As we arrived in port a day early Nicoletta arranged a morning transfer at 10.30 to take us into the old town. She gave us a short orientation tour telling us if we wanted lunch on board to be back by 1pm. Local buses 1A, 1B, 3 or 8 from Pile Gate would take us to the port for the sum of 12 kuna. We found our accommodation for the next day and walked town to the harbour walls to find a cool spot. It was 38 deg in the shade. We took a 12.30 bus back to the boat.
The port area had a couple of small shopping areas so we investigated those when it became a little cooler.
That night was the Captain’s Farewell dinner at 8pm with live traditional kappa music. Two musicians entertained us between courses, one playing a guitar the other a piano accordion.
Saturday 29th June
After breakfast and goodbyes, our transfer to Pile Gate was at 10.15am. By the time we arrived there it was 11.15. The walk to Roko House was easy and with a restaurant underneath the guy there phoned someone to say we’d arrived. Ljerke was finishing our room which we could move straight into. Fortunately it was on the 1st floor. A very comfortable apartment with basic kitchen items. We found the supermarket and bought a few supplies and lunch from the local bakery. The afternoon was spent wandering the streets and the waterfront and enjoying the views. We ran into Tracey and Dave Evans from the cruise, who were on their way to the cable car which takes you to Fort Imperial overlooking Dubrovnik. It has been closed since April because of a dispute between the owners and local government and only reopened again that morning. Lucky us! Apart from the fort, museum, a restaurant there are many walking tracks. The views over Dubrovnik were spectacular and well worth the 200 kuna cost ($50 approx). That night we had dinner in the apartment with wine we’d bought at a winery near Split.
Sunday 30th June
Today 8.30 we started to walk the city walls. With over 1000 steps it takes about 1 and a half hours. With beautiful views over the city and ocean it was worth the effort.
After lunch we visited a Salvador Dali print/lithograph exhibition which was quite interesting. No original paintings unfortunately. Then a walk to Fort Lovrijenac which features in The Game of Thrones series. Much of the series was filmed in Dubrovnik and there are many tours and souvenir shops with that theme. The fort gave great views back toward the Old Town. While there we noticed a small beach on the other side so walked there for a refreshing swim. The temperatures are down to about 33/34.
We decided to have dinner at the restaurant below our accommodation, Roko House.
Monday 1st July.
Today we took a local bus to Babin kuk and Lapad which is the resort/ yachting area of Dubrovnik. Lots of swimming areas, restaurants and bars. Back to the Old Town for lunch and a break before setting off to see a few more cobble stoned alleyways and streets. Tonight’s dinner will be with Tracey, Dave, Barbara and Joy all from the cruse.
Tomorrow Tuesday 2nd July we check out of Roko House and take a boat to Cavtat 40 mins down the coast where we will spend the night before beginning the long flight home at 7.30am on Wednesday.
Dubrovnik Harbour, Defensive Tower on the wall, Swimming beach (pebbles of course)
