Departing the quayside, we drive to Pile Gate, the starting point of our guided walking tour of the old town and its treasures. We will visit the 14th century Franciscan Monastery and its church, which contains tombs of Dubrovnik’s prominent nobility. 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.

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 Konavoski Dvori 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.

We can also 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. 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 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES