Saturday, June 1, 2024

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Zadar, Croatia 🇭🇷

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia has a historic past with ancient Romans and others who left a legacy of ruins, squares, churches, forts, spires, stone walls and striking scenery with the Adriatic Sea shoreline, nearby mountains, and red tile roofs. The country has been torn by wars, and of course Covid affected every country’s economy, but Dubrovnik is now a favorite of cruise ships and celebs —we saw Rod Stewart walking about. The massive stone wall built in the 16th century encircles the distinctive old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once surrounded by a moat complete with draw bridge.

We rode into the countryside above Dubrovnik to a quaint home with views of the pastoral agricultural valley where we were served their olive oil, bread, cheeses and meats, wines — delicious samples of the local delicacies. I’m struggling to keep my hubby from buying a big ham to bring home!

Onward docked on Saturday at Zadar in a perfect position to see and hear the Sea Organ. It is a cool architectural sound art and experimental musical instrument, which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. We can hear the random tunes from our cabin this a beautiful, sunny day and lots of tourists and kids enjoying the water and the long sea walk.

Another unique attraction in the Zadar sea walk is the "Greeting to the Sun" installation, which consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates that collect solar energy during the day and create a light show at night. We didn’t get to see it as we sailed before sundown.

Saturday’s excursion was a scenic drive to an island called Pag . We visited a family-owned cheese factory that boasts a world champion sheep cheese made with local milk, delicious! And then onto a lunch at a seaside restaurant which served us local delicacies including octopus salad, a delectable lamb terrine and decadent dessert from figs and ice cream. Full bellies and full hearts!

Dubrovnik— a scenic wonder and historic architectural marvel

The Sea Organ at Zadar