Welcome to Hvar, Croatia!  This island in the Adriatic Sea is apparently the new IN place since the likes of Prince William and many Hollywood types now spend time here.  For the likes of us – just wandering, getting in a little more exercise with a hill climb and eating was the order of the day.

The highlight upon entry to the city is the largest old piazza in all of Dalmatia!  It looks very Italian, with Venetian and Renaissance architecture on its three sides, with the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral at its core.  This marble paved, pedestrian only area, is the best for people watching and eating an expensive lunch;-)  It also has wonderful views of the 13-15th century fortress (it took a long time to build and rebuild!), which not only acted as protection through the years but is now a tourist attraction providing the best views of Hvar.

The main piazza, St Stephens.

A view of the 15 century fortress, The Fortica, from St. Stephen’s Square.

One more climb – and this is only about 65 steps – up, up, up, for a look at the fortress.

Once out of the old town, the trek up to the fortress is really quite nice.  The path winds through a pine forest and botanical garden, with sights and fantastic views along the way.It is only about a mile up – so provides some good exercise for the ship weary legs.

An old church along the path.

Our destination.

Once up to the Fortress, there are more wonderful views.  And, for those that can’t go more than an hour without food or drink, there is a little bar for a sit down;-)

Terrific view of Hvar and its harbor from the top of the fortress.

A combo ticket at the Fortress will also get you into the Arsenal and Theater back on the piazza.  This theater is Europe’s first community theater dating back to 1612 and is still utilized today.  If you are there during the summer season check the schedule as you might be lucky enough to see a performance here.

Again – very Venetian.

Hvar also has wonderful beaches and inland lavender fields – neither of which were on the agenda this trip.  However, we did take in a few of “the rich and famous” sights while on the island – –

Who knew about E’s widespread empire.

One of many very large boats in the harbor – only wish this also belonged to E.

Hvar was definitely upscale and a lot of fun to spend a bit of time.  One more quick stop before this part of the journey ends – and  that is Zadar.  Next to our pier is something called the Sea Organ – where the sea water comes under the steps creating sounds/music as though listening to an organ.  A quick step into the sea and listen to the Organ and off to Venice.

In Hadar, Croatia just a brief walk to listen to the Sea Organ.

This cruise has been as great as hoped for.  After 4 days in Athens there were 6 Greek islands, 2 stops in the Peloponnese, one stop in Turkey to see Ephesus, sailing through the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas, 1 stop in Montenegro and 3 stops in Croatia!!  Now on to Rome and the Ryder Cup.  More soon –

E & G thrilled with our past three weeks and looking forward to cheering on the USA in Rome;-)