During this delightful voyage from the wonderful city of Venice to the heel of Italy we will explore the beautiful Adriatic with its intense blue sea, picturesque coastline and charming villages, towns and cities. We have designed our itinerary to combine time in Italy, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania all of which are easy to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a ten night trip. Regular travellers to this part of the world will know that late spring is one of the loveliest times of year in the region; the summer crowds have yet to arrive and the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing.
After an overnight stay in Venice, we set sail for our exploration of the Adriatic Coast which combines some ‘must see’ sites together with little known and rarely visited places that are totally unsuitable for vessels larger than ours. We will visit wonderful Medieval towns and explore fascinating ancient sites including Albania’s coastal city of Durres with its Roman amphitheatre. A highlight for many will be our exploration of Kotor, Montenegro’s 14th century walled fortress town fronted by a sublime bay and surrounded by limestone cliffs. In addition, we spend three days in Croatia including a visit to the majestic waterfalls at Krka and on our final day we explore the stunning Italian city of Ostuni with its magnificent cathedral and whitewashed houses.
This is a journey very much for the connoisseur of romantic landscapes and ancient history and will be particularly enjoyable as, with a maximum of just 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with our Guest Speaker and local guides, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2022. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
29th April to 9th May Itinerary
Day 1 London to Venice, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Venice.
This morning is free to explore Venice at your own pace. After lunch we embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of Venice. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Arsenale, a colossal shipyard of the Serenissima Republic; the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard; Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. We end at the Chiesa della Pieta, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was created.
Day 3 Pula, Croatia.
Overnight we sail to the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On our morning tour 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 a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 4 Sibenik & Krka National Park.
From our berth in Sibenik we visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. Take a morning guided walk on wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord-like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. This afternoon we will have some time to explore the historic town seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls, and the theatre.
Day 5 Korcula.
Our final day in Croatia will be spent on the island of Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. A morning guided tour will include a walk along Korcula’s crooked Medieval streets revealing elegant squares flanked with palaces of the old nobility. After lunch on board we drive to the interior of the island, past olive groves and vineyards offering views down to the coast below. On our visit to a winery we will learn more about the, mainly white, wines that have been cultivated on the island for centuries before enjoying a tasting.
Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck this morning as we enter the Gulf of Kotor and sail up the fjord-like entrance to the Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our walk 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 7 Durres & Tirana, Albania.
Arrive in Albania at the coastal city of Durres which was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and still has the remains of a 15,000 seat amphitheatre, the second largest in the Balkans. This morning we will head inland to Tirana where we will see the fascinating nuclear bunker built by the dictator Enver Hoxha in the 1970s and only recently opened to the public. This underground building is packed with original artefacts from the communist period. Afterwards continue walking through the city centre to see the mosque, Clock Tower and the “Bloku” area of the city. After lunch at a local farm we return to Durres to visit the Medieval city and the Archeological Museum before sailing late this evening.
Day 8 Vlore for Apollonia.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea before arriving into Vlore over lunch. This afternoon we drive to nearby Apollonia, the ancient city of Illyria. Set on rolling hills the city reached its zenith around the 4th to 3rd centuries BC when it is believed the population numbered over 70,000. It was here Octavian learned of the assassination of his great uncle Caesar and set upon his bid for power ultimately becoming emperor. See the city council building with its surviving facade, the library, triumphal arch, theatre, Byzantine monastery and temple of Artemis.
Day 9 Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
Returning to Italy we drive this morning 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 in Otranto for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore 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 10 Brindisi & Ostuni.
From our berth in Brindisi we head 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 you can 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 experience 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. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Brindisi, maybe take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and see the Roman Arch which marks the end of the Roman Road “Via Appia” used by pilgrims, soldiers and traders as they travelled to Greece and the Holy Land. Alternatively, visit the 12th century Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro or wander the palm-tree lined Corso Garibaldi.
Day 11 Brindisi to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
9th to 19th May 2023 Itinerary
Day 1 London to Brindisi, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Brindisi & Ostuni.
From our berth in Brindisi we head 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 you can 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 experience 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. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Brindisi, maybe take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and see the Roman Arch which marks the end of the Roman Road “Via Appia” used by pilgrims, soldiers and traders as they travelled to Greece and the Holy Land. Alternatively, visit the 12th century Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro or wander the palm-tree lined Corso Garibaldi.
Day 3 Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
This morning we 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 in Otranto for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore 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 4 Vlore for Apollonia.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea before arriving into Albania and the port of Vlore over lunch. This afternoon we drive to nearby Apollonia, the ancient city of Illyria. Set on rolling hills the city reached its zenith around the 4th to 3rd centuries BC when it is believed the population numbered over 70,000. It was here Octavian learned of the assassination of his great uncle Caesar and set upon his bid for power ultimately becoming emperor. See the city council building with its surviving facade, the library, triumphal arch, theatre, Byzantine monastery and temple of Artemis.
Day 5 Durres & Tirana, Albania.
Arrive this morning at the coastal city of Durres which was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and still has the remains of a 15,000 seat amphitheatre, the second largest in the Balkans. This morning we will head inland to Tirana where we will see the fascinating nuclear bunker built by the dictator Enver Hoxha in the 1970s and only recently opened to the public. This underground building is packed with original artefacts from the communist period. Afterwards continue walking through the city centre to see the mosque, Clock Tower and the “Bloku” area of the city. After lunch at a local farm we return to Durres to visit the Medieval city and the Archeological Museum before sailing late this evening.
Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck this morning as we enter the Gulf of Kotor and sail up the fjord-like entrance to the Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our walk 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 7 Korcula.
Arrive in Croatia on the island of Korcula, the reputed birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. A morning guided tour will include a walk along Korcula’s crooked Medieval streets revealing elegant squares flanked with palaces of the old nobility. After lunch on board we drive to the interior of the island, past olive groves and vineyards offering views down to the coast below. On our visit to a winery we will learn more about the, mainly white, wines that have been cultivated on the island for centuries before enjoying a tasting.
Day 8 Sibenik & Krka National Park.
From our berth in Sibenik we visit the majestic waterfalls of Krka. Take a morning guided walk on wooden walkways and across bridges through this unique fjord-like landscape with its multiple waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. This afternoon we will have some time to explore the historic town seeing the Cathedral of St James, the old city walls, and the theatre.
Day 9 Pula, Croatia.
Spend the morning at sea before we arrive at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. On our afternoon tour 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.
Day 10 Venice.
This morning is free to explore Venice at your own pace. After lunch we embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of Venice. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Arsenale, a colossal shipyard of the Serenissima Republic; the San Giorgio dei Greci church and its secret courtyard; Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. We end at the Chiesa della Pieta, a former convent and orphanage and an authentic masterpiece of the 18th century by Giorgio Massari. The young orphans that stayed here were encouraged to study music and their most famous teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. It was here that he composed the Four Seasons and we have arranged for an exclusive private concert of Vivaldi themed music performed by a Venetian orchestra. It will be a thrilling experience to hear the music performed where it was created.
Day 11 Venice to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
29th April to 9th May Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy29 April to 9 May 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £4295 | £3995 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £4595 | £4295 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4995 | £4695 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £5495 | £5195 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £5695 | £5395 |
9th to 19th May 2023 Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy9 to 19 May 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £4295 | £3995 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £4595 | £4295 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4995 | £4695 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £5495 | £5195 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £5695 | £5395 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO290423/SCMO090523
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests, for a series of cruises through the Mediterranean in 2022. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Travelling with You
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Christopher Joll
After Oxford University and the RMA Sandhurst, Christopher Joll spent six years as an officer in The Life Guards with whom he served four tours of duty in Northern Ireland. On leaving the Army, he worked for the next thirty-five years in the City.
From his earliest days, Joll has written articles, features, short stories and reportage. In 2012 he wrote the text for Uniquely British: A Year in the Life of the Household Cavalry; with a Foreword by HM The Queen. Since 2018, Nine Elms Books have published his The Drum Horse in the Fountain: Tales of the Heroes & Rogues in the Guards; Spoils of War: The Treasures, Trophies & Trivia of the British Empire; Black Ice, the memoirs of the former soldier, double-amputee and World Para-bobsleigh champion, Corie Mapp; and The Imperial Impresario: The Treasures, Trophies & Trivia of Napoleon’s Theatre of Power. He is also the author of the fifteen-volume military-historical/action-adventure series, The Speedicut Saga. Joll is currently working on Fire! The Lost Treasures, Trophies & Trivia of Madame Tussaud & Sons Exhibition.
Since leaving the Army in 1975, Joll has also been involved in devising and managing charity fund-raising events including the Household Cavalry Pageant (2007), the Chelsea Pageant (2008), the British Military Tournament (2010-2013), the Gurkha Bicentenary Pageant (2015), the Waterloo Bicentenary National Service of Commemoration & Parade at St Paul’s Cathedral (2015), and the royal premiere of The Great War Symphony at the Royal Albert Hall (2018), for which he edited an hour long ‘backing’ video using Imperial War Museum archive footage.
When not writing or directing ‘military theatre’, Joll is a video podcaster on the YouTube channel and a Trustee of The Art Fund Prize for Museums, for whom he writes, directs and presents a series of short YouTube videos collectively titled: Thinking Outside the Box. He is also the Regimental Historian of the Household Cavalry.
Christopher Joll will be on the following tour dates: 29 April to 9 May 2023 • 9 to 19 May 2023
Also of Interest
Aegean Secrets
Island hopping in the Greek Isles aboard the MS Monet
Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Paros / Syros / Icaria / Fourni / Lipsi / leros / Tilos / Symi / Halki / Kasos / Folegandros / Sifnos / Milos / Athens
Wonders of the Aegean & Adriatic
A voyage from Athens to Venice aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Louise Schofield
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Nafplio / Nemea / Mycenae / kalamata / Mystras / Olympia / Sarande / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Alebrobello / Ostuni / Kotor / Split / Pula / Venice
Musical Journey along the Adriatic
A voyage from Brindisi to Split aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Philip Blake-Jones
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Brindisi / Lecce / Jesi / Pesaro / Ancona / Ravenna / Bologna / Venice / Pula / Rovinj / Rijeka / Split
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000