Best of Dubrovnik & Cavtat (Guided in Spanish)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your 15-minute motorcoach ride to brings you to the city of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. Once there, you'll start your two-hour guided walking tour as you head to your first destination, Pile Gate and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pile Gate, part of Fortress Bokar, is one of the oldest encasements in Europe. Built in the 15th century, it was, and still is, the traditional entrance to the Old Town. The two Gothic arches link the stone bridge with the old wooden drawbridge. Continue looking up and you'll see the statue of St. Blaise, the city's patron saint, greeting visitors in the entrance's arch.

Entering the Old Town, you'll immediately notice the city's wide marble pedestrian walkway, the Stradun (Placa). It's been the town's central thoroughfare since the 11th century. You'll also see the circular Onofrio Fountain, built in the 15th century and named after its Neapolitan builder. It's still a popular meeting place in town. You'll have time for photos before continuing to your second stop at the Franciscan Monastery and the Old Pharmacy.

Inside, you can explore the stunning Romanesque and Gothic cloisters and feel the peacefulness of life as a Franciscan monk. The monastery library, one of the finest in all of Europe, boasts 30,000 volumes, 22 incunabula, and 1,500 valuable handwritten documents. The fascinating Old Pharmacy attached to the monastery opened in 1317 and is Europe's third oldest apothecary, and the only one still operating. An intriguing display of the laboratory equipment and old medical books is in the Franciscan Monastery Museum.

From here, follow your guide to the Rector's Palace, the historic interior of which has been converted into a museum with renovated rooms, furnishings and art from Dubrovnik's glorious past.

Your next stop is the spectacular Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and its Treasury. The current building dates back to the 18th century, yet it's the third church built on that site. The first one is said to date back to the 5th century and was built with money donated by Richard the Lionheart, who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The Treasury hosts an opulent collection of gold and silver artifacts, including the gold-plated and jewel-encrusted relics of St. Blaise as well as a late-Gothic silver cross enclosing part of the true cross.

After a morning of memorable activities and an hour of time on your own in the Old Town, it's time for a break. You'll re-board your motorcoach for a scenic ride to Konavle Valley and enjoy authentic lunch in leading local restaurant situated by the river Ljuta.

Once in Cavtat, you'll have time to explore the harbor-side promenade, walk along the pebbled beaches, or visit the Renaissance Rector's Palace and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church before your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach and a scenic return your ship.

Special Notes:

Passengers are required to carry a government issued photo I.D. with them when going ashore. The tour may operate in reverse order,or the order of the sites visited may vary. Photography is not permitted inside any of the venues.Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.