Departing the quayside, we drive to the newly built bridge across the Dubrovnik River to our first photo stop, which offers a spectacular view of the picturesque Lapad peninsula, the commercial port of Gruz and the Elaphite archipelago. We continue along the coastal road that overlooks the whole city, until we reach our second panoramic stop, which offers some wonderful views of the city and medieval walls. The walls span a total of 1,940 metres (6,365 feet) and include five bastions, three round and 12 square towers. Upon arrival in the old town our walking tour begins from Pile Gate, where the main street (known as ‘Placa’ or ‘Stradun’) of the ancient town starts. Stradun 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 make our way to the Dominican Monastery and its church, which was built in the 14th century and is one of the most beautiful reminders of old Dubrovnik. The monastery has extremely valuable archives and a large library with rare books and manuscripts. It also houses valuable examples of Dubrovnik gold work from the 16th century, and items of church furniture. Next, we proceed to the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of government and the Rector of the Dubrovnik Republic. It is a masterpiece of Dalmation architecture, and its permanent display of artefacts, furniture, paintings, coins, medals, stamps and arms is certainly worth seeing. Our next stop is at the Cathedral, a Baroque building dating from the 17th century. Designed by Andrea Buffalini, it occupies the site of an earlier Cathedral, a Romanesque basilica, which was probably the most splendid building of Dubrovnik before its destruction during the great earthquake. The Cathedral’s exceptionally rich treasury preserves relics of gold and silver from the 12th to the 17th centuries. At the end of our walking tour, we can enjoy some free time at leisure before re-joining our tour coach at Pile Gate for the return journey to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately two hours of compulsory walking and is therefore unsuitable for passengers with limited mobility. Some steps will be encountered at each of the venues visited. The upper floor of the Rector’s Palace is not wheelchair accessible. Passengers will have approximately 45 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. Places of interest may be visited in a different order to that described. Please note that although it is possible visit these sights independently, this excursion is for those who appreciate an organised tour with a knowledgeable guide.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES