Anyone who has sailed through the Peloponnese 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 makes for a fascinating voyage. During our voyage between Athens and Split, we will sail through turquoise waters, admire rugged landscapes and visit some of the region’s greatest sites in the company of our knowledgeable Guest Speaker.
Setting sail from Athens, our time in the Peloponnese will introduce you to the picturesque ports of Nafplio and Gytheio, the famous citadel of Mycenae, the ancient site and renowned theatre at Epidaurus, the Medieval castle town of Monemvasia, and the sporting history of Olympia. After a relaxing day at sea, we will then arrive at the heel of Italy we will spend two days exploring some of Puglia’s gems. Sailing across to Montenegro a highlight for many will be our arrival into Kotor, a 14th century walled fortress town fronted by a sublime bay and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Our final days will be spent in Croatia visiting the delightful islands of Hvar and Brac before our voyage ends in the historic city of Split.
The rich legacy of multiple civilisations, each building atop another, is evident everywhere during our itinerary and our guided trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore in small groups with our excellent local guides. This is not an itinerary that a large cruise ship could operate but one which is ideal for the 50-passenger MS Monet. Whether your interest lies in ancient history, modern politics or simply the joy of experiencing new places, this journey has much to offer.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Nafplio.
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. After a relaxing morning at sea and lunch on board, we will head 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 Atreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. We moor overnight in Nafplio allowing time for an after-dinner stroll.
Day 3 Nafplio.
After breakfast we depart on a tour to one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Still used for special performances, the theatre is in an admirable state of preservation. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Nafplio to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets and admire the Venetian and Turkish architecture of this charming town.
Day 4 Gytheio & Monemvasia.
We arrive in picturesque Gytheio this morning and board our coach heading east towards magical Monemvasia. A massive rock rises dramatically out of the sea and on top there is a fortress. However, the real attraction is the Medieval town with its narrow cobbled streets and winding stairways which lead to a warren of stone houses with walled gardens and courtyards, and the main square dominated by an old cannon and the cathedral. During our guided walking tour we will visit the town castle, followed by a short transfer to Liotrivi mansion. The estate here was cultivated by the family of Eleftherios Ritsos (the father of Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos), and it was used as a summer house by the poet’s family. We will have the opportunity to sample the local specialities during an olive oil tasting followed by a buffet lunch of local products and wines. After lunch we will return to the ship for a free afternoon in Gytheio.
Day 5 Katakolon for Olympia.
We enjoy a relaxing morning at sea while we sail to Katakolon, arriving over lunch. The port of Katakolon will be our base for our afternoon excursion to 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.
Day 6 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail to Italy.
Day 7 Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
From our berth in Otranto 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 a leisurely afternoon 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.
Day 8 Monopoli & Alberobello.
From the port of Monopoli, enjoy a trip 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 St Anthony Church also built in trullo style. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure in Monopoli where you can wander through the historic centre, visit the cathedral or see the Castello di Carlo V.
Day 9 Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck 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 a leisurely 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 10 Hvar, Croatia.
After a morning sailing, we will arrive on the island of Hvar during lunch. From here we take a short coach ride across the island to the attractive Old Town of Hvar for a guided walk. We will begin in the main square which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia, see the cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery and the Benedictine Nunnery where we hear about the aloe lace still produced today by the nuns. Return to the ship and enjoy dinner on board. We will sail late tonight allowing time for an after-dinner stroll in this tranquil locale.
Day 11 Brac.
Awake on the island of Brac and the attractive port of Pucisca located at the end of a long bay. Brac is world renowned for the quality of its stone which was used for the Diocletian’s Palace in Split as well as the White House in Washington and other parliament buildings in Europe. Spend the morning in the charming small town, voted one of the prettiest in Europe, where the buildings’ white roofs create an ambient atmosphere. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace or head to one of the nearby beaches for a swim. We will moor overnight, for those wishing to enjoy an after-dinner stroll.
Day 12 Split to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
26 June to 7 July 2027 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £5595 | £5395 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £5995 | £5795 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6695 | £6495 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £7195 | £6995 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £7395 | £7195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO260627
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 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.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. 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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David Stuttard
With a degree in Classics from St Andrews University followed by three years of postgraduate research, David taught for eleven years in Edinburgh, St Andrews and York. To date he has written 19 books on classical history and literature including A History of Ancient Greece in 50 Lives (Thames and Hudson) and Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press), and his translations of Greek drama are published in Bloomsbury Press’ Looking at series, for which he is series editor. David also has a long background in drama, having toured his own productions of Greek plays throughout the UK as well as to Graeco-Roman theatres including Ephesus and Butrint. His Women and Troy (with Dame Siân Phillips and Rachel Donovan) and It’s All Greek (with Dame Siân Phillips, Robert Powell and Alex Jennings) are currently being staged in London and the South of England. David lives near Lewes in Sussex and is a fellow of Goodenough College.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000