Within the southernmost archipelago of Dalmatia is one of the most fascinating harbour cities of the young republic of Croatia, Dubrovnik, a breathtaking Mediterranean city with a great history. The "city of stone" had its heyday in the Middle Ages and was one of the most important economic and cultural centres in the Mediterranean.

An ancient courtyard gate leads to the Old Town and to Luža Square, the city’s main square that contains a fine clock tower and splendid palace Loggia. The sixteenth century Sponza Palace consists of a combination of designs, including both Gothic and Renaissance, and once contained the Customs House and Mint. Despite much foreign rule, the city largely succeeded in being autonomous.

Velika Gospa Cathedral was built between 1672 and 1713 on the ruins of a Romanesque basilica. According to legend, Richard The Lionheart was shipwrecked in the city on his return from the Third Crusade and his financial donation made it possible to build the city’s first church.

From the thirteenth century the city was fortified with powerful walls that now rank among the largest, and also the most beautiful, in the whole of Europe.

Dubrovnik is, amazingly, still a storybook city with all the flair of the Middle Ages. A treasure trove of history and undisputed Pearl Of The Adriatic.