Dubrovnik is much more than its historic Old City and striking vistas. That is exactly what Dolce TUP reveals – a new, original and completely unique incentive activity designed for participants of Croatian Tourism Days 2025, which can also be repeated and adapted for all business groups, incentive programmes, or social activities for congress and conference participants in Dubrovnik.
This urban tour takes you to Gruž, into the unexpected creative world of the former TUP carbon-graphite factory – today one of the most exciting revitalised spaces in Croatia, selected among the 20 best European projects within the New European Bauhaus initiative. The slogan that best describes this concept? “From carbon to creative footprint.” From an industrial giant to an urban zone of creativity, culture and inspiration.
TUP: An Industrial Complex Transformed into the City’s Creative Heart
This incentive adventure unfolds in Gruž – a vibrant, urban part of Dubrovnik. The first stop is the TUP complex, where a guided tour reveals the fascinating transformation of a former factory into a contemporary centre of creative and cultural industries. A completely new Dubrovnik scene lives here, including the new city library, gallery and exhibition spaces, a co-working area, an office for digital nomads, and various other intriguing corners hidden among thousands of square metres of what was once an industrial giant.
Today, TUP functions as a kind of urban laboratory – a platform where new experiences, ideas and product designs are created, making it an excellent addition to any incentive or congress programme.
Discover Dubrovnik’s “Red” History – Through a Modern Exhibition and Powerful Story
The next stop is the Red History Museum, a unique interpretive centre that presents life during the socialist period in a contemporary, interactive and highly engaging way. A guided visit offers a fresh perspective on a part of history that is both familiar and intriguing, yet often insufficiently explored.
This part of the tour is particularly impressive for international visitors, but equally entertaining for domestic participants, who discover lesser-known details of everyday life from the “red” era through the exhibition.
From Plastic Cap to Designer Product – The Maritimo Recycling Experience
As part of the tour, a visit and live demonstration can also be organised at the Maritimo Recycling facility – a green project that transforms PVC bottle caps into attractive and useful products. This small creative laboratory is part of the Centre for Youth, Children and Families and brings together numerous associations and creatives.
For incentive groups, especially appealing is the possibility of creating custom-made products – from memorabilia to themed gifts linked to a congress or the client’s brand, and connected to the content within the complex itself.
Sweet Finale: Authentic Dubrovnik Desserts and Prošek
After culture and creativity comes what everyone eagerly awaits – the sweet finale! In the pleasant setting of TUP, participants enjoy a tasting of autochthonous delicacies from the well-known Dubrovačka kuća, paired with a glass of irresistible prošek (a traditional Croatian sweet dessert wine). Guests can indulge in mantala (a Dalmatian grape dessert), kotonjata (Quince cheese), fig cake, sponge cake, caramelised almonds, lemoncini (candied lemon peel), arancini (candied orange peel) or almond petits fours.
It is an excellent choice for an afternoon tour after lunch, and the entire concept can easily be expanded with additional eno-gastronomic themes depending on the group’s needs.
The tour concludes with free time to explore Gruž, its waterfront, cafés and restaurants, overlooking boats and the lively city port. This part of the city regularly delights visitors, who discover a completely different Dubrovnik here – authentic, urban and full of life.
