Pearls of Greece and the Dalmatian Coast - 2023

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Athens. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension to Istanbul, Turkey.

Welcome to Athens, the fabled cradle of civilization. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your hotel transfer. Settle into your room, with views of Greece's energetic capital. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Briefing and Welcome Dinner at the hotel and get to know your fellow passengers.

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, the sophisticated capital of Greece. Mythology and ancient history come alive here, as you’ll see at the iconic Acropolis. It was here that Poseidon and Athena were said to have fought to determine who would be patron of the city. This was the architectural pinnacle of Athens, crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You’ll also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. Along the famed Panepistimiou Avenue, pass the Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library.

You'll have lunch on your own, perhaps dining in the charming Plaka district, nestled at the foot of Acropolis Hill. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Athens, with so much to discover — from extensive shopping options to open-air markets to museums and beyond. Dinner is on your own tonight, and you're in luck: Athens restaurants are world-class, but so is its street food — at a fraction of the cost. Don't miss souvlaki, fava purée, pita, a classic Greek salad, or anything with feta cheese. Your conveniently-located hotel is just a stone’s throw from abundance of local restaurants and food stands.

• Athens panoramic walking tour, including the Acropolis

You have the day at leisure to set out into the Cradle of Civilization to uncover some of its less-explored paths. If you’re looking to shop for a deal, head over to the Monastiraki flea market, the atmospheric agora of secondhand treasures. Or perhaps you’ll brush up on your ancient history at the Acropolis Museum or the Athens Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy its sumptuous amenities, from the rooftop swimming pool to the spa.

Lunch is on your own today, so grab one more indulgent Athenian snack at one of the local restaurants or food stands near your hotel before continuing to Piraeus to embark the Ocean Odyssey, which will be berthed in port. This 5-star small ship is designed to merge unmatched luxury with an authentic ocean cruise experience. Step aboard the ship and get settled in your stateroom, before taking time to explore the ship’s world-class amenities, including the onboard boutique, indulgent spa, top-deck infinity pool, and hot-rock cooking restaurant. With just 77 cabins — and fewer travelers — onboard, you’ll experience more meaningful interactions with locals, Tour Directors, onboard lecturers, and more.

Later, you’ll join fellow travelers for the first of your daily port talks to learn about tomorrow’s exciting destination. Tonight, your ship sets sail for Itea.

This morning, enjoy scenic sailing through the Corinth Canal as we dock on Greece's mainland coast at Itea, enjoying lunch and an onboard lecture before stepping off the ship and heading to nearby UNESCO-listed Delphi. Once known as the center of the world by ancient Greek mythologists, Delphi has been revered as a hotspot of ancient Greek culture and archeology for centuries, and you'll see its highlights today, including a visit to the onsite museum.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Delphi

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture on Greek mythology

Scenic Sailing:

• Enjoy beautiful views through the Corinth Canal

This morning, we’ll dock in Katakolon – where you will be able to step easily off the ship – and enjoy scenic drives through the villages of Peloponnese. Then, you'll have a full day where the ancient Olympic Games originated — Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a natural setting of beauty and serenity, the archeological site dates back to the 10th century B.C., where it first became a sanctuary for the gods and a place to worship Zeus. Alongside temples, there are remains of various sporting venues from the festive games that began in 776 BC.

In the afternoon, you'll be delighted to join a traditional Greek lunch at the Magna Grecia, a family-owned Greek agriturismo farm. After a guided tour, sample its homemade wine and olive oils while being regaled with local entertainment to boot.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Olympia

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit to Magna Grecia agriturismo farm for lunch, wine and olive oil tasting, and local entertainment

Enjoy a splendid day on the scenic island of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Venetian inspiration and a lively local lifestyle. We will berth at the port and, once you step ashore, you'll have the opportunity to explore Corfu's east side, full of traditional bars, restaurants, and shops framed by winding alleyways.

During your time in Corfu, you'll indulge in a tour of one of its most famed attractions — the elegant Achilleion Palace. Dating back to 1890, this property was the brainchild of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (also known as Sisi), who was fond of the island and visited often. Each floor is adorned with lavish decor, including bronze and stone statues of fabled Greek gods in the palace and the surrounding gardens.

After your tour, enjoy lunch back on board and a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Included Feature:

• Scenic sailing in Corfu
• Tour of Achilleion Palace

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture on olive production

This morning you'll experience the Bay of Kotor, about which the poet Lord Byron wrote, “The Bay of Kotor, a submerged river canyon surrounded by dramatic rising mountain cliffs, is the jewel of the coast of Montenegro.” Tucked away at the head of the bay is the town of Kotor featuring intriguing medieval fortifications. Enjoy scenic sailing in the morning before you disembark at the port. Here, you’ll learn the town's history — which is believed to stretch back as far as the first century — while you walk the charming tangle of Old World streets. The city’s walls stretch up more than 800 feet from sea level to the fortress of Saint Giovanni. The views are sure to take your breath away, from medieval churches to staggering mountains.

This evening, sail toward Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later enjoy an eye-opening onboard discussion about the "Dubrovnik Republic," including its unique history and foundations, before dinner on the ship.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Kotor
• Sail through UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard Lecture: Dubrovnik Republic

Today, we’ll anchor off the coast of Dubrovnik and tender into port, where you will be met by a local guide. You will enjoy a tour of Dubrovnik's Old City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — introducing you to its most heralded landmarks, as well as its hidden gems. Following the tour, you’ll relax in a centuries-old church for a Vantage-exclusive private classical concert by the Sorkočević Quartet, who are members of the Croatian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

You’ll return to the ship for lunch. Following lunch on board, you may tender back into Dubrovnik and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening. You'll be supplied with a one-day Dubrovnik card, which provides free entrance to numerous sites around the city, including access to the walkway atop the walls surrounding the Old City. Your Cruise Director and Concierge will be happy to recommend activities to do and places to see.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Dubrovnik’s Old City

Cultural Discovery:

• Vantage-exclusive private classical concert

Hvar, a popular celebrity destination, is known for its vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and fruit orchards. We’ll anchor offshore and board a tender into this idyllic Mediterranean port. Set off on a guided walking tour this morning and learn the port town's history, hear about local legends, and visit the lace museum inside the Benedictine Monastery. Aloe lace is made in Croatia only by the nuns of this monastery, and it is designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage feature.

Later, discover even more on an island tour, including a visit to Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return for lunch on board and take the afternoon to explore Hvar at your leisure. You may also choose to go swimming, snorkeling, or fishing (weather permitting). Active travelers shouldn't miss the walk to Hvar Fortress, (entry fee included).

Enjoy dinner onboard. You ship will set sail later this evening.

Included Features:

• Tour of Hvar town
• Hvar island tour with Stari Grad Plain

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit a lace museum in a Benedictine monastery in Hvar

This morning, enjoy scenic sailing, passing by UNESCO protected St. Nicholas fortress, that is guarding entrance to the ancient city of Šibenik. Upon arrival, we’ll berth in port, so you can easily disembark the ship and depart for Krka National Park, a gem of Croatia and home to breathtaking waterfalls and gorges. We’ll witness the city's crystalline river rushing through the canyon against a green, mountainous backdrop as we ascend to the top of the waterfalls by bus and then hike to the bottom. On the way we’ll learn about how this water was used (and is still used today) to power local corn mills. At the end of the hike, we’ll enjoy a boat ride to the town of Skradin.

Upon disembarkation, we’ll tour Jurlinovi Dvori, a traditional Dalmatian estate with an extensive anthropological museum that depicts the lineage of the people who lived here for the last 100 years and ruled this region of Croatia. We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch here before departing back to Šibenik.

Your next stop is Jurlinovi Dvori, a Dalmatian estate with an ethnographic gallery. Enjoy a homemade lunch, prepared with centuries-old local recipes from homemade products, including Babić wine — a vintage derived from Primosten vineyards, which is strong and dry to represent the harsh land it grew on. After, depart back to Šibenik.

Tonight, enjoy a performance by local musicians on board your ship.

Included Features:

• Krka National Park hike and boat ride
• Šibenik guided walking tour

Cultural Connections:

• Jurlinovi Dvori traditional lunch
• Evening onboard entertainment

This morning, enjoy lovely scenic sailing into your next destination Opatija. Upon arrival in port this afternoon, you’ll disembark the Ocean Odyssey, and set out on a walking tour of this coastal town, which once catered to European royalty with stately villas, seaside promenade, and lovely gardens. Then, enjoy some free time to discover Opatija on your own.  Enjoy a walk along the Opatija Promenade for lovely views and perhaps stop for a bite to eat or a drink. How far you go is up to you — a roundtrip walk can cover up to 7.5 miles and, in total, connects seven towns and villages of the Opatija Riviera. Alternatively, you may want to try your luck in one of the town's casinos.You’ll visit Opatija’s riviera villages including Moscenice, one of the oldest settlements in this region. Your local guide will lead you to breathtaking vistas here, and you’ll have the option to sample some locally-made spirits.

Tonight, enjoy an informative onboard lecture.

Included Features:

• Half-day tour of Opatija

Cultural Connection:

• Onboard lecture

Discover part of one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia on half-day tours of Pula and Rovinj. Istria is one of the most developed regions of Croatia and is sometimes referred to as “Croatian Tuscany,” with some of the most picturesque towns in the country. Your ship will berth in port so you’ll be able to disembark with ease – no waiting and no tendering.

Explore Pula Arena, Europe's most complete Roman amphitheater, when we stop in the ancient town of Pula. You'll be able to go below the arena floor to see the actual passageways and rooms where gladiators and their foes, along with wild animals, awaited their turn in combat. We’ll also see the town and its streets briming with history juxtaposed with modern shops and restaurants.

We'll have lunch back on the ship before more scenic sailing takes us to the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj, which was part of Venice's mercantile empire. Today, it’s a jet-set town for regional and international tourists alike because of its stunning skyline and mesmerizing ocean views. Enjoy a guided tour to see its charms for yourself.

For the best views of the town and the harbor, make the mile-and-a-quarter trek uphill to the Church of St. Euphemia — it's well worth the effort!

This evening, enjoy your Captain's Farewell Dinner on board with klapa singers, a UNESCO protected cultural heritage of Croatia.

Included Features:

• Pula tour with visit to the Pula Arena
• Walking tour in Rovinj

Cultural Discovery:

• Klapa singers performance
• Scenic sailing between Pula and Rovinj along Brijuni Islands National Park

We’ll arrive in the port of Trieste this morning. After breakfast on board the ship, you’ll disembark in this exquisite Italian city that boasts a distinct Istrian culture. The largest port in Adriatic, Trieste is situated deep in Slovenian territory while still part of Italy. As the main port during the Austrian rule over Istria, Austrian architecture can be spotted all around the city.

Then transfer to your hotel in Zagreb via a lovely scenic drive through the charming Slovenian and Croatian countryside. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll spend another two nights in this vibrant capital city in a centrally-located historic hotel. This evening, you'll have a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers at the hotel.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Trieste
• Scenic drive through Slovenian and Croatian countryside to Zagreb

You'll met your expert local guide this morning after breakfast for a tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Kick off your exploration with a President’s Club feature — a private tram ride that will take you from your hotel past the city's impressive landmarks, including the “lower city” distinguished by its 18th and 19th century Austro-Hungarian architecture, Croatian National Theater and Opera House, Croatian Treasury, and more. Then, walk through the main square and the city’s “upper town,” strolling past the Croatian Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office, St. Mark’s square, and the Stone Gate. You'll also visit the Dolac Traditional Food Market, the largest market in Croatia, where local products arrive from villages to be sold in the city.

This afternoon, enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the city's unique Museum of Broken Relationships or taking a walk through the botanical gardens. Zagreb also has one of the world's most extensive tram systems. So consider boarding the local tram back to your hotel or to the city center for further exploration. Your Vantage Cruise Director will be happy to assist with directions or suggestions of other activities.

Tonight, enjoy a private family village estate visit near Zagreb with dinner, unlimited drinks, and a guided tour of their art collection. You'll also tour the stables and meet their horses. Dinner is complete with a folkloric ensemble performance.

Included Feature:

• Half-day panoramic and walking tour of Zagreb

Cultural Discoveries:

• Dolac Traditional Food Market
• Dinner at a family village estate with folkloric entertainment

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to the Zagreb airport for your flight home. Or, continue to Bled, Slovenia, for your post-trip extension.