Tour Overview
There is no denying that the jewel of Southern Dalmatia is Dubrovnik. The famous Irish writer, Bernard Shaw, is quoted as saying 'Those who wish to see heaven on earth should come to Dubrovnik'. Dubrovnik began in the 7th century as refuge for the inhabitants of the Roman city of Epidaurum who were fleeing barbarians. Their new sanctuary eventually became known as 'Ragusa' and its location was around the southern walls of present day Dubrovnik. In the twelfth century, Ragusa was to merge with another settlement that emerged under Byzantine rule on the mainland, stretching from Zaton in the north and Cavtat in the south. The merger was successful and Dubrovnik began thriving in the trade industry by the end of the twelfth century. Throughout the centuries, the town has flourished due to its political candor, its exceptional geographic position, its artistic contributions, and its long-lasting maritime tradition. Dubrovnik has continued to be prosperous, though not without hardship brought on by a crisis of Mediterranean shipping and the catastrophic earthquake of 1667. Yet its Stari Grad, the 'Old Town' remains, boasting marble paved squares, steep cobbled streets, tall houses, fortifications, bridges, convents, balconies, chapels, churches, palaces, fountains, museums, all cut from the same lustrous stone.
WHAT YOU WILL VISIT
Start the walking tour of the old city of Dubrovnik, proclaimed a city museum by UNESCO. Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1,904 m long Gothic and Renaissance city walls, which is a real masterpiece of architecture. In each corner of the city there is a fortification; Lovrijenac, Minceta, Ravelin and St. Ivan. Take a walk through the centuries old stone-paved city promenade called Stradun, visit a church of St. Blaise and the 14th century Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. Visit the Sponza Palace, the Rector's Palace and the Dominican Church and Monastery. The Dominican church and Monastery was constructed during the 14th century, the same time as the city's walls were erected. Whilst the architecture derives from the Gothic - Renaissance transitional style, upon first glance, the church resembles more a fortress than a religious structure. The interior is composed of a 15th century cloister similar in style to the Florentine school of Architecture of Massa di Bartolomeo. The single naved cloister contains a stunning altarpiece by the local artist Vlaho Bukovac. The cathedral holds countless other works of art in the east wing. The collection boasts of paintings from Dubrovnik's finest artists from the 15th and 16th centuries.
SPECIAL NOTES
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Sights closed on Public holidays
- Lots of steps and cobblestones
Activity Level
High level of activity (Involves physical exertion such as walking up steep hills, many steps or a sporting activity)
Inclusions
- Private transportation by sedan car (1-2 pax) or minivan (3-5 pax) from port to port
- Qualified English speaking driver / English speaking driver-guide
- Entrance fees to attractions stated above in the "What you will visit" section
- All taxes
Exclusions
- Driver and tour guide gratuities
- Entrance fees to attractions not stated in the "What you will visit" section
- Meals, beverages etc