Excursion Traditional dubrovnik tour at Dubrovnik

Embrace the natural beauty and traditions of Croatia during this scenic, half-day excursion to the lush Konavle Valley.

Dubrovnik, Ljuta, Konavle Valley, Stamp Mills, Old Water Mill, Stone Mill Demonstration

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through small, picturesque villages en route to the Konavle Valley, and a visit to Ljuta. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the Old Water Mill, Mlinica Dvori, which is still in use today. Experience a look into traditional Croatian life during this tour, and demonstration of an historic, water-powered stone mill. The mill system was extremely important for the economy of Konavle and the Dubrovnik Republic as a whole. The river and its upper streams are now protected as public parklands, with its mills preserved as historical and cultural monuments to the traditional way of life dating back to the 15th century. Following your tour, refreshments of orange juice, homemade liqueur and dried figs are served.

Gruda Village, Antonia Ruskovic Attelier, Traditional Silk Production, Interactive Silk Demonstration

Next, re-board your coach and continue on towards Gruda Village, where Antonia Ruskovic has kept up the tradition of handcrafted silk production. Silk is one of the oldest textile fibres known to mankind, and, during the Roman Empire, it was sold for its weight in gold. Here in the Konavle Valley, near Dubrovnik, women continue this process not for profit, but for the sake of tradition. During your guided tour, learn about an explanation of the whole process, from cocoon-boiling to thread-reeling, dyeing, plying, weaving, and embroidering. Following your tour, you are invited to partake in this tradition by producing a thread of silk yourself, then served refreshments of tea, homemade liqueur, soft drinks and homemade chocolate cake.

Old Town Walking Tour

After re-boarding your coach, drive back toward Dubrovnik. A stop is made along the way for a guided walking tour of the Old Town. At the conclusion of your visit, you may opt to re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier, or remain in the Old Town for further exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Dubrovnik, Ljuta, Konavle Valley, Watermills, Old Mill, Stone Mill Tour and Demonstration, Antonia Ruskovic Attelier, Interactive Silk Demonstration, Old Town

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 15 steps at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages.