DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

From the port we drive along the coastal road for approximately 15 kilometres (nine miles) to reach Trsteno. Here we will take a walk through the oldest and finest botanical gardens in Croatia, established by the Gozza-Gučetić family in the 16th century, containing an array of exotic plants and vegetation.

From the port we drive along the coastal road for approximately 15 kilometres (nine miles) to reach Trsteno. Here we will take a walk through the oldest and finest botanical gardens in Croatia, established by the Gozza-Gučetić family in the 16th century, containing an array of exotic plants and vegetation. Our tour continues to Ston, a small settlement on the narrow isthmus that connects the peninsula of Pelješac to the mainland. It is a historical place, where in 1333 the Dubrovnik diplomacy showed all its skills by buying the Pelješac peninsula from the Serbian and Bosnian rulers. Then began the construction of fortifications and five kilometre (three mile) long defensive walls, to protect the two miniature towns – Ston and Mali (little) Ston. A stroll south of the walls reveals the reason for the fortifications; salt pans. These were a vital source of income for the Republic of Dubrovnik, and they are still used today, just as they were five centuries ago. Besides the architectural and natural beauties that Ston has to offer, something else also attracts visitors to the area – oysters! The oyster breeding trade here is ages old. The traditional method was to lower branches of oak, reeds and myrtle into the sea. The oysters would cluster on top, be left to grow for three years and then be harvested. We will have a chance to sample some oysters, accompanied by a glass of local wine in a nearby restaurant. After this unique experience we return to our ship.

This tour involves approximately 1 hour of walking through the botanical gardens, including a number steps, and 30 minutes in Ston. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES