Dubrovnik
Caught by the first rays of sunlight, the ramparts of the city shimmered like gold as the National Geographic Endeavour approached the medieval city of Dubrovnik. From our Zodiacs, the sheer scale of the newly restored city walls surrounding the inner harbour was daunting, especially as one of the objectives of our morning walking tour included circumnavigating the Old Town from their heights. Our tour also took us along the polished limestone main street of Stadum, the Franciscan monastery, clock tower and Rector’s Palace. Imbibing a coffee or a cold beer at a quite table under an umbrella in one of the many cafes was the perfect reward after our exertions.
It was hard to choose between the many the afternoon activities: explore the vegetable market, chapels, art galleries, museums or tempting shops; a visit to the botanical garden and olive mill; or join in on a photography seminar. No one, however, missed the late afternoon choral concert in the Dominican Monastery performed by the award winning klapa group, Ostro. Clad in medieval garb, the seven-member, a cappella male choir included our very own electrician, Milli, and his twin brother. In the shadow of a magnificent 17th century bell tower, the last rays of the setting sun warmed the stones of the gothic arcade surrounding the cloister where we gathered. The exquisite voices of Ostro transported us all into another realm altogether magical.
Caught by the first rays of sunlight, the ramparts of the city shimmered like gold as the National Geographic Endeavour approached the medieval city of Dubrovnik. From our Zodiacs, the sheer scale of the newly restored city walls surrounding the inner harbour was daunting, especially as one of the objectives of our morning walking tour included circumnavigating the Old Town from their heights. Our tour also took us along the polished limestone main street of Stadum, the Franciscan monastery, clock tower and Rector’s Palace. Imbibing a coffee or a cold beer at a quite table under an umbrella in one of the many cafes was the perfect reward after our exertions.
It was hard to choose between the many the afternoon activities: explore the vegetable market, chapels, art galleries, museums or tempting shops; a visit to the botanical garden and olive mill; or join in on a photography seminar. No one, however, missed the late afternoon choral concert in the Dominican Monastery performed by the award winning klapa group, Ostro. Clad in medieval garb, the seven-member, a cappella male choir included our very own electrician, Milli, and his twin brother. In the shadow of a magnificent 17th century bell tower, the last rays of the setting sun warmed the stones of the gothic arcade surrounding the cloister where we gathered. The exquisite voices of Ostro transported us all into another realm altogether magical.
