Dubrovnik The Pearl of the Adriatic. Marble streets, churches, monasteries, museums, small boutiques, palaces, fortresses all made out of finely carved stone.

Dubrovnik is more than worthy of its title as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”. Croatia’s stunning medieval walled old town is perched at the edge of the Adriatic’s azure blue sea and within the walls are marble streets, churches, monasteries, museums, small boutiques, palaces, fortresses all made out of finely carved stone and never-ending dining options. A highlight is a walk around the city wall where you get spectacular views across the ocean towards many of Croatia’s islands and fascinating views of the old town below.

A beautiful time to see Dubrovnik is first thing in the morning for sunrise when you can avoid the maddening crowds and enjoy the morning light reflecting on the marble. There are many interesting museums to look at within the old walls, particularly the 14^th century Franciscan Monastery which is home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The true charm of Dubrovnik can be found in simply wandering around the walled city and enjoying its perfect beauty.

There are a couple great and easy day trips from Dubrovnik. Visit the stunning ancient town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina with its elegant Old Bridge over the picturesque Neretva River. Many of the buildings as you near the old town are riddled with bullet holes - a chilling reminder of the country’s troubled past. Wander the streets of the picturesque coastal town of Kotor in Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor at the edge of a huge mountain range. The views across the fjord-like scenery are spectacular. Cobbled laneways link squares in what is one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved medieval cities.