Where to Go: the 8 Best Croatia Garden Tours

1.Dubrovnik Countryside and Arboretum ATV Tour with Brunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Leave Dubrovnik for a four-hour ATV ride through Orašac, Ljubač, Zaton, and old French roads. Guides such as Slavenko and Sevenka lead small groups along paved and rough tracks, stopping at an olive mill, scenic viewpoints, and a local table of cheese, ham, bread, wine, and homemade treats. Drive solo or share an ATV.

“Great ride with a good mix of road, trail and off road experience. Great views along the way. Some nice food treats and wine as well.”

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2.Panorama Dubrovnik & Arboretum Trsteno PRIVATE TOUR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Travel by private taxi with a local guide to four scenic stops around Dubrovnik. See the Ombla River, Mount Srđ, Trsteno Arboretum, and Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge. Guides such as Dino and Elvir have led this outing, which lasts about two to three hours and includes pickup across the wider Dubrovnik area. Arboretum admission costs extra.

“The organisation was excellent. I was sent a photo and directions to the meeting point and then a photo of the car with it's number plate. The driver/guide was very good and helpful. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Arboretum.”

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3.Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $208

Travel from Dubrovnik to Kameni Dvori in Konavle, where Ivo, Katarina, and the Mujo family guide you through bread making, garden picking, egg gathering, and a seasonal Croatian meal. You may milk a goat, hear 500 years of family stories, and share lunch with homemade wine in a small group of up to eight.

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4.Hvar Lavender Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $96Best value

Leave Hvar Town by minibus and hike through Velo Grablje, Malo Grablje, stone-walled fields, lavender, and wild herbs. Guide Marco explains Hvar’s past and plant life as you walk toward Milna. Expect a real hill walk, not a lavender-farm visit, and bring closed shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat.

“I can’t say enough good things about Marko, our guide for this tour. We were expecting to visit a lavender farm but this adventure really is more of a hike. We passed through some small hillside villages in Hvar, including one that was totally abandoned (save for a lovely restaurant/bar where we cooled off and had a drink). Definitely be aware that this is a more strenuous hike, and plan your footwear and hydration needs accordingly. I would do it again, especially for Marko’s expertise and insights on history and local plant life.”

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5.Private Game of Thrones Tour with King’s Landing Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $204

Join Mihaela for a private, three to four hour Game of Thrones tour through Dubrovnik. Visit Trsteno Arboretum, the Kings Landing garden, Mount Srd, Lovrjenac Fortress, Blackwater Bay, and Old Town filming sites. Your guide uses a scene book to match the show with each location and adds local Croatian history along the way.

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6.3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · from $159

Travel from Hvar to the old road above Stari Grad, where a guide leads you through lavender fields near Brusje. You’ll stop at Napoleon, Kapelica sv. Rok, and Velo Grablje for views, photos, a lavender dessert, and a small souvenir. The English-language group is limited to eight people.

“Very enjoyable trip with knowledgeable guide. Learnt a lot about Hvar culture and crops and great lavender cheesecake. Be forewarned - unlike Provence and Norfolk there are no great expanse of rolling fields of blue lavender to see!”

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7.Hvar Lavender Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $143

Travel from Hvar Town or Stari Grad to the lavender fields around Brusje and the old village of Velo Grablje. Your local driver-guide explains Hvar’s lavender trade, points out island views, and serves lavender cheesecake with a typical Dalmatian refreshment. Groups are capped at 12.

“This was an excellent private tour driving us to all the must see spots of Hvar. First we stopped at the highest viewpoint on the island giving us a full 360 view of all the sights. Next we stopped to smell some lavender bushes and other spices/Read more”

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8.Hvar: Lavender Fields, Honey, and Local Product Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 4 hours

Spend four hours with a private English or French-speaking guide visiting Hvar Town, Brusje, Velo Grablje, Jelsa, and a lavender family farm. You’ll taste honey, brandy, sweets, juices, and lavender products, with transportation, water, and gift bags included. Guide Stjepan has organized this route especially well.

“The experience is impressive. It’s good opportunity to visit the local farm and get to know local persons. We tried home made honey, wine, snacks and lavender. All is natual.”

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