SHORE EXCURSIONS

Visit several of Old Town’s most iconic sites, which gained even greater fame after serving as locations for the fictional capital King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones.”

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the oldest section of Dubrovnik, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fans of the TV series “Game of Thrones,” which is based on George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy novels, will recognize this part of Dubrovnik as King’s Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

Your first stop will be imposing Lovrijenac Fortress, located just outside the medieval walls that encircle Old Town. Known as Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar, the 11th-century fortress perches atop a craggy rock overlooking the sea, which represented Blackwater Bay in the books.

Continuing on, you will enter Old Town and make your way to the defensive walls to the south. After climbing the steps, you will walk along the stone battlements, which afford extraordinary views of the sea and the inner city. These walls appeared in numerous scenes in “Game of Thrones”; they were particularly prominent in the Battle of Blackwater Bay.

Later, you will enjoy free time within Old Town, where you may explore other sites that you may recognize from the series. For instance, the Jesuit Staircase was where Cersei Lannister began her Walk of Shame in Season Five, and many of the show’s market scenes were filmed along St. Dominic Street. Following free time, you will return to the pier.

Romantic charm and beautiful scenery will make your visit to Dubrovnik memorable. After a photo stop to take in the magnificent view of Dubrovnik from a vantage point by the road, drive through the picturesque villages of the fertile Konavle Valley to a winery surrounded by olive groves and wineyards. Here, your gracious host will offer you a light snack of local specialities such as smoked ham, cheese, homemade bread and a glass of local wine.

Continue to the seaside resort of Cavtat. You'll have free time to enjoy the quiet little town, a favourite destination for sailors and yacht enthusiasts. Then drive back to the charming Dubrovnik Old Town for an orientation tour with your guide, followed by free time to explore on your own.

This ultimate tour of Dubrovnik encompasses the main highlights of this unique area and you’ll get to enjoy it in a small group by minibus. You’ll depart by minibus to the parking area and toward the cable car station. Ascend by cable car to enjoy a panoramic view from Srd hill. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the entire city and of the old Dubrovnik rooftops which you’ll always remember.

From Mount Srdj, you’ll depart by minibus on a scenic drive to the picturesque seaside resort town of Cavtat, with a long history that dates back to the 6th century BC. Today, the city that was founded by the Greeks, is a popular tourist destination. Its seafront promenade is filled with shops, and restaurants. You’ll have an opportunity to sit at one of the many cafes along the coast or enjoy a nice walk along the beautiful sea front promenade. Depart Cavtat back to Dubrovnik. Enjoy a glass of Croatian wine while tasting some of the finest Croatian cheeses before a short guided walking tour of the city. Next, have some free time to explore the City on your own before heading back to your ship.

Zip through the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea on a jet ski and then relax on a beautiful bayside beach. The adventure will begin in Cavtat, a resort city tucked along a serene crescent-shaped bay in southern Croatia. After a brief orientation on how to maximize your time on the water, you will tear off into the sea on a two-person jet ski. Whether you drive or sit back and relax as a passenger, it will be an exhilarating experience the entire time. The bay is extraordinarily picturesque as numerous islands dot the waterscape, and you will have the opportunity to race through the waters off three of the finest—Mrkan, Bobara and Supetar. These rock-rimmed islands are heavily forested and sparsely populated, making them all the more visually stunning. In time, you will return to Cavtat to enjoy free time on the beach where you picked up your jet ski.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Race through the Adriatic Sea as the driver of a two-person jet ski or as the passenger.
• Zip around several gorgeous islands in a beautiful bay off the resort city of Cavtat.
• Relax on a beach after your exhilarating jet ski adventure.

Leaving the ship take a drive by coach over the panoramic road to a viewpoint from where you can see the magnificent view of Dubrovnik and its Riviera. Head toward the picturesque seaside resort town of Cavtat. Here, you’ll have opportunity for a pleasant walk along the sea front promenade or have a coffee in one of many cafes. Drive along the eastern coast of the Dubrovnik Riviera toward Konavle region to visit a winery. Upon arrival, proceed to the Brajković family vineyards. The owner of the winery will greet you on arrival and give you a presentation about his wines and show you the production process. He’ll even invite you to participate in a tasting of his vintage wines.

Following the tasting, you’ll re-board your coach and depart for Dubrovnik. The Old Town is unique for its marble-paved squares, cobbled streets, tall houses, churches, palaces, fountains, and museums, all built from the same light-colored stone. Along the way, you’ll visit the Dominican Monastery, inside where you’ll discover the finest collection of Renaissance paintings in Dubrovnik. Among the many works by local and Italian masters is a painting by Tizian. After the walking tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own.

Race through the Elaphiti archipelago on a speedboat before stopping on one of the beaches to relax as you see fit. As an introduction to these enchanting waters, you will first pause at Betina Cave, which is only accessible by sea. You will have time for a quick dip in the turquoise waters and a refreshing mimosa in anticipation of the fun that lies ahead. Back on the speedboat, you will zip off toward Lopud, one of the most picturesque and laid-back of the 13 islands in the Elaphites. Inhabited since Roman times, Lopud is noted for its ancient summer villas and 15th-century Franciscan monastery. The beaches are especially inviting and you will spend time on one of Lopud’s finest stretches of sand. You might stroll along the crescent-shaped coast, swim in the sheltered waters and lie in the sun before sitting down for a seafood risotto snack at La Villa restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Zip around the naturally beautiful Elaphiti archipelago in a speedboat.
• Pause to swim off Betina Cave and relax on one of Lopud Island’s beaches.
• Enjoy a seafood risotto snack at La Villa, a restaurant overlooking the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Depart the Port of Dubrovnik on foot to the newly opened cable car station situated in the vicinity of the Old Town. Arriving at the station, proceed by cable car to Srd Hill. From here you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the greatness of the city and surroundings. You’ll never forget the centuries-old Dubrovnik rooftops. After returning by cable car to the main station, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the Old Town. At the end of the walking tour, you’ll have free time to explore further on your own.

OVERVIEW

Take an inspiring walk through Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town in the evening and then settle in for an enlightening wine tasting at a garden-like restaurant. As you stroll the limestone-paved pedestrian-only streets, the city will be absolutely radiant as the landmarks will be beautifully illuminated for dramatic effect. UNESCO declared this area a World Heritage site for its extraordinary architecture, including the 15th-century Rector’s Palace and the 16th-century Sponza Palace, one of the few Gothic-Renaissance buildings in the city. M’arden, the venue for the wine tasting, is also a rarity as it is a serene leafy oasis in the heart of vibrant Old Town. It will look especially atmospheric at night, when you will be treated to a curated selection of premium Croatian wines thoughtfully paired with tapas. To enhance your appreciation of the wines, the sommelier will describe the various terroirs of the vineyards and their viticultures.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Old Town at night, when it is absolutely radiant.
• See architectural gems that earned Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
• Stop at a garden-like restaurant for a tasting of wines paired with tapas.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the turquoise waters off Dubrovnik in a speedboat and stop along the way at idyllic spots in the Elafiti Islands. The archipelago stretches along the coast northwest of the city and each island boasts its own personality and attractions. The Blue Cave is one of the main draws on Koločep Island as its interior is bathed in sunlight through a hole in the roof. As you will see while snorkeling and swimming inside the cave, the reflection of the sunlight turns the water brilliant blue. Your time at Sunj Beach on neighboring Lopud Island will be equally delightful as you will have nothing to do but relax. Although a three-course lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant, the rest of time will be at your leisure. The waters are crystal-clear, sheltered and ideal for a refreshing swim. Or if you prefer, just stretch out on the sand and sunbathe.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the Elafiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik in a speedboat.
• Swim and snorkel inside the Blue Cave, a seaside grotto with brilliant blue water.
• Enjoy free time on Sunj Beach, a lovely setting to thoroughly relax on Lopud Island.
• Dine on a three-course meal at a restaurant right on the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sample a selection of wines aged in a highly unusual way and cruise the bay that separates Croatia’s largest peninsula from the mainland. This experience is all about the sea as you will initially discover at the Edivo wine bar in Drace, a village on the Peljesac Peninsula. The wine is aged in glass bottles placed in clay amphoras and then submerged in the Adriatic Sea for nearly two years. The process – known as the Sea Mystery – yields unique wines that have never seen light until poured into your glass. Cruising through the Bay of Mali Ston will add another dimension to your understanding of the local seascape. The water conditions are ideal for the cultivation of oysters, and you may well see these bivalves being farmed. The highlight however is the Peljesac Bridge, a modern engineering marvel that links the Peljesac Peninsula to the Croatian mainland while bypassing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only outlet to the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a tasting of Croatian wines aged underwater in the Adriatic Sea.
• Cruise the sheltered Bay of Mali Ston in a wooden boat.
• Behold the Peljesac Bridge, Croatia’s most expensive infrastructure project in decades - as you listen to wise words from our expert engineer.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic drive to Dubrovnik’s fortified Old Town and stroll the cobblestone streets from venue to venue for tastings of Croatian wines and cuisine. The medieval atmosphere of Old Town is immensely appealing and the samplings will only enhance your appreciation for Dubrovnik’s allure. As an introduction to the local wines, you will drop by a boutique winery for a glass or two. The experience that follows will be more immersive as you will settle in for a degustation of carefully crafted dishes paired with six complementary wines at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Marco Polo. The offerings may include a Dalmatian bruschetta, pickled vegetables and characteristic Croatian cheeses. One of the sommelier’s wine selections could be a sweet prošek, a dessert wine made with dried grapes. A short walk along the main street of Stradun will bring you to the pastry and ice cream shop Dolce Vita for a dessert of crepe-style pancakes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the medieval streets of Old Town, which will be buzzing with activity.
• Enjoy inspired tastings at three classic venues, one of them Michelin-recommended.
• Indulge in a sommelier-led degustation of local dishes paired with six Croatian wines.
• Savor a characteristic dessert wine and pancakes that may be stuffed with sweet fillings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the sheltered waters between the Pelješac Peninsula and the mainland in a wooden boat and sample the succulent oysters and mussels that are farmed there. You will drive first from the port to learn a bit about the area while exploring Ston, a town with medieval defensive walls that are even longer than the ones in Dubrovnik. Ston is also known for its salt pans, which have yielded sea salt since the 13th century. The waters off nearby Mali Ston are ideal for producing oysters and mussels as they contain the perfect mix of saltwater and freshwater. These mineral-rich bi-valves have been coveted since ancient times and most every restaurant in this part of Croatia serves them. While on board the boat, you will observe how the oysters and mussels are farmed and then taste them just moments after they are plucked from the sea. Soft and succulent, they impart a sweet and salty taste that lingers on the palate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic drive to the village of Ston and explore the town followed with at your leisure.
• Cruise with the wooden boat to see how oysters and mussels are farmed off the nearby village of Mali Ston.
• Gain insight into why these sheltered waters are so perfect for farming bi-valves.
• Sample a selection of succulent freshly shucked oysters and mussels while on board.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.