7-NIGHTS GREECE & CROATIA

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, the popular summer resort Zakynthos is also known by its Italian name, Zante. Surrounded by bright turquoise waters, the island boasts wonderful sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and woods so captivating, they were a favorite spot for godly twins Artemis and Apollo, according to ancient myths. Popular beaches like Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas and Tsilivi offer swimming and water sports. Accessed only by boat, Instagram-worthy Navagio beach is the site of a famed 1980 smugglers’ shipwreck resting in a sandy cove dramatically framed by towering limestone cliffs.

Kotor, Montenegro- A cruise to Kotor, Montenegro offers up some of the most well-preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city’s master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls. Tucked at the secluded tip of a tranquil bay and watched over for millennia by the surrounding mountains, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

The town’s history dates back before the epic age of Homer, but it’s the medieval wonders in Old Kotor that draw acclaim today. Marbled avenues meander with no apparent order, and, even for locals, it’s quite common to get turned around. The good news is, few places are more fun to get lost in than Kotor. Cruises to Montenegro would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Fresh seafood is always on the menu and the “domestic fish thick soup” is a tradition not to be missed.  Old churches, shops, and bars line the avenues, and don’t be surprised to wander upon a charming piazza right out of the blue. Come summer, the lavish yachts of the ultra-rich fill the marina, presenting a striking contrast to the rustic romance and ancient beauty of Kotor.

Established 1,300 years ago on the far southern tip of the Dalmatian Coast, this city once rivaled Venice in terms of its importance. Take a walking tour to the Dominican Monastery and marvel at the finest collection of Renaissance paintings, including a painting by Titian. Prepare to be riveted when first laying eyes on the old walled city on your cruise to Dubrovnik. This land has had many invaders including the Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Romans, Hungarians, and French, to name a few, and it has resulted in a fiercely independent citizenry with dynamic cultural influences. The views of the Adriatic from its rooftops are truly awe-inspiring. If beach-going is on the agenda, make sure to wear appropriate footwear as the beaches here tend to be of the pebbly variety. That said, the beautiful emerald green waters and coves make the slight inconvenience more than worthwhile. And, there’s plenty of seafood, specifically mussels and oysters, deliciously prepared in authentic regional styles on offer at restaurants throughout town.

Split, Croatia

Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you’ll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – your Split cruise has it all. The mixture of old and new is very pronounced here. Everywhere there are signs and evidence left behind from the city’s previous conquerors namely the Romans and Austro-Hungarians and there is no better place to view them than in Split’s Old City. The Old City is so otherworldly that it’s been dedicated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and you’ll encounter the most imposing Roman ruins left on Earth, including the Diocletian’s Palace which was built facing the harbor in 4 A.D. for the Roman Emperor. This sprawling, expansive structure was built to be an all-in-one fortress/imperial residence/fortified town. The Cathedral of St. Domnius stands as one of the most pristine and preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture in the world. And for a breathtaking, all-encompassing view of Split you won’t soon forget, head to Marajan Hill which is just 10 minutes outside the city.

Venice (Ravenna), Italy

One of the world’s most beautiful cities also happens to be one of its most unusual. Venice is actually spread over 120 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Because the city is connected by canals instead of streets, a good way to see Venice is by boat or, if you prefer, a romantic gondola ride. The epicenter of the city is St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll find the 900-year-old St. Mark’s Basilica.  On your cruise to Venice you’ll admire all the buildings that line the banks of the Grand Canal and enjoy morning espressos, in this capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The city has been immortalized in art, literature, and film over the centuries and one of the prime buildings found reflected in these mediums is the Palazzo Ducale. This proud, ornate building on the waterfront represents Venice’s seat of power. Make your way to the countless galleries and landmarks this city has to offer, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be thrilled to be in a city that takes its food very seriously. Squid-ink spaghetti, risotto with prawns and zucchini, and marinated sardines are a specialty, while the world-favorite tiramisu, originally invented in nearby Treviso, has found a happy second home in Venice.