Hard to believe it was the last day of our magical cruise up the Dalmatian coast. And what a perfect way to end—the beautiful island of Hvar, the lavender capital of the Croatia. Sea Cloud sailed through a narrow channel between the Pakleni Islands to drop anchor just in front of the old Venetian harbor of Hvar. We tendered into the pier for a late-morning orientation and walking tour of this delightful town full of small churches, Venetian-inspired Renaissance palaces with pointed trefoil windows, and ground-floor loggias. The quayside is lined with cafes, bars, and lavender stands on one side, and amazing yachts on the other. Our guides took us around the seawall and out to the Franciscan monastery to see the little physic garden and impressive painting of the Last Supper that dominates the monk’s refectory. Done by a Venetian artist of the school of Paolo Veronese, who was shipwrecked on the island and nursed back to health in the monastery, it is a stunning masterpiece. We wound our way back to the main square and then fanned out on our own to explore the alleyways leading up to the Spanjola fortress that protects the city and bay, go for a swim, or just sit and enjoy a cool drink in one of the many bars surrounding the square.
9/20/2024
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Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.