Lincoln's and Frančeska's trip "back home" to Bosnia and Croatia, where we started 56 years ago. As as traveled from Zagreb to Banja Luka, from Plicvice to Zadar, along the Adriatic Coast towns of Šibenik, Trogir, Split and Klis fortress and were treated to a sumptuous homemade meal of Croatian dishes and delicacies, each day brought new magic and surprises. The most wonderful of which was all about the warmth and welcoming and helpfulness of the people we met. We were truly blessed by the guides that our Antonia and Sara provided an each new venue. Our driver, Duje, became to us much more than an able and reliable guide, but a friend. At Split-Klis, Vanna shepherded us on an all-day historical and culinary experience. We fell in love with A
Croatia | Dec 15 - Dec 31, 2025

Frančeska
Frančeska W.
Burke, VA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2026

Our local specialists were the Kimkim Croatian team of Antonia and Sara, who worked closely with me to develop a beautifully customized trip plan that took us to Bosnia (Banja Luka and Mostar), as well as to many points of interest in Croatia, especially along the Dalmatian Coast. It was the Mother - Son journey of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ideja

Hotel Ideja was a wonderful surprise. The hotel hosts exuded warmth , welcome, extra care for some of our needs, a great breakfast, and -- yes -- heated bathroom floors! It was our favorite, where we felt cared about and at home by the staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy access to all important historical sites & Christmas Market and the green Vrbas River.
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything. and when a needed clothing cleaned it was handled immediately with a smile.
Boutique Villa Pearl of Plitvice
Authenticity & Character
It is in the woods; all modern conveniences. A beautiful setting and spacious rooms.
Location
Gorgeous. Next to Plicvice Lakes. Lovely couple who prepared breakfast. Coszy, comfortable, 5-star
Staff
Such a sweet and friendly couple served breakfast
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manda Heritage Hotel
Zagreb

The Manda was our home base in Zargreb and we love being there. Also, had two toilets; very useful!

Authenticity & Character
Friendliness.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything perfect
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Split

upgraded, large room.. however nightly concerts were noisy and unavoidable.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Staff was attentive and helpful with parking and luggage.
Cleanliness & Comfort
normal
Activity Reviews
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Private Walking Tour of Zagreb
Zagreb

Our guide Josipa 's enthusiasm and love for her city opened our eyes, and -- because of her -- we also feel in love with Zabrgreb. We want to return!

Quality of Experience
Yes ! Josipa!
Hvar Day Trip from Split
Hvar Day Trip from Split
Croatia

GRGO was an engaging and very informative guide, who provided a detailed overview of HVAR. We were privileged to see his winery operation; we especially enjoyed his crna vino and enjoyed meeting his wife . We were fed a delicious home-cooked veal cutlet dinner. This was a uniquely arranged experience that meant a lot to us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wine Tasting in Mostar area
Mostar

We were privileged to visit a real working winery, despite the fact that wineries were al close for the Winter. This was an authentic winery experience for which we are most grateful and that met one of the primary objectives of our Trip Plan. Thank you!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were prepared for us and provided a thorough overview of the winery operation.
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia

We had a wonderful tour and a fantastic tour guide in Želko. There is no way to put into meaningful words the beauty and majesty of the park and its rock formations, spectacular water falls, a thoroughly informative and enjoyable 3-hour hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik
Private Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

IVANNA was an excellent guide that explained in detail the Game of Thrones experience.

Quality of Experience
Private Walking Tour of Banja Luka
Banja Luka

The walking tour and our complete 3-days experience in Banja Luka was a highlight of our trip. The area has many interesting archeological sights of interest and to explore on our own, and a charming Christmas Market. We loved the Ideaja Hotel & staff.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Zadar
Private Walking Tour of Zadar
Croatia

The highlight of our visit to Zadar was the Sea Organ, and the sunset over the Sea Organ and amazing astrological Sun & planets installation.

Quality of Experience
Private Walking Tour of Split
Private Walking Tour of Split
Croatia

I have already shared many details about our first da getting to know Split, Diocletian's palace, and especially the tour of Klis fortresss and subsequent banquet. This day was one of the greatest highlights of our Trip, i which our guide Yanna made all the difference.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Warmth, friendship, delightful hospitality, extraordinary cuisine.
Transport
We loved our driver and appreciated his good humor and patience!
Culinary Experience in Klis Area
Split

See more about this in the review of the Day that took us to Klis fortress and culinary experienc

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sara Skok
Sara
Sara Skok
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Jan 07, 2026

Dear Frančeska,

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Antonia and I are happy you and Lincoln enjoyed your stay and had such a great connection with the guides. Thank you for putting your trust in us. It was a privilege to organize such a special mother and son trip!

Hopefully, our paths will cross again, and we will get an opportunity to meet in person!

Sending warmest regards from snowy Zagreb,
Sara