When organisers of business events in Dubrovnik are looking for an excursion that combines an authentic destination experience, history, gastronomy and impressive scenery, Ston stands out as one of the most attractive choices. Located at the entrance to the Pelješac peninsula, just an hour’s scenic drive from Dubrovnik, this medieval town provides the perfect setting for an incentive programme that participants will remember for a long time.
The programme “Revived History of Ston” takes guests through centuries of rich heritage, offering a special experience through a costumed tour led by a noblewoman from the time of the Republic of Dubrovnik, portrayed by renowned Dubrovnik tour guide Jelica Čučević. The combination of historical interpretation, impressive architecture and local flavours makes this tour an excellent option for business groups seeking to experience southern Croatia beyond standard itineraries.
Ston – A Medieval Jewel Near Dubrovnik
The arrival in Ston itself leaves a strong impression. The town is surrounded by monumental walls stretching 5.5 kilometres, one of the largest fortification systems in Europe. Situated between the sea, salt pans and green hills, Ston captivates with the harmony of nature and architecture, as well as a slower pace that provides the perfect contrast to the dynamic days of congresses in Dubrovnik.
During the tour, participants discover how Ston was carefully planned in the image of Dubrovnik. Elements of urban planning from the former Republic of Dubrovnik can still be seen today – the Rector’s Palace, the Bishop’s Palace, the Main Guard, the cathedral, the Placa (main square) and Ston’s Minčeta tower.
Particular interest is drawn by the Lapidarium, located on the ground floor of the Bishop’s Palace, which houses a valuable collection of medieval art from southern Croatia. This type of content is especially appealing to international guests who wish to understand the region’s cultural identity through expertly interpreted and elegantly designed programmes.
A Costumed Tour That Brings History to Life
What sets this tour apart from standard excursions is its interactive approach. Participants are guided through the stone streets of Ston by a costumed noblewoman from the era of the Republic of Dubrovnik, turning sightseeing into a vivid journey through the past.
This storytelling format is particularly valuable for incentive groups as it creates emotional engagement, encourages interaction and fosters a deeper connection between participants. Instead of a traditional tour, guests become part of the story of a town that for centuries was an important strategic and economic centre of southern Croatia.
The highlight of the tour is the Great Kaštio Fortress, where climbing to the upper terraces reveals spectacular views of the Ston salt pans, the sea and the surrounding landscape. Here, history gains another dimension, the story of salt, once an extremely valuable resource that shaped the development of the town for centuries. Salt production in this area dates back to Roman times, and the Ston salt works are considered the oldest in Europe.
Flavours of the Mali Ston Bay for the Perfect Ending
No incentive programme is complete without outstanding gastronomy, and Ston and Mali Ston are among Croatia’s most renowned gastronomic destinations. The story of this region is inseparably linked to the oysters of the Mali Ston Bay, whose cultivation dates back to the 13th century.
Thanks to the unique mix of freshwater and seawater, oysters of exceptional quality are produced here, holding a European designation of origin. Ending the tour with a tasting of fresh oysters and a glass of local wine provides an elegant and authentic finale to the programme.
For business event organisers, this means the opportunity to create an itinerary that combines culture, team-building elements, local tradition and premium gastronomy within a single day. With its easy accessibility from Dubrovnik, Ston is the perfect choice for a half-day or full-day incentive excursion.
For guests who have already experienced Dubrovnik, such a programme reveals another dimension of the destination, one that blends the historical splendour of the Republic of Dubrovnik, unspoiled nature and the flavours of southern Croatia into a unique experience.
