But the Adriatic coast is simply a knockout. And there is no greater spot than by one of the two outdoor pools at the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the last stop on the Number 4 bus just outside the Old Town. Soaking up the rays facing the vista of the Elafiti Islands, slurping cocktails by the private beach while sun-bathing is not a bad way to shake off the early morning flight.
Unsurprisingly, the city that formed the backdrop for Game Of Thrones is thronged with fans keen to see the real-life locations. Jumping on the bandwagon, my pal Marion, a big fan, and me, who has never seen the show, took a private tour with Ivana Radic, a former extra and native of Dubrovnik.
Using film stills to show how parts of the walls were modified using computer-generated imagery, you can see how a little Hollywood magic can add a few dragons and ships. A highlight is visiting the Lovrijenac Fortress, the site of the Red Keep and many bloody battles. Other film locations are pointed out and the tour includes walking the historic city walls, attacked by the Baratheons in the first series. She has been made an honorary citizen of the Croatian town.
True story! Hotel accommodation in Hvar is expensive and hard to come by in high season, and we went Airbnb and stayed in a fabulous seaside cottage called Chilling in the Garden. Carved in limestone by the sea, you could get your head chopped off entering on the tiny boat.
For that American woman, I want to say, Croatia has it all — sunshine, history, culture, and plenty for Thronies looking to swear! Aer Lingus flies to Dubrovnik www. Bookings: adriaticluxuryhotels. Game Of Thrones tour guide Ivana Radic. Pic: Shutterstock.
