I was born in the small town of Tomislavgrad in Bosnia & Herzegovina, but moved to Zagreb, Croatia, as a child when the war began in the early nineties. I love showing people how far this region has come since that time, and my goal is give our guests an incredible, local experience of the country, and for them to see a side of Croatia that most tourists never see. I also love traveling with my family all around Croatia, discovering new places, things to see, and engaging in authentic experiences that we can then offer our guests.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in trips throughout Croatia (as well as day trips / overnights to surrounding countries like Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro). We offer plenty of activities, both private and small-group according to your preferences. Whether you like to hike, bike, boat around the islands, try new food, interact with locals, do some wine or truffle tasting, or have a local guide give you a historical walking tour, we've got you covered."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I first started working in travel while I was a law student at the University of Zagreb. I accompanied groups on hiking trips throughout Croatia in the summers, and loved interacting with travelers and showing them the beauty of this country. After working several years in the field of law, I decided I wanted to pursue tourism instead, so my wife and I started our small travel company, Royal Croatian Tours, and the rest is history. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"After completing my degree, I took some time to travel around Canada and the States. This was the first time I'd been outside of Europe and everything was very different. I was with Sarah (then girlfriend, now wife), and we stayed in several different cities, but when we were in Washington D.C., we stayed with a local that we met through couch-surfing. Having a local to get all the inside info about a certain place was one of the best experiences - he took us to his favorite spots, we met his friends, we felt like family by the end of it and we still keep in touch today. "
Ivan's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Recent trip reviews for Ivan
We had an amazing trip to Croatia! The food ...
Croatia
|
Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2026
Susan U.
Denver, CO
| Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026
We had an amazing trip to Croatia! The food and the people were incredible!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
We really enjoyed our trip to Croatia.
Croatia
|
Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2026
David S.
Cornelius, NC, USA
| Reviewed on Oct 16, 2026
We really enjoyed our trip to Croatia. Has been on our list for a long time and KimKim helped make sure it did not disappoint. The trip was well planned and the logistics made it easy. virtually all the local guides were fantastic and had lots of knowledge to share. Great driver and transport throughout. Ivan was the key to making it all happen. Would recommend him and KimKim and we believe we got great value for our spend.
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Croatia is a great destination .
Croatia
|
Sep 21 - Oct 4, 2026
Nancy M.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Oct 08, 2026
We loved Rovinj, Plitvice lakes but really loved everything. Food tour in Zagreb was great, Boat ride to Hvar and swimming in Brac were great. Everything was great and the weather cooperated.
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We loved Rovinj, Plitvice lakes but really loved everything. Food tour in Zagreb was great, Boat ride to Hvar and swimming in Brac were great. Everything was great and the weather cooperated.
Hotel Reviews
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel
Hvar
This hotel is in a fabulous location, has been remodeled, has helpful staff and is a great place to stay to see Hvar.
Authenticity & Character
Recently remodeled with spacious rooms
Staff
Helpful. Even stood in line with our luggage while we had breakfast before we the ferry.
We only stayed here one night but it was a great hotel with nice amenities
This hotel was our only disappointment in a wonderful trip. When we checked in, we were shown to the annex in the back through a dark alley, we climbed the first set of stairs and then another steep set of stairs and arrived in a room that was only big enough for a bed. When we needed to walk down the stairs, there was no motion light or switch so the first part of our descent was in darkness. The staff was friendly, we loved Rovinj but our stay could have been a disaster.
Authenticity & Character
See above
Location
Location in one town is convenient
Cleanliness & Comfort
See above
Activity Reviews
Zagreb - walking food tour!
Zagreb
The was a fantastic introduction to Croatia. Hides combined history and a great food experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zagreb Leisure Day
Zagreb
We lived having free time in Zagreb to explore on our own.
Truffle hunting experience in Istria
Croatia
It was interesting and fun but hunting time was a bit short.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We walked to start hunt and walked so I can’t evaluate transport. There was an option to ride but we walked.
Free Day in Rovinj
Rovinj
Great. Loved having the day to explore.
Privately guided tour of Pula
Croatia
This was an interesting stop and good to have a guide to show us highlights and recommendation lunch spot.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar, Croatian Peka Lunch
Croatia
This was a fun excursion - different from being in town. We walked down , which I would recommend.
Food
The traditional peak lunch was delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to Lovčen National Park & Cetinje
Kotor
The drive up the mountain was spectacular.
Quality of Experience
Needed a guide in Cetinje. We didn’t know what to see in town besides monastery.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Someone who could have given us more insulin Cetinje.
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
We liked stopping at two islands, the chance to swim and see the beautiful scenery by boat
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Privately guided walking tour of Kotor
Kotor
We had a wonderful guide and we joyed this walking tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Our trip overall was great. Our guide on Hvar...
Croatia
|
Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2026
Randy G.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026
Our trip overall was great. Our guide on Hvar was a bit vague on the geography and history of the island.
On the other hand in Zagreb was amazing.
Ms. Broj Iskaznice provided the best full day tour we have ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable , well organized and flexible about accommodating our needs. You should use here for all of your guests.
Thank you Ivan,
Randall Grosberg
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Good days. Great Croatian trip
Croatia
|
Sep 1 - Sep 9, 2026
jennifer c.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Sep 15, 2026
Good day. The whole trip was a success and really wonderful. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and courteous and professional. Our bike and kayak hosts were great. Shared homemade wine and treats and were also knowledgeable in history! Our boat crew mates for the island hop were delightful and lots of knowledge as well. Everyone was great to us even the taxi guys. It was a great trip.
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Ivan did a fantastic job of listening to me a...
Croatia
|
Sep 1 - Sep 9, 2026
Debbie W.
Belgium
| Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026
Ivan did a fantastic job of listening to me and selecting activities that were fun and exciting. The drivers were professional, safe, operated clean vehicles, knowledgeable and always prompt. The tour guides (biking, kayaking, winery, guided walks) were very accommodating, service oriented, knowledgeable and comfortable to be with. The extras provided were always a nice surprise. The breakfasts in each hotel was delicious and had a huge selection to choose from. My first complaint is that the...
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Ivan did a fantastic job of listening to me and selecting activities that were fun and exciting. The drivers were professional, safe, operated clean vehicles, knowledgeable and always prompt. The tour guides (biking, kayaking, winery, guided walks) were very accommodating, service oriented, knowledgeable and comfortable to be with. The extras provided were always a nice surprise. The breakfasts in each hotel was delicious and had a huge selection to choose from. My first complaint is that the hotel in Korcula was a little warm and a little uncomfortable to sleep. I also heard another man complaining about this at the front desk. I also believe the towels were older and need to be replaced. I plan to look at a trip to Thailand for 8 people in November 2027 and hope to have the same great service that Ivan provided.
Hotel Reviews
Location
Close to everything.
Location
Near every thing
Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
Hvar
Activity Reviews
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Korčula
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Hvar
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hvar Wine Tasting Excursion
Hvar
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Pennington Croatian Holiday
Croatia
|
Sep 1 - Sep 10, 2026
Regina P.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026
The trip was great from planning all the way through implementation. The country is beautiful, the populace is friendly. All the guides were well-versed in their subject areas and were friendly, too. We especially enjoyed Darko, Zoran, and Daniel. The accommodations were enjoyable Noteworthy were the KimKim reps Ivan and Sarah who were exceptionally responsive to our every inquiry. They were the best. We WILL use KimKim again!
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The trip was great from planning all the way through implementation. The country is beautiful, the populace is friendly. All the guides were well-versed in their subject areas and were friendly, too. We especially enjoyed Darko, Zoran, and Daniel. The accommodations were enjoyable Noteworthy were the KimKim reps Ivan and Sarah who were exceptionally responsive to our every inquiry. They were the best. We WILL use KimKim again!
Hotel Reviews
Manda Heritage Hotel
Zagreb
Activity Reviews
Zagreb - walking food tour!
Zagreb
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Really enjoyed Darko!
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Hvar
Dubrovnik Kayaking Adventure
Dubrovnik
Day Trip to Montenegro
Dubrovnik
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Best of Croatia Tour
Croatia
|
Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2026
Jennifer P.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026
Knowing nothing about Croatia and having heard wonderful comments, we visited for a week following an eclipse trip to Spain. Kimkim worked with Royal Croatia Tours to organize an efficient trip over one week. We stayed in Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and Zadar along the Adriatic Shore, with day visits to Cavtat and Sibenek. We traveled by ferry and private car. There's no train service. This region's history is fascinating, from pre-Common Era to date. Dubrovnik's Old City and Split's Roman...
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Knowing nothing about Croatia and having heard wonderful comments, we visited for a week following an eclipse trip to Spain. Kimkim worked with Royal Croatia Tours to organize an efficient trip over one week. We stayed in Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and Zadar along the Adriatic Shore, with day visits to Cavtat and Sibenek. We traveled by ferry and private car. There's no train service. This region's history is fascinating, from pre-Common Era to date. Dubrovnik's Old City and Split's Roman Palace were most engrossing. The hotels were all excellent, comfortable and located close to walkable destinations. All our drivers spoke excellent English, and were personable and well informed. We had good support from Ivan and Sarah, with Royal Croatia Tours. For instance, we had a boat trip cancel due to weather. They immediately refunded that cost. Cafes and gelato shops are plentiful and Croatian wine is very good. Croatia is working hard to build up its international reputation as a visitor destination, and the hospitality of its people is obvious. If you enjoy beaches, water sports, and historic sites, Croatia is a treasure.
Activity Reviews
Private Day Trip to Cavtat & Family Farm Day for Traditional Lunch or Dinner
Croatia
Our driver and guide, Doris, was a pleasure. While she was a consummate professional, she was also personable and entertaining. She accompanied us to the little beach town of Cavtat and lunch at a family farm. It was a customized visit and we enjoyed the food, tastings and venue very much.
Split Walking Food Tour
Split
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide met us promptly and provided an informative tour of the historic parts of town and the Roman Palace. We stopped at four or five cafes to sample the good croatian wine, small bites, entree and pasta courses. Croatian meals are similar to other Mediterranean countries. In addition to the food part of the tour, we learned a great deal about the construction of the huge Roman Palace, and what many subsequent regimes have done in the area.
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Our time in Croatia
Croatia
|
Aug 19 - Aug 29, 2026
Tony B.
Seattle, WA
| Reviewed on Sep 05, 2026
Our local specialist, Ivan, was extremely helpful, responsive and polite. Our guides and drivers were fun, professional and full of knowledge. We had several interesting day trips from our host cities of Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. Overall the trip was fantastic!
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Our local specialist, Ivan, was extremely helpful, responsive and polite. Our guides and drivers were fun, professional and full of knowledge. We had several interesting day trips from our host cities of Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. Overall the trip was fantastic!
Hotel Reviews
Hotel is in a nice area close to the old city and restaurants. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Location was within walking distance to the old town. Staff friendly, breakfast fantastic! Rooms were a little small but clean.
Great location, great owner and wonderful staff. The self check-in was easy and there was great communication with the owner and staff. The rooms were a good size. The only thing I didn't like was that they did not offer daily make up service for your room.
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Kim Kim was great again. Thx Ivan and Sarah
Croatia
|
Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2026
Michael S.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026
We had used kimkim on a whim on our last trip when we went to Spain and Mallorca. We were very impressed about the excursions that were arranged in the seamless activities.
We then used kimkim again on our current trip to Croatia. Ivan and Sara were our local experts. They work with us to create a wonderful trip of Croatia and the Dalmatian coast. All of our pick ups and transfers were set up perfectly without waiting. From the airport shuttles to the drives to the excursions. The driver was...
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We had used kimkim on a whim on our last trip when we went to Spain and Mallorca. We were very impressed about the excursions that were arranged in the seamless activities.
We then used kimkim again on our current trip to Croatia. Ivan and Sara were our local experts. They work with us to create a wonderful trip of Croatia and the Dalmatian coast. All of our pick ups and transfers were set up perfectly without waiting. From the airport shuttles to the drives to the excursions. The driver was always there promptly.
In split, we had a wonderful walking tour with, Jenna? We then took a fantastic boat tour that lasted all day with. Scopa. The boat was adequate size, well shaded from the sun, and we were taken around Brac and Milne, and ending up with a very great munch spot in Hvar.
The hotels in split and Hvar were top-notch. We did a really nice bike tour and finished up with a local wine tasting.
In Korchula, we did a wonderful kayaking, excursion with Boris and (forgot our great guides name) our guide was very knowledgeable. What I liked about the kayaking excursion was that the winds picked up and the two of them were able to pivot and allow us to finish our kayak excursion with the wind at our back.
In Dubrovnik, we had a very well-informed guide by the name of Anna who took us through the city. Also, we had a spectacular bike tour with Adrienne. What was special about that tour is that Adrienne took us into his house? Let us try some of the fruit that was growing in his backyard, including his grapes and then gave us a couple of bottles of his home made wine.
Well, all, it was a well planned vacation, seamless pick ups, very personalized excursions. Ivan and Sarah did a wonderful job and planning this adventure. We would definitely use kimkim again for our next vacation.
Hotel Reviews
Spectacular hotel. Very elegant. Initially place in a really undesirable w room. #201. It was a very small room really designed in a weird way to accommodate handicapped people. The next night they moved us to a beautiful room.
Location
Right in the middle of Hvar town
Tara's Lodge Hotel
Korčula
This is a great beach hotel that sits in a cove on a sandy beach. It’s not elegant, but it’s comfortable. The air-conditioning works great. The view is excellent because everybody has a view of the water.
Activity Reviews
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Croatia
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Korčula
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lumbarda wine tasting tour with local snacks
Korčula
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
