For thousands of years southeastern Europe has been a crossroads of empires. Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans all left their mark on the culture, philosophy, art and architecture of this region. In more recent times, some of the countries that occupy this strategic part of Europe have been at the centre of conflict as world powers continue to contend for influence and control. We invite you to join us on this voyage between Venice and Athens to explore this fascinating corner of the world as we sail through turquoise waters, admire rugged landscapes and visit some of the region’s greatest sites.
This is not an itinerary that a large cruise ship could operate but one that is ideal for the 50-passenger MS Monet. We have timed our voyages for the months of May, June and September when the crowds of summer are yet to arrive or have departed and the temperatures are perfect for exploration. We will experience the beauty and charm of Venice, picturesque Slovenia, the wonderfully preserved Medieval town of Korcula, and Montenegro’s walled fortress town of Kotor along the Dalmatian coast. We also discover some of the fascinating ancient sites in the region including Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, Albania, whose ruins span some 2,500 years and the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, Greece.
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 and knowledgeable Guest Speaker. 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.
Venice to Athens 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 the city. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, where Antonio Vivaldi was baptized; the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. After a walk to the Rialto area, we will make our way back to St. Mark’s waterfront via Campo San Zaccaria and its beautiful church, before ending our tour 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 Koper, Slovenia.
This morning 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 named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board, maybe take some time at leisure in Koper or cross the border to the nearby Italian city of Trieste. Once the major port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now a bustling city with a mixed identity. See the historical palaces, Piazza Unita and the wonderful waterfront. Continue to the Castle of Miramare, located on the northern point of the Adriatic Sea. Formerly the home of Emperor Maximillian, its interior is unique as each room resembles a different passion and its gardens are rich and lush, decorated by an amazing array of plants.
Day 4 Pula, Croatia.
Overnight we sail to the tip of Croatia’s 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 5 Split.
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 will explore with our local guides.
Day 6 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 7 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 8 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 Archaeological Museum before sailing late this evening.
Day 9 Sarande for Butrint.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea before arriving into Sarande which is our base to 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 and this evening we sail the short distance to Corfu where we moor overnight.
Day 10 Corfu, Greece.
Today we explore the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey’ and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest’, the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore Corfu Town at your own pace.
Day 11 Preveza for Nikopolis.
Sail to the Greek mainland and the port of Preveza from where we head for the little known ancient city of Nikopolis, one of the largest and most important sites in the whole of Greece. Built by the Roman Emperor Octavianus Augustus following his victory at Aktiun in 31 BC over Antony and Cleopatra, inside its extensive walls are the Odeum, the Theatre, the Nymphaeum and the monument to Augustus. Later, the city flourished in the early Christian period as the seat of the archbishop of old Epiros, but earthquakes and invading Goths and Vandals led to its demise. After lunch on board there will be a few hours to explore this pretty yacht lined, harbour town before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 12 Delphi & Corinth Canal.
From our berth in Itea we visit the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Be on deck this afternoon as we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. Later we arrive into the port of Piraeus and moor overnight.
Day 13 Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Athens to Venice Itinerary
Day 1 London or Manchester to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail late tonight.
Day 2 Corinth Canal & Delphi.
Be on deck this morning as we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. Later we arrive into the port of Itea, from where we visit the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC.
Day 3 Preveza for Nikopolis.
Sail to the port of Preveza, where we arrive late in the morning. After lunch we head for the little known ancient city of Nikopolis, one of the largest and most important sites in the whole of Greece. Built by the Roman Emperor Octavianus Augustus following his victory at Aktiun in 31 BC over Antony and Cleopatra, inside its extensive walls are the Odeum, the Theatre, the Nymphaeum and the monument to Augustus. Later, the city flourished in the early Christian period as the seat of the archbishop of old Epiros, but earthquakes and invading Goths and Vandals led to its demise. After we return to the ship, there will be some time to explore this pretty, yacht lined harbour town before we sail over dinner.
Day 4 Corfu.
Today we explore the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey’ and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest’, the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore Corfu Town at your own pace, or maybe dine ashore as we moor overnight.
Day 5 Sarande for Butrint, Albania.
We arrive in Albania at the port of Sarande over breakfast, which is our base to 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 spend a relaxing afternoon and evening at sea.
Day 6 Durres & Tirana.
Arrive 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 Archaeological Museum before sailing this evening.
Day 7 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 8 Korcula, Croatia.
Our first 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 9 Split.
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 will explore with our local guides.
Day 10 Pula.
Enjoy a morning at sea, as we sail to the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and the former Roman settlement of Polensium, now known as Pula, where we arrive over lunch. 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. After the tour we will have time to explore ashore independently before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 11 Koper, Slovenia.
This morning 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 named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. After lunch on board, maybe take some time at leisure in Koper or cross the border to the nearby Italian city of Trieste. Once the major port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now a bustling city with a mixed identity. See the historical palaces, Piazza Unità d’Italia and the wonderful waterfront. Continue to the Castle of Miramare, located on the northern point of the Adriatic Sea. Formerly the home of Emperor Maximillian, its interior is unique as each room resembles a different passion and its gardens are rich and lush, decorated by an amazing array of plants.
Day 12 Venice, Italy.
This morning is free to explore Venice at your own pace, walking directly into town from our berth. After lunch we embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden corners of the city. An off the beaten track itinerary takes us to the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, where Antonio Vivaldi was baptized; the San Giorgio dei Greci Church and its secret courtyard and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s largest squares and Marco Polo’s House. After a walk to the Rialto area, we will make our way back to St. Mark’s waterfront via Campo San Zaccaria and its beautiful church, before ending our tour 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. We transfer back to MS Monet for dinner.
Day 13 Venice to London or Manchester.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to the UK.
Dates and Prices
16 to 28 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £6995 | £6795 |
8 to 20 September 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £6995 | £6795 |
Athens to Venice Itinerary
20 September to 2 October 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO080924/SCMO200924
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 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. 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
-
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.
Louise Schofield will be on the following tour dates: 16 to 28 June 2024 -
Dr David Price-Williams
David Price-Williams has a first degree from the University of Wales in Ancient Near Eastern languages with a subsidiary in Attic and Koine Greek. His postgraduate work and his doctorate, from the University of London, is in Near Eastern archaeology. His first overseas archaeological field work in the eastern Mediterranean was in 1969 as a field surveyor at the classical site of Knidos in Turkey. He then worked for the Smithsonian Institution as an archaeological field surveyor on excavations in the Near East before directing his own field research in the same area through the early 1970s. David has just retired after almost forty years lecturing on the Archaeology of Western Asia (Eastern Mediterranean) at the Institute of Archaeology for the University of London Extra Mural Department. He is the author and co-author of numerous academic papers on the area and several books. David has designed and lectured on many tours to the Adriatic, Greece, Turkey and the Near East and is very familiar with the archaeological sites over the whole region. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an elected life member of the Society for Old Testament Studies as well as the Southern African Quaternary Research Association.
Dr David Price-Williams will be on the following tour dates: 20 September to 2 October 2024
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000