Dubrovnik, Croatia

Wednesday, 11 July

Founded: In the 7th century AD but could have been as early as 9th century BC

Region: Dubrovnik is on the Balkan Peninsula, at the very tip of Croatia along the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Population: 42,615 (2011)

Climate: typically Mediterranean with mild winters and pleasant summers

Language: Croatian

Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)

We have been to the Old Town in Dubrovnik before so decided to go further afield.

The shipped docked earlier than our scheduled time of 7am but we were in no hurry to get off. We had no set agenda and no commitments so we took our time. We had our usual room service breakfast at 7am and were on our way by 8.30. Our friends were with us in 2008 when we first visited Dubrovnik so were happy to come with us.

Inside the Port on the dock there were lots of taxis offering rides to the Old Town at 10 to 15 euros or sightseeing tours at around 75 euros per hour. We wanted to go to Cavtat which is about a 30min drive along the coast. Taxi fare quoted to Cavtat was 40 euros one way but we decided to get the local bus for 25 kuna.... around $5.50AUD.

The bus hugged the coast and gave us spectacular views over the Old Town and the surrounding islands.

Cavtat is considered one of the most romantic villages on the Dalmatian Coast. After strolling around the streets and our usual refreshment stop we caught the ferry back to the Old Town. The ferry took about 60 to 70 minutes and cost 50 kuna each. Personally I think the bus is the better option as there wasn't much to see via the water plus the bus goes right to the Port whereas the ferry goes to the Old Town and then you have to get to the Port which is about 3kms.

After the ferry we walked through the Old Town to Pile Gate... the UNESCO World Heritage Site's traditional entrance. It was extremely hot within the walls.... over 30 degrees and not a breath of wind. Another public bus ride back to the Port gates...

Just enough time to check out the market at the dock before all on board but couldn't be tempted....

Sailaway at 4pm was slightly delayed as the ship's shuttle buses were late getting everyone back to the ship. Another perfect cruise out of the fjord but not a lot of the regulars were on deck 11 due to the replay of the State of Origin final game.

Tomorrow is Venice for an overnight stop and we are off to stay over night in Verona to go to the Opera.