Private tour in Dubrovnik Tomislav M

Shadows of the Republic Tour

5.0

(14) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Tomislav M.

5.0

Guide rating

615

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, my name is Tomislav, or Tom for friends. Apart from being a licensed tourist guide for Dubrovnik region from 2007 and a lecturer in History of Dubrovnik class at local university, I am also a well-travelled person that has always enjoyed experiencing new exciting destinations, their history and local traditions. Since travelling is one of my passions, I have always had high respect for local advice and an 'insider insight' in local history, culture and traditions as an indispensable ingredient of a great holiday which enables the traveller to get the real feel of the destination; this was also one of the reasons why I decided to become a professional tourist guide. Although I'm featured on ToursByLocals only from 2013, I was able to make it to the list of TOP 10 busiest every year. In 2014 & 2015 I earned the title of the BUSIEST TOUR GUIDE, out of 1930 guides from 156 countries present on ToursByLocals. I am also the only guide from Dubrovnik and Croatia that ever made it to that list. I was born 45 years ago in Dubrovnik, a town in which I have spent most of my life, but which never ceases to amaze me. It is clear why the tourists, especially the first time visitors, become so enchanted with this medieval walled city; however most of them are unfortunately prone to overlook some of its most interesting and astonishing details. My aim is to provide the visitors with an intimate experience of Dubrovnik so they can truly understand and appreciate Dubrovnik's rich cocktail of history, architecture, art and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. My tours are generally conducted in an informal and laid back manner as I learned that the best way to feel the destination is to simply have fun while exploring. In case you have already visited Dubrovnik or you have a bit more time at your disposal, I would suggest venturing further in Dubrovnik surroundings. There are diverse possibilities for half day and full day trips in the near vicinity of Dubrovnik and I will be happy to assist you in compiling a perfect tailor-made itinerary. IMPORTANT: I may still be available even on days marked UNAVAILABLE depending on your preferred timing for the tour. Therefore, it is best to contact me and check my availability directly. - Licensed Tourist Guide for Dubrovnik region from 2007 - member of Dubrovnik Tourist Guide Association - B.A. degree in Foreign Trade at University of Split - M.A. degree in International Relations & Diplomacy at Dubrovnik International University - part-time lecturer at DIU university (specialized in History of Dubrovnik & the Balkans) - certified sommelier - genuine Game of Thrones/Song of Ice and Fire fan No restrictions

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Tomislav M.

Overview of your Dubrovnik tour

This tour is designed for clients that have already visited the Old Town of Dubrovnik and would like to learn more about the life and leisure of the aristocrats that used to govern the Dubrovnik Republic as well as to find out where was the main source of the Republic's power and prosperity produced and how was it protected. Our first stop will be the Arboretum of Trsteno, a 500-year-old former aristocratic estate which houses more than 450 species of diverse plant life, making it the biggest and the oldest monument of garden architecture in Croatia. After that, the tour takes us to the Peljesac peninsula, a strategically important piece of territory that the Dubrovnik Republic acquired in the 14th century. The vicinity of a valuable natural resource, the ancient salt pans, has made the Republic establish the two towns of Ston and Mali Ston. The towns were connected and encompassed by a massive 5. 5-km-long wall in order to protect them from treacherous Venetian obstructions and the invading Ottoman army.

Recent Reviews

Sharon S.United States
September 2025

Fun and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended

Kathleen D.United States
October 2024

We had an absolutely wonderful day of touring with Tom! He is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his stunningly beautiful country and its extensive and complex history. Throughout our planning, Tom was consistently responsive and accessible — which are rare qualities these days. He listened to our requests and preferences, and customized the perfect day for us in Dubrovnik. In a day filled with highlights, we especially loved our hike over the 15th century wall from Mali Ston to Ston, which was spectacular. Thank you, Tom, for an unforgettable day!

Tyler G.United States
October 2021

Tom is a fantastic guide. He took us to places most tourists will not see and arranged for us to have absolutely unique experiences that the average tourist does not have. The weather was not cooperating and he was prepared with umbrellas and changes in the tour to accommodate. We cannot say enough good things about Tom!

Jim W.
October 2019

Hope to do this again soon... Thanks, Tom

Joe Z.Canada
June 2018

We have used ToursByLocals many times before in various countries and have always had a great experience. This however had to be the best tour ever. Tom introduced us to some wonderful people at a small winery and again for lunch at a restaurant he recommended. They were all very hospitable and genuine. Tom has a real passion for Croatia and likes to share it. He was totally accommodating to fulfill our wishes even though it made the tour run longer. He didn't care as he was having as much fun as us.

Larry L.United States
May 2018

Tom was an exceptional guide. Starting with excellent correspondence and answering all my questions. He arranged a larger van for our group of ten. He speaks English well. He is a teacher and historian so is a wealth of knowledge. He planned a wonderful itinerary for the day and was patient, accommodating and eager to share his experiences. He enjoys his job and it shows. I'd give Tom 6 stars if it was possible.

Your Dubrovnik tour itinerary

Here's the proposed itinerary (with possible options) - pick up at the desired location in Dubrovnik - drive to the Trsteno Arboretum, tour around the exotic gardens of the Arboretum - drive along the panoramic road above Dubrovnik hinterland (dating back to Napoleonic times!) - optional break for oyster tasting. Although Ston is widely known for its monumental long walls and ecological salt production, the gourmet crowd usually prefers it for two reasons: wine and shellfish. The Peljesac peninsula is home to some of the finest Croatian red wines and you can find a wide variety of high-quality shellfish, out of which the Ston oysters have the reputation of being the best in Croatia. - arrival to Mali Ston, smaller of two towns, tour around town with optional coffee break - arrival to Ston (either by crossing over the monumental wall that connects the two cities or by car - whatever you prefer) - tour around the town, optional lunch break - optional wine taste

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Transport is arranged in a medium sized air conditioned vehicle (Suzuki S-Cross SUV). It can comfortably fit four persons, however should you require more legroom (or there are more people in the group than four) then a larger vehicle (minivan/minibus) can be arranged for an extra charge.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance tickets to Trsteno Arboretum
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Tickets for the Ston walls are not included in the price. Due to the height and steepness of some parts of the walls, clients may decide whether to climb them or not. It is also possible to add wine or oyster tasting to this itinerary and sample some of these exquisite local delicacies with a minor change of the touring order.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia

Please advise the exact accommodation address so that I can advise the most suitable meeting point for the tour. The tour can start at any of the points within the municipality of Dubrovnik.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Food And Drink
Day Trip
Tour reference number
63016
Languages
English
Italian
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Dubrovnik best suited for?

This private tour in Dubrovnik is ideal for travellers who have already explored the Old Town and are eager to delve deeper into the history and lifestyle of the aristocrats who governed the Dubrovnik Republic. It's perfect for those interested in garden architecture, historical fortifications, and local delicacies like wine and shellfish. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Dubrovnik suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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