During our overnight sail from Dubrovnik, National Geographic Sea Cloud experienced a dramatic thunderstorm out on the Adriatic Sea with plenty of lightning bolts, thunderclaps, and rain. Yet the ship sailed smoothly on. At daybreak, we arrived in the Bay of Kotor for clearance into Montenegro and disembarkation for the full-day excursion.
Because of the possibility of rain this morning, we took a scenic drive along the narrows and around the inner bay to arrive to the old town of Perast by coach. Half the group visited the fine Maritime Museum located in an old mansion on the water. The other half embarked a local boat for the short ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks, an island built up over centuries by the sailors of Perast who dropped rocks from their boats onto an old rocky reef so that a church could be built to house and honor the Virgin Mary who was sighted there. The two halves of our group traded places after the initial visits, though at one point the heavens opened and a biblical downpour ensued!
Perhaps a little wet, but enthusiastic nonetheless, we continued by coach to the end of the Bay of Kotor and began our slow, careful climb up the 27 switchbacks that eventually brought us some 3,000 feet above sea level. By the time we stopped for photos, the day had almost cleared, and we enjoyed beautiful views as the sun dissolved the remaining clouds. In the village of Njeguši, we were treated to a deliciously simple lunch of locally produced smoked ham, cheeses, fresh bread, vegetables, and lamb. Guests perused the handicrafts at roadside stands before we boarded the coaches.
We descended the switchbacks and, once back to sea level, participated in a walking tour of the Old Town of Kotor. We visited the main square, the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, and the Orthodox church.
By evening, National Geographic Sea Cloud was away from the pier, sailing calm, beautiful weather while we enjoyed fresh oysters and champagne on the Spanker Deck. After a wonderful BBQ dinner, our staff historian gave a presentation on the Ottomans to prepare us for our upcoming two days in Albania.
