2024 Crossroads of the Adriatic - Day #3 - Dubrovnik, Croatia

In Dubrovnick two days before the formal start of the OATS tour, we had a wonderful day exploring the city.

Both Sharon and I were up before 6 am. We had a buffet breakfast at the hotel.

With rain in the forecast for the next couple of days, Sharon wanted to walk the city wall this morning. Rick Steves' recommends starting the wall walk at the Ploče Gate. After breakfast, we caught an Uber to this gate.

The fortified Walls, dating back centuries, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. Although I don't like heights, it was pretty amazing. I took us more than an hour and a half to walk the mile and a quarter.


After walking the wall, we did some shopping in the old town. Sharon shopped for jewelry, while I looked for Christmas ornaments. She found something she liked. I didn't find a Christmas ornament that I was satisfied with.

Our next stop was the Buza Bar II. Located outside the wall, the bar has stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The Gainsleys had raved about the spot.

After a couple of drinks, we wandered to the original Buza Bar. We need to come back to the original Buza Bar in the next several days with Holly and Van.

At this point, we start looking for somewhere to have lunch. We ended up at the GRADSKA KAVANA ARSENAL RESTAURANT on the water in the old town port. I had Fish stew [daily selection of fresh fish / hot sauce / polenta], while Sharon had Sea Bass [Sea bass en papillote / vegetables].


After lunch, we visited the St. Ignatius Church. Also known as the Jesuit Church, is a stunning Baroque masterpiece located in the heart of Dubrovnik. This architectural gem stands out with its impressive facade, intricate details, and magnificent interior.

Wandering towards the Pile Gate, we shopped and stopped at the Church of the Annuication. It is a historic Roman Catholic Church.

Exiting the Pile Gate, we walked back to the hotel. About ten minutes after we got back to the hotel, the thunder storms arrived! As we took a nap, it rained heavily for about two hours.

Getting cleaned up for dinner, we took an Uber back to the Ploče Gate. We walked to Restaurant Dubrovnick. It is Michelin recommended since 2017.

We had the five course tasting menu. The food was excellent. The tasting menu included:

• Chef's welcoming bite;
• Smoked Eel & mussels / Citrus, honey and olive oil emulsion / Caviar;
• Crunchy ravioli / Baby beef ragout / Brown porcini mushrooms Carpaccio / Corn espuma / Pickled carrot / Red wine reduction;
• Octopus / Sweet corn / Beetroot / Broccoli cream with black Truffle;
• Lamb fillet / Pistachio / Thyme sauce / Three potatoes types terrine / Carrot purée; and,
• Blue poppy seed mousse / Caramel / Anise / Almond.

We caught a taxi back to the Hotel Lero from the Ploče Gate. The taxi cost more than twice as much as the Uber! Surprisingly and luckily, it didn't rain in the evening. I started to write up some notes about the day, but couldn't keep my eyes open. I crashed hard about 11:30 pm.