Day 47 Dubrovnik

A search on the internet listed only one free walking tour and as it didn't have any reviews we doubted it existed, but we headed to the meeting place just in case. 

Once inside the walls the difference from last night was immediately noticeable, there were hordes of people, and it was already very hot. We joined a paid one hour walking tour that gave us some history, including the bombing in 1991. The guide said that even though the entire country lives and relies on the tourist income that comes in over summer even the locals believe there are too many cruise ships permitted and they would like the mayor to impose a limit. The tour was great and very interesting but the crowds were crushing so we headed back to our apartment with the idea of going back after 4pm as the guide said that's when the people from the cruise ships return to their boats. Dubrovnik has always been a popular tourist destination but Game of Thrones seems to have tipped it over the edge. 

While K relaxed in air-conditioned comfort, M went for a walk up the hill behind the town to see the views over the city.

We bought tickets to walk the wall which included admittance to Lovrijenic Fortress, which is known as the Red Keep on Game of Thrones. The amount of GOT tours with guides with photos pointing out all the filming places was huge, it's as if Dubrovnik wasn't important before GOT. 

We walked around the top of the walls and even after 5pm it was still warm and busy but at least it wasn't shoulder to shoulder traffic jams as during the day. Considering it cost €20 each just to walk the wall and that thousands must do it every day you have to wonder where that massive amount of money goes?

As has often been the case, we struggled to find anywhere smoke-free to stop for a drink or dinner as smoking is permitted inside as well as outside, and it seems that the majority of tourists smoke, very annoying for non-smokers like us!