Travel: 48 hours in Dubrovnik


Friday, midday
Check into the landmark Excelsior Hotel (doubles from £195, www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com). Book a room with a view of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town.
1pm
Head for lunch at the recently revamped Proto (www.esculaprestaurants.com) and get acquainted with the excellent local seafood. Try their signature starter – local lobster and langoustines laced with black truffle.
3pm
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDubrovnik is one of Europe’s most remarkable baroque cities. Stroll through the narrow old streets, exploring churches and monasteries, and stopping for a refreshing gemist (white wine and sparkling water).
7pm
The Bellevue Hotel is well named, with sweeping views of an Adriatic bay away from the crowds. Their Vapor restaurant (tel: 020-330885) offers the likes of pasta with truffles and local spiny lobster, simply grilled.
9pm
Ease down to Café Festival (www.cafefestival.com) on the lifeblood pedestrianised Stradun in the old town. Join the locals in their favourite twin pastimes: seeing and being seen.
Saturday, 10am
Pre-book a car from Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.co.uk) and explore the tranquil Konavle region. It is home to vineyards producing delicious wine from the malvasia grape. Crvik (tel: 020-771230) welcomes visitors. Call ahead.
1.30pm
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTime for hearty hinterland Konavle cuisine at Konavoski Dvori (tel: 020-791039). Order a platter of local ham and cheese, before lamb and veal cooked on hot coals.
5pm
Back in Dubrovnik, hike the old town walls. The fading afternoon light is the best time to appreciate Dubrovnik’s unique drama.
8pm
Stara Losa at the Prijeko Palace (www.prijekopalace.com) only opened this year, but already local chef Damir Saric is making culinary waves. The tasting menu is superb.
Sunday, 9am
Try a treatment at the Excelsior’s spa. Their myriad options are guaranteed to ease joints.
• EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) fly to Dubrovnik from Edinburgh starting at around £130 return. Dubrovnik Tourist Office, www.tzdubrovnik.hr