TOUR B - KOTOR & PERAST
Excursions
- £45 - £55
- 4 hours
- Limited capacity
Departing from the quayside, we begin our walking tour of Kotor, a town in Montenegro on the Gulf of Kotor. Although its date of origin is uncertain, it is thought to have developed from a smaller settlement of Catarum early in the 1st century A.D. The strategic significance and wealth of the town made it a target for would-be conquerors, and the rulers changed throughout the centuries and included Byzantium, Serbian, Hungarian-Croatian, Venetian, Austrian and Napoleonic.
Essentially, the city of Kotor has retained its medieval appearance. The Rector’s Palace, patrician mansions dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, the cathedral and churches from the 12th to the 18th centuries all testify to the skill and enthusiasm of the builders and high artistic standards of Kotor.
The Cathedral of St Tryphon was originally built in the 9th century – legend has it that the relics of St Tryphon were transferred to the church, whereupon this saint became the town’s patron. The interior contains a 14th century ciborium and a golden altarpiece with reliefs of saints, the work of an anonymous Kotor goldsmith in the 15th century. The treasury has a valuable collection of gold and silver objects made by 18th century Kotor craftsmen.
Next we continue to the Maritime Museum, which developed from the collection of maritime objects founded in the 1880s. Housed in the 17th century Grgurina mansion, the museum features collections of ship models, instruments, weapons, maps, charters and other documents, making this an institution of outstanding scientific and historical interest.
We then board our tour coach for the short journey to the coastal town of Perast, a true museum town. First cited in 14th century records, it was of strategic importance during medieval times, and is said to have had a shipyard even then. Shredding the domination of Kotor towards the end of the 16th century, it became an autonomous maritime commune. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the town and its navy flourished.
Off the coast of Perast, in the middle of a small bay, is a man-made islet of rocks, on which the Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks was built in 1630. Following a 20-minute boat ride across the bay, we shall visit the church, which contains many Baroque paintings and icons by local and Italian artists, as well as over 2,000 silver votive tablets.
From Perast, we return to Kotor and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately 30 minutes of walking at the Cathedral, 30 minutes at the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and some walking at the Maritime Museum. At the museum there are steps to negotiate to reach the upper floors. The boat, which is covered, is boarded by descending approximately two or three steps. Toilet facilities are NOT available onboard. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
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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