Adriatic and Aegean Delights

On arrival in Athens, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Awake in Syros, located in the spectacular Cyclades. The day has been set aside for you to explore at your leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour of the island and discover an array of colour and architecture. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner. 

Enhance Your Journey – Walking Tour of Syros

Indulge in a walking tour of Syros town. One of the smallest islands of the Cyclades with the highest population, Syros enchants all who visit with its kaleidoscope of modern and traditional Greek elements. Venture through Ermoupoli, perhaps the grandest of all Cycladic towns. With a much more localised feel than other locations, the town boasts an excellent example of local island life. Stop at the the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin and witness El Greco’s painting ‘Dormition of the Virgin’ before continuing to see the first high school of modern Greece. Then, be mesmerised by the Orthodox Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos. Discover the Vaporia district and the haven of neoclassical mansions, an insight to the island’s wealthy history. Conclude your tour with a stroll to the first opera house in Greece, the Apollon Theatre and a visit to the town hall in the atmospheric Miaouli Square.

Arrive in the beautiful island of Amorgos, known for its ancient ruins and quaint villages. Set out on a guided tour, followed by an Insider Experience. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant. 

Insider Experience – Olive Oil Press Visit a local olive oil press to learn about the production of this essential ingredient. Savour a tasting of the local produce and relish the unique flavour composition. 

Today takes you to the volcanic island of Nisyros, where you will enjoy free time to explore. In the port of Mandraki, you may like to wander through its whitewashed streets and visit the cliffside monastery of Panagia Spiliani or perhaps visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively, join an optional tour to the Polyvotis volcano. Learn about the Greek legend surrounding this landmark and walk into the volcano’s caldera.

Later, continue to the island of Symi to discover an old-world glamour and neoclassical architecture, a legacy of Italian rule almost a century ago. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional guided tour, including Gialos Harbour with its pastel shaded houses, ancient monastery and Customs House.

This morning you will dock in Kuşadasi, located on Türkiye’s Anatolian coast.

Insider Experience – Visit Ephesus Drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city’s former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings, including the Library of Celsus, which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a lover of great books. 

Land on the dazzling Greek isle of Mykonos, where you’ll have the day at leisure to explore. Perhaps join an optional walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the maze of tiny lanes, take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters and see the majestic, blue-domed churches. Admire the old port and famous windmills so often featured on postcards. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant.

Known for its most celebrated export, the iconic Venus de Milo, volcanic Milos arches around a central caldera and is ringed with dramatic coastal landscapes of colourful and surreal rock formations. Disembark your ship and enjoy a tour of the island which includes Plaka, the island’s capital, the beach of Sarakiniko and the small fishing village of Pollonia. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to enjoy a relaxing morning at one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, Paleochori.

On a tour of Athens, take in the city’s most popular attractions, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka.

Early this morning, your ship will traverse the famous Corinth Canal, which is just 21.3 metres wide. Later, arrive in the Greek port of Itea and set off on an excursion to the sacred site of Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was considered the centre of the known world. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the partially reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians. You’ll also visit the impressive museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of archaeological treasures. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner.

This morning, relax on board with fellow passengers as your vessel sails towards Italy. After lunch, disembark in the picturesque port town of Otranto, located in Italy’s Puglia region. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore. Perhaps enjoy an optional guided city tour of Otranto or an optional tour to the historic town of Lecce.

Enhance Your Journey – Otranto City Tour Delve into Otranto, a picturesque seaside town reminiscent of Greece. This stunning location offers a unique blend of east and west due to its rich history of Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese and Ottoman influences. Explore its medieval charm through the 15th-century castle, rebuilt after Ottoman raids, and the 12th-century Cathedral, famous for its floor mosaic that harmoniously represents symbols from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Stroll through the labyrinth of streets and uncover the captivating beauty and layered history of this vibrant, historical gem.

Enhance Your Journey – Tour of Lecce Head out on an optional tour of Lecce, often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’ for its elegance and harmonious architectural style. Learn about how the town expanded in the 17th century with grand churches and spectacular palazzi, all showcasing the best of baroque architecture. Admire the beautiful limestone buildings adorned with intricate features and visit the two main churches of the city, the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica.

Cruise the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Those feeling energetic may like to climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the town’s fortifications for stunning views, or alternatively, join an optional tour.

Enhance Your Journey — Kotor Walking Tour Head out on a guided walking tour through the enchanting Old Town of Kotor. Marvel at the towering St. Tryphon Cathedral as you learn about one of the best-preserved buildings in the town, dating back to the 12th century. Delve into the cathedral’s history and its significance to the town. Next, embark on a short drive to the Cable Car station where you’ll ascend to the summit of Lovćen Mountain. Here, spend time at leisure to soak in exceptional views over the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen National Park.

Enhance Your Journey — Montenegro Highlights Take in awe-inspiring views of the Budva Riviera as you travel towards Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro. In Cetinje, head to the Museum of King Nikola and learn about Montenegro’s cultural and historical heritage. Make your way towards Lovćen Mountain and stop at the village of Njegusi for an immersive cultural experience, where you’ll learn about the production process of smoked ham. Then, savour a meal of smoked ham and local cheese with honey and wine at an authentic restaurant. Continue driving along the route that the Irish playwright Bernard Shaw followed at the beginning of the twentieth century to Montenegro. On returning to Kotor, explore the town at your leisure.

This morning, your ship will arrive in Dubrovnik. Learn about the city’s walls on a guided tour, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your leisure. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant. 

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Mljet, then set sail for Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Enjoy time at leisure to explore, or perhaps join an optional tour. Choose to take a walking tour of Korčula’s Old Town and indulge in a wine tasting in Lumbarda, or set off on an in-depth exploration of the island.

Enhance Your Journey — Historic Korčula and Wine tasting Begin your walking tour of Korčula’s spectacular Old Town from the pier. Discover the stunning architecture and well-orchestrated urban planning. The streets were arranged to take advantage of the natural wind system, resulting in optimal airflow throughout the town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, a fine example of the town’s stone artistry, and the birthplace of Marco Polo. Next, travel to the rural village of Lumbarda for a winery visit. Learn how a local family grew their wine production from a small winery to a larger scale business with a completely automatic system. Enjoy hearing about the history and sampling some of their vintages.

Enhance Your Journey — Korčula in Depth Traverse the island of Korčula and indulge in idyllic views of dense forest. On this tour, visit the Zlokic Olive Oil Production. Since 1995, the family-run establishment has been one of the leading olive oil producers on the island. See the variety of ancient tools used in the olive oil making process such as a 15th-century wooden olive press and an 18th-century hydraulic compression system. Then, visit Toreta Winery in Smokvica for a wine tasting. Explore this family-run boutique winery and learn about the indigenous grape varieties from which the wine is made.

Today your ship will dock in the town of Šibenik, where you’ll disembark for a special experience. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Krka National Park Head to beautiful Krka National Park to explore its dramatic waterfalls. The most famous is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other, as the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, as well as the unique flora and fauna.

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.