Hvar Island Exploration: Small Group Half-Day Tour Uncovering Hidden Gems with Traditional Meal

Embark on a small group half-day tour of Hvar Island and uncover its hidden gems. Enjoy stunning views, a traditional meal, and get a taste of rural life on the island.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Your tour begins at the French Fortress built by Napoleon’s troops, on St. Nicholas hill (which was used as a reconnaissance site and lookout) and has a scenic view of Hvar town, the Spanish Fortress, Pakleni and Vis islands. You will continue with a drive through the green and rural island of Hvar, passing through Brusje, where you will be able to walk through the Lavender fields, (seasonal options June - July).

Continue along an old island road “paved” with amazing views. Pass by perfect views of the island’s deepest bays, and eventually reach the fascinating village of Velo Grablje founded in the 14th century. Explore the village’s stone houses and courtyards as you admire the area architecture, walking the narrow streets as you absorb the settlement’s timeless charms. Today the village is nearly abandoned, but a few permanent villagers remain. Although it was once a rich and prosperous place, famous for its good wine and olive oil production. Honey production was also well known in the village as well, together with lavender oil being the leading one in Europe of the time.

As you leave Velo Grablje, continue to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje and then finish the day with authentic Dalmatian lunch or dinner (depending on the time of day). A sample menu is below.

Sample Menu:

Appetizer

Local cheese and smoked ham with island extra virgin olive oil, marinated fish

Main Course

Peka - traditional meal with lamb or mixed lamb and veal under the iron bell covered with the ash.

Dessert

Simple traditional desert with almonds

Beverage

Local wine, water, grappa - local brandy

Points of Interest

  • Bus Stop Hvar Town
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • All taxes, fees, and charges covered
  • Expert local driver/guide provided
  • Enjoy a complimentary 3-course meal
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Hvar Island boasts numerous unique and secluded locations, along with breathtaking sights like Pakleni and the adjacent islands. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and dramatic views of the wonderful Hvar. Connect with the island’s rural way of life and savor a 3-course meal in the village.
‘Peka’ – a traditional dish cooked under an iron bell covered with ash. We cater to both meat-lovers with lamb and veal, or an Octopus Peka, baked alongside vegetables. We also provide a vegetarian option. Peka is served for at least two persons. Kindly specify.

  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers (minimum of 2 people) to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Location
Bus Stop Hvar Town
Dolac
Please meet the guide/driver in front of Tisak shop, which is on the corner at the Bus station.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(15 Ratings)
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1 star
Allen_h
Jul 2, 2024
Fantastic taste of the history and culture of Hvar! - First off, Hvar is as charming as it is beautiful. Secondly, our guide Dinko was excellent! He was friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and personable. He shared his own experience of growing up in Hvar which made the history, geography, and culture of Hvar all the more engaging and engaging and impactful. Lunch at Komoba Zbondini capped off an amazing tour. The food, service, and venue were all beautiful! This tour was more than worth the time and expense. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
Nataliatamirisa
Sep 8, 2023
Authentic Tour of Hvar Gems - Terrific tour of sites including the Napoleon fortress, small villages, view of entire island from the top, and amazing authentic lamb and veal dinner. Felt like we got to see the real island, not just tourist traps. Tour guide did a great job of teaching us about the people who live on Hvar and their customs.
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_w
Aug 16, 2023
Hvar through the eyes of a local. - Our guide was excellent. Dinko had grown up in Hvar and was wonderful at making his love of his home come alive with his stories. He drove us about and pointed out and explained everything from rocks to flowers. We asked lots of questions and found him eager to explain. The lunch was excellent, too. Vey much enjoyed this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_l
Jun 1, 2023
Scenic historical tour accompanied by a traditional meal. - Dinco was a knowledgeable local host who shared the area’s vast history with interesting details that we wouldn’t have discovered had we not taken this tour. The lamb dinner was deliciously cooked in the traditional style in an abandoned village. We really enjoyed the local cuisine in a scenic setting overlooking Hvar.Very grateful to have been able to go on this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Jan_m
May 13, 2023
Delightful Hidden Gems Tour - We had 3 people sharing this tour. Our guide was wonderful and gave us a lot of knowledge about the island and what it was like growing up and living there. We had a wonderful lunch and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Ecthomas154
Oct 11, 2022
Perfect - This tour was amazing and our tour guide was the perfect mix of knowledge and humor which made for a wonderful day. We ate lunch at a small family run restaurant and the food delicious 😋 th service was top notch!!
Review provided by Viator
Cedric_l
Oct 8, 2022
Amazing locations and meal - One of my all time favorite tour in Croatia. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist area and inside the island where you get to see places you never would have. The guide is very knowledgeable of the area and the places she takes you are breathtaking! The following meal was one of not the best meal of our trip, and the location of the restaurant and ambiance was amazing. Highly recommend it to those who wish to experience something different.
Review provided by Viator
Dragonphoe18
Sep 17, 2022
Go on this tour! - We did the Island Tour with Dinko, who was a great guide (and a safe driver on the super windy narrow roads). Pick up was right from our hotel which saved us a trek. Dinko spoke fluent English and gave us excellent insight to the history and culture of the land and the people. View from the Napoleon Fort was amazing and it was so interesting to see the rest of the island away from Hvar Town, the terraces, lavender, vines, olives. semi/abandoned villages and even a shepherd's stone shelter. Peka lunch in a tiny semi inhabited village was a total delight (go with a huge appetite!) A really great tour, highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juan_a
Jul 31, 2024
Good tour - Dinko, our guide, was great. We learned about the history of the island and got to experience some nice views. The lunch was excellent. My only recommendation is to do less driving and more exploring inside the villages.
Review provided by Viator
Cindy_f
May 19, 2024
Not worth the money - It was a bit boring, though it could have been that we had the wrong tour guide, the presentation at dinner was lovely, though the meats were very fatty. Definitely not worth the money.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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