We're going to a city that refused to be conquered this week.

Dubrovnik sits at the southern tip of Croatia along the Adriatic coast, but its story starts long before Croatia existed. The area was first settled by Greek and Roman traders drawn to its natural harbor and strategic position along the sea.

The city that would become Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century, when Slavic migrations pushed Roman refugees from the nearby city of Epidaurum to the rocky island of Laus. They built a settlement there, and eventually the channel between the island and the mainland was filled in, creating the limestone streets you can still walk today.

Dubrovnik flourished as the Republic of Ragusa, an independent city-state that rivaled Venice in wealth and diplomatic sophistication, for centuries.

Venice dominated with power while Ragusa was more clever. The Republic maintained independence for over 400 years by paying tribute to the Ottoman Empire when necessary. They were traders with everyone and would put the great powers of Europe against each other.

Ragusa became one of the first states to abolish the slave trade in 1416, more than four centuries before many nations followed.

The Republic's era ended with Napoleon's conquest in 1806, and Dubrovnik passed through Austrian and then Yugoslav hands before Croatia gained independence in 1991.

That independence came at a cost. During the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was shelled for seven months. The orange rooftops you see today are largely rebuilt. It really makes you think while you’re walking the City Walls (see below).

Dubrovnik is a city that survived plagues, earthquakes, empires, and artillery fire, but it has still managed to display some inspiring beauty,

It’s easy to understand why Dubrovnik has become one of Croatia’s most recognizable destinations, with its orange rooftops, limestone streets, medieval walls and bright blue Adriatic Sea. Truthfully, it was put on Trisha’s travel list after seeing it on The Amazing Race.

The city is beautiful on its own, but if you're a Game of Thrones fan, you'll recognize quite a few places around town. Dubrovnik was used as a filming location for King's Landing beginning in 2011. (It should be noted that we have never watched the show, but saw so many walking tours going on in Dubrovnik that we knew we should include the information about the sites down below.)

This should be at the top of your list.

The walls surrounding Dubrovnik's Old Town stretch for almost two kilometers, giving you incredible views over the terracotta rooftops, historic buildings and Adriatic Sea.

Take your time walking the entire route. You'll constantly find another viewpoint that makes you want to stop for a photo. You can purchase tickets here or at the Dubrovnik Visitor Center.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is where you'll find many of the city's most famous sights.

Start at Pile Gate and walk along the Stradun, the main street through the historic center.

Wander through the narrow stone streets, explore small shops and cafés, and look for beautiful churches, fountains and historic buildings tucked into the side streets.

Dubrovnik's historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Game of Thrones fans will have a lot of fun exploring Dubrovnik.

The city served as King's Landing, and several recognizable locations can still be visited today.

Fort Lovrijenac: This fortress overlooking the sea was used as the Red Keep and is located just outside the Old Town.

Pile Bay: This waterfront area appeared in several scenes, including the memorable departure scene involving members of the Stark family.

Jesuit Staircase: These famous steps were used for Cersei Lannister's Walk of Shame.

Lokrum Island: The island was transformed into Qarth in the series, with filming taking place around its botanical garden and Benedictine monastery ruins.

Trsteno Arboretum: Located outside the city, this beautiful historic garden was used as the setting for the gardens of House Tyrell.

You can also find a replica of the Iron Throne on Lokrum for the obligatory Game of Thrones photo.

Rector's Palace is one of the most important historic buildings in Dubrovnik.

The former residence of the city's elected rector now houses a museum where you can learn more about Dubrovnik's history.

The combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture makes the building worth seeing even if museums aren't normally at the top of your list.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is located in the heart of the Old Town.

Step inside to see its ornate interior and treasury, which contains religious art and historic objects.

The square surrounding the cathedral is also a great place to slow down and take in the atmosphere of the Old Town.

For one of the best views of Dubrovnik, head up Mount Srđ.

The cable car takes you above the city, where you'll get a panoramic view of the Old Town, coastline and surrounding islands.

Go around sunset if you can. Watching the orange rooftops change color as the sun drops over the Adriatic is pretty spectacular.

Looking for one of Dubrovnik's most unique experiences? Find Buža Bar, tucked into the rocks just outside the Old Town's southern walls. The bar is perched above the Adriatic, and you can actually swim from the rocky platforms below it. It's a great place to grab a drink, take in the views of the sea and Lokrum Island, and cool off with a swim.

Just keep in mind that this isn't a traditional beach. You're entering the open Adriatic from rocky platforms, so use caution and only swim if you're comfortable with the conditions.

*This was where contestants received a Double U-Turn board and cluebox of The Amazing Race.

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik's Old City, Lokrum Island makes an easy half-day or full-day escape.

Explore the botanical gardens and Benedictine monastery ruins, walk the island's trails, see the peacocks and rabbits, or take a swim in the island's famous Dead Sea.

The boat ride from the Old City Harbour takes about 10 minutes, with service operating seasonally.

Game of Thrones fans will also recognize Lokrum as the filming location for Qarth.

Dubrovnik isn't only about history and sightseeing.

Take a break from the Old Town and spend some time along the Adriatic. Banje Beach is one of the most convenient options near the historic center.

For something quieter, explore some of the smaller beaches and swimming spots around the city.

The water is incredibly clear, so don't forget your swimsuit!

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is about 20 kilometers from the city and has international connections, particularly during the busy travel season. Airport buses and taxis are available for getting into Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik can also be reached by ferry and catamaran from other destinations along the Croatian coast, as well as by ferry from Bari, Italy.

If you're traveling around Croatia, Dubrovnik works well as part of a larger Adriatic itinerary.

You won't need a car to explore the Old Town.

Most of the historic center is pedestrian-only, which means you'll be doing plenty of walking on stone streets and stairs.

Local buses connect the Old Town with other parts of Dubrovnik. The main bus terminal and ferry port are in the Gruž area, about 3 kilometers from the Old Town.

For nearby islands, ferries and boats are the way to go.

If Dubrovnik is a stop on your cruise, getting to the Old Town is pretty easy.

Cruise ships dock at Gruž Port, approximately 3 km from the Old Town. You can walk there in about 30 to 40 minutes, take a local bus in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, or grab a taxi, which usually takes around 7 to 10 minutes depending on traffic.

Once you arrive at the Old Town, most of the major sights are walkable. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship, especially on a busy cruise day when traffic and crowds can slow things down.

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik - right on the water, breakfast included

Heritage Hotel Lucia - breakfast included, within walking distance to major sites

House STAYEVA 11 -located in the heart of Old Town, breakfast included

Royal Palm Hotel - direct access to the beach, breakfast included

Fresh seasfood from the Adriatic is a big part of the local cuisine

Try fresh fish, grilled octopus, mussels or black risotto, a Croatian specialty made with cuttlefish and squid ink.

Look for pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish that is popular throughout Dalmatia.

You should also try peka, meat or seafood cooked slowly under a bell-shaped lid with vegetables.

For something sweet, try rožata, a Croatian-style custard dessert similar to flan.

The Old Town has smooth limestone streets, stairs and plenty of walking, so leave the uncomfortable shoes at home.

Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a reusable water bottle if you're visiting during the warmer months.

A light layer is useful for evenings, and a small day bag will make exploring the Old Town much easier.

If you're planning to walk the City Walls, bring water and sunscreen. There isn't much shade along portions of the route.

Dubrovnik is stunning, but don't spend your entire trip rushing from one famous sight to another.

Walk the walls. Get lost in the Old Town. Sit by the Adriatic. Take a boat to an island.

Then, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, spend a day looking for King's Landing.

Just remember that Dubrovnik existed long before it became King's Landing, and the real city is every bit as interesting as the fictional one.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Dubrovnik. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob