Touch Brač: Dry Stone Wall Stories
A Five-Day Journey into Brač Stone Heritage
Discover the island of Brač through its iconic stone, centuries old dry stone walls, olive groves and landscapes shaped by millennia of human perseverance.
Touch Brač: Stone Stories is a unique five-day experience designed for anyone who wants to explore one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable cultural traditions, the art of dry stone walling.
Over five days filled with new experiences and learning in great company, you’ll discover Brač’s rich stonemasonry heritage, learn the story behind the world-famous Brač stone, visit some of the island’s most fascinating locations, and take part in restoring an authentic dry stone wall in a centuries-old organic olive grove.
Guided by experienced local craftsmen, you’ll learn traditional building techniques that require no mortar or cement but only carefully selected stone, skill and patience. No previous experience is required.
Really all you need is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to experience Brač in an authentic and meaningful way.
Day 1 – Welcome to the Island of Stone
Arrival on Brač and check-in to your accommodation.
Welcome Dinner
Your experience begins with a relaxed welcome dinner in a traditional setting.
While enjoying authentic local cuisine you will meet your hosts, instructors and fellow participants. This will be an opportunity to learn about locations and details of the plan for each workshop.
Day 2 – Discover Brač’s Stone Heritage
After breakfast, you’ll spend the day exploring the island’s renowned stone masonry tradition.
Visit to an Active Stone Quarry
The day begins with a visit to one of the active limestone quarries near Dračevica and Donji Humac.
Here you’ll learn about:
- the geological origins of Brač limestone and what makes it special and superior to other limestone in the area
- modern quarrying techniques
- the processing of extracting stone blocks
- the use of Brač stone in famous architectural landmarks across the world
Jakšić Gallery and Stone Workshop
Our next stop is visit to the renowned Jakšić family, one of Croatias most respected stonemasonry galleries. This is truly unique place where paintings, sculptures, architectural pieces and even semi precious stone jewelry showcase amazing artistic talent and island stone traditions.
Stone Carving Workshop in Dol
In the afternoon, we head to the charming eco-ethno village of Dol.
After spending some time with Jakšić family and learning how they create magic it is time for some hands-on experience. This time you will pick up a hammer and chisel and do some work, all while learning the basic techniques of traditional stone carving under expert guidance.
A light and well deserved lunch will be served at the workshop so you can rest and reflect on your work.
This session also provides a deeper understanding of the material you’ll be working with during the dry stone wall workshop over the following days.
Dinner is served in a traditional tavern in the village of Dol.
Day 3 – The Art of Dry Stone Walling
After breakfast, we walk to the organic olive grove of Portus Olivae, just twenty minutes from the beautiful Sutivan port.
Here begins the heart of the program, dry walling workshop.
Working alongside experienced dry wall masters, you’ll discover:
- the history of dry stone walling on Brač
- why this traditional craft is protected as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- how to select and prepare stone
- dry wall construction techniques
- how stability is achieved without mortar
- traditional building methods that have shaped Mediterranean landscapes for centuries
Together, participants will help restore an authentic Brač dry stone wall. Easier said than done, your gained knowledge will be put to true test.
Lunch in the Olive Grove
Lunch is served in the shade of olive trees, surrounded by peaceful Mediterranean scenery and some roaming sheep.
The afternoon continues with practical work, plenty of time for conversation, learning and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the olive grove.
The day concludes with a relaxed outdoor dinner among the olive trees, all accompanied by some local herbal and fruit grappa of course.
Day 4 – Completing the Dry Stone Wall & Discovering the Flavors of Brač
After breakfast, we return to Portus Olivae to complete the restoration of the dry wall. After we spend some time admiring our work done the day before, we will have chance to reflect on what has been done and make plan to finish up.
Working together, we will complete the wall and leave a lasting contribution to Brač’s cultural landscape for centuries to come.
Olive Oil Tasting
Once the wall is completed, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of premium organic extra virgin olive oil, learning about local olive-growing traditions and production methods.
Lunch is served in the olive grove.
This can also be hands on experience if you wish to participate in lunch making and learning how to make local dish. If not, simply relax and enjoy Dalmatian hospitality at its finest.
Cultural Walk Through Sutivan
Later in the afternoon, we’ll explore the picturesque village of Sutivan. You are sure to see the architecture with newly acquired admiration for stone work and detail.
A leisurely guided walk introduces the history, charming stone architecture, picturesque harbor and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Farewell Dinner
What is visit to Sutivan without dinner by the sea? We will conclude the program with a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant on Sutivan’s waterfront.
Enjoy traditional Brač cuisine, locally produced wines and the presentation of participation certificates as we celebrate the end of an unforgettable week.
Day 5 – Until We Meet Again
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye, or as we like to say “till we meet again”.
You’ll return home with more than memories. You’ll leave with new friends, new skills, a deeper appreciation of Brač’s cultural heritage, unforgettable moments spent in nature, and the satisfaction of having helped preserve a centuries-old tradition with your own hands.
What’s Included
- Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast
- Welcome dinner
- Dinners listed in the program, including a farewell dinner with local wine tasting
- Lunches listed in the program
- Local transfers included in the itinerary
- Visit to an active stone quarry
- Visit to the Jakšić Gallery and workshop
- Traditional stone carving workshop in Dol
- Two-day dry wall workshop led by local craftsmen
- All tools and equipment provided
- Guided organic olive oil tasting
- Certificate of participation
More Than Just a Workshop
Touch Brač: Dry Stone Stories is much more than a dry wall workshop.
It is an immersive cultural experience that connects you with the landscapes, traditions and people of Brač.
Stone by stone, you’ll learn an ancient craft that has shaped the Mediterranean for centuries and continues to represent cooperation, patience and respect for nature.
Rather than taking home a souvenir from a gift shop, you’ll leave with something far more meaningful, small piece of art made by your own hands, new knowledge, practical skills, lasting memories, and the pride of knowing you’ve contributed to preserving a remarkable cultural heritage for future generations.