Anyone who has sailed through the Aegean and along the Adriatic Coast will tell you that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The combined effect of the natural beauty with the intriguing history and stunning architecture of the towns and cities make for a fascinating voyage. During our exploration of this wonderful region we will sail through turquoise waters, admire rugged landscapes and visit some of the region’s greatest sites in the company of our Guest Speaker and knowledgeable local guides. This is not an itinerary which a large cruise ship could operate but one which is ideal for the 95 passenger MS Serenissima. We are able to visit some marvellous places which do not cater for the big ships and there will be some late departures from port which afford the opportunity to enjoy the evening splendour of the picturesque harbours.
Sailing from Athens, our journey to Venice includes picturesque Nafplio, the Byzantine town of Mystras, the fascinating ancient site of Olympia and the marvellous site of Butrint in Albania where settlement can be traced back to the 8th century BC. We will spend time exploring the charming towns and villages of Italy’s Puglia region and a highlight for many will be our arrival in Kotor, Montenegro’s 14th century walled fortress town fronted by a sublime bay, followed by a visit to the attractive Croatian city of Split. Our guided trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore in small groups with our excellent local guides and upon reaching Venice you will have seen and learnt so much. Whether your interest lies in ancient history, modern politics or simply the joy of experiencing new places, this journey has something for everyone.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Nafplio, Nemea & Mycenae.
Looking out across the translucent water of the bay towards the Arcadian Mountains, Nafplio’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece. Leaving the town this morning we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain to Nemea, the site of a religious sanctuary which hosted the pan-Hellenic athletic games every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC. Nemea was not a town or settlement but a venue where festivities were held during the games and our tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the bathhouse and the stadium before spending time in the small but excellent onsite museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before we continue to the famous citadel of Mycenae which is located high above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines and accessed by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Artreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Nafplio this afternoon. There will be time to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets, view the Venetian and Turkish architecture and perhaps enjoy a pre-dinner drink ashore before we sail this evening.
Day 3 Kalamata for Mystras.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Kalamata, however our destination is Mystras, a remarkably intact Byzantine hillside town that once housed a population of 20,000 people. Here we visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where the two-headed eagle which is the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty is carved into a plaque on the floor. According to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, we will also visit the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes. Before returning to the vessel refreshments will be served at the picturesque tavern located just beneath the site offering sweeping views over the local terrain.
Day 4 Katakolon for Olympia.
Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. After our visit you may choose to return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and an afternoon at leisure in Katakolon or stay in Olympia to explore further independently.
Day 5 Sarande, Albania.
This morning we will discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Puglia. Arrive in Otranto this evening and moor overnight. Perhaps take the opportunity to head ashore for an after dinner stroll.
Day 6 Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
After breakfast we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. We return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore Otranto independently, maybe walk the winding streets or along the seaside promenade. The highlight is the wonderful cathedral with its Medieval mosaic floor created by the monk, Pantaleone, between 1163 and 1165. You can also see the Chapel of the Dead which shows the bones and skulls of 813 martyrs killed by the invading Turks in 1480.
Day 7 Monopoli, Alberobello & Ostuni.
Today we drive into the Puglian countryside which is scattered with ‘trulli’, limestone dwellings built with dome or conical roofs. We will enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the St Anthony Church also built in trullo style. Afterwards we visit ‘Cantina Albea’ and its wine museum, home to pictures and old instruments used in the past for the production of wine and where we will enjoy a tasting along with a talk on the wine production. After our tour you may choose to return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon in Monopoli where you can wander through the historic centre, visit the cathedral or see the Castello di Carlo V. Alternatively, take lunch ashore and continue to the “White City” of Ostuni, so called due to the almost blinding sunlight reflecting on the walls of its whitewashed dwellings. Ostuni has a privileged position as it was built on three hills and from the top of the town enjoy a stunning view of the Adriatic coast from which Ostuni is separated by an ocean of centuries-old olive trees. The town has maintained its Medieval atmosphere which we will see as we walk through the meandering, narrow and picturesque streets of the old town which lead to the impressive 15th century cathedral, a beautiful example of Apulian Romanesque style.
Day 8 Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through the stunning fjord-like scenery into Kotor. On arrival at our berth, we will take a morning walking tour to explore this Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our tour will include the 12th century Cathedral of St Tryphon, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Those feeling active may wish to take the strenuous climb to the Castle of San Giovanni which offers wonderful views over the bay and town below.
Day 9 Split, Croatia.
After breakfast we will take a guided walk through the town including the Palace of Diocletian which was built by the emperor in 295-305 AD as his retirement villa. Much of this large building is well preserved and the palace contains Split’s Old Town within its walls, making it the only Roman palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. It is a wonderful spot to wander the maze of streets. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace. Alternatively, join us as we drive the short distance to the ancient site of Salona, the Roman capital of Dalmatia and a city that was once home to over 40,000 people. Archaeologists have excavated remains of temples, amphitheatres, early Christian churches, burial grounds, and baths which we can explore with our local guides.
Day 10 Pula.
On our tour this morning we will discover one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres left in the world. The Arena, built in the 1st century AD, was designed to host gladiatorial contests with seating for up to 20,000 spectators. Exploring the town further we will see the varied architecture from Baroque palaces, Christian churches and Austrian villas. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we sail to Venice arriving this evening. Perhaps take the opportunity for an after dinner stroll as we moor overnight.
Day 11 Venice, Italy to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
14 to 24 October 2022 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £4795 | £4495 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £4995 | £4695 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £5295 | £4995 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £5795 | £5495 |
6 Junior Suite | £6195 | £5895 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £6495 | £6195 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £6695 | £6395 |
10 Standard Single | £5995 | £5695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE141022
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Travelling with You
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Louise Schofield
Louise Schofield, recently appointed Visiting Professor of Archaeology at the American University of Rome, is an archaeologist specialising in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean world. Formerly Curator of Greek Bronze Age and Geometric Antiquities at the British Museum, her book The Mycenaeans was co-published by the British Museum and the Getty Museum in 2007 and she made a television programme on the Trojan War with the BBC Horizon team. Leaving the British Museum in the year 2000, she now works on large-scale archaeological projects - including (for seven years) at Butrint (Albania). The statue of a Roman Emperor that she found in her trench there in 2005 now has pride of place in the museum at the site.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Athens before embarking the MS Serenissima we are offering the opportunity to join our two night extension.
Acropolis, Athens
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Athens.
Spend the day at leisure to relax or make independent touring arrangements. Perhaps climb up to visit the Acropolis, stroll amidst the lanes and classical ruins of the Plaka or visit one of the many excellent museums. (B)
Day 3 Athens.
After breakfast enjoy a trip along the coast to Cape Sounion to see the majestic Temple of Poseidon sitting atop a craggy rock overlooking the sea. Enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the port of Piraeus to embark the MS Serenissima. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
12 to 14 October 2022 Category Price Twin £695 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Athens, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000