A Slow Tour of Island Brač

Wander through little scenic villages, discover the tastes, and meet the colourful locals. A SLOW FOOD & WINE CULTURAL journey filling the senses with all that Brač has to offer. Specifically designed for small groups 4 – 8 guests. P.O.A.

DAY 1. On your arrival at Split Airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver and taken to a Fast Taxi Boat to continue your journey to the Island of Brač, arriving in the magical town of Supetar, direct to your beachfront accommodation. Welcome dinner and briefing followed by an evening stroll or perhaps a swim. ACCOMMODATION: Supetar

DAY 2 . After breakfast we’ll take a short drive to the village and walking trail through Škrip, the most important archaeological site on Brač, and in fact, of all Croatia! So many stories from ancient times to tell! A 3rd-century Roman mausoleum, and on top of it, a defence fortification commissioned by the Radojković family erected in the 16th century during the Venetian-Turkish wars. We’ll wander through the village, and visit the museum of olive oil. Here in this ambiance of rustic beauty, we’ll learn about olive oil pressing techniques of days gone by compared to the present. A prepared light lunch and a glass or two of the local wine is always so greatly appreciated here in this setting. Another superb highlight From here we’ll visit the villages of Dol and Nerežišća. ACCOMMODATION: Supetar 4*

Day 3 Driving to Pučišća we’ll visit the village of Splitska, where we’ll stop and take a 15-minute walk to discover the carving of Hercules, created by stonemason’s dating back to the Roman era. Continuing on we’ll stop and explore the village of Pučišća, a hidden treasure by the sea, and home of the famous white stone of Brač, the School of Stone Masonry and delicious cuisine, we’ll have a rest before venturing along the coastline at sunset by small boat to one of the most extraordinary restaurants hidden away in a magical cove. All culinary and wine products are locally produced, organically and homemade. Another gastronomic experience! ACCOMMODATION: Pučišća 4*

In the village of Pučišća, tucked away in a hidden cove. Pristine and so welcoming.

The Story of Brač Stone When you visit Brač for the first time you will notice numerous stone structures such as dry-stone walls, stone roofs on houses, and villas, churches, and bell towers. Stone from the island of Brač is praised worldwide among engineers and architects and it is worth knowing that even some parts of the White House in Washington are built of it. The story of Brač stone began way back in ancient history when the first settlers the Illyrians built their abodes with it, followed by the Romans who exploited it, building the ancient city of Salona near Split, Diocletian’s Palace, and other buildings all around the Roman Empire.

In the village of Pučišća…so many delicious decisions..from fresh seafood to delicious lamb..a foodie heaven!

DAY 4. Free morning in peaceful Pučišća. At 10.00 am after a late breakfast we’ll take an escorted tour of the village, so much to see in this delightful and pristine old town of white stone. We’ll have a lazy day, meeting some locals, having a swim, and simply going with the flow. Accommodation: Pučišća 4*

DAY 5. Driving to the village of Bol on the southern side of the island via Pražnice and Gornji Humac on the heights of island Brač, we’ll explore these villages and have a traditional lunch in an almost forgotten village. The 15th century Renaissance sculptor Niccolo Fiorentino influenced many of the religious works of stone and the famous Juraj Dalmatinac (George of Dalmatia) made an exquisite stone triptych in the chapel of Our Lady of Attendance in Gornji Humac. ACCOMMODATION: Bol

Sharing time with the Tomas Family on Smrka Bay is an experience never to be forgotten! A table of Dalmatian favourites, welcoming liqueurs and grappa, followed by slowly roasted meats under the Peka bell, or seafood if you prefer, desserts to die for, all accompanied by Tomas local wines from Island Brač. Take a swim while your meal is being prepared! Many of my guests have commented about this day being a definite highlight of their Dalmatian tour!

DAY 6. After breakfast, we’ll take a guided walk through the old town and after lunch, we’ll drive west along the coastline past the world-famous Golden Horn Beach to Blaca Bay. From here we’ll walk up the 2 km track to the Blaca Hermitage, where monks in the 15th century fled to the island from the mainland to escape plundering Turks and Venetians. Here they lived and worked, carving reliefs in the stone. This is always a highlight to so many of my guests. We’ll meet our driver above the hermitage and drive along the coastline to Smrka Bay where we’ll be warmly greeted by the Tomas family at their 300-year-old family home, located right on the sea. Take a swim in the most amazing azure waters and get ready to enjoy their hospitality and a feast you will long remember! Sail back to Bol at sunset and enjoy an evening stroll before bedtime.   Free evening in Bol. ACCOMMODATION: Bol 4*

DAY 7. A completely free day in Bol. A day to wander, immersing yourself in the tastes, sounds, and colours of this magical Dalmatian environment. ACCOMMODATION: Bol 4*

DAY 8. After breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Supetar and depart for Split late afternoon. On the way, we’ll visit the highest peak, Vidova Gora. From here the views of the surrounding islands are amazing. On a clear day, the mountains along the Italian Coast are visible! Visiting the village of Nerežišća and Donji Humac we’ll enjoy art and craft galleries, local cuisine in a rustic restaurant, and the local vintages at a family vineyard. You can also see hidden gems of ancient island architecture, sculpture, flora and fauna, and the islander’s way of living in the surrounding villages. Late afternoon, at sunset it will be time to say goodbye to Brač as we board our ferry returning back to Split in the distance. A favourite 4* boutique hotel in Split where friendly hospitality is well known.

DAY 9 Split  After breakfast our guide will accompany us on a unique walking tour of Old Split. On your tour, you’ll discover the ancient centre of this remarkable city, the second-largest in Croatia. Diocletian’s Palace, the very centre of Split, is a UNESCO-protected world heritage site and offers unique perspectives on ancient Roman architecture. After exploring the narrow walkways, palace basements, Jupiter’s Temple, visiting  Saint Dominus Cathedral and much more, and tasting some Dalmatian specialties, my guests often make this comment, “ We can understand why you love living here Robyn!” Free afternoon. Evenings in Split are to be enjoyed, there is something for everyone, in this buzzing 1700-year-old Mediterranean city where English is widely spoken. ACCOMMODATION: Split 4*

DAY 10. Split – Free day in Split. In the evening, our farewell dinner will be organised in the old town in one of our favourite restaurants that have sprung up in recent years since Split’s gastronomic scene has exploded in this city of divine hospitality and ambiance.

DAY 11 Departure day. Time to say ‘Dovidjenja’ (goodbye.) From here you may wish to travel to other regions of Croatia, Zadar in Northern Dalmatia, Dubrovnik in Southern Dalmatia, Istria in the North-West, Slavonia in the East, Lika to the North, or spend some time in Continental Croatia around Zagreb and Varaždin in the land of castles, Baroque architecture, and fairytales, or take a slow cruise through the Dalmatian Islands, or charter a yacht and sail to some of the 1200  islands…so much to see and do in Croatia.

For all inquiries and a quote of cost according to the numbers of participants in your group, please contact Robyn Vulinovich on email: myhiddencroatia@gmail.com

Please note, this fully escorted tour includes fast water taxi and first-class air-conditioned transport, accommodation, breakfast, and either a daily 3-course lunch or dinner, plus extra food and wine tastings.