Adriatic Jewels

On arrival in Athens, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Stay Seven Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (D)

Early this morning, your ship will traverse the famous Corinth Canal, which is just 21.3 metres wide. Later, arrive in the Greek port of Itea and set off on an excursion to the sacred site of Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was considered the centre of the known world. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the partially reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians. You'll also visit the impressive museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of archaeological treasures. (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board with fellow passengers as your vessel sails towards Italy. After lunch, disembark in the picturesque port town of Otranto, located in Italy's Puglia region. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore. Perhaps enjoy an optional guided city tour of Otranto or an optional tour to the historic town of Lecce. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Otranto City Tour Delve into Otranto, a picturesque seaside town reminiscent of Greece. This stunning location offers a unique blend of east and west due to its rich history of Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese and Ottoman influences. Explore its medieval charm through the 15th-century castle, rebuilt after Ottoman raids, and the 12th-century Cathedral, famous for its floor mosaic that harmoniously represents symbols from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Stroll through the labyrinth of streets and uncover the captivating beauty and layered history of this vibrant, historical gem.

Enhance Your Journey - Tour of Lecce Head out on an optional tour of Lecce, often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South' for its elegance and harmonious architectural style. Learn about how the town expanded in the 17th century with grand churches and spectacular palazzi, all showcasing the best of baroque architecture. Admire the beautiful limestone buildings adorned with intricate features and visit the two main churches of the city, the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica.

Cruise the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Those feeling energetic may like to climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the town's fortifications for stunning views, or alternatively, join an optional tour. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Kotor Walking Tour Head out on a guided walking tour through the enchanting Old Town of Kotor. Marvel at the towering St. Tryphon Cathedral as you learn about one of the best-preserved buildings in the town, dating back to the 12th century. Delve into the cathedral's history and its significance to the town. Next, embark on a short drive to the Cable Car station where you'll ascend to the summit of Lovćen Mountain. Here, spend time at leisure to soak in exceptional views over the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen National Park.

Enhance Your Journey - Montenegro Highlights Take in awe-inspiring views of the Budva Riviera as you travel towards Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro. In Cetinje, head to the Museum of King Nikola and learn about Montenegro's cultural and historical heritage. Make your way towards Lovćen Mountain and stop at the village of Njegusi for an immersive cultural experience, where you'll learn about the production process of smoked ham. Then, savour a meal of smoked ham and local cheese with honey and wine at an authentic restaurant. Continue driving along the route that the Irish playwright Bernard Shaw followed at the beginning of the twentieth century to Montenegro. On returning to Kotor, explore the town at your leisure.

This morning, your ship will arrive in Dubrovnik. Learn about the city's walls on a guided tour, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your leisure. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Mljet, then set sail for Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Enjoy time at leisure to explore, or perhaps join an optional tour. Choose to take a walking tour of Korčula's Old Town and indulge in a wine tasting in Lumbarda, or set off on an in-depth exploration of the island. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Historic Korčula and Wine tasting Begin your walking tour of Korčula's spectacular Old Town from the pier. Discover the stunning architecture and well-orchestrated urban planning. The streets were arranged to take advantage of the natural wind system, resulting in optimal airflow throughout the town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Mark, a fine example of the town's stone artistry, and the birthplace of Marco Polo. Next, travel to the rural village of Lumbarda for a winery visit. Learn how a local family grew their wine production from a small winery to a larger scale business with a completely automatic system. Enjoy hearing about the history and sampling some of their vintages.

Enhance Your Journey - Korčula in Depth Traverse the island of Korčula and indulge in idyllic views of dense forest. On this tour, visit the Zlokic Olive Oil Production. Since 1995, the family-run establishment has been one of the leading olive oil producers on the island. See the variety of ancient tools used in the olive oil making process such as a 15th-century wooden olive press and an 18th-century hydraulic compression system. Then, visit Toreta Winery in Smokvica for a wine tasting. Explore this family-run boutique winery and learn about the indigenous grape varieties from which the wine is made.

Enhance Your Journey - Mljet National Park by E-bike On this active excursion, you'll learn about the history of Mljet National Park, before commencing your cycling adventure by E-bike. Cycle along the shores of the lakes, visit St Mary Island and discover the flora and fauna of the national park. Note: this excursion is graded strenuous and involves approximately nine km of cycling on flat roads. It is suitable for people who do regular exercise and have above average level of fitness.

Enhance Your Journey - Mljet St Mary Islet Begin your journey with a peaceful 30-minute walk through the shaded forest paths of Mljet National Park, following the tranquil shores of Veliko Jezero. Then, enjoy a 15-minute boat ride across the calm lake to the charming St. Mary Islet, where a guided one-hour tour awaits. Explore the beautifully preserved 12th-century Benedictine monastery, admire its Romanesque architecture, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, return by boat for another serene 15-minute ride, followed by a final 30-minute forest walk back to the starting point, offering a perfect moment to reflect on the island's natural and historical beauty.

Today your ship will dock in the town of Šibenik, where you'll disembark for a special experience. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Krka National Park Head to beautiful Krka National Park to explore its dramatic waterfalls. The most famous is Skradinski Buk, a vast natural pool framed by towering waterfalls on one side and a series of cascades on the other, where the river surges through a maze of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, as well as the unique flora and fauna.

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)