Sailing in the Bay of Kotor
The long walls of the
fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this
medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a
surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of
Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of
Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.
Dubrovnik
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a
listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you
walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside
Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
3 possible excursions
MEET THE WINE MAKERS
4 h 00
From the pier, you will board your coach and start the 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Coast, going through the charming Zupa Dubrovacka with numerous small villages and resorts along the coast. On the way, you will make a panoramic stop at the small village of Pridvorje before reaching the
Niko Karaman winery.
Niko, the owner of the winery is a young winemaker who became famous in 2009 when his Malvasija 2007 wine won the first place out of 63 international wines at Vinistra. You will be able to walk through his vineyards, learn about the Malvazija historical grape and its importance during the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. After your exploration, you will enjoy a
wine and Porošek tasting.
Afterwards, you will continue through small and picturesque villages and stop at the village of Komaji where the
Crvik Family has their
vineyards and winery. You will have the opportunity to
taste some of the finest wines produced in this region, but also to meet the wine producer Andro Crvik who will introduce you to and explain more about his wines and the production in this area.
Finally, re-board your coach for the 40-minute return drive to your ship.
- This tour involves little walking distance with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tastings are included on your tour. The visits to the wineries will be made by the owners of the estates.
STON WALLS HIKING & OYSTER TASTING
5 h 15
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive along the Adriatic Road toward the town of Ston.
Ston was built according to the plans approved by the Dubrovnik government in 1335 and amended in 1370 and is considered one of the best planned and best structured cities in Europe. The walls of Ston were a massive architecture and construction feat. Originally 7,000-metre long (22,965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers, as well as 6 semi-circular bastions. It took almost four centuries to finish these complex defence walls, as the builders had to adapt to the rough terrain and advancements in warfare technology. The walls were last used for defence in the 19th century, and today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value.
Once arriving at
Ston’s walls, you will start your
hiking passing distance of almost 4 kilometres over demanding terrain with more than 400 steps before reaching Mali Ston, the “oysters capital” of Croatia.
Upon arrival in
Mali Ston, you will board a local boat which will take you to oyster and mussel beds. Your host will welcome you on board and introduce you with oyster & mussel farming in this area. You will have the opportunity to learn about the oyster & mussel production as well as to taste freshly prepared
oysters & mussels including mussel buzara (mussels cooked with wine, garlic and olive oil).
Finally, re-board your coach for a 1-hour return ride back to Dubrovnik along the old historical road passing through the old villages of Dubrovacko Primorje.
- This tour is an active hiking tour and involves approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) of walking on uneven and sloping grounds with over 400 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tasting is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
TREASURES OF DUBROVNIK
2 h 00
From the pier, meet your guide and start your stroll through the streets of this medieval town.
Along the way you will visit, among other places, the
Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. The Monastery houses also the oldest still working pharmacy in Europe and the third oldest pharmacy in the world founded in 1317. It is still active and still offers creams manufactured according to ancestral recipes.
Then integrated in the Eastern city walls, you will discover the
Dominican Monastery, soberer than the previous one, and its museum with a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, including the triptych of N. Bozidarvic representing Dubrovnik before the earthquake or the painting of Sainte Madeleine and Saint Blaise, the work of Titian.
After visiting the monastery, you will go to the
Assumption Cathedral built in the 18th century on the ruins of a church dating from the 12th century destroyed by an earthquake in 1667. This one might surprise you by its simplicity and the clarity of its interior but its treasure is among the richest in Europe, with a unique collection of relics in gold and silver.
You will also have the opportunity to see:
Stradun, large paved street, favourite place for tourists and locals, unique for its beauty and the abundance of its cultural heritage,
Sponza Palace, identifiable by its gallery of arcades, the Church of Saint Blaise, built in 1,715in Baroque style, richly detailed or the Onofrio Fountain, covered by a dome, built by a Neapolitan artist, and which was used as a reservoir by the inhabitants.
Finally, you will get back to your ship.
- This excursion is done entirely on foot, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing must be worn when visiting religious sites: trousers for men and skirts covering the knees for the ladies. It is not permitted to take photos of the treasures. In case of religious office, the visit of the Cathedral will be cancelled.