CRUISING: DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Dubrovnik is on the Croatian coast and is steeped in history as a stopping and trading locations for centuries for the Romans, Greeks, Turks etc. The old city is completely surrounded by a wall that is a treasure in itself since it is still totally intact. Inside the wall can be found the old buildings and homes and the cultural charm that still lingers.

Again, the water is blue and clear and the city is set at the base of a large hill that tends to isolate it somewhat. Historically, a maritime power 500 years ago, it had the third largest navy in the Mediterranean. They now know it as "the pearl of the Adriatic". No cars within the walls, just narrow little alleys and streets with an occasional plaza. As late as 1991 the city was attacked and shelled by the Serbs, who destroyed much of it....now you would hardly know it but for the bullet holes still remaining in some of the old buildings and the newer roof tiles. Anyway, this is a place to see if you ever get the chance. We enjoyed it immensely. We were back on our ship by early afternoon and on our way back to Venice.