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active 9 hours ago

Ivan Cosic

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 is part of the following groups: Croatia Travel Agents, Croatia Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Ivan

Our trip overall was great. Our guide on Hvar...
Croatia | Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2026

Randy
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

J
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

D
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... Read more

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
Irini Luxury Rooms
Split
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
Hvar
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Marko Polo Hotel
Korcula
Authenticity & Character
Location
Near every thing
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lero
Dubrovnik

All good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to everything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hvar Wine Tasting Excursion
Hvar Wine Tasting Excursion
Hvar
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Hvar
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Pennington Croatian Holiday
Croatia | Sep 1 - Sep 10, 2026

Regina
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! Read more

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
Hotel Porto
Dubrovnik
Pharos Hvar Hotel
Hvar
Irini Luxury Rooms
Split
Manda Heritage Hotel
Zagreb
Activity Reviews
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Day Trip to Montenegro
Day Trip to Montenegro
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Kayaking Adventure
Dubrovnik Kayaking Adventure
Dubrovnik
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Hvar
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Zagreb - walking food tour!
Zagreb - walking food tour!
Zagreb
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Really enjoyed Darko!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Best of Croatia Tour
Croatia | Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2026

Jennifer
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... Read more

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
Split Walking Food Tour
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.
Transport
Walking tour.
Private Day Trip to Cavtat & Family Farm Day for Traditional Lunch or Dinner
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.

Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Our time in Croatia
Croatia | Aug 19 - Aug 29, 2026

Tony
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! Read more

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
Irini Luxury Rooms
Split

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel A'mare
Zadar

Location was within walking distance to the old town. Staff friendly, breakfast fantastic! Rooms were a little small but clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Porto
Dubrovnik

Hotel is in a nice area close to the old city and restaurants. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Kim Kim was great again. Thx Ivan and Sarah
Croatia | Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2026

Michael
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...
Read more

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
Palace Elisabeth
Hvar

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in the middle of Hvar town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Croatia
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lumbarda wine tasting tour with local snacks
Lumbarda wine tasting tour with local snacks
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Sarah and Ivan were terrific! Able to add las...
Croatia | Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2026

K
Karen D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026
Sarah and Ivan were terrific! Able to add last minute details and updates and very accessible Read more

Sarah and Ivan were terrific! Able to add last minute details and updates and very accessible

Activity Reviews
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lumbarda wine tasting tour with local snacks
Lumbarda wine tasting tour with local snacks
Korčula
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Sarah and Ivan were absolutely incredible and...
Croatia | Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2026

Seth
Seth D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026

Sarah and Ivan were absolutely incredible and available at any given time within minutes.
Best experience ever!

Local specialist: Ivan Cosic

Helpful and reactive to our needs, even better if alternatives were provided for those who couldn't keep up!
Croatia | Jul 25 - Jul 27, 2026

V
vinlee m.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2026
As a traveller with a group of 20 (where we were a couple with a 1 year old baby), I found the trip itself to be well organised with good options for a group of our size. Special shout out to our guide who took us round the Split Diocletian's palace. She was outstanding with her storytelling and humour. Very engaging given we were already exhausted from an afteroon at the Plitvices National Park! The choice of restaurants were mostly good with some absolutely exceptional experiences like... Read more

As a traveller with a group of 20 (where we were a couple with a 1 year old baby), I found the trip itself to be well organised with good options for a group of our size. Special shout out to our guide who took us round the Split Diocletian's palace. She was outstanding with her storytelling and humour. Very engaging given we were already exhausted from an afteroon at the Plitvices National Park!

The choice of restaurants were mostly good with some absolutely exceptional experiences like the private tour around the island of Hvar with dinner at a restaurant with outstanding food and views of the setting sun!

There were many exceptional experiences and if I had one area of improvement, it would be that it was far too much to navigate as a couple with a young baby. We would have valued advice and alternative options before going on the trip so we could choose what would be possible to do with a baby.

For example, we struggled to enjoy the travel via Mostar (having to go through 2 border controls on a bus journey while managing baby feeds, changes and naps) and would have preferred not having to deal with the mulitple check ins and check outs where we were often having to deal with being outside at the hottest time of the day! It's worth checking if the itinerary is suitable for one's specific needs. We had to cancel one of the hiking excursions towards the end of the trip when we finally learned that it was probably going to push all of our exhaustion levels too far! Which was a real shame as we could have dropped something else and done a lovely hike up to the Dubrovnik viewing point for a sunset view.

Having said that, the person our group lead interacted with was quick to respond to feedback and offer changes to the itinerary like when we realised the walk from a ferry to the Hvar hotel was not tenable for our group, they arranged for transport when we needed to make the return journey back. It just made the trip a little less enjoyable than I could have been.

All in all, we'd probably use the services again but I would double check that the itinerary works for specific needs and feedback before fixing the itinerary.

Hotel Reviews
Pharos Hvar Hotel
Hvar

Way too far from the beach and a really tough walk up to it, especially for a couple carrying a baby in the hot sun before check-in. They were unable to do early check-in either and given how far it was, we were stuck hanging out there for a few hours as it was too much trouble to walk back to the water front. Not the greatest breakfast and the room was ridiculously small given we were a couple with a baby. No cot provided and shower was so small, there was no way I could get away with safely bathing the baby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They didn't know if they had a nappy change facility and the phone in the room wasn't working to ask for help with getting our luggage back to the lobby on check-out!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was far too small to be comfortable.
Hotel Corner
Split

Brilliant room and decent breakfast. Wish we could have stayed for longer! Staff were incredibly helpful, providing us with warm milk for baby and the lobby was beautiful. Brilliant grand piano!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance from centre of Split
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ivka
Dubrovnik

Brilliant room and amazing breakfast. Very helpful staff who were responsive and supportive to our specific needs with a 1 year old baby as well.

Authenticity & Character
For a group of our size, we couldn't get an authentic hotel but this one worked well
Location
Being on a road with lots of cars makes it a bit noisy if windows are open (having a balcony was great but we didn't use it often)
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hvar Island Tour With lunch
Hvar Island Tour With lunch
Hvar

Outstanding experience, was so nice to have the personal touches from the guide meeting his dad and having a drink. The restaurant was the highlight!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split

Favourite tour of the entire trip! Huge kudos to the guide. She was funny, guided our group well (although we had become smaller than Dubrovnik because some people dropped out as the morning at Plitvic Lakes was exhausting) and dropped us off at the restaurant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dubrovnik to Split via Mostar
Dubrovnik to Split via Mostar
Croatia

Not the highlight of the trip. We landed in the heat of the sun along with bus load of tourists. The cobble stone streets made it impossible to navigate with a pram and it was hot and uncomfortable to carry our baby. Depending on the shoes one is wearing, the bridge can be slippery and it was crowded so felt really dangerous with a baby in arms. Overall, this one I could easily have missed as I don't think we really got a good experience of a lovely old town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was nice of the restaurant guys to let me change the baby on a sofa in their inner air-conditioned space.
Transport
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia

Dubrovnik is lovely and the guide was lovely. One thing that didn't work too well was the audio connection. It was a bit difficult to fully hear her above the noise in the town. Might have preferred this being in the evening under cooler and quieter conditions for the group to experience it fully.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split

OMG! This needed a full day. Probably would be slightly better if done outside of the tourist season but still an amazing experience. And it's a cooler place so the heat wasn't too bad even though we were walking around at the hottest time of the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Mostar
Day Trip to Mostar
Croatia

The time taken to get there, via 2 border control crossings and having to navigate cobblestone steps in the heat of the mid-day sun with a 1 year old made this an experience I don't full remember cause we were just trying to find our way from one side of Mostar to the other.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boating Excursion to the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik + Fresh Fish Lunch
Boating Excursion to the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik + Fresh Fish Lunch
Dubrovnik

Absolutely outstanding experience. Great to go to the islands and have fresh food cooked for us on the boat. Lovely amount of time to relax on a beach and get into the water. Good fun getting back with a thunderstorm chasing us. Made for a bit of an adventure although I would have hated it if the thunderstorm had caught up with us!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic