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  4. Cruising the Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik to Athens

Journey through land, sea and time courtesy of the Adriatic's glittering waters.

Set sail for the gorgeous Adriatic as you navigate the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Italy and Greece. From the fortified walls of Dubrovnik and Kotor to the unique Italian dwellings nestled in the hills outside Bari, this cruising adventure showcases history at its most beautiful. Spend some nights in port and some sailing overnight to maximise time spent swimming off little-known Albanian beaches and delving into the myths that define the Greek islands. With opportunities to visit the Delphic Oracle and explore Odysseus's homeland, you'll soon find out that though these places' stories are epic by definition, their reality is even better. 

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Athens, Greece
Destinations
Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro
Style
Comfort
Theme
Adventure Cruising
Code
ZSDA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 34

Why you'll love this trip

  • Dubrovnik is the perfect place to begin a cruising adventure. The views of the Adriatic – your home for the next week or so – are incredible from the city walls.

  • The medieval town of Kotor is hidden in the Bay of Montenegro and protected by limestone cliffs. Enjoy an opportunity to explore its winding streets and impressive cathedral by foot, then travel north and take a local ferry out to Perast's distinctive church islands.

  • Dock in Bari and travel inland to the World Heritage-listed towns of Matera and Alberobello, known for their historical dwellings. The 'trulli' in Alberbello and rock-cut 'sassi' caves in Matera are 'trulli' unique destinations.

  • Find out why Albania is gaining popularity as a holiday destination. Take a dip at some of the country's perfect beaches, explore the Albanian Riviera and visit Butrint, a former ancient Greek and Roman city that now belongs to nature.

  • Cruise through the Corinth Canal by daylight then explore the much-adored Greek islands. From Corfu to Ithaki to Delphi on the mainland and more, these islands are the perfect place to soak up as much sun, salt and history as possible before the journey ends.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a small ship adventure cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with up to 30 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.

  • Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

  • Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

  • If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

  • There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs. Handrails are always available.

Map of Cruising the Adriatic Coast: Dubrovnik to Athens including Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Montenegro
Visit spectactular Dubrovnik in Croatia
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Kotor in Montenegro
Enjoy a meal in beautiful Aegina, Greece
The island of Corfu in Greece
Butrint National park in Albania

Itinerary
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Welcome to Croatia and Dubrovnik, its glittering coastal gem. The city is adored by travellers for its walled Old Town whose cobbled streets twist and turn under distinctive orange roofs, and from the top of the wall you'll be treated to uninterrupted views of the impossibly blue Adriatic Sea. If you arrive in Dubrovnik early then feel free to take a dip or stroll through town.
Board your ship, the M/Y Callisto at 4pm. After an orientation on the boat you'll sail overnight to Kotor, enjoying dinner on board prepared by your chef.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Wake to the World Heritage-listed city of Kotor on Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Explore the fortified town on foot once the boat has docked, taking in sights including Saint Tryphon Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century, and the ancient city walls. Travel by coach to Perast, located north of Kotor in the Bay of Montenegro, and ride a local ferry out to the striking church islands, one of which hosts a 12th-century monastery and the other an 18th-century church. The coach will transfer you back to Kotor (approx. half an hour), then once you're back on board you'll sail overnight across the Adriatic to Bari, the capital of Italy's Puglia region.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kotor - Perast Visit
  • Kotor - Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Buongiorno! And welcome to the western side of the Adriatic. Arrive in Bari and travel with the group to two areas known for their jaw-dropping architecture. The first is Alberobello, a small town with hundreds of unique 'trullo' buildings, or 'trulli', which are whitewashed houses built from local limestone with conical roofs. Some of these World Heritage-listed dwellings were built as early as the 14th century and are recognised as an outstanding example of dry-stone construction.

Once you've 'trulli' seen the Alberobello, continue inland to Matera, claimed as the third-oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and one of Europe's 2019 Capitals of Culture. It's played host to film sets including Passion of the Christ and the new Ben Hur, and tourists flock to the stunning 'sassi' cave dwellings that dot the cliffs around town. It's hard to believe a place like this is real, but it lends itself to photography so fortunately you'll always have a reminder of its 9000-year-old existence. Travel on to Brindisi, a city south of Bari, where you'll board the Callisto for an overnight sail to Albania.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bari - Matera and Alberobello Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Relax as the Callisto cuts through the Adriatic before stopping near Dhermi, an Albanian village, for a swim. Albania isn't on the radar of most travellers, but the beaches dotting the coastline are as beautiful as any on the Mediterranean. Enjoy a barbecue on deck after cooling off, then travel south down the coast to Butrint, a World Heritage site and national park. The area's occupation dates back tens of thousands of years, and is noted by UNESCO for 'a special atmosphere created by a combination of archaeology, monuments and nature.' Spend some time exploring the sight then sail to your destination for the evening, the Greek island of Corfu, where you'll have a night at port. 
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Deck BBQ lunch
  • Butrint - National Park Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Spend the day exploring Corfu, the second-largest of the Ionian Islands, which has long attracted travellers in search of sun and sun. Corfu Town displays unique architecture influenced by Sicilian, Venetian, French and English styles. It's kept many of its imposing buildings, elegant mansions, superb palaces, French-style flowered squares and beautiful fortresses, and is an absolute dream to explore on foot. Enjoy some free time after the walking tour, perhaps visiting Palaio Frouiro or simply soaking up island life on the beautiful stone streets. In the evening, sail south down the Greek coastline to Ithaki, or Ithaca, the island home to which Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic Odyssey, strived so hard to return. Your journey won't be so perilous.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Corfu - Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Spend some time exploring the island of Ithaki, soaking up both its mythology and storied history, then sail westwards to Sami, a port town on the island of Kefalonia where Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed. Travel north to Lake Melissani, an area that was once home to nymphs – or so the legend goes. Excavations in 1962 uncovered oil lamps, plates and figures depicting the god Pan, and some believe that one of the nymphs drowned here after being rejected by Pan, god of the wild. Whether you believe the stories or not, the beautiful cave and lake is surrounded by forest and it certainly feels like there's a bit of magic about it. You'll also visit the Ancient Acropolis of Sami, the remains of a heavily fortified town dating back to the Hellenistic period, before some free time in Sami. It's a picturesque little port with plenty of bars and restaurants, so why not take a stroll or settle in for a spot of people watching before sailing overnight to Itea.

Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ithaki - Sami Town Visit
  • Ithaki - Sami Acropolis Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your boat will dock in Itea and from here you'll travel inland to Delphi, site of the Temple of Apollo and home to the famous Delphic oracle. The area is what the ancient Greeks believed to be the centre, or navel, of the world, the meeting point between two eagles released by Zeus to the east and west. It received World Heritage listing thanks to 'an immense impact through the ancient world,' and is one of those pinch-yourself places where history and legend seep from every crack and crevice. Afterwards, return to the boat and cruise to the Corinth Canal, which divides the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese and is just 21 metres wide at its base. Travel through the canal both in daylight and in awe of this engineering feat, emerging in the Aegean Sea. Enjoy a final evening with your fellow travellers on the island of Aegina, toasting this journey through four countries and thousands of years of history.
Accommodation
  • M/Y Callisto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Itea - Delhpi Visit
  • Farewell Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This Adriatic cruise comes to an end today in Athens, Greek's historic capital and the heart of Ancient Greece, overflowing with sights like the Acropolis, the Parthenon and more. Say your farewells and if you have any time to spare, we highly recommend extending your stay to take it all in.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners

Transport

Small cruise ship, bus

Accommodation

Small cruise ship (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Kotor - Perast Visit
  • Kotor - Walking Tour
  • Bari - Matera and Alberobello Visit
  • Deck BBQ lunch
  • Butrint - National Park Visit
  • Corfu - Walking Tour
  • Ithaki - Sami Town Visit
  • Ithaki - Sami Acropolis Visit
  • Itea - Delhpi Visit
  • Farewell Dinner

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Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Adventure Cruising trips have a deposit of A$600 per person (different amounts apply in other currencies) and the balance is due 90 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 90 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 89 and 31 days before departure - the cancellation fee is 50% of the total booking cost, or the deposit, whichever is greater.
if a booking is cancelled 30 days or less prior to departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a voyage.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Single travellers will share a twin a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. A single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin unless a single supplement is paid.

Essential trip information

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