The old town was fairly quiet this morning as we wandered around early to find some breakfast. Checked out the main points of interest, particularly the Marco Polo tower as a great view to the bell tower as well as part of this gorgeous town. It is claimed that Marco Polo was born here in 1254 and evidence does seem to suggest that this could be true.
Was time to head back and check out of our cute little room. Raym posted off a postcard to his Mum and managed to give her a quick call using a phone card from a pay phone. Dragged our bags the remainder of the way to the car park purchasing ferry tickets back to Orebic enroute. Thankfully Vesa's son Stipe had organised for us not to pay for parking so we were soon off again! Quick drive around then down to the port and straight on to the 11am ferry for the 20 minute journey. It seems a little chaotic at times but Jadrolinga do actually run quite efficiently.
We have decided that Orebic or another nearby coastal town would be viable options for a base to visit the various islands.
Our drive to Dubrovnik was just over 70kms straight down the Peljesac Peninsula then back onto the mainland coast. A really spectacularly scenic journey. Twists and turns through dense vineyard country - vines often planted anywhere; a gully, a hillside or so close to the side of the road you could almost touch them. Vino shops everywhere. You could easily wander from vineyard to vineyard. And little seaside pebbly beach spots were on both sides as the road meandered down the peninsula. Plenty of oyster leases and we later read quite an area for gastronomic delights particularly seafood! An area that could be explored in more depth with more time. The town of Ston - important for salt production - where the peninsula joined the mainland, looked fascinating with its 5.5km wall hanging precariously on either side of a hill. Apparently includes 40 towers and 5 forts.
Raym was ready for a break so we detoured into a sleepy little beach town called Grgurici for a bite of lunch. Great tavern overlooking that crystal clear water - and the tuna bruschetta and salad was pretty good too!
The remainder of the journey into Dubrovnik did not take long - and what a spectacular entrance. The beautiful ocean, the imposing buildings with all those red terracotta roofs, the harbour with three massive cruise ships in port and an impressive bridge spanning across.
For the first time in several days we actually used the expertise of Serena our GPS friend and she managed to get us right to the outside of the old town wall - but traffic was horrendous as was the parking situation! After a circle around grabbed a park - scared by the EUR70 per day fee - and followed the throng into the old town making a bee line for the tourist information. With map in hand wasn't long before we clambered up the many stairs of the narrow street (perhaps 50!?!) to our little guesthouse room. Fortunately a young English girl, Jenny, was out the front and phoned Darko our host for us. Within minutes he was there showing us into our delightful room. Yet another great choice in a perfect location !
Darko walked with us back to the car and assisted us with our luggage then came with us again to relocate the car to his parking area a little further away. At EUR10 per day we were more than happy! Once again overwhelmed by hospitality and helpfulness.
Back inside the walls of the town decided to bite the bullet and hit the walk around the circumference of the walls. Was close to 5ish and still really hot but thought we would manage. Was truly amazing! Took over and hour and was a struggle at times with heat but views were sensational! Haven't been here long and so many people said we would love Dubrovnik - it's impossible not to!
More water and we were ok to wander a bit more through this awesome place. Didn't take long to get out bearings and soak in the ambience - despite the ridiculous amount of tourists. Had a pivo down at the port area before heading back for a rest and freshen up.
Darko had recommended a few restaurants but by 8ish when we headed out there were people queued at several - ended up at Moby d*** only one level down from us and shared a meat platter (first non seafood meal for ages) - excellent. Enjoyed a wander and nightcap in the square.