I'm originally from Burlington, Canada and I have always loved traveling, meeting new people and discovering unique places. Once I graduated university, I decided to take a year off to travel before finding a full time job back home. Little did I know, that year would turn into something much more! I spent 11 months in Croatia the first time around, and then I just kept on coming back to learn more, see more and discover more.
Here I am, 17 years later, living in Croatia, running Royal Croatian Tours with my Croatian husband. Our company is geared towards private, small group travel, where we’re able to create completely personalized, tailor-made trips. Our vision is simple: to show our guests the wonders of Croatia, the culture, the beauty and the people, all while providing exceptional client support. We want you to feel like you have a friend in Croatia, and that you have 100% support from us throughout your trip, for any reason at all!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in luxury travel throughout Croatia, and offer all of our activities privately, so you won’t ever have to join a larger group (unless of course, you want to). Some of the activities we offer include wine tasting, cooking classes, hiking, cycling and sea kayaking adventures, historical walking tours, along with boating excursions around the islands. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"Like I said, I discovered Croatia on one of my trips back in 2007, where I fell in love with the country (and then ended up marrying a local, who is now also my business partner at Royal Croatian Tours).
Since we both love exploring and showing people the beauty of Croatia, opening our own agency just came naturally. We think we make an excellent combo, as Ivan is a local Croatian and knows all of the ins and outs of Croatia, while I’m an expat, and do all of the communication with our guests personally. Coming from Canada, I understand what our guests are looking for when planning their trip, and traveling to a foreign country.
"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I once rowed a small wooden boat down the entire length of the Mississippi River (around 2400 miles) with 5 other people. The journey took around 4 months to complete, we camped every night on the riverbank and cooked over an open fire - except when sweet, sweet local people would randomly invite us in for the night and prepare us a delicious home-cooked meal. It was this unexpected hospitality of complete strangers that I’ll never forget. Who in the world would invite 6 people they hadn’t even met (who also hadn’t showered in weeks) into their home and treat them like family? It was getting to know all of these different individuals, hearing their stories, and feeling their love that will always stay with me. I’ll also never forget how cold and wet we were, as it rained for a month straight and our boat had no cover or shelter. "
Sarah's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Best of Croatia & Slovenia: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Istria, & Dalmatia - 16 Days
A great route to discover Slovenia and Croatia over 16 unforgettable days. Starting in Croatia's dynamic capital, you'll first head into Slovenia to discover charming Ljubljana,...
Croatia Family Vacation: Zagreb, Rovinj, Šibenik, & Dubrovnik - 15 Days
This 15-day family-friendly vacation focuses on a few great locations and kid-friendly hotels to keep everyone entertained from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Enjoy a day at the beach on...
Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Šibenik, Hvar, & Dubrovnik - 11 Days
From the romantic countryside of Istria to the charming coastal cities along the Dalmatian coast, this complete 11-day journey covering the best of Croatia has it all. The trip...
Recent trip reviews for Sarah
Croatia solo explorer; no car needed
Croatia
|
Aug 28 - Sep 6, 2024
Tamara C.
San Luis Obispo, CA
| Reviewed on Sep 13, 2024
Sarah was terrific! Her knowledge of the area combined with listening to my interests; she planned some fun e-biking, kayaking and cultural events tailored to my personal likes. All my hotels were lovely and well located. .Sarah worked the logistics so well. Travelled solo and used drivers trains and ferries for a charming and memorable trip.
Would wholeheartedly recommend this service!
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Sep 13, 2024
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Tamara! We're thrilled you enjoyed the trip and it was our pleasure putting it together for you :)
Rovinj, Zagreb and Plitvice
Croatia
|
Aug 9 - Aug 14, 2024
DIANA T.
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
| Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024
We had the best time!! Thanks for everything and everything so perfectly planned. Kids are exhausted but that's to be expected. We really enjoyed Rovinj and wish we had more time for the beaches. Zagreb was so charming and easy to explore. The cannon at noon scared us even though we were waiting for it. In Plitvice we had the best tour guide. She even showed us the news report of her and her friends knitting winnie warmers hahaha. Thanks for all your work on this trip!!
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Aug 21, 2024
Thanks so much for your review, Diana! And thanks for being our lovely guests :) We're so happy you enjoyed your time in Croatia!
Go there!
Croatia
|
Jul 8 - Jul 17, 2024
Linda K.
Hamtramck, MI
| Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
Trip of a lifetime! E-bike tour with Mislav in Konavale with lunch was a highlight. Mislav made it fun & memorable! Boat tour of eliphite islands with Ivan also a high point. Ivan was impressive with his knowledge of the area and fun to be with. We enjoyed our drive through the peljasic peninsula with Baldo and visit to Antisevic winery. Korcula and Lumbarda were the perfect finish with slower pace and plenty of time to relax , explore on our own and wade in the sea. Dubrovnik,...
Read more
Trip of a lifetime! E-bike tour with Mislav in Konavale with lunch was a highlight. Mislav made it fun & memorable! Boat tour of eliphite islands with Ivan also a high point. Ivan was impressive with his knowledge of the area and fun to be with. We enjoyed our drive through the peljasic peninsula with Baldo and visit to Antisevic winery. Korcula and Lumbarda were the perfect finish with slower pace and plenty of time to relax , explore on our own and wade in the sea. Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Kotor were quite crowded and more touristy than expected, but interesting all the same. The history of Croatia is rich, the people are friendly and fun, the scenery magical. Sarah was there to answer every question and accommodate every step of the way!
Hotel Reviews
Just spent one night prior to departure. They made us breakfast ‘to go’ packages for our early morning departure. Very clean and friendly.
Authenticity & Character
lol
Perfect in every way! Location, service, rooms…5 stars!
Rooms were beautiful, good location. Service was less than expected - depending on who was working front desk that day you might be greeted with a smile or a scowl. Breakfast was really great and servers were friendly. Restaurant reservations messed up but a valiant effort made to correct by scheduling us at another restaurant.
Staff
The girl at the front desk was awful but it seems perhaps she was not feeling well.
Activity Reviews
Dubrovnik to Korcula, stopping to visit Ston + the Peljesac Peninsula for wine tasting
Croatia
Driver Baldo so fun and friendly. Wine tasting at Antisevic beautiful and delicious. Our hostess was entertaining and warm. Highly recommend!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Boating Excursion to the Elaphiti Islands
Dubrovnik
Ivan was great! Friendly and knowlegabke about the area, ready with every convenience. It was a perfect day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
E-bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Konavle valley with lunch - highly recommend as must go. Ask for Mislav! Aka ‘Super Slav’!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Jul 22, 2024
We're so happy you enjoyed the trip, and all of the guides and drivers, Linda! Thanks for your detailed feedback and kind words :) Best wishes to you all!
service was great, excursions were either fab...
Croatia
|
Jul 8 - Jul 17, 2024
Elizabeth M.
Bon Air, VA
| Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024
service was great, excursions were either fabulous or just meh.
There were some excursions that we weren't prepared for, like the waterfalls. We didn't have bathing suits or towels, didn't realize the atmosphere was more like an amusement park rather than a walk in nature that we were expecting.
Read more
service was great, excursions were either fabulous or just meh.
There were some excursions that we weren't prepared for, like the waterfalls. We didn't have bathing suits or towels, didn't realize the atmosphere was more like an amusement park rather than a walk in nature that we were expecting.
Hotel Reviews
Nice hotel located in Old Town
AC is not the best, a bit noisy due to being right above restaurants-lots of street noise.
Staff was good, however, they messaged up a reservation at the restaurant and 1 of the staff, a young blonde woman was quite rude.
Activity Reviews
Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Korcula (stopping in Ston / Peljesac Peninsula along the way)
Croatia
Dubrovnik to Korcula, stopping to visit Ston + the Peljesac Peninsula for wine tasting
Croatia
Loved the driver through wine country!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Good sized vehicle for 4 hot and sweaty travellers
Day Trip to Montenegro
Dubrovnik
Really not much to see. Water, restaurants and souvenir shops. We got that pretty much every where.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Same car as on trip to Mostar. See those comments.
Private Boating Excursion to the Elaphiti Islands
Dubrovnik
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to Mostar
Croatia
Just not to my liking. Didn't get to see much of Mostar and spend time meandering in the market place due to the guide spending a lot of time talking about the war. Important but when you have limited time it was not fun to stand in the sun when you wanted to get into the city.
Quality of Experience
A lot of driving for not much time.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Older vehicle, felt cramped. Didn't discover how the AC worked until the trip was 1/2 over.
E-bike tour in Dubrovnik with lunch
Dubrovnik
Great experience with Mislav, aka Super-Slav!
Fun guy and a great tour!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
A memorable trip to Croatia
Croatia
|
Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2024
Kelly S.
Canada
| Reviewed on Jul 06, 2024
Our trip to Croatia was surely memorable. Because of the extreme heat, we got to experience a full-Balkan blackout, along with a forest fire being doused by our Canadian Water bombers. Fortunately, all was dealt with efficiently and effectively. The hotel selections were all very lovely and conveniently located., although the late night partiers were a bit of a problem in Split. Our walking guides were very knowledgeable but could have been a bit more enthusiastic. We particularly...
Read more
Our trip to Croatia was surely memorable. Because of the extreme heat, we got to experience a full-Balkan blackout, along with a forest fire being doused by our Canadian Water bombers. Fortunately, all was dealt with efficiently and effectively. The hotel selections were all very lovely and conveniently located., although the late night partiers were a bit of a problem in Split. Our walking guides were very knowledgeable but could have been a bit more enthusiastic. We particularly enjoyed our bike ride and guide in Hvar with a surprise bonus wine-tasting at the end. Sarah was very responsive and quick to answer questions when anything arose.
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Jul 06, 2024
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for taking the time for writing this review! The weather was certainly a bit unusual while you were here, but glad everything worked out smoothly and efficiently :)
It was a pleasure planning this trip with you!
Great Croatia road trip trip Sarah was a great host made our tr...
Croatia
|
Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2024
Daniel D.
Canada
| Reviewed on Jul 01, 2024
Great trip Sarah was a great host made our trip seamless Croatia is a wonderful country to explore👍👍👍
Read more
Great trip Sarah was a great host made our trip seamless Croatia is a wonderful country to explore👍👍👍
Hotel Reviews
Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Completely breathtaking Awsome all round
Great location good breakfast
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel
Hvar
Great location and staff service
Great location and breakfast
Activity Reviews
Dubrovnik Kayaking Adventure
Dubrovnik
Government cancelled not Sarah or Kim Kim fault
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
Great guide she was knowledgeable and local
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Privately guided hike through Mljet National Park
Mljet Island
Great guide good sense of humour great hike to the highest point
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hvar - Island Bike Tour with Local Food and Drink Tastings
Croatia
Awsome passionate leader great route
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Motor Boat Excursion to Brač & the Pakleni Islands (end in Hvar)
Split
Great captain breathtaking scenery
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Krka National Park + lunch in the countryside
Croatia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Walking Tour of Split
Split
Good guide lots of history
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Jul 02, 2024
Thanks so much for your review and kind words Dan! We're so glad you had a great trip :) Come back soon!
We love Croatia!
Croatia
|
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Noreen C.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024
First time using an online travel agent and we were pleasantly surprised at the ease of booking the activities and accommodations. We were also very impressed by the attentiveness of our agent, Sarah. She went above and beyond communicating with us during our trip to ensure that our needs were met. The activities and tours were exceptional. We especially loved the private boat tour to the islands of Hvar, and the surrounding islands. Our guide went above and beyond for us. The...
Read more
First time using an online travel agent and we were pleasantly surprised at the ease of booking the activities and accommodations. We were also very impressed by the attentiveness of our agent, Sarah. She went above and beyond communicating with us during our trip to ensure that our needs were met. The activities and tours were exceptional. We especially loved the private boat tour to the islands of Hvar, and the surrounding islands. Our guide went above and beyond for us. The private biking tour with Mislav was a blast! He ensured we had fun taking in the sights while learning about Dubrovnik's rich culture and history.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Hotel Neptune exceeded our expectations. The suite was spacious for our family of 3. The view was spectacular. It made our visit complete!
Location
Unbelievable view and just a walk to the ocean!
Aparthotel Bellevue Trogir
Trogir
The staff was incredible. They were attentive to our needs. We loved the breakfast. The rooms were simple and clean. However the construction on the main road to the entrance to the hotel was a challenge. The travel agency should have been notified of this and relocated us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are smaller than what we are used to.
Activity Reviews
E-bike tour in Dubrovnik with wine tasting and snacks (small group)
Dubrovnik
Our guide Mislav ensured that we enjoyed a safe ride while experiencing the beauty of Dubrovnik. He was fun and entertaining and tailored the tour to fit our needs. We loved learning about the beloved city while enjoying lunch overlooking the beautiful scenery.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour Dubrovnik's Old Town
Croatia
We loved ANNA! She was a local who grew up in the old city. What a treat to hear her personal experience. She went above and beyond with teaching us about the rich culture and history of this city. She even gave us some secret local spots to visit for wine and cheese.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private boating excursion to Brac & Hvar Island by motor boat
Trogir
Our skipper gave us a 5 star experience exploring the stunning islands on the clean and elegant speed boat. He even helped us with an incredible lunch experience. This exceeded my expectations!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Krka National Park + lunch in the countryside
Croatia
Our private driver ensured that we got the best experience at KRKA. I was expecting more of a rigorous hike, but overall it was lovely. The traditional Croatian lunch was excellent.
Food
loved having a traditional lunch
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was amazing.
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on Jun 21, 2024
Thanks so much for being our lovely guests, Noreen! We're so happy you enjoyed the trip and hope you come back one day!
Saran was a gem that I found!!
Croatia
|
May 15 - May 21, 2024
Ina S.
Houston, TX
| Reviewed on May 23, 2024
Saran was a gem that I found on the website. It was a trip for a family of 3, we had our 21 year old daughter with us. So it had to be the right balance of free time vs arranged tours.. Sarah created a great itinerary that even our daughter said, ok this is not bad 😭. But kidding aside, Sarah patiently changed the itinerary and listened to my needs. She was also available all the time on what’s up when I was asking her questions. Everything was arranged to perfection. We loved Croatia and will be back with our friends !!
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Sarah Cosic
Local specialist in Zagreb
| Replied on May 23, 2024
Thank you so much for your feedback, Ina! It was a pleasure planning your trip for you and your family, and I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Croatia!
Best wishes from Zagreb :)
Sarah
Spectacular Croatia 2 weeks October 2023
Croatia
|
Oct 14 - Oct 27, 2023
Janmejay P.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Feb 08, 2024
Experience of a lifetime!
Thoroughly enjoyed a 2-week spectacular custom itinerary in Croatia in October 2023 planned/executed perfectly by Sarah and Ivan at Royal Croatian Tours who are phenomenal.
I would give them more than 5 stars if I were able to do so!
There are hands on/ accommodative/flexible and communicative.
All of the transfers, hotels, check-in's, tours/excursions/experiences were seamless and flawless
They kept in touch with us on a daily basis via WhatsApp to ensure...
Read more
Experience of a lifetime!
Thoroughly enjoyed a 2-week spectacular custom itinerary in Croatia in October 2023 planned/executed perfectly by Sarah and Ivan at Royal Croatian Tours who are phenomenal.
I would give them more than 5 stars if I were able to do so!
There are hands on/ accommodative/flexible and communicative.
All of the transfers, hotels, check-in's, tours/excursions/experiences were seamless and flawless
They kept in touch with us on a daily basis via WhatsApp to ensure everything ran smoothly.
We found value in traveling in early October (shoulder season) which we would strongly recommend, particularly with the hotel rates, decreasing crowds at the sites and easy restaurant reservations but still wonderful whether.
We stayed in diverse 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations all very well located
Started in Dubrovnik (spectacular UNESCO protected old town/city wall/museums tour), island of Korcula (hike Zrnovo village, olives vineyards, wine and cheese tasting, old town and port, excursion from town to the eastern tip of the island and more wine tasting- grk and prosip wines!), onto Hvar (visited the Fortress, old town and many steps!, and the Stari Grad plain another UNESCO heritage site- winery owner and guide Grgo was fantastic!). (Because the weather was going to be bad on a Catamaran from Hvar to Split Sarah at the last minute arranged for alternative transfer on a large car ferry rather than a catamaran! This was so appreciated.)
In Split ( 2 days) we enjoyed the Diocletian Palace with a private tour and the old town as well as the central Peristyle square.
Next a private transfer to Krka National Park .. amazing and would recommend half a day visiting there on a loop walk through the park spectacular Canyon and waterfall views . Onto Sibenik to visit an old Fortress, church and old town and again we got in our steps!.
Zadar for 2 days (..many churches/cathedral's Venetian gates/architecture and of course "Greeting to the Sun" from solar power and "Sea Organs" music organ from tidal waves motion.
Plitvice National park is an UNESCO protected park and it is uniquely spectacular with multiple layers of lakes and many waterfalls. I would not miss this natural wonder even if you have visited many different national parks in the world ...you will not regret visiting Plitvice. It is a little inland and best to get there by private car/transfer so our transfer to and from there arranged by Sarah and Ivan was very much appreciated.
Our last days were spent enjoying the beauty and wonders of a history of in northern Croatia.
We visited Pula and the Roman amphitheater, Hercules temple on the Forum and walked the old town before settling in Rovinj. Who does not fall in love with this romantic cobblestone old medieval town with this narrow carless stone passageways? Enjoyed great food and company in a local restaurant (El Bugador).
Our transfer from Istria to Zagreb would seem to be just a long car ride... not so... Sarah and Ivan surprised us with a full day trip to wonderful medieval Istrian hill towns and exploring white truffles in the charming countryside and village of Groznjan and hilltop town of Motovun on the way to Zagreb.
Sarah and Ivan Royal Croatian tours are highly recommended and we will definitely use them again on our next trip! We have already recommended them to many friends and family.
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic
Trip of a Lifetime!
Croatia
|
Sep 30 - Oct 7, 2023
Susan F.
Ann Arbor, MI
| Reviewed on Oct 21, 2023
Sarah and her colleagues organized a trip of a lifetime for my girlfriends and I! When planning, Sarah listened to what we wanted in our trip, then arranged great tours, accommodations and experiences. Mislav was on the ground, answering questions and making recommendations as needed.
I would highly recommend visiting Mljet National Park. Luksha took us on a breathtaking hike one day and led us around the islands on a kayaking tour the next. Our time at the park was my was definitely a highlight. Thank you Sarah!
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic