It is believed that Dubrovnik was founded in the 7^th century AD, however some archaeological evidence indicates that a major population thrived here as early as the 9^th century BC. The city itself is located on the very southern tip of Croatia on the Balkan Peninsula and along the Dalmatian Coast.

Our main activity for the day was a walk along the city walls . Having heard stories that it can be a little strenuous, we opted to dress and prepare appropriately. Water was taken and sneakers were worn (on all previous ports it has either been Birkenstocks or slip on shoes). Having now completed the walk in the glaring Croatian sun, I am certainly glad we were prepared, especially for the 744 steps the walk involves. It was hard work, but the views were worth it.

Unfortunately, some of the other people on the tour were not so prepared. Either they didn't read the trip description or they decided that the rules didn’t apply to them. Several people didn’t bring a hat, didn’t wear appropriate footwear or clothes (one man turned up in thongs and jeans) or didn’t realise there would be so many steps or that they should be drinking water throughout the walk. It should be noted that the tour ticked we got from the ship, did clearly say wear sturdy shoes, many steps. Thankfully everyone made it around in one piece, however there were a couple of people who I swear on the verge of suffering heat exhaustion or having a heart attack.

The Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of stone walls that have protected the city since the city’s founding. With modifications and additions through history, the walls have been considered amongst the great fortifications of the Middle Ages, as they were never breached by a hostile army during this time period – this is due to a mix of good engineering and diplomacy . In 1979, the old city of Dubrovnik (including the city walls) joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The walk itself was very pleasant. There are two gates to the old town, Pile and Placa. We started our loop at the Pile Gate, which is on the western side of the city. Due to the width of some of the section and the number of people who pay to traipse along it, the wall walk is one way with everyone going anti-clockwise. Highlights included:

The St. Lawrence Fortress – a fortress and theatre, it is also called Dubroknik’s Gibraltar. It sits 37m above sea level and was instrumental in ensuring the Venetian’s couldn’t rule the city.

The island of Lokrum or Lacroma – it sits about 600m from the city and used to have a Benedictine abbey and monastery on it. Local legend has it that when the last of the Benedictines left the island in 1808, they put a curse on it. Today the island has a botanical garden that contains native and imported plants, as well as several peacocks. It is also a popular area for walking and if you are that way inclined, there is a nudist beach on the south-eastern end (thanks to the guide for that little snippet).

The Minceta Tower – was built in 1463 during the height of the Turkish threat. It was originally square, however in keeping up with the times, it was converted into a round tower . Due to its height, it provides a very good view of the old city and the surround waters.

We also had a short visit to the Maritime Museum. The museum (which sits a top an aquarium and located within St. John’s Fortress)) features models and artefacts relating to the port of Dubrovnik.

Once the walk was completed and we had eaten the cookie that came as part of the refreshment part of the tour, we wandered for a little while, changed some of our Euros into Kuna and then found a place to eat.

Lunch was on the balcony of a restaurant that overlooked a fortress, the city walls and a small beach. It was very pretty. I had a risotto and mum had a fish salad. It was tasty but a little on the pricey side, but what do you expect when you’re eating in such a lovely place. Now recovered from the walk and feeling much cooler, we headed back into the old town for a wander.

On our way out we passed a sign that showed which buildings were damaged by the Yugoslav Army during the Croatian War of Independence in late 1991 . Over the course of several months, the city of Dubrovnik was attacked by the Yugoslav Army and held under siege. Of the 824 buildings in the Old Town, 563 had been hit by projectiles, with nine buildings completely destroyed. Interestingly it would appear the old wall withstood the barrage by modern weapons better than some of the buildings outside the Old Town. Many of the buildings that were impacted by the siege have now been restored and unless you are otherwise aware, it is difficult to see where the damage was.

After catching the shuttle bus back to the port, we had a quick look at the couple of shops that are located on the dock, before heading to the front of the ship for the sail out to open sea.

Fun fact:
Dubrovnik seems to hold quite a few 'firsts’ – first world maritime codes (1272), sewage system (1296), pharmacy (1317 and still in operation), insurance law company in Europe (1395), hospital (1395), soap factory (1417), quarantine from the Plague (1377) and oldest Arboretum in Europe (1498).