2Let’s set sail on the Adriatic in 2023.  Starting in Athens we sail around the Greek Peloponnese visiting the beautiful Adriatic Sea ports of Montenegro and Croatia on our way to ,Venice, Italy.

8 days – 6 guided tours included – 4 countries visited

Sailing Dates: September 8, 2023 – September 15, 2023

Trace spectacular Adriatic shores between romantic Venice and classical Athens and uncover the glories of past civilizations. Trace Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to the palace at Split and stroll the medieval streets of Dubrovnik. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. Call on the Greek island of Corfu and Katakolon, gateway to Olympia and birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Day 1 – Athens, Greece

Embark from Athens this morning, the magnificent cultural capital of ancient Greece.   Did you arrive early to spend more time uncovering the mysteries of this fascinating city, the hilltop Acropolis and the inviting Plaka District?

Day 2 – Katakolon, Greece

Katakolon is a gateway to legendary Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city’s ancient ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You will gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Day 3 – Corfu, Greece

Corfu’s rich history echoes in its Venetian-styled Old Town set on a breath-taking coast.

Spend the entire day on the romantic island of Corfu, resplendent with charming pastel town houses and pristine white beaches. Our included tour takes us on a drive to Kanoni, where we will make a photo stop to view tiny Mouse Island and the Vlacherna Monastery. Following the coastline through Garitsa Bay, you will reach the UNESCO Site of the Old Town. See the fabled Esplanade, one of Europe’s largest public squares, and the Liston Promenade, once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy.

Day 4 – Kotor, Montenegro

Medieval Venetian walls surround charming, red-roofed Kotor’s well-preserved Old Town.

Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420 en route to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor’s heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

Day 5 – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s stunning Old Town is filled with medieval streets and sun-kissed Mediterranean locale.

Where city meets coastline, you will sail to this beautiful 12th-century walled city in Croatia. The playwright George Bernard Shaw once declared, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Enjoy an entire day here to take an inclusive tour and take in magnificent views of the city and countryside. Then enter the city on foot through the historic Pile Gate, passing by the Sponza Palace, the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain and stop inside the Dominican Monastery to see Renaissance paintings. You may also wish to consider exploring the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad peninsula.

Day 6 – Split, Croatia

The old quarter of Split merges flawlessly with an ancient palace.

Experience the age of antiquity as you wander through the center of the city that is built around the Diocletian Palace, walking through the well-preserved cellars before continuing to the Ethnographic Museum. In this historic quarter, you will notice the results of over 17 centuries of construction, passing pre-Romanesque churches and Gothic chapels. You may also choose more natural pursuits, from a rafting trip on the Cetina River or a journey through the Croatian hinterland to the famous waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Or spend the entire day discovering the small, more intimate destinations along the Dalmatian Coast.

Day 7 – Venice, Italy

Spread over 118 small islands, romantic Venice can be explored by gondola.

Awake and further explore central Venice on your own this morning, as you investigate the out-of-the-way passages that reveal beautiful, hidden piazzas, or cross the lagoon to Murano and Burano to view the world-renowned glassblowing craftsmen. Or opt for one of the many optional tours. As your ship sets sail, enjoy a spectacular view of the lagoon as we head out to the Adriatic Sea

Day 8 – Venice, Italy

This video shows the itinerary, but going in reverse order from our cruise.  Either way you got to admit it looks amazing!

Well you can probably guess by now that this is a Viking Cruise – but not on their river ships, but a Viking Ocean cruise.  We experienced life aboard one of their ocean ships in September 2021 and we came away very impressed.  We had a great experience on board and trust you will as well!

Viking Ocean – the ship

The public spaces have clean lines and are quite elegant.  We love these ships and would not hesitate to hop on board any chance we get.

Staterooms were extremely well designed and very well-appointed at all levels.

The food was fantastic everywhere we dined on board –

Here is the standard Veranda Stateroom – one of the best designed bathrooms at sea.  Comfortable large shower.

You need more space to stretch out – how about an Explorer Suite?

We think you’ll love cruising on Viking Ocean.  We certainly did.