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City of wonder: 24 hours in Dubrovnik

17 May 2018 • Written by Sophia Wilson

With green-shuttered houses wedged between baroque churches, all encircled by a medieval wall, it’s no surprise this city is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sophia Wilson has the perfect one-day tour

09:00 - Breakfast with a view

Moor in the stunning waters of Dubrovnik's coastline. Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Moor your yacht in the channel between the craggy pine-clad coastline and the uninhabited Lokrum island, in front of the modern Mediterranean-styled Villa Dubrovnik. Enjoy breakfast on board with views of the magnificent walls of the Old Town stretching away before you.

10:00 - Relax with a treatment at Villa Spa

Dubrovnik's luxury Villa Spa

Call Villa Dubrovnik’s stylish Venetian vaporetto speedboat to your yacht and glide back to shore for a treatment at the hotel’s Villa Spa. Try the 120 minute Diamond massage experience, which includes a preparatory exfoliation, a revolutionary bed treatment and body massage – it will leave you on sparkling form for the rest of the day.

11:30 - Browse beautiful botanical gardens

Home of peacocks in Lokrum. Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Cross the channel to Lokrum and go for a stroll in the botanical gardens, which were planted in the 19th century and contain species from Chile, Australia, California and South Africa. Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Austria, who created the gardens, also brought over peacocks, and they still stroll proudly around the island.

13:00 - Dine with fresh cusine at Restaurant Proto

Dine at Restaurant Proto

Tender in to Dubrovnik Old Town port at the eastern end of the city, which is a hive of activity with small tourist boats and shermen. Walk through the city’s white limestone streets and head for the hidden roof terrace at the family-owned Restaurant Proto, located on the intersection of Široka and Vara Street. Refuel on the catch of the day served with fresh organic vegetables.

14:30 - Head for the heights of Mount Srd

In just four minutes experience views of Dubrovnik's coastline on the cable car. Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Avoid the crowds walking the city walls and instead head for the heights of Mount Srd. The cable car will whisk you up 405 metres in a mere four minutes for views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town.

16:00 - Shop at quirky souvenir store Life According to Kawa

The quirky Life According to Kawa store

Pick up any souvenirs (or treats for yourself) from quirky store Life According to Kawa, which is built in a renovated garage. The shop showcases the work of Croatian artisans, with products ranging from handbags and ceramics to craft beer and wine.

18:00 - Tour Dubrovnik's famous Old Town

The cobbled streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

As the crowds die down and the sun sets, take a private guided tour around the intricate network of cobblestone streets and squares that make up the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn the history of the ancient city walls that protected a republic for centuries and spot locations from Game of Thrones.

20:30 Enjoy Croatian dining at Restaurant Pjerin

Restaurant Pjerin has spectacular night views

Head back by car to the glass walled Restaurant Pjerin at the Villa Dubrovnik for spectacular night views of the old city and your superyacht. Order the lobster spaghetti and ask the sommelier to recommend a Croatian wine. Afterwards, head for a nightcap on the rooftop bar – your bed is only a short tender ride away.