This is an independent country founded 700 AD.   Once we left Venice, Italy we headed east 321 nautical miles across the Adriatic Sea to Dubrovnik.  We took a bus to the top of mountains some 50 miles from the port.  This is a popular spot for Europe vacationers.  The cost of a vacation is well below the Italian and French Rivera's and Dubrovnik has similar weather.  The walled city dates back to the 13th century.  Evidence of the war in the 1990s is evident by the damage to the buildings and cities walls.

When Yugoslavia split apart in 1991, Croatia declared independence and has recovered well.  The new bridge in the distance is evidence of the rebound from rubble to new.  Tourism is their primary revenue along the coast.

Our weather in Venice was a cool 65, cloudy with some sun -- NO rain!  In Dubrovnik the temp was closer to 75, sunny and perfect for us photographers!

Coast line of Croatia

We are entering the port. The suspension bridge is a recent reconstruction project following the war.

Road side homes, all white and red roof must be their zoning!

Jane and Di loved our guide - a Brad Pitt look alike!  The walls of the city are just behind them.

In early days the walls kept unwanted visitors on the outside of the city!

This is a look out a few hundred yards from the city of Dubrovnik.

This is a corner of the city wall.

Inside the walls the city thrives.  It is a major tourist stop.

Stores as well as a Catholic church line the interior of the city.

Gothic Rector's Palace, built 1441

Narrow alleys lead to living quarters

This is the Placa (main street) in the city.

Inside this structure is the oldest pharmacy - 1391 AD

This is the entry.  A moat circled the outside and there were two walls the enemy had to break through.

Main entrance

We took a bus ride to the top of the mountain.  We stopped for refreshments at a lovely Inn.

Wine; cheese & tomato on local multi grain bread hit the spot!

Topless beaches are prevalent.

Local church in Cavtat, a neighboring city some 50 miles away from Dubrovnik.

Cavtat is a gorgeous city on the Adriatic.  We walked around this hill.

It was 7:53 AM in the USA, 1:53 PM in Cavtat.

Flowers lined the path.

So did palm trees -- both evident of the tropical climate

Over my right shoulder lies Dubrovnik.  The red roofs are inside the walls.

My telephoto lens came in handy.  You can see the walls but you can't appreciate how thick they are!

Will enjoyed the sun on his lanai as we sailed to Kotor!

Our entertainment deck with pool and spas.

Next stop --> Kotor, Montenegro