Look out for the statue of Miho Pracat in the atrium, who bequeathed his wealth to the city in his will and subsequently became the only ordinary citizen to be honoured in this way.
Centrally located in Dubrovnik’s Old Town between the cathedral and the town hall, the Gothic-Rennaissance rector’s palace is a strikingly-fronted building which bears the weight of several centuries of history. This was where the rector, or governor of Dubrovnik, used to live and work in the days when the city was a republic known as Ragusa.
Until the 15th century, the building on this site was primarily used for defence, but in 1435 it was gutted by a large fire, and the authorities of the day decided that a grand new palace should be built on the ruins. As with several other important buildings in Dubrovnik, the job of designing and building the palace fell to an Italian. This time it was master architect Onofrio di Giordano della Cava, a Neapolitan who had already overseen the construction of the city’s water system, and for whom the large fountain at the western end of Stradun is named.
Less than 30 years after it was completed, the palace was badly damaged by an explosion in the gunpowder store of the palace armoury. This resulted in many years of renovations, which altered and updated the original design as different architectural styles fell in and out of favour. It is for this reason that most of the sculptures in the mostly Gothic building are carved in the Renaissance style. Furthermore, after damages sustained during the great earthquake of 1667, the entire southern wing of the palace was rebuilt in the baroque style. The unusually extended period of time in which the palace was constructed makes for an intriguing lesson in how architecture changed over the centuries.
The medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO-protected and remarkably well-preserved area, featuring distinctive limestone streets lined with beautiful buildings that tell the stories of centuries past. From the city’s foundation in the 7th Century to its illustrious era as a city-state and major maritime trading hub known as the Ragusa Republic. Our private 3-hour history and heritage tour peels back the layers of Dubrovnik, revealing its most intriguing tales through a carefully curated selection of key landmarks.
On this private 3-hour tour, you will:
For those who want a deeper introduction to Dubrovnik, this immersive three-hour private tour offers a comprehensive look into the city's incredible history and its architectural masterpieces. Led by a knowledgeable local expert guide, the itinerary is designed for those seeking meaningful context behind the beauty of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
The tour begins at the monumental Pile Gate, where stone walls and drawbridges hint at the military might that kept this small republic fiercely independent for centuries. From there, you will step into a city that seems untouched by time. You’ll take a moment to check out Onofrio’s Fountain, and learn about the man who gave it his name, a renowned architect who brought engineering ingenuity from Naples to serve the needs of a growing maritime power in the 15th Century. Your guide will then lead you through the peaceful cloisters of the Franciscan Monastery complex, home to a library of rare manuscripts, a Romanesque church, and one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe, established in the early 14th century. More than a religious site, you’ll discover how the monastery is a living link to Dubrovnik’s humanitarian and intellectual roots.
As you stroll along Stradun, the gleaming central boulevard, your guide will explain the different stages of Dubrovnik’s development, from its early Slavic origins and Byzantine ties to its peak as the Republic of Ragusa, a sophisticated city-state whose diplomatic finesse and maritime trading networks rivalled those of Venice. You’ll soon find yourself in Luža Square, a major gathering place for centuries, framed by the harmonious facades of the Sponza Palace and the stately City Bell Tower. While many pass these landmarks with a glance, your guide will reveal Sponza's former lives as a customs house, mint, and now the city archives, as well as the specially built statues installed within the Bell Tower, which have become beloved local emblems.
You will also have the chance to visit the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of power for elected leaders of the Republic. You’ll walk through chambers that blend Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, reflecting the city’s architectural evolution. Your guide can regale you with stories of justice, diplomacy, and scandal, all played out within these elegant walls. After leaving the palace, you’ll spend some time in the magnificent Dubrovnik Cathedral. Built on the ruins of earlier churches and adorned with precious relics, you’ll see how it can be seen as an enduring symbol of the city’s resilience, rebuilt in Baroque style after the devastating 1667 earthquake.
Your tour concludes in Gundulić Square, a charming enclave that hosts a daily morning market, named after Ragusa’s most renowned poet. Before bidding goodbye to your guide, you’ll get plenty of recommendations on where to eat, what to explore next, and how to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city. Thoughtfully paced and rich with historical insight, this experience is ideal for travellers eager to move beyond the postcard views and understand what truly made Dubrovnik one of the great cultural capitals of the Mediterranean.
Dubrovnik is widely known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and anyone who walks around its beautiful and historic Old Town will soon see why. Our 3-hour private walking tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this majestic city, and also gives you the chance to wander its world-famous walls. All the while, you’ll be accompanied by a local expert guide who can share intriguing anecdotes and point out the best spots to take in magnificent views of the shimmering sea and terracotta rooftops.
On your private tour, you will:
Step into centuries of history on this captivating 3-hour private walking tour of Dubrovnik, designed to give you both a comprehensive city orientation and the unforgettable experience of walking its iconic medieval walls. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this journey offers a perfect mix of storytelling, architecture, and awe-inspiring views, with a flexible ending tailored to your interests. Your tour begins in the heart of the Old Town at a majestic fountain designed by a famous Italian architect. After getting acquainted with your guide, you will meander through the historic Pile area while hearing stories of how the city first took shape. You will pass the Church of St. Saviour, built in gratitude after an earthquake failed to destroy the city, and pause by the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies founded over 700 years ago.
As you stroll down Stradun, Dubrovnik’s dazzling main street, your guide will bring the city's layers of history to life, from its golden era as the Republic of Ragusa to its defiance during the 1991 siege. You'll slip into Prijeko Street, a quieter, charming lane lined with stone façades and family-run businesses, before arriving at Luza Square, the city’s historic heart. Here, you’ll find a cluster of architectural gems: the elegant Sponza Palace, the symbolic Orlando’s Column, the Church of St. Blaise with its lavish baroque façade, and the stately Rector’s Palace, once the seat of power for the Republic. You'll also take in the Jesuit Staircase, Dubrovnik’s mini Spanish Steps, and the neighbouring Cathedral of the Assumption, a striking Baroque structure said to have been commissioned by Richard the Lionheart himself after being shipwrecked near Dubrovnik on the way home from the Third Crusade.
With the city’s most important landmarks now under your belt, your guide will lead you to St. John’s Fort, where you’ll begin your walk along the city walls, one of the best-preserved medieval fortification systems in the world. Tickets are included, and the views are nothing short of spectacular: you’ll admire red-roofed buildings tumbling down toward the sparkling Adriatic, the curve of the Old Port below, and the rugged cliffs of Lokrum Island just offshore. During your journey, you’ll pass Saint Barbara Tower, Fort Bokar, and climb to the mighty Minčeta Tower, the highest point on the walls and a symbol of Dubrovnik’s impenetrability. Along the way, your guide will share the dramatic stories of battles, diplomacy, and the resilience that helped the city survive for centuries.
The tour ends on your terms. You have the option to complete the full circuit of the walls at your own pace or to exit halfway at Pile Gate and unwind nearby or continue exploring the Old Town at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to adapt the experience to your preferences and provide plenty of insider recommendations. As a bonus, your tickets to access the city walls are also valid for entering Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress), which you are free to explore on your own. This impressive fortress just outside the city walls is known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar and is well worth a visit to see more of Dubrovnik’s well-preserved military architecture and stunning landscapes.
Whether it’s your first time in Dubrovnik or you’re returning to the city, this private tour offers the perfect balance of history, beauty, and flexibility, helping you capture the essence of the Pearl of the Adriatic.
With its stunning coastal setting, dramatic city walls and enthralling medieval streets, Dubrovnik certainly makes for a fitting backdrop for a fantasy series. The producers of the smash hit HBO show Game of Thrones took full advantage of Dubrovnik’s almost otherworldly beauty to bring some of the most iconic moments of the series to life, with the city representing King’s Landing, the capital of George R.R. Martin’s mythical world of Westeros where much of the saga's pivotal encounters, battles and intrigue unfolds. Our immersive private tour will cover the key filming locations used on the show, revealing a wealth of intriguing details along the way.
On this private walking tour, you will:
Uncover the real-life King’s Landing on this private 2-hour walking tour through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, tailored for fans of Game of Thrones who want to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters while discovering the true stories and cinematic secrets behind HBO’s epic production. Your journey begins at Pile Gate, a grand and historic entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town that served as the primary gateway into King’s Landing throughout the series. As you cross into the city, your expert local guide, with a wealth of knowledge of both Croatian history and Game of Thrones lore, will set the scene, revealing how and why this UNESCO-protected city was chosen as the capital of Westeros.
You’ll gaze down at Pile Bay below, better known to fans as Blackwater Bay, where your guide can remind you of the pivotal on-screen moments that unfolded there, including Myrcella Baratheon’s departure for Dorne, the explosive Battle of Blackwater, and the dramatic return of the Lannisters to King’s Landing. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery, jagged cliffs, ancient stone, and the shimmer of the Adriatic as well as the behind-the-scenes insights, from CGI trickery to secret filming schedules and local extras cast as townspeople.
You’ll continue along a stretch of the spectacular city walls, where sweeping views mirror the dramatic aerial shots of King's Landing. With each step, your guide will share anecdotes about how Dubrovnik’s fortifications were digitally extended and transformed to mimic the vivid landscapes depicted in George R.R. Martin's novels. From there, you’ll pay a visit to the formidable Fort Lovrijenac, towering above the sea. This fortress was the stand-in for the Red Keep, the seat of House Baratheon and later the Lannisters. As you wander the same battlements where Cersei and Littlefinger plotted, or Joffrey faced off with Robb Stark’s emissaries, your guide will share set secrets and production challenges and point out precisely where scenes were blocked and shot.
You will then make your way into the heart of the Old Town, following the cobbled streets to the baroque Jesuit Staircase, where Queen Cersei began her infamous Walk of Shame. Your guide will explain how this emotionally charged scene was choreographed, such as the use of body doubles, and local controversies surrounding its filming. Winding through the atmospheric lanes, you’ll recognise narrow alleys once filled with Braavosi market vendors that were stealthily navigated by Arya Stark in season 5. Along the way, you will see historic landmarks like Sponza Palace and the Rector’s Palace that were cleverly repurposed in the show as noble residences and exotic palaces in Qarth. After a stroll through the Old Port, with Lokrum Island in the distance (which was used for another corner of Qarth), your experience concludes with a photo opportunity where you can snap a picture while sitting on a full-scale replica of the Iron Throne.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or merely intrigued by the crossover of history and fantasy, this tour delivers a thrilling mix of drama, insider knowledge, and spectacular sights. In just two hours, you'll see how Dubrovnik was transformed into a fantasy world, and leave feeling like you’ve just passed through one.
DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series 'Game of Thrones' created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for Home Box Office, Inc. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with or connection to, the television series 'Game of Thrones', David Benioff, D. B. Weiss and Home Box Office, Inc.
Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and historic cities. Its spectacular coastal setting, combined with its well-preserved medieval Old Town, never fails to captivate visitors. Embarking on a private tour led by a local expert guide is a wonderful way to get a crash course in Dubrovnik’s history and culture, navigating the cobbled streets with ease and getting a feel for what makes the city special.
On your 2-hour private walking tour, you will:
Delve into the stories of Dubrovnik’s Old Town on a private walking tour designed for curious travellers eager to uncover the city's rich past and vibrant present. Your journey begins at the imposing Pile Gate, the historic western entrance that has welcomed visitors into the walled city since the 15th century. From there, you’ll step onto centuries-old limestone streets and immediately feel the atmosphere of a place where time seems to stand still.
Your guide will lead you to Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece of medieval engineering that once supplied the entire city with fresh water, before pausing outside the serene Franciscan Monastery. Here, nestled behind cloistered arcades, lies one of Europe’s oldest still-functioning pharmacies, dating back to 1317. As you continue along the gorgeous, gleaming stretch of Stradun, Dubrovnik’s most famous street, your guide will regale you with stories of merchants, nobles, and commoners who once crossed the same polished stones.
Once you make your way through Luža Square, the symbolic heart of the city, you’ll be surrounded by a cluster of architectural gems. You will admire the stately Sponza Palace and learn how this elegant building transitioned over the centuries from a customs house to a mint, and now, a city archive. You’ll take a moment to gaze up at the nearby City Bell Tower, where the beloved bronze “Green Men” still strike the bell each hour as they have for hundreds of years. Outside the Rector’s Palace, you'll hear about the powerful leaders who ruled the Republic of Ragusa, a thriving and independent maritime state located in present-day Dubrovnik that once rivalled Venice in influence and wealth. A short walk away, you can take in the grandeur of Dubrovnik Cathedral, where your guide can reveal its turbulent history and point out some of the intriguing Baroque details in the facade.
Your tour will conclude amid the lively and colourful Gundulić Square Market, where locals shop for seasonal fruits, herbs, olive oil, and lavender. It’s the perfect place to soak in the daily rhythm of Dubrovnik life, pick up some unique souvenirs, ask your guide for tailored recommendations, and plan how to spend the rest of your stay, whether it’s walking the mighty city walls, exploring hidden coves, or sampling seafood at a tucked-away konoba.
This rich introduction to Dubrovnik is ideal for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their time while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of Europe’s most enchanting coastal cities.
As the sun begins to set and the day-trippers and cruise ship crowds depart, Dubrovnik truly feels like a different city in the evening. It is the perfect time to wander the marble streets of the Old Town, and on our private twilight walking tour, your knowledgeable local guide will take you on a journey of discovery around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known corners, regaling you with tales of Dubrovnik's past and present before taking you to a charming local bar to enrich your experience with Croatian wine.
On your private 2-hour walking tour, you will:
Your enchanted evening will begin at our conveniently located meeting point in the heart of Dubrovnik’s historic centre. You'll see how the D’Onofrio’s Fountain sparkles as the water reflects the city lights, before embarking on a leisurely twilight stroll through the UNESCO-protected Old Town, where centuries of Mediterranean history can be uncovered in every corner. Walking alongside your expert local guide, you'll wander down the elegant Stradun, the city's marble-paved main promenade and take the atmospheric Gundulić Square, which transitions from a lively morning market to a more peaceful patchwork of restaurant terraces in the evening. You’ll also see the dramatic Jesuit Stairs, immortalised in Game of Thrones as the route of Cersei's infamous Walk of Shame, and discover how they were designed by an Italian architect inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome.
Continuing through the cobblestoned streets, your guide brings the Renaissance elegance of the Rector's Palace to life, sharing tales of Dubrovnik's remarkable history as the independent Republic of Ragusa. You'll admire the baroque grandeur of Dubrovnik Cathedral, and see St. Blaise Church, dedicated to the city's beloved patron saint. The charming Old Port reveals itself as boats bob gently in the harbour, and you'll spot the serene cloisters of the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe's oldest working pharmacies. Along the way, you’ll discover how Italian traders, Mediterranean spice routes, and centuries of maritime prosperity shaped both the architecture around you and the flavours that define this captivating coastal city.
The last portion of your tour will take place in an intimate local bar, where you'll sample 2 exceptional wines and learn about Croatian winemaking traditions that go back thousands of years. Before bidding you good night, your guide can share insider recommendations for the city's best konobas (traditional taverns), hidden seafood spots, and which local specialities you absolutely must try during your stay. By the time you step back out into the starlit streets of the Old Town, you'll have gotten a feel for Dubrovnik at its most authentic, and plenty of ideas for what to see next.
Dubrovnik’s food culture is deeply rooted in local traditions, where time-honoured recipes and regional ingredients have been passed down through generations. Tucked within the Old Town’s limestone streets, there are a myriad of small pastry shops and inviting cafés that offer a glimpse into the city’s sweeter side, featuring beloved desserts and confections that reflect Dubrovnik’s distinct identity and everyday local life. Taking a private walking tour is a wonderful way to discover the city's history and culinary heritage in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, while sampling authentic treats along the way.
On your private 2-hour walking food tour, you will:
Your private experience begins at the Large Onofrio’s Fountain, located at the entrance to the elegant Stradun, Dubrovnik’s marble-paved main street. Beneath the shade of orange trees and surrounded by centuries of history, you will meet your local guide and set off to explore the Pearl of the Adriatic at a leisurely pace. As you stroll along Stradun, the Old Town's elegant main avenue, your guide will introduce you to Dubrovnik’s fascinating past, from its time as the independent Republic of Ragusa to its role as an important Mediterranean trading hub.
Continuing through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, you’ll pass through the lively Gundulić Square, home to a charming daily market, before making your way to the iconic Jesuit Stairs, famously featured in Game of Thrones as the setting for the dramatic Walk of Shame. Along the route, you'll admire the elegant Rector’s Palace, once the seat of Dubrovnik’s government, and learn how the city’s prosperity influenced both its architecture and culinary traditions.
Your walk continues past Dubrovnik Cathedral and into the picturesque Old Port, where boats gently sway against the historic harbour walls. Along the way, you’ll also visit the main square and the beautiful St. Blaise Church, dedicated to the city’s beloved patron saint. A stop at the Franciscan Monastery offers a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s long-standing traditions, including one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies. At the same time, nearby cafés provide the perfect opportunity to pause and savour local flavours.
Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated selection of Dubrovnik’s traditional sweets and delicacies. While the exact tastings and order of things may vary with the season, you'll typically have the chance to taste the creamy, delicate Rozata, a classic Dubrovnik dessert, and sample carob cake, a local speciality deeply rooted in Dalmatian heritage. Along the way, we might indulge in Croatian candied orange peel, sugared almonds, and a refreshing ice cream, complemented by a traditional coffee and a refreshing drink at a local café.
As you wander between historic landmarks and hidden corners, your guide will share insider tips on the best cafés, pastry shops, and traditional taverns (known as konobas) to visit during your stay. By the end of your experience, you’ll have discovered not only Dubrovnik’s most iconic sights, but also the sweet traditions and flavours that make this Adriatic gem truly irresistible.
Discover Dubrovnik's long-established wine culture through a private tasting experience set within the historic UNESCO-listed Old Town. This private wine-focused experience combines a leisurely introduction to Dubrovnik’s historic landmarks with a curated wine tasting led by a local guide who is a trained sommelier, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Croatian history, wines and regional flavours.
On your private 2-hour experience, you will:
Your experience begins at Onofrio's Fountain, a grand design at the entrance to the Old Town, which makes an ideal departure point for a relaxed introduction to Dubrovnik’s historic centre. As you walk along Stradun, your guide will offer a brief overview of the city’s rich past, passing elegant squares, historic landmarks, and iconic filming locations, including the Jesuit Stairs, which were famously featured in Game of Thrones.
You’ll continue past Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Old Port, and St. Blaise Church, discovering the exquisite architecture and cultural heritage that make Dubrovnik one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating cities. This short walking portion is designed to give you a feel for the Pearl of the Adriatic’s personality before sitting down to enjoy what is sure to be a highlight of your experience: a curated Croatian wine tasting.
You’ll make your way to a carefully selected local wine bar, where your certified sommelier guide will talk you through a tasting of top-notch wines, with a strong focus on regional varieties and traditions. During the tasting, each glass will be thoughtfully paired with local specialities, perhaps a perfectly-aged prosciutto, a selection of artisanal cheeses paired, rich roasted peppers with a sweet rosé, or some fresh seafood to accompany a crisp Dalmatian white. Alternative pairings can be arranged depending on dietary preferences or what’s in season, ensuring an intimate, personalised experience.
Throughout the tasting, your sommelier will share insights into Croatia’s wine regions, production techniques, and flavour profiles, making for an ideal introduction to Dubrovnik’s wine culture, combining local flavours, expert insights, and the timeless charm of one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful cities.
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