Quad tracks and Zinfandel stories above Split.

This Split/Kaštela off-road ATV ride turns the usual Croatia day into a moving route of coffee views, hilltop churches, and a winery finish tied to the roots of Zinfandel, all starting at 5:00 pm. You get time in the hills above Split with big sea-and-island viewpoints, then you slow down for history in the vineyard country around Kaštela.

I love the balance here: high-quality quads, a guide who can tailor the day to your group, and built-in breaks with water and coffee so the ride stays fun instead of punishing. I also like the theme that connects everything, especially the stops around Kaštela grape varieties and how they link to the Zinfandel story through the garden exhibits.

One consideration: you’ll need a valid driver licence to take part in the quad driving, and the experience depends on good weather since it’s outdoors and off-road.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private quad adventure in English for just your group, so the pace feels made for you
• Coffee break at Planinarski dom Putalj with panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic, and the coast
• Stomorija Biblical Garden links faith, plants, and wine with a grape model tied to the Zinfandel ancestor
• Medieval stops around Lažan and Stomorija give the day real contrast to the ATV riding
• Bedalov Winery is a full 1-hour finale with wine tasting and small tapas-style snacks
• Guides who go the extra mile with safety care, quick problem-solving, and real attention to comfort

Why this ATV-and-wine route works better than a typical Split day

A lot of Split tours feel like a checklist: drive, stop, photo, move on. This one keeps you outside for the main act—ATV riding through the Kozjak area—then rewards you with slow, meaningful stops that actually connect to the wine theme. The result is a day that feels like you’re traveling through a living region, not just ticking boxes.

The timing also helps. Starting at 5:00 pm means you’re riding and sightseeing in the late-day light, when viewpoints around Split and the islands usually feel more dramatic. Add in the planned breaks, and the pace works even if your group includes people who don’t want an all-day hardcore ride.

Then there’s the Zinfandel angle. You’re not just tasting wine at the end; you’re learning why the Kaštela grape story matters, especially through the exhibits at Stomorija and the winery visit.

Meeting point in Kaštel Gomilica, then ending at Bedalov

You start at Nomad Quad Adventures, Kneza Domagoja 4a, 21213 Kaštel Gomilica. The end point is Winery Bedalov, Biskupa Frane Franića 12, 21214 Kaštel Kambelovac. That setup matters because it turns the day into a gentle one-way flow: you don’t have to return to the exact same spot to finish.

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, and it includes admissions where noted, plus the winery time. You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and you’ll have a mobile ticket. It’s also offered in English, which helps if you want the Zinfandel roots story explained clearly rather than guessed at.

One important note: a valid driver licence is required. If you’re traveling as a group, make sure everyone who plans to ride has the proper licence in hand.

Stop 1: Planinarski dom Putalj coffee and panoramic Split views

Your first scheduled pause is at Mountain Lodge Putalj (Planinarski dom Putalj). You’ll get about 20 minutes here with a coffee break and a photo stop, and admission is included for this stop.

What makes Putalj valuable isn’t just the coffee. It’s the reset button. Off-road days can blur together, but stepping onto a viewpoint gives you a sense of where you are above Split, how the sea sits against the coastline, and why the hills matter for the region’s vineyards and villages. If you like photos, this is one of your best chances to capture a wide view before the day gets dusty and active.

Practical tip: bring your camera ready. This is the kind of stop where you’ll want quick, frequent shots rather than one slow pose.

Stop 2: St. Michael Church in Lažan, surrounded by Zinfandel country

Next up is the medieval Church of St. Michael of Lažan. The visit is short—about 15 minutes—and admission is free.

This is a quiet, stone-and-time stop tucked into the Dalmatian hills. The key detail for the vibe is that you’re not visiting a church in isolation; you’re surrounded by vineyard country, which makes the spiritual-and-agricultural setting feel consistent with the wine theme. Even on a day full of motion, this short stop gives your body a chance to catch up and your brain a chance to shift gears.

Because it’s brief, it works well if your group likes history but doesn’t want to spend an hour reading plaques.

Stop 3: Stomorija Biblical Garden, the 1998 Pope John Paul II olive tree, and grape roots

The most story-heavy stop comes at Biblical Garden Stomorija, another 20-minute break with admission free. This garden includes the 12th-century Church of Our Lady of Stomorija and a plant collection connected to what’s mentioned in the Bible.

What you’ll likely remember most, though, is the wine connection. There’s a vineyard model showing original Kaštela grape varieties, including the ancestor of Zinfandel. That means the name you hear in wine discussions isn’t just a marketing label—it becomes a physical story you can point to.

One standout detail: the garden features an olive tree blessed by Pope John Paul II, who visited in 1998. That’s the kind of fact that makes a place feel important without needing a big museum building or a long lecture. It’s also a calm moment before you head to the winery, so you arrive with context rather than arriving hungry and confused.

The ride-by moment: Kaštel Vitturi and how castles shape the route

As you move along, you’ll ride past Kaštel Vitturi, a 16th-century Renaissance castle that once served as a noble family’s summer retreat. The tour doesn’t linger here like a museum stop, but it’s still a useful reminder that these hills held power and seasonal wealth long before modern tourism.

This matters because the quad ride isn’t only about speed. It’s about perspective. When you see structures like Kaštel Vitturi while you’re traveling through vineyard terrain, you understand why these areas were valued—views, breezes, and fertile land, all working together.

If your group is into photos, this is a good moment to be ready as the vehicle passes. Don’t assume there will be time for a deep stop.

Riding through Kozjak: excitement with a control-first feel

The riding portion takes you through the Kozjak area and the trail network around the hills above Split. The experience description also points toward themed trails connected to Tvrdava Klis, which fits with the general feel: you’re out on rougher terrain, but the stops and pacing keep the day from turning into a chaotic blur.

In practice, the ride feels exciting without going overboard. The way the day is structured—breaks at Putalj and later calm stops in religious and garden spaces—keeps the overall pace friendly. That’s a big deal if you’re riding with a mix of experience levels, because you want the fun without the feeling that someone is dragging or racing you.

Also: your guide handles group flow. One of the strongest strengths of this experience is that the guide tailors the day to what your group needs, which can make a huge difference if you’ve already ridden quads before or if you’re doing it for the first time.

Bedalov Winery: family viticulture, wine tasting, and a relaxed finish

Your final stop is Bedalov Winery, where you spend about 1 hour with admission included. This part of the day is more than a quick tasting counter. It’s framed as a celebration of family legacy and long-term viticulture, with two generations working side by side.

That family focus changes the tone. Instead of feeling like a generic stop, it feels like you’re being brought into a working rhythm—vineyard to the table (or at least to the tasting experience). The atmosphere is warm and intimate, which is exactly what you want after a dusty ride.

Wine and food round out the finale. The tasting experience includes an excellent wine selection, plus small tapas-style snacks. The combination is practical: you’ve been moving for hours, and this is when the day becomes comfortable and enjoyable rather than just active.

Best of all, this winery visit ties back to what you saw earlier. You’ve learned about Kaštela varieties and the Zinfandel roots connection, so the tasting doesn’t feel random. It feels like a payoff.

Quads, guides, and the kind of care that makes a tour feel trustworthy

A quad tour stands or falls on the basics: the machines, the guide, and how well they handle real-life surprises. Here, the quad quality gets strong praise, with people noting that the ATVs are in great condition.

The guides also seem to operate in a calm, human way. You’re not just following; you’re being guided. Expect water during the ride and coffee during the Putalj break, which helps keep the energy up. Guides also pick good photo spots and share local facts that make the scenery feel less random.

One reason this tour feels genuinely reassuring: the guide support goes beyond the standard script. There’s an example of a group member dealing with an injury from earlier that had nothing to do with quad biking, and the guide provided painkillers and even helped arrange calls with a local physio for a massage. That doesn’t mean you should treat a vacation as a medical scenario, but it shows how seriously the team takes care and problem-solving.

Price and value: what $162.21 buys you in a half-afternoon

At $162.21 per person, you’re paying for a lot of moving parts in one package: a private quad adventure, dedicated guide time, and multiple included stops. The key value point is that you’re not only riding. You’re also paying for entry where required (Mountain Lodge Putalj ticket and the winery admission), while church and garden admissions are free for your listed stops.

Then there’s the experiential value of the finale. A full 1-hour winery experience with tasting and snacks is typically where tour prices spike—so having that included, rather than tacked on later, makes the total feel more balanced.

Private format matters too. Since it’s a private tour/activity for your group only, you avoid the awkward crowd-management that can dilute the fun on shared tours. If your group is even modest in size, the per-person price can feel like a fair deal for the time and variety you get.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is ideal for adventurous couples and friend groups who want action and variety. If you like scenic viewpoints, short history stops, and a winery finish that connects to a specific wine story, you’re going to enjoy the structure.

It’s also a good fit if you care about having a guide who adjusts to your group’s needs. The day is paced so you can experience the ride without feeling like you’re stuck in one long adrenaline stretch.

Who might consider another option: people who don’t have a valid driver licence, or anyone who isn’t comfortable with an off-road ATV day. Even though the pace includes breaks, this is still a ride through uneven terrain and hills.

Should you book the Split/Kaštela Zinfandel Roots ATV adventure?

If you want one memorable plan that mixes Kozjak views, medieval church moments, the Stomorija plant-and-grape exhibits, and a solid winery tasting at Bedalov, this tour has a strong, coherent theme. It’s not just a ride; it’s a route where the wine story makes sense by the time you pour.

Book it if your timing works with the 5:00 pm start and you’ll be there for good weather. The experience depends on weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Skip it if you’d rather spend your time in Split on foot without quads, or if you’re traveling without the ability to drive.

FAQ

Do I need a driver licence for this ATV tour?

Yes. A valid driver licence is required for the experience.

How long is the Split/Kaštela quad adventure?

It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What parts of the tour include tickets or admissions?

Admission ticket is included for the Mountain Lodge Putalj stop and for the Bedalov Winery stop. The St. Michael Church and the Biblical Garden Stomorija stops are free.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.