "Included"
Know before you go
  • Flights are not included in the package price.
  • The itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments due to seasonal conditions, operational requirements, or availability. Any changes will be replaced with experiences of similar quality and value.
  • A refund is possible if cancellation occurs at least 60 days in advance; after this period, no refund is available.
  • Weather in Croatia can vary depending on the season, so please bring appropriate clothing for the planned activities.
  • Some parts of the itinerary involve walking on uneven terrain, stairs, or longer walks. Please ensure that you are physically prepared for these activities.
  • Croatia’s official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although carrying a small amount of cash for local purchases is recommended.
  • If you have any dietary requirements, food allergies, mobility concerns, or medical conditions that may affect your travel experience, please inform us in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made where possible.
  • Guests are responsible for ensuring they possess valid travel documents, including passports, visas, and any other entry requirements applicable to their nationality.
  • We recommend travel insurance that covers medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • We cannot be held responsible for delays, cancellations, or disruptions caused by airlines, weather conditions, strikes, natural events, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond our control.
  • Electrical voltage in Croatia is 230V with Type C and Type F plugs. Guests travelling from countries using different plug types should bring a suitable adapter.

Full itinerary description

Departures
Departure Point
Split, Croatia
Duration
7 days
Timeline
DAY 1 – SPLIT: Arrival & Sustainable Coastal Stay

Upon arrival at Split Airport, guests are welcomed and transferred to their accommodation in the Split area. The first night is spent in an eco-certified boutique hotel of A category, designed with a strong focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources. This first day is dedicated to arrival, settling in, and unwinding before the journey continues into the islands, cultural landscapes, and authentic local experiences that follow.

DAY 2 – BRAČ: Olive Oil Heritage, Blaca Desert & Authentic Island Flavours

The journey begins with a sailing transfer from Split to the island of Brač, arriving in Supetar before continuing inland to explore the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage. A visit to the Olive Oil Museum offers an intimate introduction to Brač’s centuries-old olive-growing tradition. Through authentic tools, historic presses, and guided tastings, guests discover the characteristics of extra virgin olive oils, alongside homemade island delicacies such as marmalades and traditional spreads. The experience combines education, gastronomy, and living island heritage in a carefully curated setting. The route then continues into nature with a scenic walk towards the Blaca Hermitage, one of the island’s most remarkable cultural sites. Carved into dramatic cliffs and surrounded by untouched landscape, Blaca reflects centuries of self-sufficient monastic life, astronomy, beekeeping, and harmony with nature. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, knowledge, and life in balance with the environment. The afternoon is dedicated to a traditional Dalmatian culinary experience in a rural setting, where slow-cooked dishes prepared under the “peka” are served alongside seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with eco certification. The experience is completed with a tasting of the traditional Brač dessert hrapoćuša, deeply rooted in local heritage. The day ends with check-in at a carefully restored heritage hotel built from Brač stone, combining authentic island architecture with contemporary comfort and sustainable design, offering a peaceful setting for rest after a rich day of exploration.

DAY 3 – BRAČ: Cycling Through Island Life, Wine Tradition & Stone Heritage

The day is dedicated to exploring Brač through a sustainable and active cycling experience, offering a close connection with the island’s landscapes, coastal villages, and cultural heritage. The route leads through Supetar, Splitska, Postira, and Lovrečina Bay, combining seaside paths, pine forests, and historic settlements that reflect the island’s long relationship with stone, sea, and tradition. Along the way, guests experience authentic island life through stops for swimming, cultural storytelling, and moments of relaxation in one of Brač’s most beautiful natural bays. The journey continues inland for a visit to a family-run winery, where traditional viticulture meets modern expression. A guided tasting of local wines is paired with a seasonal lunch, highlighting the island’s culinary identity and deep connection to the land. The cultural dimension of the day is completed in Pučišća with a visit to the renowned stone masonry school, where centuries-old techniques of hand-carving Brač stone are still preserved and taught. This living workshop offers a rare insight into craftsmanship, discipline, and the cultural importance of stone in shaping both local architecture and identity. The day concludes with free time for relaxation and personal exploration, allowing guests to enjoy the calm rhythm of island life and the atmosphere of Brač at their own pace.

DAY 4 – HVAR: Storytelling Heritage, Culinary Traditions & Sunset Wine Experience

The day unfolds on the island of Hvar, beginning with a sailing arrival and an immersive cultural walk through Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Through a guided storytelling experience, the history of the island comes alive not as a sequence of facts, but through people, legends, and the enduring legacy of Petar Hektorović. Ancient streets, layered history, and literary heritage create a vivid sense of place where past and present naturally intertwine. The journey continues into the heart of Starogradsko Polje, a UNESCO-protected agricultural landscape, where a hands-on cooking experience introduces guests to traditional island cuisine. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and stone walls, the experience focuses on seasonal ingredients and recipes passed down through generations, offering a genuine connection to the land and local way of life. In the afternoon, guests settle into Stari Grad before the day concludes with a sunset wine tasting overlooking the vineyards and the sea. Here, natural wines produced with minimal intervention reflect the character of the island’s soil, climate, and tradition. As the sun sets over Hvar, the experience combines wine, landscape, and atmosphere into a quiet, memorable moment that captures the essence of the Adriatic.

DAY 5 – SINJ: Cetina Region & Sinj Heritage

The journey continues from Hvar to the mainland with a morning sailing transfer to Split before heading inland toward the Cetina region, an authentic part of Dalmatia where heritage, spirituality, and rural life meet. The day begins at the Museum of the Sinjska Alka, a modern interactive museum dedicated to one of Croatia’s UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage traditions. Through immersive displays and multimedia content, it presents the history of the centuries-old knightly tournament held in honour of the 1715 victory over Ottoman forces. Visitors explore ceremonial costumes, historical weapons, and the live tradition where riders in full gallop aim at a small iron ring, reflecting precision, pride, and strong local identity. The route continues to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sinj, one of Croatia’s key pilgrimage sites. The church houses the revered icon of Our Lady of Sinj, deeply tied to the spiritual and historical identity of the region and its legacy of protection and faith. In the afternoon, the experience moves to a traditional family estate in the Cetina countryside, surrounded by rivers, springs, and untouched nature. Guests are welcomed into authentic rural Dalmatian life, with home-style cuisine prepared using traditional methods such as baking under the bell and spit roasting, using locally sourced ingredients. Meals are paired with homemade wines and spirits, creating a warm, informal atmosphere rooted in hospitality and simplicity. The day ends with an overnight stay in Split.

DAY 6 IMOTSKI – Karst Landscapes & Wines of Dalmatian Zagora

The journey leads inland into the heart of Dalmatian Zagora, a region shaped by dramatic karst landscapes, deep traditions, and a strong connection between people and land. The day begins with a walking tour of Fort Topana, a historic fortress overlooking Imotski. From its walls and viewpoints, the experience opens up sweeping views of the Imotski field and the surrounding karst terrain, revealing centuries of layered history where different cultural influences have shaped the identity of the region. The route continues on foot toward the Blue and Red Lakes, two of the most remarkable natural phenomena in Croatia. The descent toward the Blue Lake reveals a striking karst landscape shaped by water and stone over thousands of years. The lake itself is dynamic and ever-changing, with water levels shifting seasonally and, during dry periods, revealing a dramatic natural basin. This constant transformation makes every visit unique and highlights the lake’s historical importance as a vital resource for the local community. In the afternoon, there is time for a relaxed break in Imotski. Later in the day, the experience continues at a family-run winery in the Imotska Krajina. The tasting presents a selection of local wines shaped by the region’s harsh but distinctive karst terroir, including indigenous varieties such as Kujundžuša and Trnjak, alongside other traditional Dalmatian wines. The experience is complemented by local food pairings, reflecting the simplicity and authenticity of the Dalmatian hinterland. It is an encounter with a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in family heritage, land, and continuity. The day ends with an overnight stay in Split.

DAY 7 Departure Day

The journey concludes with a relaxed departure from Split. After breakfast and check-out, guests are transferred to Split Airport for their onward flight. Depending on departure time, the morning is left open for a final moment in the city or a quiet farewell to the Adriatic, marking the end of an immersive journey through Dalmatia’s islands, hinterland, and coastal heritage.

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 30 days in advance.

Full cancellation policy

Tours & Trips

Transfers & Taxi

Vehicles that suite your travel

A pleasant drive, safe and clean vehicle and a receptive driver are
our standards for every journey. Select one of the listed vehicles
that best suits your type of travel and enjoy the drive to your
destination carefree.

Standard

1 - 3 passengers

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Van

4 - 8 passengers

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Minibus

9 - 15 passengers

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Bus

16 - 50 passengers

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Hidden Dalmatia: Authentic Flavours & Local Living