From Tour Guide to CEO: The Roundabout Experiences DMC Story - Croatia & Slovenia Experts

Not many corners of Europe pack as much diversity into such a small space as Croatia and Slovenia.

Here, within just a few hours’ drive, travellers can move from dramatic alpine peaks and peaceful emerald lakes to spectacular coastlines, mediaeval towns and vineyard-covered hills.

For Mitja Jus, Managing Partner of Roundabout Experiences, that incredible variety is what makes this region so magical - blending Croatia’s thousand islands, cultural depth and must-see cities with Slovenia’s natural wonder; forests that cover more than half the land, caves that run deep beneath the limestone landscape and the lakes, rivers and waterfalls that feed this green paradise.

His love for the region is what drove him to work his way up from tour guide to Managing Partner of Roundabout Experiences. In this episode of Voices of Kinship, Kelly Tolliday sits down with Mitja to explore the journey behind Roundabout Experiences, and to uncover why Croatia and Slovenia are at their very best when their highlights are intentionally paired with experiences designed to showcase the region’s people, places and stories.

For this beautifully boutique DMC, the key to designing truly rewarding, meaningful journeys across the Adriatic has its heart in this connection - in seeing both lands as a single, richly layered place; one where the scenery, culture and experiences shift irresistibly as you move from one stop to the next.

It also has its heart in the strength of their trusted relationships. Built over 20 years with everyone from wineries and boutique stays to farmers and local communities, these are what allow Roundabout Experiences to shape their unique itineraries around exclusive experiences covering everything from vineyard picnics and private cave concerts to sunset moments designed purely for joy.

Because, while Croatia and Slovenia offer some truly iconic highlights - from Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and Slovenia’s stunning lakes to coastal sailing routes up there with the world’s best - Mitja and the team believe the most meaningful moments can often be found somewhere more surprising; sharing wine with a small family producer, discovering inland regions far from the cruise crowds or simply delighting guests with thoughtful experiences they never expected.

And for the ultimate in curation, each tour begins with them gaining a thorough understanding of your guests’ interests and expectations, before collaborating closely with you to create a trip that feels deeply personal, authentic and rooted in place.

What do we cover?

• We begin with Mitja's personal story, from his early days guiding travellers across the region to becoming managing partner of one of the Adriatic’s leading DMCs - and why the lessons he learned as a guide still shape Roundabout’s philosophy today.
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• We explore how tourism in Croatia and Slovenia has evolved over the past 2 decades, moving away from bus tours and uniform itineraries towards smaller groups, deeper experiences and more meaningful travel.
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• We discuss what travel advisors should look for in a DMC here, and how Roundabout Experience’s focus on and expertise in creative, experience-led itineraries helps them stand out when many suppliers in the region are offering similar programmes.
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• We dive into what makes Croatia and Slovenia so special when experienced together, from Croatia’s world-famous coastline and sailing culture to Slovenia’s extraordinary diversity, natural beauty, safety and sustainability.​
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• We talk about sustainability, and why supporting small local producers, farmers and family-run suppliers isn’t a marketing angle for Roundabout, it’s just how they believe travel should be done.
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• And we look at the advice Mitja gives advisers designing itineraries to the region, from giving Croatia and Slovenia the time they deserve to sharing as much insight about your clients as possible - and then allowing Roundabout’s deep local expertise to shape journeys that go way beyond just ticking off the highlights.

And finally, we look at why choosing the right DMC matters.

For your guests?

Working with Roundabout Experiences offers a journey that reveals Croatia and Slovenia at their most rewarding, and not just through their landscapes and historic towns, but through the people, traditions and moments that bring them to life too.

And for advisors?

Roundabout offers the reassurance of a partner who understands the importance of every detail.

With decades of experience, unmatched local relationships and a passion for designing moments that delight your guests, Mitja and his team work closely with you to create itineraries that feel seamless, beautifully tailored and oh-so memorable.

​Press play to hear how Roundabout Experiences is redefining travel in Croatia and Slovenia - and why these Adriatic neighbours might just be Europe’s most compelling pairing...

Ready for an introduction to Roundabout Experiences?

​Get in touch today for a connection to Mitja and the team.