Adriatic Voyage: Croatia, Montenegro and Greece

A heady dream of Carnival, canals, basilicas and Byzantine relics, Venice bewitches from the very first breath. Nowhere else in the world can you turn from a floating marble palace into a warren of stirring, salty-aired passageways, where life has ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of the water for centuries. Your expedition of discovery begins here, just as countless voyages have throughout the ages.

As church bells and traditional Klapa singers call out, Split’s beaches, fresh seafood and Roman architecture beckon. Its maze of medieval alleys leads to the imperial Palace of Diocletian, the 3rd-century Roman fortress that forms the heart of the city, its ancient walls now bustling with cafes, shops and local life. After a tour of the Old Town’s palace ruins, explore Trogir, a charming town with a majestic 15th-century castle. Or, visit a local market to sample freshly harvested favorites.

The sleeping beauty of the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik has been plundered so many times over its 700-year-history that its old town was once unrecognizable. Today, it has been restored to its red-roofed, ocean-lapped former glory and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making its car-free streets an irresistible setting for the location scouts who worked on Game of Thrones.

With so much to see and experience, there are a variety of options for spending your day here. Explore the Dominican Monastery and Cathedral, the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace and Onofriou’s Fountain. Or, journey into the countryside for a winery visit and lunch at a local farm. Foodies might prefer an exploration of the region’s mussels, oysters and olive oil on a culinary excursion to the village of Orasac and the city of Ston. Meanwhile, active enthusiasts might choose a kayaking tour of Dubrovnik’s city walls, including a visit to Lokrum Island to swim and explore, or a bike excursion through the Konavle Valley with a stop at a local vineyard.

Flanked by fjords and mountainous ridges on a picturesque Dalmatian bay, Kotor enjoys a rich medieval maritime and trade legacy survived by its remarkably preserved houses, palaces and churches. Begin with an exploration of Kotor’s historic Roman buildings and a local cathedral dating to 1166. Afterward, opt for a boat excursion to the Baroque jewel of Perast, a speedboat tour of Kotor Bay and the sapphire-like Blue Cave, or a cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks Church — home to Tripo Kokolja’s 33-foot masterwork Death of the Virgin.

Even among the beautiful and scenic Greek isles, Corfu stands out for its lush greenery as well as its charmingly winding streets and whitewashed houses. Head ashore to explore the Esplanade, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon. Or, visit the Achilleion Palace, the former residence of Empress Sisi, wife of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Culinary excursions include a winery visit or a tour of the town’s shops and restaurants. Alternatively, head off-road on a mountain bike adventure to a secluded village, complete with a stop in a local taverna.

While Corfu is a tough one to follow, serene Cephalonia plays a seductive second act to our Greek Isles drama with lush landscapes, scenic mountains and crystalline blue waters. Here, visit the monastery of St. Gerasimos to see the cave where the medieval monk lived. Then, explore the picturesque villages of Sami and Assos, or an underground lake at Melissani. Alternatively, paddle out for a kayak adventure along the rugged coastline, stopping for a swim at Emplisi Beach.

Set in the arms of the Corinthian Gulf, Itea lies surrounded by olive groves and the scenic mountains of Giona and Parnassus. It serves as a popular gateway to mystical Delphi, revered by ancient Greeks as the center of the world. Today, explore Delphi’s Temple of Apollo and Treasury of Athens. Alternatively, take a scenic drive to the monastery at Ossios Loukas, past the scenic valleys of Delphi and on to the historic boatbuilding enclave of Galaxidi. Or, explore Itea’s ancient beekeeping heritage at a local apiary. Back aboard your vessel, transit the Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that has joined the Ionian and Aegean seas for over a century. Tonight, gather for a farewell gala dinner and cocktails under the stars.

Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and crew as you disembark in Athens this morning. Continue on your post-tour extension to Thessaloniki or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.