Dubrovnik Food and Drink Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Exploring Dubrovnik through its flavors offers a truly engaging experience. This Food and Drink Walking Tour with a Local Guide is a 3-hour journey priced at $165.45 per person, designed to avoid tourist traps and give a genuine taste of the city’s culinary scene. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour features four distinct stops where you sample local specialties, including seafood and wine, all included in the price. The small-group format enhances intimacy, allowing for personalized tips and an in-depth cultural perspective. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from over 600 reviews, and is recommended by 99% of participants.

While the tour covers a broad array of Dubrovnik’s key landmarks, it’s primarily focused on combining culinary tastings with cultural insights. It suits those who enjoy local food, wine, history, and lively, guided walks. Be prepared for a pace that balances sightseeing with ample opportunities to taste and learn about the city’s history and gastronomy.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and costs $165.45 per person, with food, drinks, and guide included.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.
• Comprehensive Food Sampling: Includes snacks at four stops—from charcuterie to dessert—paired with wine and local brandy.
• Cultural and Historic Insights: The guide shares stories about Dubrovnik’s landmarks, history, and food culture at each stop.
• Not Just Food: The tour also visits iconic landmarks like Onofrio’s Fountain, Square Poljana, Rector’s Palace, and Stradun.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts at Poljana Paska Milievia and ends back at the same location, with no need for hotel transfers.

Starting at Dubrovnik’s Onofrio’s Large Fountain

The journey begins at Onofrio’s Large Fountain, a prominent landmark at the entrance of Dubrovnik’s Old Town near Pile Gate. This large circular fountain serves as a natural gathering point for the tour. Its historical significance as a key city landmark makes it an ideal start for exploring both the sights and the local flavors.

From here, the guide leads you through Dubrovnik’s historic streets, setting a lively tone for a visit that combines history and gastronomy. The location’s central position makes it easy to find, and the walk from here sets the pace for the next stops.

Exploring Rauer Bokovi Square and Rector’s Palace

The tour moves into Rauer Bokovi Square, a small but meaningful space dedicated to Dubrovnik’s famous physicist, astronomer, and philosopher Rauer Bokovi. Though only a five-minute stop, it offers a glimpse into the city’s intellectual heritage.

Next is Rector’s Palace, a building once serving as the seat of Dubrovnik’s medieval government. This iconic structure provides a quick, five-minute look at Dubrovnik’s political history, with the guide sharing stories that tie into the city’s maritime prosperity and cultural richness.

Visiting the Church of Saint Blaise and the Bell Tower

The Church of Saint Blaise is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it offers a brief five-minute visit, during which the guide explains its religious and cultural importance.

The Bell Tower of Dubrovnik is another striking landmark standing 31 meters high. Positioned at the eastern end of Stradun, the main street, it provides a visual anchor and a sense of Dubrovnik’s historic skyline. Both stops emphasize local religious heritage and iconic city features.

Strolling Along Stradun and Orlando’s Column

Stradun, the main pedestrian street, forms the backbone of Dubrovnik’s old town and stretches about 300 meters. The tour includes a five-minute walk along this limestone-paved corridor, immersing guests in the lively atmosphere and historic architecture.

A brief stop at Orlando’s Column, erected in 1418, highlights Dubrovnik’s medieval civic pride. The column features a statue and symbolizes the city’s historical independence and legal traditions, providing context for the city’s vibrant past.

Visiting Gunduliceva Poljana Market and Sponza Palace

Gunduliceva Poljana Market is a lively open-air market in the heart of the Old Town. The guide points out local produce and crafts during a five-minute visit, showcasing Dubrovnik’s vibrant market culture.

The nearby Sponza Palace, known as Divona, is one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful and significant buildings. This site at the end of Stradun offers a quick five-minute stop, where the guide shares stories about its history and architecture.

Exploring the Old Port and Dubrovnik Cathedral

The Old Port of Dubrovnik provides insight into the city’s maritime history during a brief five-minute stop at Porat Dubrovnik. The guide discusses its past as Dubrovnik’s bustling harbor.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a grand Baroque church located centrally. The five-minute visit allows for appreciation of its artistic and architectural details, emphasizing its religious and cultural role within the city.

Visiting the Orthodox Church and the City’s Iconic Bell Tower

A quick two-minute look at the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation showcases Dubrovnik’s religious diversity and architectural beauty. The Bell Tower, towering 31 meters, marks the eastern edge of Stradun and offers a commanding view of the old town, ending the sightseeing portion of the tour with a striking visual.

The Food and Drink Stops: A Taste of Dubrovnik’s Best

Throughout the tour, guests enjoy four food stops featuring local specialties. Starting with a charcuterie board, the guide then takes you through two main courses, with dessert accompanied by a glass of wine at each stop. The wine options include red or white, chosen to complement the dishes.

Additional beverages include bottled water and a local brandy or liqueur served with dessert. The portions are generous, with reviews noting that they are more than enough to satisfy most appetites. The food is paired with local wines and spirits, enhancing the cultural experience.

The Guide’s Expertise and Personal Touch

The tour’s success hinges on the guide, who combines historical knowledge with personable storytelling. Several reviews praise guides like Marij and Drazen for their passion, knowledge, and friendliness. They provide insights into Dubrovnik’s history, food culture, and local recommendations.

Guides encourage conversation and customize recommendations, making the tour suitable for those new to Dubrovnik or returning visitors seeking local tips. Their enthusiasm and expertise significantly enhance the experience.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Weather

The meeting point is Poljana Paska Milievia, in the heart of Old Town. The tour ends back at the same location, and transportation to other attractions is not included, so guests should plan accordingly.

The small-group format limits the number of participants to 12 travelers, ensuring a relaxed pace and personalized attention. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate clothing is advisable, especially for outdoor stops.

Overall Value and Suitability

The overall value of this tour lies in its combination of food, drink, and cultural insights at a reasonable price point. With food and drinks included, guests don’t need to worry about extra costs during the stops. The length of three hours makes it manageable for most schedules, and the small group size fosters meaningful interactions.

This tour is particularly well-suited for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing Dubrovnik beyond typical sightseeing. It’s a good choice for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction or returning visitors looking for local dining suggestions.

Dubrovnik Food and Drink Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Final Thoughts)

This tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting. The ability to explore key landmarks like Onofrio’s Fountain, Stradun, and Rector’s Palace while sampling local cuisine and wine makes it a compelling experience.

The knowledgeable guides and inclusive food and drink make it stand out. However, the tour involves walking over various historic sites, so comfortable footwear is recommended. It’s ideal for those eager to deepen their understanding of Dubrovnik’s history through its flavors and stories.

For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Dubrovnik with a friendly, expert guide, this tour promises delicious food, cultural insights, and memorable moments within a small-group setting. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to spend a few hours in this historic city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The tour includes local guide, small-group walking experience, food at four stops, wine and local spirits, coffee/tea, and bottled water.

Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking. Vegan options are not offered, and the tour is not recommended for vegans.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Poljana Paska Milievia in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, making it easy to incorporate into your sightseeing plans.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is designed for most travelers. It involves walking and seated tastings, but no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered a different date or full refund. Proper clothing is recommended for outdoor portions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.