Dubrovnik Homeland War Private Tour

Absolutely outstanding tour - our guide Vlaho explained the very complex background to the conflict in a very clear and engaging way and then took us through the key events of the siege and the key locations in the city. Hearing this from someone who had lived through the siege and participated in the defence of the city really gave us goosebumps. We could not recommend this tour more highly to anyone who wants to properly understand the lead up, the events of and the aftermath of the siege..

One of the best tours my wife and I have ever been on! Mato, our tour guide, truly gave us a personalized experience that we will never forget. First, for him sharing his personal stories regarding his and his friends/families experience in the homeland war was breathtaking. those experiences are not easy to recant, but we truly appreciate him being open, honest, and being willing to share with us. We will not forget the stories he told as they were incredibly moving and descriptive. Much more than you ever be able to experience on your own. M 2nd, this tour was not just about the homeland war (in the best way). it was a cohesive experience of the entire history of Dubrovnik, even throwing in game of thrones, and Croatia as a whole. He personalized our experience for the things we were interested in. Plus even walking in the old city with him you can tell how well he knew the city, but also how respected and loved he was from the other citizens we encountered. If you are considering any history, GOT, homeland, old city, ANY tour in Dubrovnik - look no further, this is the one to book. Thank you Mato!

Vlaho was our knowledgeable and passionate guide who gave us a much deeper awareness about the travesty of what happened in Dubrovnik and the Balkans in the 1990’s. While visiting the massive Dubrovnik walls as a tourist is impressive, the activity is hollow without having an understanding of the many faces of Dubrovnik’s history, expertly woven together by Vlaho: from early times through to the Ottoman Empire’s threat, to the golden years of the Dubrovnik Republic, to Napoleon’s rule, Austrian rule, Tito’s Yugoslavia, and finally the splintering of the region into individual states in the 1990’s. Vlaho himself fought to preserve Dubrovnik’s and Croatia’s independence, and his story is fresh like yesterday. We started at the top of Mount Srd, where we could see how this vantage point was critical to saving Dubrovnik from being overrun by the enemy. As we learned about the devastation of lives and the town, we felt a great measure of sadness for what people and this great city had to endure just 30 years ago at the hands of the aggressors. It is people like Vlaho that make sure these memories are never forgotten. Vlaho also took us through the old town, pointing out historical highlights as well as sharing guidance for other suggested activities during our stay. Being guided by him on our very first day in Dubrovnik set the stage brilliantly for the rest of our trip! Highly, highly recommend!

Excellent guide having firsthand experience of the Dubrovnik Homeland War. Personal and thought provoking. Even my 14 year old son was soaking in all the information and said he could feel it in his heart. Could not have asked for more. Thank you and fully recommend this tour.

My wife and I have gone on Battlefield tours around the world and this by far was one of the best and most unique. We have never taken a Battlefield tour with a veteran who had fought at the site. Vlaho was super professional and explained to us the very complex nature of the war at that time and how it impacted the soldiers and the civilians of Dubrovnik. I would highly recommend this tour to truly appreciate what Croatia did to gain their independence and the sacrifices their soldiers and citizens made.

Vlaho was an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. He provided a thorough insight into all of the history behind the conflict. We had refreshments at the Veterans cafe which was very welcome as it was very warm and also this helps the cafe. The tour was also very well organised and structured.

Excellent and attentive tour guide. He spent a lot of time with us patiently answering our many questions. Really added a new dimension to our visit to Dubrovnik. Highly recommended if you want more than just the standard tourist experience of the city.

This was an excellent tour, with the history of Dubrovnik interweaved with poignant and personal stories of the seven month siege of the city during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991-1992. The tour starts at the east gate and meanders through the whole of the city, ending at the west gate. It was well worth our time and we highly recommend this tour.