Dubrovnik
We anchored in front of the old town of Dubrovnik in the morning very close to the mystical island of Lokrum, known in stories as haunted. We were not intimidated by these stories, so Panorama found a temporary shelter in the bay, close to the island.
After breakfast, local tenders took us to the old port in Dubrovnik from where we started our walking tour. Another guide, Roberto, was waiting us there and we were ready to start with the adventure.
Walking through the streets of this beautiful medieval city we were traveling through the history of the former Republic of Dubrovnik, and the events that shaped the life of the people here hundreds of years ago. One of the most beautiful stops was at the green market where guests were offered typical local products, such as dried figs, orange peel with sugar and, of course, all sorts of grappas and liqueurs. The colors and the patterns of that small market that is so important to the locals charmed our guests, so many of them returned later on.
Our tour led us to the main square in front of the church of patron saint, Saint Blaise. It is a beautiful baroque 18th century church in the center of the town and in the heart of the locals.
Then we took a walk down the main street, Stradun, and enjoyed the view over the city palaces. Our last stop before going up the walls was Franciscan monastery with 14th century cloister and of course, the farmacy. It was opened by Franciscans in year 1317 and it still operates. It is one of the oldest farmacies in Europe and the only one that has worked for such a long period of time.
The entrance to the walls was next to the monastery and that was something everyone was looking forward to. It was a very pleasant walk followed by beautiful views and weather. City walls of Dubrovnik are one of the best preserved in the world from the 15th and 16th century and the most beautiful monument of this city.
After descending the walls, and gaining back some energy in a local restaurant, we returned to Panorama. The ship was now in the Gruz Harbor because southern wind, Jugo, picked up in the afternoon.
The cherry on the top in the afternoon was a wonderful performance of local Klapa from the Konavle region called Ostro. We enjoyed their beautiful voices and singing about love, death, wine and the sea. In spite of language barriers, the guests were touched by the songs because they were singing with passion that was visible on their faces… and that was the universal language for all of us.
