Wondering what to do after you’ve seen all the city sights? While Dubrovnik is a destination in itself, it has much more to offer than what meets the eye…
1) Three Island Cruise: Elaphiti Islands
TCN has written extensively about the Elaphiti Islands in the past, and yet there is always something to say about these emerald green havens which appear to float effortlessly in the Adriatic just north of the City of Dubrovnik. Seeing as their history and charm has already been covered in the link above, let’s talk about the best way for you to see them. Once in Dubrovnik, you’ll see a variety of excursions on offer but one ”must do” is the Three Island Cruise, and there are several of this sort. It’s recommended to go for the one which offers a fish picnic (included in the price) on board, which includes not only food, but wine, soft drinks and water. The cruise sets sail from Dubrovnik’s old harbour and heads first to the island Kolocep (known locally as Kalamota), then to Lopud and on to Sipan. A fish picnic will be served during transition from Lopud to Sipan. Bookings can be made beforehand with the tour operator you choose, many can be found throughout the city, but if you’re determined then head to Dubrovnik’s old harbour to book.
2) Buggy Safari
If you’re already in Dubrovnik, it’s more than likely you’ll be taking the cable car (zicara) up to the dizzy heights of Mt. Srdj to view the city and its surroundings (and the interior of Bosnia and Herzegovina) from one of the highest points around, as well as visit the Napoleonic Fort Imperijal to learn more about what happened during the Homeland War and the siege of Dubrovnik. While there, why not drive around and take in the rugged landscape and stunning views from a slightly different angle? Once on top of Srdj, you can hire a buggy and go offroading through the otherwise little experienced pine forests and Bosanka area. The Buggy Safari has been a favourite with all kinds of people since 2009 and is the perfect way to see Dubrovnik area from an entirely new perspective. Click here to find out more.
3) Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
One of the most popular excursions from Dubrovnik is to explore the natural beauty and interesting history of the Herzegovina region of Croatia’s neighbouring country, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The border with Bosnia and Herzegovina is within very close proximity to Dubrovnik, making it a must do when visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic. There are several agencies who operate day trips from Dubrovnik to Mostar and back, they must be booked in advance and begin early in the morning with individual pick ups from your accommodation, with stop-offs at multiple destinations along the way, before heading to the historical city of Mostar. Remember to take your passport with you! You can read all about what you need, and what to expect from a day in Bosnia and Herzegovina when in the good hands of a Dubrovnik agency here.
4) Kayaking in Dubrovnik
Kayaking is a great way to see the city in a different light, bobbing along the sunkissed Adriatic and looking at Dubrovnik’s mighty, imposing walls and red rooftops is definitely a sight to behold. Kayaks can be hired at both Banje beach (formerly East West beach) and Sulic beach (near Pile). Due to the fact that you’ll be entering into open water, the kayak tours are guided by a professional and take you over for a close up of the beautiful island of Lokrum (600m from Dubrovnik) and into an otherwise inaccessible beach inside a large cave in the Sveti Jakov area of the city before heading back to whichever beach the kayaks came from. Kayaking has gained the title as one of the favourites among visitors from all walks of life.
5) Konavle Wine Valley Tour
Experience the timeless Croatian countryside just outside of the hustle and bustle of the City of Dubrovnik with an all-day wine sampling trip to the nearby Konavle Valley. Arrive by coach to Konavle and then travel authentically between four local, family run wineries in a mini-train and taste your way around the southern Croatian countryside. The Konavle Valley owes its numerous vineyards to a perfect climate and is a true step back in time, with the sparkling Adriatic sea on one side, and the foothills of the imposing Snjeznica Mountain on the other, it is located close to the Montenegrin border at the very southernmost tip of the country. You will stop in the village of Brajkovici and visit a family-run wine cellar, visit several local wineries, meet the winemakers, enjoy a typical ”peasants lunch” (eggs, cheese, bacon and bread), and you’ll stop at an ancient flour mill and witness a wool-making demonstration performed by Konavle locals in traditional dress. This trip is perfect for both history and wine enthusiasts and enables you to learn what makes southern Dalmatian wine stand out from the rest you see on the shelves, sampling as you go along. This trip has earned an impressive 4 star rating. You can find out more about Konavle and its wine valley tour here.
