TOUR D - THE BEST OF DUBROVNIK & KONAVLE
Excursions
- 85 - 95
- 8 hours
- Limited capacity
- Hard
Departing the quayside, we drive to Pile Gate, the starting point of our guided walking tour of the old town and its treasures. Today, Stradun – the broad main street of the ancient town – is the very heart of Dubrovnik. Nearly all of the beautiful stately houses lining this thoroughfare are in the late Renaissance style, having been built after the great earthquake of 1667.
We will visit the 14th century Franciscan Monastery and its church, which contains tombs of Dubrovnik’s prominent nobility. The monastery is known for its pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe, and its treasury, which contains a precious collection of relics, pictures of ancient Dubrovnik and portraits of the city’s famous citizens. Continuing, we walk through the main street, past the Church of St. Blaise to the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of the government and the Rector of the Dubrovnik Republic. Its permanent display of artefacts, furniture, paintings, coins, medals, stamps and arms is certainly worth a visit.
Next we visit the Cathedral, a Baroque building dating from the 17th century, which was designed by Andrea Buffalini. It occupies the site of an earlier Cathedral, a Romanesque basilica, which was probably the most splendid building in Dubrovnik before its destruction during the great earthquake. Its exceptionally rich treasury preserves relics of gold and silver from the 12th to 17th centuries along with works by Byzantine, Italian and local craftsmen.
We can then enjoy some time at leisure to explore independently or browse the shops, before we re-join our coach at Pile Gate for a scenic drive to Konavle, stopping en route at a panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking views of Dubrovnik.
Our journey continues along the lovely Župa coastline, also known as the Riviera of Dubrovnik, passing the resorts of Srebreno, Mlini, Soline and Plat before we reach the restaurant – one of the most popular restaurants on the entire Dalmation Coast. Here we will receive a traditional welcome of local brandy and dried figs in the restaurant courtyard, situated in an old water mill next to the cascading waters of the Ljuta River. We will enjoy a traditional lunch, with delicacies such as roast lamb and veal cooked under iron bells and covered with hot coals.
After lunch we proceed to Cavtat. Entering the picturesque seaside resort, which was founded by Greek settlers from Epidaurus, we arrive at the palm-lined promenade, from where a gentle stroll takes us to the town centre. Here we will have some free time at leisure. We may choose to wander in the lively city centre, browse in the shops or watch the world go by in a local café. Alternatively, we may opt to climb the steps to the hilltop Mausoleum of the Racic family. This impressive domed, octagonal building was the work of the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, and contains the remains of an influential local family who died during a plague epidemic.
Following our free time, we re-join our tour coach for the return journey to our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately two hours of compulsory walking, and there will be some steps to negotiate, therefore it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. Please note that the upper floor of the Rector’s Palace is not wheelchair accessible, as there are approximately 20 steps to negotiate. We will have approximately two hours of free time in total, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. Passengers wishing to visit the Mausoleum should note that there are approximately 125 steps to negotiate.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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