You’ll ride with a local guide through Dubrovnik’s hills, stopping for photos at Srdj hill, Sveti Jakov Beach, a quiet river outside town, and even the new bridge. Hear stories about life here during wartime and catch those golden city views — all without fighting crowds or waiting for cable cars.
I didn’t expect the air to smell so sharp up on Srdj hill — like pine needles and something salty from the sea. Our guide, Marko, laughed at my face when I tried to pronounce “Sveti Jakov” (I still can’t get it right), but he said most people just call it “the beach with the view.” He drove us in this van that rattled a bit over the cobbles, which honestly made it feel more real than the cable car. The city looked tiny and golden from up there, roofs packed together like someone spilled a box of red tiles down the hill.
We stopped at four different spots for photos — not just the usual tourist ones. At one place, you could hear church bells echoing off the cliffs and a woman selling figs out of her car trunk. Marko told us about growing up here during the Yugoslavian war; he pointed out where some of the old scars are if you know where to look. I didn’t realize how close everything is around Dubrovnik — it takes maybe 10 minutes between stops, but each angle feels like a different city.
The new bridge was our last stop. It’s not exactly beautiful (sorry, Marko), but you can see all these little boats sliding under it and kids waving from the shore. The sun was starting to drop behind the hills and everything got that warm, sleepy color. There’s something about seeing Dubrovnik from above — makes you feel both far away and part of it at the same time. I keep thinking about that light on the water as we drove back down.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours including all photo stops.
Yes, pickup is included and drop-off is optional.
Up to 8 guests per van plus your English-speaking driver/guide.
Yes, you’ll stop at Sveti Jakov Beach, a small river outside Dubrovnik, and the new bridge for photos.
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.
No significant walking is required; most time is spent at scenic viewpoints near the van.
Your local guide shares stories about Dubrovnik’s history including experiences from the Yugoslavian war.
Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide, four photo stops around Dubrovnik (including Srdj hill and Sveti Jakov Beach), optional drop-off after the tour, insurance coverage throughout your trip, and time to enjoy each viewpoint without rushing or crowds.
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