When we set the itinerary for a trip, we try to find a balance between exploring on our own and taking day tours with a guide. The tours we choose are typically with small groups, and we seek local guides whenever possible. Toward the end of our trip we were fortunate to take two primo tours: the celebrated Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik and a wine and culinary tour focused on the town of Ston.
The GOT tour was led by a high-energy guide who had been an extra on the GOT series as well as Jack Ryan. He carried a notebook with photos of GOT scenes and took us to where they were filmed. By the end of the tour, it was clear that Dubrovnik was, indeed, the real-life King’s Landing. They were fortunate to receive that title after Malta, the original choice, decided it wanted nothing more to do with GOT.
The famous “shame” stairs were the highlight of the tour - saved until last after quite the build-up. Local businesses seem to have embraced the tourist traffic to some degree as you can see by the signs promoting a “shame cocktail” and dish called the “wok of shame.” The celebrated restaurant cat, Johny the Boss, seemed oblivious to the whole affair.
We recounted our GOT experience over cocktails and dinner that evening, enjoying one of the best meals of our trip at Konoba Dubrava. We had heard about meats cooked “under the bell” since the beginning of our journey. It was well worth reserving our menu selection the day before and making a winding trip up the mountainside to the family-run tavern. The gratis brandy liqueur and music wafting in from a private party only added to the charm.
The tale of the second tour began with a visit to Vina Vuka, a small winery outside of Dubvrovnik. Our guide was a local wine expert. After visiting the Medival walled town of Ston, we continued to Mali Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia.
We sampled oysters right off the boat with our guide and a couple from Abu Dhabi. How fresh, grit-free, and very tasty!
Post-tour, we celebrated our last day in Croatia with one more visit to the Cave Bar at our hotel and and an outdoor dinner in Dubrovnik.
The next day we said goodbye to Croatia - until next time. We’re already looking forward to our next visit to this beautiful place!
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