Dubrovnik Private Classic Car Tour: Trsteno & Viewpoints

Summary

Explore Dubrovnik’s Hidden Gems by Vintage Car

Hop into a vintage 1973 car and discover Dubrovnik beyond the crowds. You’ll visit secret spots like Trsteno Arboretum, taste local treats, and get real stories from a local guide. It’s a relaxed way to see a different side of the city.

What’s the experience like?

That first moment sliding into the old-timer’s back seat—leather a bit creaky, windows rolled down because, well, there’s no A/C—felt like stepping into another era. Our guide, Marko, grinned in the rearview mirror and cranked the engine. The city’s stone walls faded behind us as we wound through neighborhoods most visitors never see. I caught a whiff of pine and sea salt as we crossed the Franjo Tudman bridge—Marko pointed out the old harbor below, sunlight bouncing off fishing boats bobbing in the water. He shared stories about Dubrovnik’s past and how locals live today. It was early morning, so the roads were quiet except for the odd scooter zipping by.

We stopped at the source of the River Ombla—honestly, you’d miss it if you didn’t know where to look. It’s tiny, just a short stretch before it meets the sea. Marko explained how this spot was once prized by Dubrovnik’s nobility; you can still spot a few grand summer houses tucked behind stone walls. I remember the sound of water trickling over rocks and the faint smell of wild herbs in the air. We even tried some local cheese and figs from a roadside vendor—simple but so good.

The drive along the Adriatic road was something else. The coastline kept peeking through olive groves and cypress trees. We pulled over near Trsteno, right by this massive plane tree—Marko said it’s been here for centuries. The Arboretum felt like a secret garden: banana trees, palms, even some old statues half-hidden in the greenery. Marko told us about Nikola Vitov Gučetić, a philosopher who once lived here. The garden’s seen tough times—he showed us spots still recovering from war damage—but it’s peaceful now. Birds chirped overhead and you could hear the sea if you listened closely.

On the way back, we cruised along the coast again, windows down, salty breeze whipping through my hair. We ended up right where we started, but honestly, it felt like we’d traveled much further than just a few hours from Dubrovnik’s center.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubrovnik and Surroundings Tour

• Drive through Dubrovnik neighborhoods
• Visit River Ombla area and summer residences
• Scenic ride along Adriatic coastline
• Explore Trsteno and historic plane tree
• Visit Trsteno Arboretum garden
• Return along Adriatic road to start point

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for most ages. Just note that the vintage car doesn’t have modern seat belts or A/C. Let us know if you have special needs.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable clothes and shoes are best. Bring a hat or sunglasses—the car is from 1973 so it can get warm on sunny days.

Are food or drinks included?

Yes! You’ll get bottled water and a tasting of local products like cheese and fruit during the tour.

Can you pick me up at my hotel?

Absolutely. We offer pick-up and drop-off at your preferred location in Dubrovnik.

What’s included

You’ll have a local driver-guide with you the whole way, bottled water to keep cool, pick-up and drop-off wherever you need in Dubrovnik, and a tasting of local products. All you have to do is hop in and enjoy the ride.