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About This Experience
Most visitors to Hvar see the harbour, the piazza and the beach. The jeep safari reveals everything they miss — the dramatic island interior that stretches between its mountains: ancient village paths, abandoned hamlets, sun-scorched lavender plains and views that seem to reach the ends of the Adriatic.
Your private 4×4 jeep and expert guide depart Hvar port and immediately head north, away from the coast and into the hill country. The road narrows quickly, the pines thicken, and the first of Hvar's surprises appears: the Stari Grad Plain — a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site comprising the original Greek agricultural parcels that have remained unchanged for 2,400 years. No other farmland on earth has so long and so continuous a history of cultivation. The guide explains how Greek colonists from Paros first divided this land, and how the same boundaries hold today.
The jeep climbs to the island's highest ridge, traversing through small hilltop villages — Velo Grablje among them — where stone houses, abandoned chapels and panoramic views reveal a Hvar entirely different from its glamorous harbour. In season (May–June), the lavender fields around these villages fill the air with one of the most powerful scents in the natural world. Hvar is the largest lavender producer in Croatia; the fields are harvested by hand using methods unchanged for generations.
The midday stop is the highlight of the island interior: Malo Grablje, the abandoned village where Berti — local legend and last remaining resident — has prepared a private home-cooked lunch. Under a vine-covered terrace, with views over the Pakleni Islands and the open sea, lunch unfolds: home-cured prosciutto, island cheese, olive oil from Berti's own trees, fresh bread, grilled fish and Hvar wine. There is no menu and no bill — only the extraordinary generosity of a man who chose to stay when everyone else left.
The afternoon arrives at Hvar town for a guided walk through its essential highlights: the vast main square (Trg Sv. Stjepana), the Medieval Arsenal with its 1612 theatre, the Benedictine lace convent, and the Spanish Fortress on the hill above — with the day's finest panorama over the Pakleni Islands and the open sea.
Why choose this tour:
- The most complete exploration of Hvar island available in one day
- Private 4×4 jeep with expert local guide
- Lunch at Berti's house in Malo Grablje (included)
- UNESCO Stari Grad Plain + walking tour of Hvar town
- Maximum 6 guests for a fully private experience
- Available in English, Spanish, German, French
Details
Gallery
Itinerary
Wild Hvar Discovery — Private Jeep Safari with Lunch
Trade the waterfront for stone villages, lavender fields and panoramic backroads on Hvar’s most adventurous private day out.
- Step 1
Morning — Hvar Port Departure
Board the private 4×4 jeep. Brief introduction to the day's itinerary. Depart toward the island interior.
Hvar Harbour
Highlight PortMorning — Hvar Port Departure
Hvar Harbour
- Step 2
Morning — Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage)
Drive through and walk portions of the Stari Grad Plain. Guide explains the 2,400-year history of the Greek land parcels, the ancient boundaries still visible in the field divisions, and the traditional cultivation of vines and olives on the plain.
Stari Grad Plain
Highlight Archaeological siteMorning — Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage)
Stari Grad Plain
- Step 3
Mid-Morning — Velo Grablje & Hilltop Villages
Jeep continues to the island ridge. Stop at Velo Grablje — an ancient stone village with panoramic views. Explore the church, dry-stone walls and abandoned terraces. In season: lavender fields in full bloom.
Velo Grablje
Highlight OtherMid-Morning — Velo Grablje & Hilltop Villages
Velo Grablje
- Step 4
Midday — Malo Grablje Lunch at Berti's House
Descend to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje. Explore the ghost village streets, the church and stone houses. Private home-cooked lunch with Berti: island prosciutto, cheese, olives, bread, grilled fish, local wine. Approximately 1.5 hours.
Malo Grablje
OtherMidday — Malo Grablje Lunch at Berti's House
Malo Grablje
- Step 5
Afternoon — Hvar Town Walking Tour
Transfer to Hvar town. Walking tour with guide: Cathedral of St. Stephen, Medieval Arsenal and 1612 theatre, Benedictine lace convent (UNESCO intangible heritage), Fortica Spanish Fortress panoramic viewpoint.
Photo by Tvrđava Fortica
Hvar Old Town
OtherHvar Old Town, Hvar
Afternoon — Hvar Town Walking Tour
Hvar Old Town
Fortica Fortress
FortressAfternoon — Hvar Town Walking Tour
Fortica Fortress
- Step 6
Late Afternoon — Return to Port
Return to Hvar harbour. Guide available for recommendations.
Hvar Harbour
PortLate Afternoon — Return to Port
Hvar Harbour
Frequently Asked Questions
How much walking is involved in the jeep safari?
Less than the dedicated hiking tour (#09). Expect approximately 1–1.5 hours of walking total (Stari Grad Plain sections, Malo Grablje village, Hvar town walk including Fortica Fortress). The jeep handles all transfers between sites.
Is this tour suitable for children or older guests?
Yes, more so than the hiking tour. The moderate walking sections are manageable for most fitness levels. Children 8+ enjoy the off-road sections. The Fortica Fortress ascent (~15 min) is the most demanding section.
Is Berti's lunch guaranteed?
Berti's availability is confirmed at booking. In the rare event he is unavailable, an equivalent traditional lunch at a nearby local konoba will be arranged.
What is lavender season on Hvar?
Lavender blooms approximately mid-May to late June. The fields are harvested in late June/early July. The tour is available year-round; the lavender experience is a seasonal bonus.
What does "private excursion" mean — is it just our group?
Yes. A private excursion is run exclusively for you and your party — whether that is two people or a group of twelve. You will not be sharing your vehicle, guide, or schedule with anyone else. Departure times, pace, and stops are set entirely around you.
What is included in the price?
All private land excursions include: a dedicated English-speaking guide, a private air-conditioned vehicle, all transfers from and back to your accommodation, and any entry fees, park passes, or boat crossings required for the specific destination. Lunch, personal spending, and optional activities are not included unless specified on the excursion page.
How long is a typical day excursion?
Most of our private day excursions run around 8 hours door-to-door. Longer destinations that involve significant driving time from Dubrovnik — such as Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, and Sarajevo — are full-day commitments of 11–13 hours. Exact durations are indicated on each excursion page.
Can we customize the route or choose what we visit?
Yes — private means flexible. When you make your inquiry, tell us your interests, pace preferences, and any specific stops you would like to include or skip. Our guide will plan the day accordingly. We do our best to accommodate special requests: longer lunch breaks, extra time at a particular site, or combining two nearby destinations into one day.
Do you run excursions year-round, including shoulder season?
Yes. Unlike boat tours, our land excursions operate in every season. The Plitvice Lakes are spectacular in autumn and winter. Pelješac wine country is most pleasant in harvest season (September–October). Some sites — such as the Kravice Waterfalls — are best visited outside the peak summer heat. We will always advise on the best time for your chosen destination if you are undecided.
What is your cancellation and bad weather policy for land excursions?
Land excursions are not dependent on sea conditions and are operated in all weather except extreme circumstances (heavy snow on mountain roads, road closures). If we must cancel due to conditions outside our control, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule with no expiration date.
For client cancellations: full refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure. No refund for cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows.
Where do you pick us up, and do you offer port pickup for cruise guests?
We collect you directly from your hotel, villa, or apartment in Dubrovnik. For cruise ship guests, we offer pickup from the Dubrovnik port (Gruž or the Old Town pier) and will return you in time for embarkation — the latest return time can be agreed in advance. Please confirm your ship''s departure time when booking.
Do I need to book in advance? How do I confirm a reservation?
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, and further ahead during peak season (June–September) when vehicle and guide availability fills quickly. To reserve your excursion, send us an inquiry with your preferred date, group size, and any special requests. We will confirm within a few hours and send payment instructions. No payment is required at the time of inquiry — we confirm availability first.
Why choose Tendo luxury travel
Tendo luxury travel is a regional expert and leading specialist for holiday planning and provision of complete tourist services in southern Dalmatia, the Dubrovnik area, and wider. Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs.
We are an active member of UHPA ( ACTA /Association of Croatian Travel Agencies) which guarantee of the service quality and authenticity of products and services. We’re taking special care of our clients during their stay at their destination or use of our services and we are always at your disposal ready to help and share useful and helpful information.
Throughout the past, we had countless satisfied and returning clients which present our success and pride and we hope that you will become one of them in a near future. Our goal is satisfied clients and professional service which goes beyond your expectations!
You can count on our kind and knowledgeable staff to offer you the attention, care, and service necessary to have a trip that is both memorable and trouble-free.
Where can I learn more about your agency?
Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs. You can read reviews about our agency on our Reviews page or on official our TripAdvisor page.
What do you have in your offer?
We offer private luxury tours and transfers across Croatia and Montenegro — all fully private, no group join-ins.
Private Boat Tours
Day trips by speedboat or yacht to the islands around Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and more. Swim in hidden coves, visit sea caves, and enjoy the Adriatic at your own pace.
- Private cave tours & island excursions
- Speedboats (25–40 ft) and sailing yachts (40 ft+)
- Snorkelling stops, lunch recommendations, fully flexible itinerary
Private Excursions & Day Tours
Tailor-made day tours by land or sea — just your group, your guide, your schedule.
- Cultural tours: Dubrovnik, Split, Korčula, Kotor
- National parks: Krka, Mljet
- Game of Thrones filming location tours
- Wine & food tours in Dalmatia and Montenegro
Yacht & Speedboat Charter
Rent a private vessel with a professional skipper for a full day on the Adriatic. We offer everything from 25 ft speedboats to 50 ft sailing yachts — for 2 to 12 guests.
Private Transfers
By sea: Direct boat transfers between Croatian and Montenegrin ports — Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Korčula, Kotor, Budva. Skip the ferry, travel in style.
By car: Private vehicle transfers with a registered driver. Airport pickups, inter-city transfers, Croatia ↔ Montenegro ↔ Italy routes available.
Contact us to arrange a transfer
Groups & Corporate Events
We plan complete programmes for groups, incentive trips, and corporate events — from logistics to on-site guides.
How do I pay for a confirmed reservation?
We accept three payment methods: credit/debit card, PayPal, and bank transfer.
Credit / Debit Card (Online)
Pay securely online via our payment gateway. Once your booking is confirmed, our team will send you an email with a secure payment link. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / MasterCard Secure Code).
PayPal
We accept PayPal payments. Please let us know at the time of booking if you prefer this method and we will send you a PayPal payment request.
Bank Transfer
For international customers, payment by bank transfer is also available.
Bank: Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d. / www.rba.hr Bank address: Petrinjska 59, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Beneficiary: Tendo d.o.o., Andrije Hebranga 106A, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia IBAN: HR2524840081107216972 SWIFT: RZBHHR2X
Notes
- Transaction fees are covered by the customer and are included in quoted prices.
- After payment, you may be asked to send a confirmation of payment by email.
- Payment confirmation or receipt of a signed credit card authorisation form constitutes confirmation of your reservation.
What is the current currency of payment in Croatia?
The euro
As of 01 January 2023, the currency of Croatia is the euro.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all our services mostly you can cancel up to 48-24 hours before the tour check-in. Always In case of client illness, physical condition, accident, or injury prior to service star agency will in good manners offer a full refund.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Contact us to find out more about discounts.
Submit an Inquiry
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