Update 6: Kotor, Montenegro is a charming mix of ethnic and physical qualities

Our dream adventure along the Adriatic Sea entered its seventh day as we we were treated to a breathtaking stop in Kotor, Montenegro. The photo shows the sunrise on the approach to Kotor.

The cruise so far is a treasure of one glorious memory after another. So many of these memories are of the spectacular sights of the Mediterranean mixed with exciting memories served up on the ship itself.

The cruise offers as much fun in its culinary treats as in the nightly entertainment in the Star Theatre. Passengers enjoy professional quality shows and concerts by guest performers as well as by the ship's in-house singers and musicians.

The central gathering place known as the Living Room has nightly live background music and there is often a musician during afternoon tea in the Wintergarden lounge. At some stops, entertainment is enhanced by performances by local musicians.

Our visit today was to Kotor, Montenegro, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site nestled at the end of the Bay of Kotor, which is often called Europe's southernmost fjord.

Surrounding the quaint city are majestic limestone cliffs of the Orjen and Lovćen mountains that seem to provide a unique climate and physical beauty. Its architecture, especially churches, reflect preservation that earned its identity as UNESCO world heritage site. In fact, UNESCO helped restore many buildings damaged from multiple invasions. The buildings reflect centuries of Venetian, Roman, and Byzantine influence. 

The heart of Kotor is a triangular, walled labyrinth with where cars are forbidden and cats (the city's unofficial mascot) roam freely among the stone squares. 

The town is filled with Renaissance palaces and Baroque towers. Unlike many cities, Kotor was never conquered by the Ottomans, allowing its Venetian military architecture to remain remarkably intact. 

Kotor is famous for its history of religious coexistence, including Catholic and Orthodox treasures within its small footprint. There is some Muslim influence in the religious mix.

Part of the charm of Kotor is the network narrow of cobblestone streets filled with gift shops, boutiques and cafes. The city is surrounded by Venetian walls built in 1420.

We had the opportunity to travel by boat to the village of Perast on the Bay to view its historic buildings along the coast of Kotor Bay. The community is known for its one street but scenic location.

From Perast, we travelled by boat to an artificial island on which is a church called Our Lady of the Rock. This is a popular tourist attraction for its location, its sanctuary, baroque paintings and museum. it was created by rocks and by sinking and seized ships loaded with rocks.

The museum is a collection of artifacts donated by fishers and devotees from items found in the sea and from their personal possessions. The gifts were expressions of thanks for good fishing and protection.

Our Lady of the Rock altar, fresco and museum artifacts.

Another fascinating excursion was over and we enjoyed the rest of the day on the ship. Please join us on our next excursion to Dubrovnik, Croatia, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

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