Dubrovnik - 1989

Our  visit to Dubrovnik was a surprise and it took place in the summer of 1989, when our daughter was returning home for her vacation from college to Mumbai. At the same time My husband was invited for a small ECHO meeting along with a doctor from England. So we planned to meet our daughter in Rome where we had good contact with Air India manager. My daughter and I stayed very close to Roman steps for 2 days. And than my husband met us in Rome. At that time, Dubrovnik was still part of Yugoslavia. Situated on the Adriatic coast, the city immediately captivated us with its imposing stone walls, narrow streets, and breathtaking seaside setting. Unlike many historic cities that seem preserved only for tourists, Dubrovnik felt very much alive. People lived within the old city walls, and seeing everyday life unfold in such a historic setting made a lasting impression on me.

Our plan was to go from Trieste to Dubrovnik by boat along the Adriatic sea. We enjoy this kind of experiences. In Rome when my husband went for making a booking for a cabin, he was told that tickets can be bought only at Trieste. Next day we took a train to reach Trieste and got on to train at the station. Besides three of us, there was one Italian lady in our compartment. Ticket checker after finishing checking the tickets , indicated by action to my husband that remove your belt and tie it to the door. That is Rome. Even when you are walking in the city, you have to be careful as young children attack you and try to take away money from pocket or pull away wrist watch. We saw this but fortunately we were on the other side of road. 

Next morning we reached Trieste. While my husband was at the ticket window, I saw a group of people with ECHO equipment. I had a short conversation with them, saying my husband is also here to attend the same meeting. Unfortunately cabins were sold out and three easy chairs were booked for our night journey. Luckily my new friends suggested that in the morning when we are finished , you can use our cabin. We managed to pass the night perhaps because our train journey from Rome to Trieste was during night. The conference was organised by a doctor here and along with a doctor from England and my husband was also invited.

We stayed in a hotel during the meeting. When the meeting was over, we chose to stay with a family whose house  was close to the conference hall. We stayed with the  family for two more nights. The family was absorbed in listening to radio, and later she told us ,Oh we have now become Independent. They sounded very happy.  

Old City

Next day we went to see the old city, which had been damaged once. But now recovered. When you enter you find it full of old houses. There are multiple lanes. People are staying there. And clothes are hung out for drying. It looks a very alive town.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Famed for its well-preserved limestone streets, centuries-old defensive walls, and Gothic-Renaissance architecture, the pedestrian-only historic center offers stunning seaside vistas and serves as a major backdrop for Game of Thrones. 

Navigating the area requires walking, as no cars or bicycles are allowed inside the walls. To make the most of our visit, we considered these key experience.

Top Attractions

• The City Walls: Walk the nearly 2 km loop around the city's fortifications for breathtaking views of the terracotta roofs and the Adriatic Sea. 

• Stradun: The main pedestrian thoroughfare. Paved with polished limestone, it connects the Pile Gate to the Old Port and is lined with cafes and shops. 

• Rector’s Palace & Sponza Palace: Historical architectural gems featuring beautiful courtyards and exhibits on the city's rich past. 

• Mount Srd: Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car or hike up to the summit for a panoramic vantage point of the entire Old Town and Lokrum Island. 

Sveti Stefan

We left Dubrovnik, as we were driving along in Montenegro we saw a beautiful tall structure. It stand on an island in water, and there is short walk to get there. This is famous SVETI STEFAN. It has now been converted to a hotel.

Kotor

Kotor is a breathtaking, UNESCO-protected medieval town in Montenegro, famously nestled at the edge of the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor beneath towering gray mountains. It is known for its well-preserved Venetian fortifications, rich history.

Enclosed within ancient Venetian-built walls, the Old Town is a maze of narrow stone streets, small squares, charming cafés, and centuries-old buildings. Travelers often fall in love with its romantic atmosphere, where laundry hangs between weathered stone houses and church bells echo through hidden alleyways. The architecture reflects a mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences, showcasing Kotor’s long and layered history. Every turn invites discovery, and even a simple walk feels like a journey back in time.

Return Journey

For our return journey from Kotor we reached Split. Split is another town near Dubrovnik which is considered beautiful. From there we again travelled to Ankara in Italy by boat. It was a brand new boat and we got two adjoining rooms . Journey was short about two hours.

Perugia

During the return journey we stopped at Perugia for one night. Perugia is an Italian city and the capital of the Umbria region. It’s known for its defensive walls around the historic center. The medieval Priori Palace exhibits regional art from the 13th century onward. In the square's center, Fontana Maggiore is a marble fountain with carvings of biblical scenes and zodiac signs.

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is famous for its world-class chocolate—most notably the iconic Baci kisses by Perugina—its rich Etruscan history, and hosting massive international events like the Umbria Jazz Festival. Perched on a dramatic hilltop, it is also a major historic university town.

One great things to do in Perugia, is Stroll Corso Vannucci, lined with boutiques and galleries. It is a must-see stretch where you can sample lots of Chocolates.