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
Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Iv...
Croatia
|
Oct 9 - Nov 3, 2025
Colleen P.
San Jose, CA
| Reviewed on Dec 08, 2025
Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Ivan and Sarah!
We travel a lot, and the more we travel, the more we get particular about what we like and want our vacations to be. On our trip to Croatia and Slovenia, it was as if Ivan and Sarah could read our minds. From every excursion to every driver, we were so delighted by the experience as much as the staff. You can tell a lot about people, by the people and vendors they choose to work with and based on this trip, I can tell that they are...
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Hard to even describe the wonderfulness of Ivan and Sarah!
We travel a lot, and the more we travel, the more we get particular about what we like and want our vacations to be. On our trip to Croatia and Slovenia, it was as if Ivan and Sarah could read our minds. From every excursion to every driver, we were so delighted by the experience as much as the staff. You can tell a lot about people, by the people and vendors they choose to work with and based on this trip, I can tell that they are amazing humans, never mind great travel agents. Their responsiveness during planning was outdone by their responsiveness during the trip, when you really need it the most! We felt like we could ask them anything at any time and they would reply so quickly and help us with anything we needed. Thank you so much for all of your help, your kindness and your attentiveness, it felt like we were working with friends!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Thank you for one of the best trips! It was g...
Croatia
|
Oct 9 - Nov 3, 2025
todd f.
San Jose, CA
| Reviewed on Dec 08, 2025
Thank you for one of the best trips! It was great mix of activities to see Croatia and Slovenia.
Amazing guides, wonderful sailing trip, the cooking class was highlight!!! The Peka meals were so delicious that I'm trying to duplicate this at home!!! I can go on and on about this trip! Please use Ivan and Sara for you adventure into Croatia and Slovenia and more!!!!!!
Read more
Thank you for one of the best trips! It was great mix of activities to see Croatia and Slovenia.
Amazing guides, wonderful sailing trip, the cooking class was highlight!!! The Peka meals were so delicious that I'm trying to duplicate this at home!!! I can go on and on about this trip! Please use Ivan and Sara for you adventure into Croatia and Slovenia and more!!!!!!
Activity Reviews
Visit the magnificent Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Ljubljana
Day Trip to Lake Bled & Castle
Croatia
Day Trip to Groznjan and Motovun
Croatia
Zagreb - walking food tour!
Zagreb
Free Day in Rovinj
Rovinj
Truffle Hunting in Istria
Croatia
Private day trip to Sibenik & Trogir
Croatia
Croatian Cooking Class
Split
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar, Croatian Peka Lunch
Croatia
Dubrovnik - Leisure Day
Dubrovnik
Private Day Trip to Cavtat & Family Farm Day for Traditional Lunch or Dinner
Croatia
Private sailing charter
Croatia
Dubrovnik Food Tour
Dubrovnik
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Sarah & Ivan: Spectacular Hosts
Croatia
|
Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2025
Rene Elias M.
Miami, FL
| Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
To begin with, it is of utmost importance to mention that Sarah and Ivan were nothing short of spectacular hosts.
1. The timeliness with which they responded to our inquiries via WhatsApp was unheard of - this made us feel safe & valued at all times.
2. They were incredibly professional and courteous at all times.
3. The itinerary they planned was very well organized and encompassed incredible sites.
My mother and I would also like to send our regards to Mr. Duro, our driver on two...
Read more
To begin with, it is of utmost importance to mention that Sarah and Ivan were nothing short of spectacular hosts.
1. The timeliness with which they responded to our inquiries via WhatsApp was unheard of - this made us feel safe & valued at all times.
2. They were incredibly professional and courteous at all times.
3. The itinerary they planned was very well organized and encompassed incredible sites.
My mother and I would also like to send our regards to Mr. Duro, our driver on two separate occasions. He was very professional and kind to us at all times. Having him as our driver on two separate days simply made the trip feel more relaxed.
The hotels we stayed in were amazing: very clean, with incredibly friendly staff, and with spectacular locations that either offered great views or short access to main attractions.
We only have two pieces of feedback:
1. Try to recommend travelers to carry cash for tips or expenses for specific days. For instance, on the day spent on the Adriatic Sea, it would've been great to know to carry cash for tips for the boat captain and crew. I would've exchanged currencies the day before the trip and taken that worry off my back.
2. Another great detail would've been a Spanish-speaking tour guide in Split to learn and absorb more of the city's background.
I sincerely hope Sarah and Ivan organize our next trip.
Hotel Reviews
Azur Palace Luxury Rooms
Split
Activity Reviews
Split Walking Food Tour
Split
A Spanish-speaking tour guide would've been more beneficial to us.
Other than this, it was a great experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to the Caves & Beaches of Vis Island by boat
Hvar
A heads-up to carry cash to tips for the boat captain and crew would've been helpful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to Mostar
Croatia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Croatia 11 days Sarah and Ivan planned the perfect itinerary....
Croatia
|
Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2025
Ann P.
Atlanta, GA
| Reviewed on Oct 05, 2025
Sarah and Ivan planned the perfect itinerary.
It was very organized. The drivers and tours were excellent. They responded to questions right away .
Highly recommend!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Our week in Croatia
Croatia
|
Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2025
Jeff T.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Oct 02, 2025
Ivan and Sarah were very responsive throughout the planning and during our vacation. Our drivers and guides at all locations were timely, professional, and very engaging. The hotels in Split, Korcula and Dubrovnik were very good for the price we paid. The hotel in Hvar was massive with no character, problems with bathrooms in both rooms, smaller rooms than in the other three locations, and people were not nearly as friendly as in the other three hotels. Miko Ivanisevic who lead the bike...
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Ivan and Sarah were very responsive throughout the planning and during our vacation. Our drivers and guides at all locations were timely, professional, and very engaging. The hotels in Split, Korcula and Dubrovnik were very good for the price we paid. The hotel in Hvar was massive with no character, problems with bathrooms in both rooms, smaller rooms than in the other three locations, and people were not nearly as friendly as in the other three hotels. Miko Ivanisevic who lead the bike tour on Hvar, and Donko who took us on the island boating and swimming excursion, were tremendous. George who drove us from Dubrovnik to Split and then again around Dubroknik later in our trip was superb. The tour with Dubravka Radis was excellent.
Hotel Reviews
Time Boutique Hotel
Split
Excellent for price. About 15-20 minute walk into the old town. Nice small spa area with pool, sauna and steam room. Good breakfast. Very nice people (and bartender!)
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Hvar
No character. People not friendly. Bathrooms had leaky showers, hand-helds that did not work. Rooms were small.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom fixtures were not functioning. Water leaked all over.
Good location, nice staff, clean room with nice view.
About 20-min walk to old town. can take #4 bus from just across street. Spacious rooms. Nice staff.
Activity Reviews
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split
great walk. we diecided not to wait in line for boat to cross back across a lake (long line would have taken an hour to board) and instead walked. This was a grest decision. Hardly saw any other people on this segment and really enjoyed it.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
Donko our boat captain was fabulous. Swim, and stops at two islands, were great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Croatia
Miko our tour guide was awesome. He is so proud of the local culture where he grew up. Could be doing anything he's so bright and personable, and chooses to give these tours. It was an awesome experience capped off with unexpected wine tasting at a small private winery.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Dubravka was a tremendous tour guide. Personable, proud of the culture, and patient with us as we had many questions!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Donko- Boat guide- awesomeMiko- bicycle gu...
Croatia
|
Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2025
Chris C.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025
.
Donko- Boat guide- awesome
Miko- bicycle guide -superior
Djana- Dubrovnik guide- outstanding
Hotels:
Split:Time- very nice. Walkable to Old Town
Hvar: Amfora. Great location. A bit too big for our taste. We prefer a smaller with great location and charm. Less crowds. More local flavor.
Dubrovnik: Hotel Leso (?). We were not pleased with the hotel in general.... VERY Crowded. People sleeping in lounge. Tour buses, staff not pleasant. far from Old Town. The actual room was nice. Overall rating for hotel 4/10.
Overall, Ivan and Sarah of Kimkin were a 10/10. Thank you!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
We had a great time and thank much to Ivan an...
Croatia
|
Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2025
Mizzy C.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025
We had a great time and thank much to Ivan and Sarah for listening to our requests....they were hands on and very easy to talk to, response time was very quick. Would recommend them to other friends in the future.
The chosen hotels were also great but if there was 1 we would have changed it would be having something close to a beach on the last leg in Dubrovnik or having a pool to relax in. The guides that were chosen were all good.
If we were to plan anything in Croatia again, would not...
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We had a great time and thank much to Ivan and Sarah for listening to our requests....they were hands on and very easy to talk to, response time was very quick. Would recommend them to other friends in the future.
The chosen hotels were also great but if there was 1 we would have changed it would be having something close to a beach on the last leg in Dubrovnik or having a pool to relax in. The guides that were chosen were all good.
If we were to plan anything in Croatia again, would not hesitate to contact Ivan and Sara again!!
The places we chose were all as we expected - BLUE Cave and Plitvice lakes tops!! Thank you for a memorable trip.
Hotel Reviews
City Hotel Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Location
would have been nice if closer to beach area and if with a pool
Urban Hotel Ljubljana Center
Ljubljana
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Hvar
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
A beautiful week in Croatia
Croatia
|
Sep 8 - Sep 15, 2025
Terra N.
Durham, NC
| Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025
Our time in Croatia was incredible. Starting in Split we enjoyed great food, interesting history & beautiful scenery. Throughout our travel over Croatia’s islands we enjoyed comfortable accommodations, well planned activities & an opportunity to get to know this beautiful country & its people.
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Our time in Croatia was incredible. Starting in Split we enjoyed great food, interesting history & beautiful scenery. Throughout our travel over Croatia’s islands we enjoyed comfortable accommodations, well planned activities & an opportunity to get to know this beautiful country & its people.
Hotel Reviews
Azur Palace Luxury Rooms
Split
Had a few issues initially but all was resolved. Great location for easy access to the waterfront.
We had a quick stay in Dubrovnik but enjoyed our time. We were close to the bus so easy to get to the historic area.
Activity Reviews
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Very interesting! The history is fascinating
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split
Very beautiful but a long drive from Split. We would have enjoyed more time to explore the area.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
We had a great day exploring multiple islands & having Tonko as our guide for the day was great! He was fun, Interesting & made it a great day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hike to Lost Villages of Hvar, Croatian Peka Lunch
Croatia
We fully enjoyed our day with Marco. The walk was 5 miles but downhill so easy on the knees. Scenery was beautiful & we learned much about the local floral.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half Day Kayaking Excursion
Korčula
Boris was a great guide as we kayaked to islands that included local treats for us all. A great day that included a beautiful sunset.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Ivan and Sarah planned a perfect trip. Every...
Croatia
|
Sep 12 - Sep 19, 2025
Anupama H.
Chapel Hill, NC
| Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025
Ivan and Sarah planned a perfect trip. Every person we worked with was very punctual and professional and so enthusiastic to share their story and culture with us. All of the hotels were beautiful and located conveniently. We really enjoyed both boat tours with Sime and Tanko and our bike ride with Miko. We will definitely recommend!
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
Fantastic trip to Croatia
Croatia
|
Sep 5 - Sep 17, 2025
Mark K.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025
Ivan provided fantastic guides and experiences for our two week trip to Croatia. He was always available on WhatsApp for any last minute information. I would highly recommend using his services.
Djana, our guide in Dubrovnik, and Ina, our guide in Split, organized great walking tours and provided so much information and context for what we were seeing. Touring without a guide is a waste of time.
We also enjoyed our trip to Ston to learn about (and eat) oysters and mussels. Another highlight was truffle hunting with the family Prodan.
Local specialist: Ivan Cosic
