Duration
14 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Croatia
Ports
13 Ports
15 September
Setting sail from Dubrovnik
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Formerly known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is a city with a rich, and occasionally troubled, history; the shelling of the city was one of the most shocking images of the Balkan wars of the 1990s, which makes the painstaking restoration of the old town in the years since all the more remarkable. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the views across the rooftops towards Lokrum island, and the deep sapphire of the Adriatic Sea beyond.
Don't miss
The War Photo museum offers a sobering reminder of the conflicts that convulsed the Balkans in the 1990s. It’s not easy viewing, but it does make you appreciate the extraordinary extent to which Dubrovnik has bounced back.
16 September
Croatia: Vis
Of all Croatia’s myriad inhabited islands, Vis is the furthest from the mainland, and was off-limits to tourists for many years, reserved for the Yugoslav military. The resulting lack of development is a big part of the island’s appeal, along with stunning scenery, excellent food and wine, and the attractive little towns of Komiza and Vis Town.
17 September
Montenegro: Kotor
Kotor sits at the head of a beautiful, fjord-like bay, hemmed in by glowering mountains. The compact, walled old town is Montenegro’s star attraction, a warren of little alleyways and shady squares that is often described as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’.
18 September
Albania: Sarandë
Sarandë is southern Albania’s premier seaside resort, and in summer the population swells with day-trippers from nearby Corfu. If the beach doesn’t appeal then visit the fascinating archaeological remains at Butrint, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the beautiful Blue Eye Spring.
19 September
Greece: Zakynthos
Zakynthos (also known by its Italian name, Zante) remains one of the most beautiful Ionian islands, in spite of rampant overdevelopment along the southern and eastern coasts. Head off the beaten track and you’ll find forest-darkened mountains, sheltered white sand beaches and caves half-flooded with dazzlingly blue water.
20 September
At sea
21 September
Greece: Nafplion
Nafplion is one of the most beautiful cities on the Greek mainland, situated on the Argolic Gulf overlooked by the imposing Palamidi Fortress. The narrow streets of the old town are home to a beguiling mix of Venetian, Turkish and Greek architecture, while just offshore is the little island castle of Bourtzi.
22 September
Greece: Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.
23 September
Greece: Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands, a green and fertile place where the landscape is littered with ancient temples, Byzantine churches and Venetian towers. The rugged terrain means it’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but there are also some lovely beaches and the buzzing city of Hora (Naxos Town).
24 September
Turkey: Izmir
The Turkish port of Izmir, formerly the Greek city of Smyrna, is a liberal and progressive place where the secularism of Ataturk remains strong. During the Ottoman era this was a melting pot of ethnic groups including Armenians, Jews and Italians, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere persists to this day.
25 September
Turkey: Dikili
The North Aegean port of Dikili is the gateway to the spectacular hilltop ruins of Pergamum, a 30-minute drive away. Most of the buildings here date back to the 2nd century BC, including the main palace, the library and the Altar of Zeus, and the ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
26 September
Greece: Kos
Kos is the second largest of the Dodecanese Islands after Rhodes, and is best known for its excellent beaches. There are plenty of cultural treasures here too: Kos Town’s harbour is guarded by an impressive castle built by the Knights of St John, and the island is scattered with Greek and Roman ruins.
27 September
Greece: Patmos
Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelations in a cave on Patmos, and today the spot is marked by the hillside Monastery of the Apocalypse. As well as spirituality, the island is known for its beaches and upmarket vibe, with a scattering of stylish restaurants and bars.
28 September
At sea
29 September
Arriving in Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Our tip
Once you have seen the essentials, explore further afield and you will immediately escape the tourist crowds. Visit Kerameikos cemetery, for example, or Mount Lycabettus.
Your home from home
Once again Seabourn leaps ahead, expanding the most modern luxury fleet with the innovative Seabourn Encore and Ovation.
What we love
When Seabourn introduced the three sisters, they changed the face of luxury cruising. Seabourn Encore and her sister Seabourn Ovation, with 604 guests on board, take things a step further, with lots of new thinking and special additions, continuing Seabourn's magical ability to surprise and delight.
Capacity |
604 Guests |
---|---|
Crew | 450 International Staff |
Style |
The contemporary décor appeals to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan crowd. With lots of outside space, you can enjoy an al fresco experience if you choose. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Dubrovnik
We love the intimate Villa Orsula, with just eight lovely bedrooms and excellent sea views, but if you want to stay in the Old Town itself, the Pucic Palace is the one to go for.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Make the short trip across the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina and visit the pretty little town of Mostar, with its famous stone bridge over the river Neretva.
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.