CHUCK on TOUR is one of TripAtlas.com's on-the-road correspondents, traveling the world and sharing his experiences and photos. See more videos, photos and follow past blogs on Chuck on TripAtlas.com.

I ended up driving from Split to Dubrovnik. It takes about 4 hours depending on traffic. An interesting part to this drive is that you must cross through a short section of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A simple show your passport at the border and proceed is all that is needed.

Arrival in Dubrovnik is early evening, not too much time left to really do much except to have dinner at the stunning Dubrovnik Palace Hotel.

Billed as the finest resort hotel in Croatia, well maybe, but one night here can't confirm that but it certainly does look like it might be.

Large luxurious rooms, panoramic views, great swimming pool and a cozy private area on the beach.

In the "did you know" file - the hotel is home to the first exclusive Sushi bar in Dubrovnik.. now you know. Also no need to taxi into the center of Dubrovnik, the hotel provides a regular shuttle bus.

So now a a little about Dubrovnik.

This ancient town with its massive walls and ramparts that were built between the 13th and 16th remains basically the same except for modern day improvements. The city was bombed by the Serbs in 1991/92 but has been restored to its former greatness and is now a UNESCO designated World Heritage City. The terracotta covered roofs, narrow pedestrian only streets, numerous cafes, restaurants, and unique boutiques give this city a look and feeling that needs to be seen in person.

I entered the city through the Ploce Gate one of three entrances, the other two being the Pile Gate at the west and Buza, the north entrance.

Just inside the Ploce gate you will find the Dominican Monastery, built in the 14th century but reconstructed after an earthquake destroyed it in the 16th century. It houses a museum filled with famous paintings and sculptures from 15th and 16th century and the church within is also the graveyard for some some of the Dubrovnik's most famous deceased nobility.

A short walk from the monastery and you will find a set of stairs to your left that will lead you to the top of the "Wall."

The "Wall" is must do item on your visit here. It circles the entire city, giving you superb views of Dubrovnik, its buildings and residents from every possible angle, plus outstanding views of the Adriatic Sea and neighboring islands from a height of about 80 feet above the city.

There is another set of stairs by the Pile Gate that also provide an entrance to the wall, so take your pick.

If you choose to do the walk it is roughly 2 kilometers (1 1/4 miles) and should take you about an hour unless you stop along the way. There are several observation points and fortresses that you will definitely stop at, make sure you bring a water bottle with you as as it gets hot up here. If you forgot the water there are several refreshment stands along the way as well as to little bars/restaurants that sit on the edge of the sea.

Back down at street level the Placa or Stratum is the main pedestrian walkway through town. This wide, white marble street has numerous, little cafes, ice cream shops, boutiques, ATM machines and lots of people. Dubrovnik is a major port of call for many cruise ships and when they arrive the city is congested. This is when you sleep in, and then visit the city in the late afternoon when the ships leave and the city is much more enjoyable.

At one end of the Placa you will find the Bell Tower and Luza Square, at the opposite end is the Big Onofrio's fountain, (there is a small Onofrio's here as well) and the Pile Gate with a set of steep stairs that will give you access to "the Wall" this also where you will also find the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. Inside the monastery, is the Pharmacy. Opened in 1317, it is one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe.

Pictures explain Dubrovnik better than words can, so make sure you view the Dubrovnik Slide Show I've created.

Off to the Island of Korcula, will update from there or the next island Hvar.


See more of Chuck's photos of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
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