Fall Break - Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tuesday - October 28, 2014

Third stop - Dubrovnik, Croatia...

Dubrovnik (population 43,000), dates back to the 7th century and is well known for the stone walls that surround the old city.  The wall measuring approximately 2km long and 4-6 meters wide has never been breached. In 1979 Dubrovnik become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, during the 1991 Yugoslav War, Dubrovnik suffered severe damage but has since been restored according to UNESCO guidelines the city for historical accuracy.

One of the most popular things to do is walk the top of walls for spectacular views around Dubrovnik.  We did not do this (definitely next time!) because thanks to our friend, Claudette Clapper, Lori booked a wonderful local guide who educated us on all things Dubrovnik.  I think we disappointed her slightly because neither of us watch Game of Thrones which is a big claim to fame for Dubrovnik since it's shot in and around the area. The fee to walk the walls is 150hrk/adults ($25), 30hrk ($5).  A good thing to know is most places do not take euros, only Croatian kunas (hrk).

the kids with our guide -  inside the Pile Gate

St. Saviour Church - 1520

St. Saviour Church

Onofrios Fountain - 16 sided water container supplied with fresh drinking water from an aqueduct from outside of town - 1440

Dubrovnik's version of the Spanish Steps in Rome

old town Dubrovnik

Rector's Palace - 14th century

Church of St. Blasius (St. Blaise) - patron saint of Dubrovnik

main street passing through old town Dubrovnik - was originally a canal that was filled in centuries ago

While we walked around long tables were being set up for a food tasting. Everything looked amazing. We finished our tour just in time because old town was packed! 

food festival set up along the main street

business signs in old town

Church of St. Ignatius

small restaurant serving drinks only on sliver of cliff

outside the wall next to the sea

old town Dubrovnik

just inside the Pile Gate

Srd is the mountain just behind the old town of Dubrovnik, location of one of the fiercest battles (Siege of Dubrovnik) during the 1991 Croatian War of Independence.  For a spectacular view of Dubrovnik we drove to the top with our guide but the girls would have preferred the cable car... next time. 

walled city of old Dubrovnik

walled city of old Dubrovnik

Dalmatian coast - south of Dubrovnik, Croatia

The White Cross - destroyed during the 1991 war and rebuilt

Franjo Tudman Bridge

Lunch and wi-fi in Cavtat, a beautiful seaside village about 20 minutes down the coast from Dubrovnik.  Next time we'll walk along the promenade that it's known for!

water polo 'court' in Cavtat

Back to the ship for bingo, dinner and drinks!

goodbye Dubrovnik!