Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has been called the most perfectly preserved medieval city in the world, which has for centuries rivalled Venice as a major sea trading port.
The huge walls, built between the 11th and 17th centuries are still intact. The churches, monasteries, palaces, wide marble-paved squares, steep cobble-stepped streets and houses have remained unchanged for centuries. But Dubrovnik is no museum. It is alive with the comings and goings of people whose homes line the narrow streets and sunlit squares enclosed by massive walls. Take a walk along the stone ramparts of the city for the best views, before venturing inside to experience many treasures. The famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July and August features outdoor concerts and other cultural events such as opera and ballet.
Visit beautiful churches, ornate palaces, interesting museums, markets and bazaars. There is an excellent choice of bars, pizzerias and restaurants together with a few nightclubs and discos. Sporting activities in the area include tennis, volleyball, and a variety of watersports and bicycles for hire.
Cavtat
Cavtat is a delightful resort with a picturesque bay, harbour and palm-fringed promenade. It is a mix of ancient culture and modern hotels, gift shops, pavement cafés, bars and restaurants which come alive in the evening. The pebble beaches are clean, the sea is clear and warm and the Mediterranean climate encourages lush, green vegetation. Cavtat has been a particular favourite of British guests for many years. Walk around the old town to the bars and specialty restaurants or explore the meandering paths around the peninsula. Visit the local art gallery, the Baroque parish church and the octagonal, domed mausoleum built by the famous sculptor Mestrovic. In the evenings, dance on the terraces or in the nightclub. Watersports are generally available from June to September and range from sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water skiing, para-sailing, jet-skiing and canoeing to pedaloes and rowing boats.
Mlini
The hamlet of Mlini, sheltered by high mountains, nestles amongst pine trees, cypresses, olive and orange groves and oleanders, basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. This charming fishing village, whose name was derived from the old watermill and stream in its centre, has a peaceful harbour and pleasant shoreline.
The old stone houses add to the charm of the area.
The old city of Dubrovnik is a short 10km bus or boat ride journey.
The Zupa Valley with its enchanting villages, farms and vineyards is a 15 minutes walk or short bus ride. There are lovely walks along the seashore to the neighbouring resort of Srebreno. Visit the old city of Dubrovnik, easily reached by local bus or boat, the botanical gardens at Trsteno, the oyster beds at Ston, the Elaphite Islands, fish picnic by boat or visit the Konavle Valley, just south of Dubrovnik Airport.
The naturist beach Beterina with its own restaurant, is in a secluded bay five minutes by boat from Mlini. Sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing and pedaloes are generally available June to September.
Local Costs - Dubrovnik & Cavtat
The prices shown are approximate and are based on popular locations in the main touristseason. Variations will apply according to location, season and style of establishment.
Large draft beer £1.75
Glass of wine £1.25
Litre bottle of restaurant house wine £10
Litre Bottle of restaurant branded wine £14
Gin & tonic £4.25 (local gin)
Coca cola £1.90
Half litre of restaurant bottled water £1.90
Espresso coffee £1
Tea £1
Cappuccino £1.50
Snack lunch £5
Large Pizza £5
Pasta dish £5
Salad £5
3 course dinner menu £12.50 per person
Ice cream £0.75p
City walls walk £6.25
Bus within Dubrovnik area fixed rate £1.25. NB local buses are frequent and well used by tourists
Bus Cavtat - Dubrovnik or vice versa £2.50
Water taxi Dubrovnik - Cavtat or vice versa £6.25 single or £10 return (takes about 45 min)
Boat from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island Nature Reserve with entrance fee - £4.40 return
Boat hire £56 per day
Pedallo £5 per hour
Banana boat per ride £5 minimum 5 persons
Dubrovnik Riviera Excursions
This is a selection of the most popular excursions available from Dubrovnik and Cavtat. The information given below is intended as a guide only. Transportation, guides and entrance fees are normally included. Meals are not included unless specified. Some tours may operate in the peak season and others may depend upon the weather.
Elaphiti Island Cruise - Galleon Tirena - Full day
Cruise on the galleon Tirena to three of the most beautiful islands of the Dubrovnik archipelago - Koločep. Lopud and Šipan, Green islands, with gardens ablaze with oranges and lemons, picturesque villages, old seamen's houses and little churches. Enjoy a lunch of grilled fish and wine (included) and be entertained by our local musicians on board.
Cost approximately 350 Kuna (£45).
Island of Korcula - Full day
The island of Korcula has more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. View the beautiful churches and magnificent palaces in one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Korcula is the alleged birthplace of the legendary explorer, Marco Polo.
Cost approximately 420 Kuna (£53).
Montenegro - Full day
Enjoy exotic landscapes, natural beauty, rich history and culture. This is a land where the mountains descend into the sea. View Kotor Bay with its numerous small settlements and visit the medieval town of Kotor. Proceed to Cetinje, once the town of the Montenegrin rulers. Stroll around historic Budva.
Cost approximately 420 Kuna (£53).
Mostar - Full day
A city of poetry, stone and narrow cobbled streets. Admire the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House, one of the many old Mosques and, most famously, the ancient bridge dating from 1566. Discover the many ancient craft shops or have lunch in one of the picturesque local restaurants (not included). Cost approximately 390 Kuna (£49).
Dubrovnik Panorama & Sightseeing - Half day
View the finest sites of the old walled City from a spectacular panoramic location. Visit the Dominican Monastery with its fine medieval paintings and the Cathedral with its famous Treasury. Walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town and feel the history and culture of this magnificent city.
Cost approximately 230 Kuna (£29).
Taste of Dalmatia - Full day for lovers of food and wine
Visit Orašac village and watch the production of olive oil. Taste home-made cheese, smoked ham and wine in an old mill house. Visit Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia, with spectacular city walls considered to be the second longest in Europe. Enjoy a seafood platter of octopus, mussels, small fish and an oyster or two (included). Finally, visit the Miloš family wine cellar for a tasting of their vintage wines.
Cost approximately 360 Kuna (£45).
Island of Mljet - Full day for lovers of nature
An island paradise of true nature and absolute tranquillity. See the island's two saltwater lakes, surrounded by a luxuriant forest. Enjoy a boat ride to the islet of Melita and visit the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary dating back to the 12th century.
Cost approximately 440 Kuna (£55).
Cilipi Folklore Tour - Half day
Watch the traditional folk dances held every Sunday. Experience the richness of culture, folklore traditions and beautiful national costumes. Visit the market and the wine cellar, and attend Mass in the local church.
Cost approximately 200 Kuna (£25).
Evening Party
Join us for an evening of food, wine and music, tasting local grape brandy and eating dried figs before a traditional meal of veal and potatoes cooked under an iron bell. Drink local wine from oak barrels as musicians entertain with their songs.
All included in the cost of approximately 350 Kuna (£44).