The Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia, Greece, Albania and Montenegro

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 5:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and have dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Join us for a visit of Dubrovnik, which captivates tourists by its beauty and sublime views. We'll spend the afternoon cruising alongside the Albanian and Montenegrin coastline. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

We'll spend the morning cruising to the splendid island of Corfu. According to Homer's poems, Ulysses made a final stop here before returning to Ithaca. This afternoon, we'll enjoy a tour of the old city. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the origins of the old city date back to the 8th century BC, but what we see today is approximately 500 years old, built mostly by the Venetians. And we'll visit the Achilleion, the island's emblematic palace built by the beloved Empress Sissi. As the Achilleion is currently closed for restoration, the visit is replaced by that of the Mon Repos Palace. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing.

We'll cruise to Saranda in the early morning. When we arrive, join us for a visit to the Butrint ruins (an approx. 4-hour tour, including over 90 minutes of driving). These ancient ruins are famed for their size, beauty, and tranquility. They're in a fantastic natural setting and span 2,500 years. The top of the hill is where the acropolis once was; the views give you a good idea of the city's layout, and you can see the Vivari Channel connecting Lake Butrint to the Straits of Corfu in the distance.
This afternoon, we'll set out on a tour of Gjirokastër (an approx. 5-hour tour, including 3 hours of driving). Historic Gjirokastër is one of Albania's three UNESCO sites. Described as "a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town,¿ the city is dominated by Gjirokastër Fortress. Gjirokastër contains several remarkable examples of houses with turrets, which date from the 17th century, but also more elaborate examples dating from the early 19th century. The Gjirokastër Bazaar is known for handmade wood pieces, handwoven rugs, and crafts such as delicate lace items. We'll enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of our tour. Tonight's festivities will have an Albanian flair!

Join us for a full-day tour of Apollonia and Berat (lunch included - approx. 10.5 hours long, including 4.5 hours of driving). Our first stop will be Berat. In 2008, the village was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. We'll then continue on to the largest archaeological site in Albania: Apollonia. Set on rolling hills among olive groves, with impressive views all around, Apollonia was founded by Greeks from Corinth and Corfu in 588 BC. While the ruins are minimal, the onsite Apollonia Museum complex is excellent to experience. We'll return on board. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

This morning, we’ll visit Tirana and its Natural History Museum (free excursion, approximately 5 hours long, including 2 hours of driving). Tirana, the capital and largest city, is the heart of Albania's cultural, economic, and governmental activity. We'll visit the National History Museum, which takes you chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. We’ll also see Skanderbeg Square, where you can get a good look at the city’s oldest building, the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque.
We'll spend the afternoon cruising. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing.

We'll spend the morning on a visit to Stari Bar. Enjoy a guided tour of this old urban settlement in the mountains above the city of Bar. The tranquil feel of this place will make you fall in love with the whole country. Together with the stronghold towers, city gates, gun powder room, Prince's Palace, and Bishop's Palace, one can imagine the impressive town that it used to be.
We'll spend the afternoon cruising alongside Montenegrin coastline and through the Bay of Kotor.
Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.