Croatia: Ante Batarelo Brings Croatia's History and People to Life

Company Name
Private Guides in Croatia

Principal Guide or Owner
Ante Batarelo

Services
Private Guide Services
Tour Planning
Transportation Services

Croatia has been at the crossroads of Europe for centuries and often served as a buffer between competing empires. Over the past few decades, millions of visitors have come to the country to experience its beautiful islands, vibrant waterfronts, preserved medieval structures, and interesting culture. Whether seeking to view locations used in filming the Game of Thrones or to see well known places like Split, Dubrovnik, or Krka Falls, tour groups and cruisers are flocking to the region. Ante Batarelo and his other guides at Private Guides in Croatia have developed tours exploring these locations and visiting other places which display the distinctive character of local residents. With crowds returning to major sites in the region, having a local escort will enhance the travel experience.

Tours, Sites and Activities

Private Guides in Croatia offers guide services and private transportation throughout Croatia and the neighboring countries of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia, which were formerly part of the federation of Yugoslavia. One of the company's most popular tours takes clients through the city of Split and the neighboring island and harbor town of Trogir. It includes opportunities to explore the 1730-year-old remnants of the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and browse the refreshing cafes, shops, and ornate squares of both towns.

Many excursions with the company are customized. After learning the interests and preferences of his clients, Ante works to incorporate memorable places off the beaten track which go beyond the usual tourist experience in his tours. For example, he enjoys scheduling farm to table meals at small venues with local merchants or visiting inland areas such as the Plitvice Lake National Park or the Bosnian town of Mostar in his tours. Arrangements can be made for cruise excursions with guests stopping in a particular port, day trips to various destinations starting from a local hotel, or overnight travel to popular sites farther away such as Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.

Background and Experience

Ante has been working as a guide since 2000. He became interested in the tourism field because of his love of history, interest in the cultural heritage of the Croatian people, and desire to show this unique part of the world to visitors. After receiving a university degree in History and English, he completed the requirements to obtain an official guide license and received approval as a registered tour agency. Ante reports that his company focuses on providing specialized services to its clients. "Our mission is to offer personalized tours which aren't rushed and show hidden gems to our guests. We try to be flexible with hours in scheduling tours. From start to finish, our guests get 100% devotion from their guide and get the opportunity to experience sites from a local person's perspective."

Family’s Experience with Private Guides in Croatia:

My wife and I used Private Guides in Croatia during a 2019 cruise which included an extensive itinerary in the Adriatic. The cruise had three port stops in Croatia, one in Slovenia, and one in Montenegro, which allowed for more exploration of the region than most cruises do. However, the cruise schedule limited us to using Ante’s team for the port stop in Split. Nevertheless, email communications with Private Guides in Croatia were prompt, and all costs and arrangements were explained. After learning of my interest in the region's history and prior trips to other Roman sites, Ante was able to make one of his knowledgeable guides, VJ, available to accompany us on a customized tour.

We started our tour early in the morning after the ship docked with a drive to the nearby ruins known as Salona. Salona was the Roman Empire's major outpost on the Adriatic for centuries and the home of a future general, Diocletian, who became emperor in the late third century. After visiting Trogir, we picked up my wife at the ship so we could explore the huge facades, temples, and basement of Diocletian’s Palace. VJ told us anecdotes about the filming of key scenes from The Game of Thrones at various places there. He also explained the ironic history of the emperor's opulent seaside palace. While Salona was pillaged by the Avars and Slavs and later virtually forgotten, the palace became a place of refuge for the local population and preserved through the centuries. We also had a fun time eating, drinking, and shopping along Split's waterfront, as no travelers can survive on history alone.

Although we were unable to use Ante’s company for our other stops on this occasion, the attention which the company showed in planning and executing our enjoyable ten-hour tour demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service. Based on the reviews which the company has received on various websites, they have developed that reputation with other travelers too.

Contact Information
Private Guides in Croatia
privateguidescroatia@gmail.com
+385 912030148
Proficient in English

Notice: The information provided in this profile are true and accurate to the best actual knowledge of The Traveling American. However, my family's experience with the particular guide or company profiled here may not reflect the experience of other travelers using these services. Travelers should rely on their own judgment and information in retaining any guides or drivers mentioned on the website.