Wine, food and olive oil by PhD student

A 3-hour food, wine, and olive oil tour in Dubrovnik offers a chance to explore Croatia’s culinary traditions through the eyes of a knowledgeable guide — a PhD student and winemaker. Priced at $203.82 per person and led by a local enologist, this small-group experience provides a personalized look into the region’s flavors and history. The tour departs at 4:00 pm from Onofrio’s Large Fountain and ends at the Rector’s Palace, with a maximum of 12 travelers for an intimate feel.

This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative introduction to Dubrovnik’s gastronomic scene. It combines walking through the Old Town, sightseeing at major landmarks, and tasting four regional wines paired with four dishes, along with two extra virgin olive oil samples. The included lunch features locally produced ingredients, and all food and drinks are part of the experience, ensuring a hassle-free outing. While the tour is suitable for most travelers, wine tasting is limited to 18+.

Key Points

• Led by a PhD enologist and local winemaker, offering expert commentary.
• Includes four wine varietals paired with four dishes made from local ingredients.
• Tastings of two extra virgin olive oils evaluated by a licensed olive oil sommelier.
• Sightseeing in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, passing famous landmarks and learning about its history.
• All food and drinks included, with a focus on local cuisine and traditions.
• Designed for small groups for a more personalized experience.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town: Walking Through History and Flavors

Starting at Onofrio’s Large Fountain, the tour takes you on a walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, known as The Pearl of the Adriatic. The guide offers insights into the city’s major attractions such as the Revelin fort, Ploe gate, and Lazareti, blending cultural commentary with the food journey. This combination of sightseeing and tasting makes the experience both visual and flavorful.

As you pass by Large Onofrio’s fountain, the guide discusses Dubrovnik’s peak as a republic and the engineering marvels of that era. The walk continues through less touristy areas where you’ll admire roof-top views and visit the 16th-century granary, now a notable museum, adding depth to understanding the city’s economic history.

Expert Guidance from a Winemaker and Enologist

The tour is led by a local guide with a master’s degree in enology and a PhD in wine, ensuring expert insights into the regional wines. This guidance enriches the tasting experience, as you learn about Croatian wine varieties, their characteristics, and how they are produced. The guide also conducts a guided evaluation of olive oils with a licensed olive oil sommelier, teaching you how to distinguish quality and flavor nuances.

This expert-led approach makes the tour especially valuable for wine enthusiasts or anyone curious about local food production. The guide’s background in both history and oenology adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making each tasting meaningful.

Tasting Four Regional Wines Paired with Four Dishes

The highlight of this tour is the pairing of four Croatian wines with four carefully selected dishes made from local ingredients. The dishes include options across seafood, meat, and a dessert, providing a nice variety to suit different tastes. The food portions are described as satisfying, avoiding the small-tasting pitfalls common in some tours.

Each wine pairing is explained by the guide, emphasizing the region’s signature flavors and the pairing rationale. This setup gives a well-rounded look at Croatia’s wine culture and its culinary traditions, making it a delightful tasting experience.

Olive Oil Samples: Discovering Croatia’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils

Along With wine, the tour includes two samples of extra virgin olive oil, evaluated by a licensed olive oil sommelier. This part of the experience offers a chance to learn about olive oil production and quality assessment, adding a sensory dimension beyond wine.

The olive oils are carefully sampled, and the guide explains how to taste and appreciate high-quality olive oil, which is a core ingredient in Croatian cuisine. This aspect of the tour appeals to foodies interested in olive oil craftsmanship and local agricultural practices.

Walking Tour with Major Dubrovnik Landmarks

Throughout the 3-hour experience, you walk past major landmarks like Revelin fortress and Onofrio’s Fountain. The guide discusses political history of the Dubrovnik Republic, explaining how the aristocracy maintained power and navigated threats.

The tour’s route includes off-the-beaten-path areas with scenic rooftop views, providing a more authentic experience away from the crowds. The small-group setting ensures a relaxed pace and opportunities for questions and customization.

Hassle-Free Experience with Included Food and Drinks

All food and beverages are included in the tour price, making it convenient and stress-free. Participants enjoy a lunch of four dishes made from locally produced ingredients, paired with award-winning wines from the Dubrovnik region.

The tour also includes tastings of two extra virgin olive oils and the opportunity to evaluate them under professional guidance, elevating the experience beyond simple sampling. The mobile ticket system and near public transportation make it easy to join and depart from the meeting point.

Timing, Group Size, and Booking Details

The tour starts at 4:00 pm from Onofrio’s Large Fountain and ends at Rector’s Palace. It typically lasts around 3 hours, ideal for an early evening activity. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 12 guests ensuring a personable atmosphere.

Booking in advance is recommended, with an average reservation time of 122 days. Cancellation is fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, making it a risk-free choice for planning ahead.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is well-suited for food and wine lovers, history enthusiasts interested in Dubrovnik’s past, and anyone wanting an educational yet relaxed activity in the city. The focus on local production, combined with expert commentary, makes it particularly attractive for those who appreciate authentic regional flavors.

While the tour requires walking, it’s accessible and suitable for most travelers, including those with a general interest in Croatian culture. The small group size encourages interaction, and the food and drink included make it excellent value for the comprehensive experience offered.

The Sum Up: Authentic Food and Wine Exploration in Dubrovnik

This 3-hour guided tour in Dubrovnik delivers a personalized insight into regional cuisine, expertly combining sightseeing, tastings, and cultural stories. Led by a passionate PhD enologist, it offers a deep dive into Croatia’s wine and olive oil traditions, paired with locally sourced dishes.

The tour’s strength lies in its expert guidance, variety of tastings, and small-group intimacy. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a relaxed, educational experience that highlights local flavors and history. The only consideration is the walking component, but overall, it provides a meaningful, enjoyable way to connect with Dubrovnik’s culinary culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
The tour is primarily designed for those 18 and over due to wine tasting. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the food and olive oil samples, but the wine component is limited to adults.

How much walking is involved?
The tour includes walking through the Old Town of Dubrovnik, passing various landmarks. The pace is moderate, and the route covers less touristy areas with scenic views.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour involves walking through cobblestone streets.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible if done at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations are not refunded.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information provided does not specify accessibility features, but since the tour involves walking through historic streets, some areas may not be fully accessible.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour begins at Onofrio’s Large Fountain, located at Poljana Paska Milievia 2000, Dubrovnik. It ends near the Rector’s Palace.