Dubrovnik Combo: Old Town & Ancient City Walls

Introduction

Imagine wandering through narrow, limestone-paved streets, surrounded by centuries-old buildings that whisper stories of pirates, traders, and kings. That’s exactly what you get with this Dubrovnik combo tour, which combines a detailed walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with a spectacular exploration of the ancient city walls. With highly rated guides, stunning views, and a well-paced itinerary, this experience promises an engaging glimpse into one of the Adriatic’s most dazzling cities.

One thing we particularly love about this tour is how it balances history, architecture, and panoramic views—offering a comprehensive insight into Dubrovnik’s past and present. A potential downside? The tour involves quite a bit of walking, stairs, and outdoor exposure, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity. This tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or those simply eager to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere on a well-organized outing.

Key Points

• Expert guides bring Dubrovnik’s stories to life with passion and humor
• Stunning views from the city walls give you a unique perspective of the Adriatic and Old Town
• Comprehensive experience covering major landmarks, with insights into local life and battles
• Great value for money when you consider the combination of two tours in one
• Moderate walking and stairs are involved, so prepare accordingly
• Authentic stories and tips from guides like Goran and Lana enhance the experience

Why Choose the Dubrovnik Combo Tour?

This 3.5-hour tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Dubrovnik, whether you’re on a short visit or want a deeper understanding of the city’s layered history. The fact that it combines two distinct experiences—the Old Town walking tour and the Walls exploration—means you get both intimate city-center stories and breathtaking views from above. Plus, at just over $50 per person, the combined price is quite competitive considering what’s included.

The tour’s reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Guides like Goran and Lana are singled out for giving detailed, confident narrations peppered with humor, making the history both accessible and memorable. The inclusion of audio headsets ensures everyone can clearly hear the stories, even in the bustling streets or noisy wall areas.

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Our journey begins at the meeting point, marked by an orange umbrella near Brsalje ul. 8. From here, the guide kicks off a 1.5-hour walk through the city’s most iconic sights. You’ll learn about Onofrio’s Fountain, a circular water source that’s still used by locals today, and stroll past the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest still-functioning pharmacies. The guide shares stories of daily life during the Middle Ages and the battles that shaped the city in the early 1990s.

The main pedestrian street, the Stradun, acts as the tour’s artery—a lively, marble-paved thoroughfare lined with cafes and historic buildings. Along the way, expect to see the Sponza Palace’s Renaissance architecture, the City Bell Tower, the Rectors Palace, and Orlando’s Column, all significant landmarks that tell Dubrovnik’s story of wealth and resilience. Reviewers like Judith highlight how Goran’s confidence and humor made history engaging, while Dina appreciated the “thorough history” and tips for exploring afterward.

You’ll also visit St Blaise’s Church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, and learn why this saint remains a symbol of Dubrovnik’s identity. This part of the tour is deeply informative but also lively—your guides are eager to answer questions and share anecdotes that aren’t in guidebooks.

Walking the Ancient City Walls

After a brief break, the second part begins with a visit to the entrance of the city walls. This 2-hour walk along the fortress’s 80-foot (25-meter) walls is the highlight for many. Expect to buy your tickets separately (not included in the base price), but the views justify the extra expense.

From the battlements, you’ll gaze out over the Adriatic Sea, with vistas of the fortresses of Revelin and Minceta Tower. These walls have withstood invasions and sieges, and walking atop them offers a tangible sense of Dubrovnik’s resilience. Reviewers like Sanna loved the “birds-eye view of the city and sea,” calling it “well worth the climb,” though they also noted the stairs and exposed areas could be tiring in the heat.

Highlighting the history of fortifications, guides like Lana share stories of invasions and how the walls protected the city for centuries. The tour concludes at Fort Lovrijenac, an independent fortress that played a pivotal role historically, and now provides some of the best panoramic shots of the city.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing: The tour starts early, around 9 am, which is perfect for avoiding crowds and the midday heat. It ends near the old town port, making it convenient for subsequent explorations.

Group Size: The maximum is 35 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate enough for questions but still lively.

Physical Demands: Be prepared for stairs, cobblestone streets, and walking—comfortable shoes are a must. Reviewers like Kristina emphasize bringing water and being ready for the heat, especially if visiting during summer months.

Cost and Value: The $51.55 price includes a knowledgeable guide, headsets, and two in-depth tours. The entrance fee for the city walls (around €40) is paid separately, but many reviewers find it worthwhile considering the views and history shared.

Guides: The guides consistently make or break this experience—passionate, well-informed, and engaging guides like Goran, Lana, and Davor elevate the experience, making history come alive.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

Reviewers frequently mention how guides like Goran and Lana make the history accessible with confidence and humor. Melissa calls her guide “passionate about history and justice,” while Dina highlights Lana’s “amazing job.” The stories of Dubrovnik’s resilience during conflicts resonate strongly—reviewers appreciated guides sharing not just facts but also local insights and tips on food and other sights.

Many mention the stunning views from the walls, with some saying it’s “well worth climbing the many stairs.” Others note the informative nature—learning about the city’s defenses, battles, and architecture enhances the walkability of the old town. Several reviewers also note the value of the combined tour, giving them a complete overview of the city in a single outing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, well-organized introduction to Dubrovnik. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind moderate physical activity—the stairs and outdoor walking are unavoidable but manageable with comfortable footwear. History lovers will appreciate the detailed storytelling, and those wanting spectacular views and photo opportunities will find plenty.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who value guides with a friendly, engaging approach—many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and humor. If you’re on a tight schedule but want a comprehensive experience, this tour offers excellent value for combining city exploration and wall views.

The Sum Up

The Dubrovnik Combo tour stands out as a well-paced, engaging way to explore the city’s most iconic sights. Thanks to passionate guides, authentic stories, and breathtaking viewpoints, it offers a genuine feel for Dubrovnik’s spirit—past and present. The combination of walking through the Old Town’s charming streets and ascending the medieval city walls makes it a rewarding experience for most travelers.

Given its reviews, the tour delivers excellent value, especially for those eager to understand Dubrovnik’s resilience, architecture, and history without feeling rushed. Be prepared for stairs and outdoor walking, but know that the views and stories you’ll gather are worth every step.

If you love history, stunning scenery, and lively guides, this tour will leave you with plenty of memorable moments—and some fantastic photos too.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 7+ can join, but keep in mind the walls and stairs involve some physical effort.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, including both the Old Town walk and the city walls.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For the city walls, yes, since entrance fees are not included in the tour price. It’s recommended to buy your tickets beforehand to avoid long lines.

What is included in the tour price?
A licensed English-speaking guide, audio headsets for groups over 4, and both the Old Town and Walls visits.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers highlight guides like Goran and Lana for their confidence, humor, and thorough knowledge.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and bring water especially during summer months. Sun protection is also advisable.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking or stairs?
Yes, expect quite a bit of walking on cobblestone streets and stairs, especially on the walls.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are allowed for a full refund.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Early in the morning, around 9 am, helps avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, provided children are comfortable with walking and stairs, since the route involves some physical exertion.

This Dubrovnik combo tour is a fantastic way for travelers to gain a deep, authentic understanding of the city’s history, architecture, and views—making it a highly recommended addition to any Croatia itinerary.