Private Escapes Sale: Croatia

Arrive in Dubrovnik, a walled city on the shores of the sunny Adriatic Sea, where you are met and transferred by private car to your hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. Arguably the loveliest city in Croatia, and once a medieval center of maritime trade that rivaled Venice, Dubrovnik was heavily damaged by military conflicts in the 1990s. Today, however, its old city — since restored to its former glory — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover this magnificent city up close and at an easy pace, as you walk through Dubrovnik with your local guide who briefs you on some of the city’s most impressive monuments, including the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Then, stroll along the historic city walls, overlooking the glittering blue Adriatic.

Enjoy a full day at leisure, sampling the fine amenities of your luxurious hotel, exploring historic Dubrovnik on your own with recommendations from your local guide, or simply relaxing in the warm breezy seaside atmosphere.

Today travel to Konavle, a famous wine area close to Dubrovnik to visit three winemaking families. Take in the vistas on a panoramic drive along the coast en route to Winery Botaro, where you taste their locally made Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. Continue to the winery of the Ljubic family, small wine makers producing Merlot, as well as a variety of herbal liquors. In their wine cellar, sit down to a traditional lunch complemented by a vertical wine tasting, sampling different vintages of the same type of wine. Later, visit the awarded wine producing family Karaman to sample their white dessert wine, Dubrovacka Malvasia (also called Prosek). Karaman’s Malvasia of Dubrovnik is a winner of the World of Malvasia competition. Wine tasting comes with traditional cake padispanj.

Savor another full day at leisure, perhaps making an appointment at the on-site spa, strolling the sunny beachfront nearby or dining at a recommended restaurant to savor more of the superb regional cuisine and wines.

Today, venture to the heart of the city’s walled Old Town for an engaging visit to a local silversmith’s workshop. Your guide will take you behind closed doors, where you witness traditional methods used by talented local artisans to create incredible works of art in silver and gold, plying a trade practiced here since the 13th century. Witness the entire process that starts with a simple silver wire through an intricate technique of shaping and forming that renders a finished piece. During this A&K-exclusive experience, learn the history of the recini (earrings) and the Konavle button (or Puca), traditional pieces of Croatian jewelry famed for their timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Afterward, journey to the quaint seaside town of Cavtat, making a stop for coffee before driving back toward your hotel, and stopping at Mount Srd for stunning views of Dubrovnik City, the Elaphiti Islands and Montenegro.

After breakfast, transfer to the Dubrovnik International Airport for your homebound flight.