• Trsteno Arboretum - Situated in Trsteno, Croatia, the Trsteno Arboretum is recognized as the most ancient arboretum in this region of the globe.[clarification needed][1]

The establishment of the arboretum was initiated by the esteemed Gozze family (refer to House of Gozze) during the latter part of the 15th century. They instructed sea captains to collect and return with seeds and plant specimens during their voyages. While the precise inception date of the arboretum remains uncertain, records indicate its presence as early as 1492, marked by the construction of a 15-meter-long aqueduct designed to water the gardens, which is still operational today. Since 1948, the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts has owned the arboretum, following its donation. The Arboretum holds a distinguished status among the historic parks of Ragusan, Dalmatian, and Mediterranean heritage. It encompasses a park that encircles a 15th-century summer villa, an exemplar of garden architecture, along with a park from the 19th century located at Drvarica.

Ownership of the arboretum transferred to the Yugoslav state in 1945 and was proclaimed a natural wonder in 1948. The Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts has been overseeing it since 1950. In 1962, the Arboretum Trsteno was inscribed on the list of protected natural monuments as a significant landscape architecture site. The designated protection zone spans approximately 255,000 square meters.

During the Croatian War of Independence, Trsteno endured significant harm and plundering. On October 2 and 3, 1991, the Yugoslav People’s Army initiated a series of naval and aerial assaults, setting the Arboretum ablaze, which led to the destruction of a substantial portion and inflicted partial damage to the summer villa and the arboretum’s most ancient section. In 2000, a forest fire during a drought further devastated the arboretum, resulting in the loss of about 120,000 square meters.

Despite these calamities, two Oriental Planes in the central marketplace of Trsteno remain unscathed. These trees are over half a millennium old and stand as unparalleled examples of their species in Europe. The venerable trees reach heights of approximately 45/60 meters, and their trunks measure 5 meters across. Within the confines of the former noble estate lies Croatia’s earliest Renaissance park, established in 1502, which is home to a variety of exotic flora.

• Ston - Visitors are afforded the liberty to discover the town and traverse the Walls at their leisure.
• Majkovi - Guests will journey to the village of Ljubač, where an authentic homestead awaits. Upon arrival, you can anticipate a welcoming with homemade liqueur, an exploration of the area’s gastronomic heritage, and a sampling of local delicacies. The visit includes an introduction to organic farming, viticulture traditions, olive oil production, and the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, along with insights into the local culture. The experience culminates with a dinner featuring traditional cuisine and expertly matched wines before the time comes to depart.

• Professional driver/guide
• Meals included: Lunch and Dinner
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off service
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for transportation
• Choice of Lamb, Veal, or Seafood menu at a local village house

• Entrance fee for city walls.
• Entrence fee for Trsteno arboretum
• Gratuities

Journey from your hotel or cruise ship in Dubrovnik in a vehicle equipped with air-conditioning, chauffeured by a driver-guide, to the Trsteno Botanical Garden. Pause at Ston to appreciate the sceneries from the world’s second-longest city walls. During your return journey, make a halt at the Majkovi village where you can taste the local food comprising homemade cheese, olives, cured meat, fresh bread, local honey, as well as Croatian liquor and wine. Partake in a complete Croatian meal enriched with regionally-harvested seafood.

Enjoy a convenient travel in an air-conditioned mini van or bus.

The trip starts straight from your hotel or cruise ship in Dubrovnik

Bask in the beauty of the lush greenery at the Trsteno Botanical Garden

Savor the finest of Croatian cuisine.

This trip is organized for a minimum of 4 participants, with optimal notice of at least 2 days prior to departure. The maximum limit for larger groups is 50 participants, with an optimal notice of at least 2 days prior to departure.

• To organise this tour I need to have minimum 4 people but if I have less I can offer them private tour but they will need to pay by them self lunch in restaurant

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