Day 8: Dubrovnik (Day2) - Kotor, Montenegro

Mount Srd

Lokrum Island

Famous for its free-roaming peacocks, Lokrum Island is also home to the historic 11th-century Benedictine monastery. Additionally, the island served as the stunning backdrop for the fictional city of Qarth in Game of Thrones.

Fort Lovrijenac

The legendary Fort Lovrijenac, also known as the 'Gibraltar of Dubrovnik.' This iconic fortress doubled as King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

Dubrovnik's steep stairs are both a challenge and a charm! Winding through the old town’s narrow streets, these staircases are an iconic part of the city's layout, offering glimpses of hidden courtyards, cozy cafes, and stunning views as you climb. They’re not for the faint of heart, though—be ready for a leg workout! But every step is worth it to experience the magic of this historic city.

The City Walls

Take note of the multipurpose court on the left of the photo. Our tour guide mentioned that she attended school here. Seeing it nestled within the historic walls of Dubrovnik is fascinating. It’s a vivid reminder of how life continues to thrive in these centuries-old surroundings.

It’s incredible to witness how the historical and modern coexist within Dubrovnik’s ancient walls. This blend of history and contemporary life—where children study and play in the shadows of stone fortifications that have stood for centuries—illustrates the resilience and adaptability of the city's residents. It also highlights how living heritage isn’t just about preserving the past but actively integrating it into the present.

The walls of Dubrovnik, which represent one of the most significant medieval fortification systems in Europe, were continuously developed and modernized until 1660. This includes the completion of the Bastion of St. Stephen on the southern side. These walls span approximately 1,940 meters in length and feature numerous defensive structures, including 16 towers, three fortresses, and six bastions.

The walls vary in thickness depending on their location: on the landward side, they are between 4 and 6 meters thick, while on the seaward side, they range from 1.5 to 3 meters. Some sections reach up to 25 meters in height. Other notable elements include moats, flank fortresses, breakwaters, and drawbridges, which helped the city maintain its defenses against various threats throughout history​.

View of the main street, Stradun (Placa) below from the City Walls

Chinese Lunch @ Dubrovnik

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

The Arms Square

The square got its name because it was where weapons were repaired and stored during the Venetian Republic's rule. Soldiers would gather here to equip themselves before defending the city.

There's something magical about the cobbled stones and narrow alleyways of Kotor Old Town. As you walk through them, you can almost feel the history beneath your feet, each stone worn smooth by centuries of footsteps.

 The winding alleys, with their timeless charm, seem to lead you into hidden corners of the past. It is as if you're stepping into a storybook, where every turn brings a new discovery—whether it’s a quiet courtyard, a centuries-old door, or a small café tucked away from the bustle. 

Perched on the slopes of St. John’s Hill (also known as San Giovanni Hill) high above the charming town of Kotor is the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Remedy.

A popular pilgrimage site, the church is accessed by a steep, winding pathway of around 650 steps that lead from the town below to the church. An altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, revered here as a protector against plagues and illness. In fact, the church was built by locals in gratitude after Kotor survived an outbreak of the plague.

St. Nicholas Church Dome and the massive walls of Bastion Riva, part of Kotor's Old Town fortifications, near the river Shkurda.

The ancient walls at night

I noticed a prevalence of cat-themed souvenirs in Kotor. According to our tour guide, Kotor has a long history with cats. Hundreds of years ago, when Kotor was an important trading port, cats would often wander off ships and get left behind. Over time, these cats became a beloved part of the town's culture.

One notable figure in Kotor is Danijela, who runs Danijela's Cat Shop. She and her family have been caring for the local cat population for generations, providing food and medical care. Her shop offers a variety of cat-themed souvenirs, from postcards and magnets to clothing and artwork. The souvenirs help support the cats and raise awareness about their care. So, the prevalence of cat-themed souvenirs in Kotor is a nod to the town's feline history and the ongoing efforts to care for its stray cats. 🐱

As we wrapped up our walking tour of Kotor and headed toward our coach, we passed by this massive cruise ship. Earlier in the day, the town was startled by a deep, resonant horn blast—it turns out this was the source! Seeing it up close was impressive, especially after it left such a booming impression on the entire town. With the promise of more adventures awaiting us tomorrow, we bid a quiet goodnight to Kotor, its ancient walls, and its shimmering waters. Until morning, when we’d return to explore its charm once more.

Day 7: Croatia - Dubrovnik (Day1)

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is straight out of a fairy tale! With its majestic medieval walls, breathtaking vistas, and enchanting old town, it's no surprise this Croatian gem was the perfect setting for Game of Thrones' King's Landing.

 

In 1667, Dubrovnik was devastated by a major earthquake, which destroyed much of the city and led to significant rebuilding. The city's Baroque architecture and layout that visitors admire today largely stem from this period of reconstruction.

Rector's Palace

Ragusa was the historical name for Dubrovnik, a thriving maritime republic during the Middle Ages. The Rector was the elected official who governed the city-state for a month at a time, ensuring fair and efficient administration. The Rector's Palace served as his official residence and the seat of government.

City Wall and Minčeta Tower - our first view of the massive city walls.

 Statue of Aphrodite and Pan on Brsalje Terrace

Pile Gate

The Pile Gate is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks and serves as the main entrance to the city's stunning Old Town. Constructed in the 15th century, this magnificent gate is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, featuring an imposing stone archway and a wooden drawbridge that once defended the city from invaders.

 One particularly fascinating detail about Pile Gate is the small statue of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, perched above the entrance. St. Blaise is a constant presence in the city's architecture, symbolizing protection and unity for its residents.

Baroque church of St. Blaise

The church houses sacred relics of the city's patron saint, including his arm, skull, and leg, preserved in ornate gold and silver reliquaries. These relics miraculously survived a devastating fire in 1706 that destroyed much of the church's interior, a fact seen as a divine sign of St. Blaise’s protection over the city. The church was rebuilt in its current Baroque style by Venetian architect Marino Gropelli between 1706 and 1714, and the relics remain a centerpiece of Dubrovnik’s cultural and religious heritage, prominently featured during the annual Feast of St. Blaise on February 3rd.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

St. Savior Church

Onofrios's Large Fountain

There is a popular local legend associated with the Onofrio Fountain. According to the tradition, if you drink from all 16 taps of the fountain in a clockwise direction, your wish will come true.

Stradun

The Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, is a stunning marble-paved promenade that runs through the heart of the Old Town. Its smooth, polished surface is one of the most distinctive features of this historic city. Over the centuries, millions of footsteps have gradually worn down the marble, giving it a shiny, smooth texture that adds to the street's charm and character. The constant flow of tourists and locals alike has contributed to the unique shine that now reflects the city's long-standing history and its vibrant present.

Statue of Marin Držić

Marin Držić is a renowned Renaissance playwright often called "Dubrovnik’s Shakespeare." The statue has become a popular spot for tourists seeking good luck. Located near the Marin Držić Theatre in Old Town, visitors believe that rubbing the statue's nose will bring fortune and ensure a return trip to Dubrovnik. Over time, this has given the bronze statue’s nose a shiny, polished appearance.

Can you spot the cross in this photo?

 The cross is actually the large cross atop Mount Srđ, a prominent landmark in Dubrovnik. It was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s but was later rebuilt as a symbol of hope and resilience. Today, it stands tall, reminding visitors of the city's strength and history.

Son#2 was fascinated by this striking relief found on the base of the statue of poet Ivan Gundulić.

Could this relief very well be the secret inspiration for Game of Thrones? Picture this: a regal queen sits poised on her throne, guarded by a fierce dragon and a mighty winged lion, as chaos unfolds around her. Could this be the prototype for Daenerys Targaryen, with her fiery dragons, or Cersei Lannister, ruling from the Iron Throne?

Dubrovnik's Historic Old Port (Stara Luka)

LUNCH - Tata's Cocktails & Burgers

During our Balkan tour, all meals were included and arranged by the tour operator, except for today when we had the freedom to explore and enjoy lunch on our own. We practically had seafood almost every day on this trip, so we decided to switch it up and went for burgers instead!

One great perk of traveling during the shoulder season with a guided group tour is the opportunity to stay in 4 to 5-star hotels at a lower cost, thanks to block bookings, along with cheaper flights. And yes, shoulder season means the colder months. Coming from my corner of the world where it’s forever summer, the cold climate is an adventure itself. It’s a thrilling shift—stepping into a world of vibrant fall foliage, wearing clothes you otherwise never get to wear—something other than the usual tees, shorts, and flip-flops I live in back home—and savoring the comforting scent of hot drinks.

Of course, there are some downsides. A fixed itinerary means a packed schedule—wake-up call at 6:00, breakfast at 7:00, and off to the next destination every day. Dinner is usually buffet-style at the hotel, and unless you have dietary restrictions, you don’t get to choose. Free time is a luxury, as the tours often wrap up just before dinner. But today was a rare treat—we got back early and finally had time to relax at the hotel after a day of exploration.

Buffet dinner @ hotel

Chilling @ Hotel Valamar Lacroma 

FUN FACT

Historically, Dubrovnik's citizens were required to donate a stone equal to their body weight for the construction of the city's walls. This practice dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries when the city was fortifying itself against potential threats. The city walls of Dubrovnik are famous for their strength and preservation, and the donations of stone were a way for the citizens to contribute to the collective defense. Each resident would give a stone, and it was believed that this contributed to the city's security and prosperity. This practice was part of the broader civic responsibility for the protection of the city.

Stay tuned as Day 2 of Dubrovnik promises even more adventures.