Judith Chalmers/Cliff Mitchelmore eat your heart out

Dubrovnik was always on our list of places to visit since the early holiday programmes in the 1970s. They use to show the city as a wonderful destination but my finances and a period of conflict in the region meant that a visit was never achieved. But now on my Grand Tour I am finally here.

On my way into the city I came across a strange vehicle parked at the side of the harbour

Complete with real hits from a heavy calibre weapon

Home made tank!

Next along a few yards.

Battleship of sorts.

Dubrovnik has a busy harbour..

...and plenty of cruise liners calling.

Walking the 3 miles into the old town things started to get busy.

This is the entrance to the old city from Pile.

The fountain is just inside the gate

The place is full of little alleyways. There is  a similar feeling to that of Venice (without the water of course!) There are no motor vehicles!

The main street has the bigger shops.

With plenty of small shops on small streets

Looking out from the entrance

The walls are restricted to paying tourists but it is worth it for the views over the city

Seaward side

The closest island comes into view

Canons are obligatory accessories in these places

But what is this? It is the famous Buza Bar but you can't gat to it from up here. Thanks Luke, I found it, even though the beer is £4 a bottle!

Fabulous place, packed out with visitors.

You have to get off the city walls and search for this sign, somewhere near the Cathedral. No advertising allowed!

There is literally a hole in the wall....

Which opens out into a lovely series of terraces.

In the main bar it is quite primitive..

But famous for serving beer in plastic cups!

Moving round the view changes

There is even some unfinished work to do.

The little jetty for the day cruises.

Looking down on the road outside

But the most famous features of Dubrovnik old city are the red roofs. Most of the roofs were blown off in 1991 during the conflicts. They have almost all been replaced with clay tiles and the effect is stunning. Click the pic to see which are still the original.

And a nice framed pic to finish with.

There, an ambition achieved. I know it is very touristy but we have all been to Venice and Paris and such places. Needs to be done....

end of post!