Split, Croatia

We got up early to have breakfast at the Blue Lagoon, the 24-hour eatery on NCL Gem, around 6:30. After breakfast I got in line for the tender tickets and this time I was the first one in line, so tender #1 for us. We like the Blue Lagoon because it's quieter in the morning and we did not have to fight the crowds. But service can be very slow.

It was a little after 8am when we went on shore. The promenade area (Riva) was kind of quiet, hardly anyone got out yet.

We walked around old town and just looked at things that we passed by.

We checked out the fish market. Yes, we love going to markets!

Looking for the right way to go up the hill called Marjan. We thought it would be a good idea to climb up before it gets hot.

We found the right way and began our climb up. Had to climb many steps.

After 250 steps we arrived at the cafe, which was only half way up the hill but what beautiful sight!

We decided to continue climbing...

and the view was absolutely beautiful as we went higher up!

A tiny little church was standing there.

We kept hiking up the hill, hoping to find something interesting.

This was as far as we went.

Very tired, got to take a rest.

Walking back down to town.

Followed the suggestion on the internet, we tried some famous local ice cream which they dipped in chocolate for free. Don't remember the name of the ice cream place. We also stopped by a bakery to get some Pita Sir for Christian. Pita Sir is a kind of rectangular croissant type bread with soft cheese fillings. Too bad we didn't take a picture of it. 

It was Sunday and the church was opened for service.

We then walked to the Diocletian Palace but we did not get to tour the underground halls because we did not have enough local currency. Many shops here do not accept US dollars or Euros.

We only spent half a day in Split, then we went back to the ship and had a relaxing afternoon. Split is an easy DIY port and we had a great time. But then we did not go anywhere outside of the main attractions in town other than near the port area.