The Balkans has always had an allure for the genuine traveller and despite its often turbulent past, cultural and natural wonders abound in the region. At the crossroads of east and west and with a history forged over the centuries and influenced by so many, there are a wealth of fascinating cultural sites and natural world marvels to discover and with the MS Monet as our base we will visit five of the Balkan states. Regular travellers to this part of the world will know that autumn is a lovely time to explore the region with the absence of the summer crowds and weather that is ideal for touring.
During our voyage from Venice to Dubrovnik we will explore charming Medieval towns, visit the bustling cities of Piran, Zadar and Tirana and whilst sailing between our destinations will witness some of the most beautiful scenery Europe has to offer with mountains that sweep down to the intense blue sea and islands that lace the coast. Historic wonders abound from UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kotor, Montenegro’s 14th century walled fortress town fronted by a sublime bay to the remarkable amphitheatres in Pula and Durres. We will also visit one of most important archaeological sites in the Balkans in Montenegro, the fortress and open-air museum of Old Bar whose settlement dates back to the 8th century AD.
With a maximum of just 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region. There will also be some late departures from port and overnight moorings, allowing for the opportunity to enjoy the evening atmosphere of some delightful harbour towns.
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 Venice, Italy.
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 Koper, Slovenia.
From our berth in Koper we drive to Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. Influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns, Piran has maintained the clustered Medieval structure of narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together and numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of the city and is named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board, enjoy some time at leisure in Koper. Maybe visit Tito Square, the impressive Praetorian Palace or the 11th century cathedral.
Day 3 Rovinj & Pula, Croatia.
Arrive in Croatia at the atmospheric town of Rovinj where the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere. Leaving the town this morning we travel to the tip of the Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula. Here 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. After lunch on board an afternoon walking tour of Rovinj will include the Franciscan Monastery, City Palace and the 17th century clock tower before we visit the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building built in Venetian style was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore somewhere around 800 AD.
Day 4 Zadar.
Once a dominant city on the Adriatic coast rivalling Venice, Zadar is today a treasured city that has preserved its historical core. During our guided walking tour we will stroll around the old town with its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Of particular interest are the 9th century circular Church of St Donat and the 13th century Romanesque cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and some free time before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 5 Ploce for Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Today we cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina for our visit to Mostar. In the 15th century, Mostar became a thriving centre on the banks of the emerald Neretva River under the Ottoman Turks. Damaged by the military conflict in the 1990s, the town has been carefully restored by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage Site. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most (‘The Old Bridge’), originally built in 1566, the nearby Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and an old Turkish house, among other sites. You may also wish to explore the old bazaar independently, a haven for the city’s artists and craftsmen.
Day 6 Bar, Montenegro.
Spend the morning at sea as we arrive in Montenegro at lunchtime. From our berth we drive the short distance to the ruins of Old Bar which was built in the hills to protect its residents from attack yet was still subject to invasion from the Venetians, Serbians and Ottoman Empire. Enter via the 11th century city gates and as we wander through the citadel we can see the Ottoman bathhouse, the 17th century aqueduct plus the remains of a Franciscan Monastery and cathedral which were converted to mosques by the Turks. Alternatively remain in the new town, take a stroll on the seaside promenade and visit the elegant Palace of King Nikola built facing the water in 1885. Today, it houses a collection of antiquities, folk costumes and royal furniture whilst the shady gardens contain plants cultivated from seeds and cuttings collected from around the world by Montenegro’s sailors.
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 “Blloku” area of the city. After lunch at a local farm we return to Durres to visit the Medieval city and the Archaeological Museum before sailing this evening.
Day 8 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 exploring 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 Dubrovnik, Croatia to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
2 to 10 October 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £3695 | £3495 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £3995 | £3795 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4395 | £4195 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £4795 | £4595 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £4995 | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO021024
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • 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. 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
Guest Speaker - Major General Stephen Carr-Smith (retd)
On leaving Sandhurst, Stephen Carr-Smith spent 10 of the next 20 years serving in Germany at the height of the Cold War. He commanded 1 Armoured Divisional Signal Regiment. On returning to the UK: he was an Instructor at the Army Staff College at Camberley, and Commandant of the Army Apprentice College at Harrogate. His last 6 years in the Army, were spent serving in NATO: first at the Supreme HQ Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE); and then as the Deputy Director General of the NATO Communications and Information Systems Agency in Brussels. He retired as a Major General in 1995.
On leaving the Army, he carried out a series of consultancies, including: providing security and mine clearance services in remote and hostile countries; as the Senior Military Advisor to an operational analysis company; and as the Chairman of a company developing opportunities to marry-up Russian technology with western finance and production. From 1999, he sent nearly 8 years as the Ombudsman for Estate Agents, based in Salisbury - a national appointment dealing with redress and financial compensation for buyers and sellers of residential property throughout the UK. In parallel with these appointments: he was the Honorary Colonel of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY); a Colonel Commandant of the Royal Signals; and the Chairman of the Winchester Branch of Cancer Research UK. He was also President of the Stragglers of Asia Cricket Club, and, led cricket tours to Sri Lanka in 2004 and to India in 2007.
Since 2007, he has been going around the world, as a guest speaker on a variety of cruise ships. To date, he has been on some 50 cruises, and has spoken on some 70 different historical topics. On this cruise, he will draw on his experience of: driving from Germany to Athens in the 1960s - via Croatia, Serbia, and Albania; several visits to Sarajevo in the 1990s with regard to Mine Clearance; and as part of a Minister-led visit to Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro in 1996, to discuss with Ministers what Britain could do to support the new independent countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia) after the break-up of Yugoslavia.
Also of Interest
Scenic Wonders of Slovenia - 2025
A seven night escorted tour of the music, lakes & landscapes of Solvenia including Lake Bled
Slovenia Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Ljubljana / Bled / Radovljica / Lipica / Stanjel / Rinka Waterfall / Mozirski Gaj / Logarska Valley
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000