00:00I'm Lily Douse and this is Grand Voyager.
00:04In this series, I travel the world to discover incredible places filled with culture, luxury and adventure.
00:13Along the way, I meet the people, taste the flavors and experience the moments that make each destination unforgettable.
00:27Perched on Croatia's Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is a city of medieval walls, narrow stone streets and breathtaking sea views,
00:38where centuries of maritime history meet a vibrant modern Mediterranean spirit.
00:46Bok and welcome to Dubrovnik, situated on the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
00:52This city has a lot to offer and more.
00:57Arriving in Dubrovnik, you're immediately struck by the beauty of one of Croatia's most captivating cities.
01:06Welcome to Dubrovnik.
01:08It is incredible to be here in Dubrovnik. It's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.
01:12Thank you so much. It's my hometown.
01:13Standing beside us is St. Lawrence Fortress, one of Dubrovnik's most striking landmarks.
01:21Luxa leads me up the steps of this 37-meter-high fortress, once built to defend the city from attacks
01:28by sea.
01:30This fortress was built around 13th century and it was expanding as the city was expanding.
01:37And today it was used as a set for a Game of Thrones.
01:42The viewpoint offers incredible views across the Old Town, giving us a glimpse of how Dubrovnik has evolved over the
01:50centuries,
01:51while the fortress has stood strong throughout it all.
01:57Just a short walk away is the entrance to the Old City, featuring multiple gates, stone walls, a moat and
02:05a wooden drawbridge.
02:06We are now at Pile Gate, the western side of the city, a very popular, as you can see behind
02:13us.
02:14A few hundred years ago this was a ditch, something that you would use for defence.
02:21Did Dubrovnik get invaded many times with this amazing defence system?
02:25Yeah, it was. That's why it was here. It was a very, very strategic place and back in the time
02:35we were positioned perfectly and people wanted to take over this.
02:40And that's why the investment in such a defensive structure.
02:44As we enter through the city walls, Dubrovnik's grandeur really begins to unfold around us.
02:52One of the first cities in Europe that had fresh water for their citizens was Dubrovnik.
02:59And when would this have been? This was just around 15th century, yeah.
03:04Still, a long time ago to think of building something like this for citizens.
03:08And public, you didn't need to pay anything.
03:11Walking along the historic streets, you can really feel the centuries of history woven into every corner of the city.
03:20Together we climb the steps around the Old Town, stopping at incredible and unique viewpoints,
03:26as well as small cobbled streets.
03:29Finally, we head towards the harbour, the largest gate of Dubrovnik.
03:34The three arches that you see behind us was actually the shipyard back in the ages,
03:39where the boats were moored and repaired and prepared for going outside on the water.
03:45And somehow the water is crystal clear when you have so many boats.
03:49We take care of it as much as we can. We really do.
03:56The Adriatic Sea is such an important part of Dubrovnik's story.
04:01And so, to discover it more, I'm embarking on a boat tour with Josko.
04:07Hi, Lily. Let's get you on Elapiri Island, show you around Blue Cave and some nice spots on Elapiri Island.
04:13It's hot today, so I'm ready to jump in the ocean.
04:16Yes, let's get you on the boat.
04:17We set sail across the Adriatic, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with Dubrovnik's historic coastline stretching out behind us.
04:27So, Lily, this is going to be our first stop. It's a cave which can be entered with a boat.
04:33I call it Green Cave because it's green inside.
04:35The greenish glow inside the cave is created when sunlight filters through the clear Adriatic water and reflects onto the
04:45walls.
04:46Next, we head to Lopud Island, stopping at an incredible swim spot en route.
04:53Usually, when we were kids, when you would come here, there would only be locals with boats because this beach
05:00is accessible only by boat.
05:02The turquoise water shimmers in the sunlight, creating the perfect spot to float and watch the world go by.
05:11Sadly, it's time to get back on the boat and continue our journey.
05:16Okay, Lily, so now we are on the Lopud Island. This is the second island of Elapiri Island.
05:22For me, the best one and there's no traffic on the island, as you can see.
05:27It's such a magical island, filled with beautiful flowers and swaying palm trees.
05:34I could happily spend the day relaxing here, but there's still one more stop to discover.
05:40Finally, we head to the Blue Cave, a spectacular spot where we can jump straight from the boat into the
05:48crystal clear Adriatic.
05:50Over there, you have the entrance, so you need to swim inside the cave, which gets really blue because of
05:56the sunlight hitting the sand bottom.
05:58It's truly magical inside the cave, with the incredible light reflecting off the crystal clear water, making it the perfect
06:06place for a swim.
06:08Heading back to shore, I have time to reflect on an unforgettable experience.
06:14Diving into the sea isn't something you get to do every day, or maybe it is here in Dubrovnik.
06:23Just a stone's throw away from the city is a historic hotel which originally opened in 1897.
06:32Today, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik stands as a reminder of the city's transition from the golden age of European travel
06:40to the city's more turbulent years.
06:43The hotel was also damaged during the 1991 shelling of Dubrovnik, but was subsequently restored, preserving its historic character while
06:53transforming it into the luxury hotel it is today.
06:58Inside, the hotel features elegant rooms and suites, an indoor pool, spa and fitness facilities.
07:05Its terrace and upper floors offer views towards the Adriatic and Dubrovnik's historic surroundings.
07:14Situated just moments from Old Town, you get the best of both worlds, historic charm and contemporary comfort.
07:24Every detail of the hotel exudes elegance from its refined interiors to the beautiful outdoor terraces where guests can enjoy
07:34some delicious fresh cuisine.
07:36As a fan of seafood, I like when I can see the sea and taste the sea.
07:46Speaking of the sea, it's time to explore the water in another way.
07:50Today, we're going to do a kayaking tour of five kilometres.
07:55We're going to visit a cave, back in a cave.
07:59We're going to go underneath the city walls, which is going to lead us into a cave.
08:04There's a lot to see here kayaking. My arms are ready for it.
08:08Very good, very good.
08:09There is no engines inside of the boat.
08:11You have to do a little bit of work of yourself.
08:14So this is an active vacation for everybody that joins us.
08:17I grab my kayak and head out into the water, kayaking past the impressive city walls and out across to
08:26a beautiful swimming spot.
08:27Every part of the journey is spectacular and gives you a different perspective of the city.
08:35It's certainly hard work, so taking a break for a swim is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy
08:42the water before making my way back to shore.
08:49After all that activity, it's time for me to try some local cuisine.
08:54So I'm heading to a family-run restaurant just outside the city walls.
08:59What's the special dish that I'm going to be trying?
09:02We are preparing peka for you, lamb and veal mixed, so you can try both.
09:09That sounds incredible. And what's the amazing history for your restaurant?
09:12For the restaurant, our family opened the restaurant in 1997.
09:16So it's almost 30 years of tradition.
09:20And what does the name of the restaurant mean?
09:23It's a meaningful perfect dish, let's say, Croatian slang.
09:29So I'm going to have the perfect dish here today.
09:31Yeah.
09:32Peka is a traditional cooking method where meat, fish and vegetables are slow cooked beneath a bell-shaped iron lid
09:40covered with hot embers.
09:43You make a fire, then you put the meat and potatoes in a plate, the bell goes on it and
09:48the chakras all around.
09:49And two hours of slow cooking, two and a half.
09:53And this is very traditional here?
09:55Yeah, it's cooking in the own juices. This is tradition before electricity, before everything.
10:01So this was first oven, let's say.
10:04The aroma is incredible and I'm definitely ready to sit down and enjoy this special dish.
10:11There's something really special about eating like a local.
10:15And also, when it's this delicious, it makes it even better.
10:19Every bite is packed with flavour, making this the perfect way to fuel up for my final adventure in Dubrovnik.
10:27Ziplining over the whole city.
10:31These views are epic.
10:34It's incredible over here.
10:35You know, I really love this spot and I'm glad you guys are here.
10:38You know, you get to see everything later on better on the ziplines.
10:42You know, the views are obviously better on the wires.
10:45Before we begin, Devo explains the safety briefing of how to operate the zipline and also provides me with all
10:52the necessary equipment.
10:54You're going to be in a seated position and you're going to be basically holding onto the brake and you're
11:00going to be controlling your own speed.
11:01The final step is securing my safety helmet and then I'm ready to go.
11:07I have to admit, I'm feeling slightly nervous up here, but I take a deep breath, step off the platform
11:14and soak up the incredible views.
11:17This is such a spectacular way to see Dubrovnik from a completely different perspective and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience.
11:27I'm doing my best to take in every moment as this is certainly an experience I'll never forget.
11:38As the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea, I finally take a moment to reflect on a spectacular trip.
11:46Dubrovnik is a city full of surprises.
11:50From history to adventure, it has it all.
11:53But now, time for my next adventure.
