THURSDAY 14TH – DUBROVNIK- CROATIA

Today was a little unusual in that it started off as quite a windy day, the first we have had since getting on board. So windy in fact that they couldn't anchor the ship at the intended place just off the old town. We had to anchor in the next bay and be bussed to the old town. It didn't really affect us because we were booked on an excursion which started out as a bus trip in any event.

We thought that we had booked a guided walk of the city wall being the iconic activity here but were pleasantly surprised to find that it included a scenic drive up a very steep hill behind the city from where the photo above was taken.

 

Our guide was very keen to tell us how difficult walking the wall would be and how many steps there were, both up and down, as if to discourage people from going but it was not that difficult. There were a lot of steps but a lot of time was spent along the way listening to his history and admiring the view so there were plenty of rest stops.

There were four cruise ships in port and all activity is centred on the old town so it was very crowded.

Cafes are perched in quite precarious places outside the town wall.

After completing the wall, we explored the old town, found a shaded seat beside the harbour on which we enjoyed the fruit we took ashore for lunch and went for a 45 minute “glass boat” ride. The boat had a glass viewing panel but, unfortunately, the Mediterranean sea floor is not particularly interesting.

 

Beaches are in short supply and therefore very crowded. A lot of swimming is done directly off rock ledges along the shore. Ladders are used to get back out of the water.

 

Our neighbour obviously fitted under the bridge although it doesn't look like he could.

Dubrovnik looks to be in great shape. If it is any indication, the Croatian economy is in great shape.

Tomorrow we wake up in Kotor, Montenegro where we spend the morning before heading to Venice. After Venice, part two of the adventure begins, Greece and Turkey.