Dubrovnik: 3 Hour Private Tour – Old Town & City Walls

If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik, chances are you’re eager to soak in the city’s famed medieval charm and spectacular coastal views. One of the most popular ways to do this is by booking a private tour that promises an intimate, expertly guided experience of the Old Town and the iconic city walls. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your visit.

What really stands out about this tour is its personalized approach—a licensed guide takes you through Dubrovnik’s core sights with a friendly, knowledgeable style. Plus, the opportunity to walk along the famous city walls offers some of the best views you’ll find in the city. On the flip side, a small consideration to keep in mind is that entrance tickets to the walls are not included, so planning ahead for those costs is a smart move.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free overview of Dubrovnik’s top highlights with a flexible, private setting. If you’re someone who loves a mix of history, scenic views, and personal attention, this might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience ensures flexibility and tailored insights.
• Expert guides licensed by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism make the tour engaging and informative.
• City walls are a highlight, offering breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the sea—though tickets must be purchased separately.
• The three-hour duration balances in-depth exploration without feeling rushed.
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially since the tour is popular and booked around 11 days ahead on average.
• The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and some uphill sections.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

If you’re a history buff or someone who really appreciates storytelling, this private tour will probably be a highlight of your Dubrovnik trip. The guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and able to share stories that add depth to the sights you see. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide Mara was very nice and friendly,” which hints at a warm, engaging experience.

The city walls are the star attraction here. Walking along these fortified structures gives you a sense of Dubrovnik’s past as a powerful maritime republic and offers stunning views of the Adriatic. You’ll love the visual contrast of the ancient stone walls against the vibrant blue sea—something pictures just can’t do justice.

What the Tour Looks Like

Starting Point and Introduction

The tour kicks off at Dubrovnik Walks, located on Brsalje ul. 8. Here, your guide will introduce themselves, outline the tour’s flow, and share some interesting tidbits to get you excited. This initial 5-minute meet-and-greet helps set the tone for a relaxed, informative experience.

Exploring the Main Western Entrance

Your first stop will be the main western entrance to the Old Town. From there, the guide will orient you to the layout of Dubrovnik’s historic core, pointing out key sights and giving a quick overview of what’s ahead.

Walking the City Walls

The centerpiece of this tour is the two-hour walk along the Dubrovnik city walls. This part is what makes the experience truly memorable. As you stroll on the ramparts, you’ll admire panoramic views of the sea and the city. Your guide will share insights into the walls’ history, explaining how they once enclosed the entire Old Town after the 11th-century earth cover-up of the sea.

Since tickets are not included, you’ll want to purchase these in advance—either a standard ticket or the Dubrovnik Pass, which offers additional perks. The walls cost around 40 EUR per person, but the views and the sense of stepping back in time make it well worth it.

Exploring Luza Square

Next, you’ll visit Luza Square, the vibrant heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Here, you’ll see landmarks like St. Blaise’s Church, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, and Small Onofrio’s Fountain. The guide will briefly explain the significance of each site, making the square come alive with stories from Dubrovnik’s past.

Deep Dive into Old Town

The tour then takes you deep into the Old Town, where you’ll walk through narrow lanes, learn about Dubrovnik’s 1,400-year-old history, and hear stories of prosperity, war, and resilience. The guide’s narration brings these ancient streets to life, making history feel close enough to touch.

Wrapping Up Near the Old Town Port

Finally, the tour winds down near Ribarnica, close to the port. It’s a convenient spot to grab a coffee or continue exploring on your own.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This is a private tour with the advantage of personalized attention. The guide will provide audio headsets if your group has four or more people, ensuring everyone can hear clearly—an excellent feature for groups or families.

However, it’s important to note that entrance tickets to the walls are not included in the price, so you’ll need to buy those separately. The cost is around 40 EUR per person, so factoring that into your budget is wise.

Pricing and Value

At around $167.85 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but considering it’s private and includes a licensed guide, the value lies in the personalized experience. For travelers who want a comprehensive glimpse into Dubrovnik with expert narration and stunning views, this cost can be justified.

Booking and Practicalities

Since it’s popular, booking around 11 days in advance is typical. The tour runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving flexibility for different schedules. The meeting point is easy to find, marked by an orange umbrella at Dubrovnik Walks, and the tour ends conveniently near the Old Town port, perfect for continuing your exploration.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One recent reviewer summed up the experience nicely: “No Title — This is a great tour to get your visit to Dubrovnik started. Our guide Mara was very nice and friendly. Highly recommend this tour when you are in the city, so you can learn the history and beginnings of this beautiful city.” That friendly, approachable guide makes a big difference, especially if you’re in a smaller, private group.

Another highlight from reviews is the stunning views from the walls, with visitors mentioning how breathtaking the scenery is and how the guide’s storytelling made the history come alive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for those who value personalized attention and a flexible schedule. It’s perfect for first-timers to Dubrovnik eager to get a thorough overview, lovers of history and architecture, and anyone wanting to see the most iconic sights without the hassle of large group tours.

Travelers with moderate fitness levels will be comfortable with the walking involved, especially since some sections of the walls involve climbing and uneven terrain. It’s not specifically tailored for families with very young children, but older kids or teens interested in history might enjoy the experience.

Final Words

This 3-hour private tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and city walls offers a balanced mix of scenic views, historical insights, and personal attention. While you’ll need to budget extra for wall tickets, the experience of walking along those ancient fortifications and exploring the lively square make it a worthwhile outing.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a deeper, more tailored experience—those who prefer a guided walk over wandering alone or in large groups. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and want to see the highlights with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Are entrance tickets to the city walls included in the tour price?
No, the tickets are not included. You’ll need to purchase them separately in advance, costing around 40 EUR per person.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, covering the main sights, city walls, and Old Town highlights at a comfortable pace.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it generally suits those with moderate physical fitness. Older children interested in history may enjoy it, but very young kids might find the walking and wall sections challenging.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing you to plan with flexibility.

What languages are guides available in?
The guides are licensed by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and typically provide service in English.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Dubrovnik Walks on Brsalje ul. 8 and ends near the old town port at Ribarnica ul. 1, making it easy to explore further or catch transport afterward.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic, and historically rich introduction to Dubrovnik, this private tour covers all the bases—and then some. Just remember to plan for the wall tickets, and you’ll be set for a memorable experience exploring one of Croatia’s most captivating cities.