Dubrovnik

View from the city wall of Dubrovnik

Shame. Shame. Shame.

We stepped off the tender with the best of intentions. Our Dubrovnik adventure lasted two hours.

Dubrovnik is, objectively, one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean — a remarkably preserved medieval walled city perched on the Adriatic coast, its limestone streets and terracotta rooftops earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Thanks to Game of Thrones, it is also forever immortalised as King's Landing. 

First, we retraced Cersei Lannister's infamous walk of shame down the Jesuit Staircase — mercifully, unlike Cersei, fully clothed and unaccompanied by anyone ringing a bell. From there, we made the ambitious decision to tackle the city walls, a 1.9 kilometre loop around the old town. In hindsight, voluntarily climbing onto a giant stone fortification in the middle of a Croatian summer may not rank among our stronger life choices. The views over the Stradun and the maze of terracotta rooftops were undeniably spectacular, but so was the heat radiating off several hundred-year-old limestone. Umbrellas, cooling towels and fans were no match for hot stone, full sun, and no shade. We briefly considered stopping at one of the tiny bars literally carved into the walls — but the tender pick-up point was right there, making a very persuasive case for retreat.

We surrendered with no shame whatsoever. Back to the yacht for lunch with a postcard view back toward those magnificent walls, air conditioning, an afternoon nap, and a swim off the deck.

Dubrovnik won. We're fine with that.

View from the tender boat

Very convenient tender dock!

Literally right at the old town

We managed to get to the Jesuit Staircase with no one on it! We did resist the urge to chant out "Shame!". Apparently it is not kosher and the locals hate it

The church that the staircase was at - St Ignatius

I probably should have photoshopped her out before posting this photo

Market was on!

Venetian traits in architecture

You can just see the yacht in the distancae

Stunning views

Stunningly hot

Stradun

We love talking to the crew. Guess where this one is from...

Meals are always varied with excellent choices

Mussels on the menu today! The waiter was shocked that I turned down the white wine...

Dubrovnik in the background

Sunset over Dubrovnik