ON SALE NOW.......but.....please read carefully!                                   (This note made on 30 July 2023)

We are selling space on this cruise now. There is an important proviso, however, which we need to bring to your attention!

Neither the airfares nor the flight schedules have been announced for May 2024 yet, so we have only been able to estimate times and costs. We will accept your bookings without a deposit for the time being until mid August, when we should have the details. We have estimated the fares and they should be quite close. So, you will be in a position to decide if you wish to join us.

We currently only have ten cabins, five of which can be used for single occupancy. See details below.  Keep an eye on this webpage, as itwill update as we sell the cabins.

This is brand new to our programme and we expect this cruise to sell out quickly, as we have just 10 cabins but, once we've sold them, we can request more space, if there is any available. So, if you wish to join us, please do not delay.

Phone today or email me by clicking here.

Day 1 : ATHENS

Boarding immediately on arrival

Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 : ATHENS

This morning, the optional excursions are:

CLASSIC: Athens and the Acropolis. The Acropolis in Athens sits majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the dense city below. The complex has had many uses, including a military base, housing for nobles, and religious center. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, today’s restored and preserved ruins stir our imaginations as to the former splendour of famous buildings such as the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechteion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

DISCOVERY: The Kaisariani Monastery. This beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery sits in the forest at the foot the Mount Hymettus, right outside of the city. The verdant slopes of Mount Hymettus are a haven from the hustle and bustle of Athens, especially in the hot summer. Monks first built the monastery in the 11th century over a shrine to the goddess Aphrodite. The frescoes on the ceiling of the church are a fascinating study of Eastern Orthodox art. We’ll follow the trail through the garden to the small church above, a grotto[1]like chapel sanctuary covered from top to bottom with icons and religious objects.

After you return on board, LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will cast off and head for the Cyclades. With a cocktail in hand, take advantage of the views from the Sun Deck. Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge. Spend this time catching some rays on the Sun Deck or taking part in the proposed onboard activities. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 3 : SYROS

This morning, the optional excursion is: Trendy Syros. Syros is home to contrasts in colour and architecture. We'll head to the magnificent city of Ano Syros to take in the Venetian charm and Cycladic architecture overlooking the gorgeous Aegean Sea. Afterwards, take in the "retro" feel as you stroll down the marble streets in Ermoupolis. The City Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, sits majestically in the main square. Enjoy some free time on your own before heading back to the ship.

We will cruise the Aegean Sea in the afternoon. The legends and myths surrounding this beautiful body of water date back to Ancient Greece and we still enjoy them today—from The Odyssey to Atlantis. Take part in our onboard presentation.

Day 4 : AMORGOS(2)

This morning, the optional excursion is: Amorgos, the backdrop to The Big Blue. The first stop will be the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa to take in the beauty of the cliffside structure and its panoramic view of the sea. Built over a millennium ago to house a precious Virgin Mary icon, the monastery can only be seen from the sea—as a bright white monolith clinging to the cliff hundreds of feet above sea level. We'll climb the 269 steps to the monastery, where we'll enjoy the monks' hospitality of a few Turkish delights and a glass of Raki or water. Our next stop will be Agios Georgios Valsamitis, a monastery built in the 8th century on the site where locals found an icon of Saint George. In ancient times, the site was a temple with a famous oracle who was almost as revered as the Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims travelled to hear her in hopes of finding lucidity and responses to their questions. To wrap it all up, enjoy some time on your own in picturesque Chora, the island's capital.

We'll then cruise through the Dodecanese towards Rhodes. The archipelago is a fabulous vacation area known for its medieval architecture and celestial beaches.

Day 5 : RHODES

This morning, the optional excursion is: Medieval Rhodes. Rhodes is famous for gorgeous beaches and awesome weather, but it is also jam-packed with history, especially noteworthy medieval tales. The island is home to one of the largest medieval centres still thriving today. Don’t miss this opportunity to enter the city walls and wander the labyrinth of streets. The fort, bastion, walls, gates, minarets, old homes, fountains, and peaceful squares are as if King’s Landing has come alive. You’ll visit the Kos Town Castle at the entrance of the harbour. The Knights of Saint John built the fortress and stronghold we see now during their rule from 1314 to 1522.

The optional excursions this afternoon are: -

CLASSIC: Lindos. We’ll cross the island to visit the charming fishing village of Lindos. For many tourists, the natural landscape, astonishing views, and impressive archaeological site are second to none in the islands. As we walk the streets towards the Acropolis, you’ll see ruins from the variety of civilizations who have called this island home. You'll have a superb view of the whitewashed village against the yellow rock and blue sea below from the top of the hill.

DISCOVERY: Kick back at Tsambika Beach (sunlounger and umbrella rental included). Spend the afternoon in a little corner of paradise. Swim in the turquoise water and catch some rays on the pristine beach. Tonight’s meal and entertainment will have genuine Grecian flair! Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 6 : SANTORINI(2)

We'll spend the morning cruising the Aegean Sea through the gorgeous Cyclades, known for its gorgeous beaches, white and blue architecture, and traditional lifestyle. This afternoon, the optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion is: The legendary island of Santorini (travel to and from the island will be done in rowboats). Jacques Cousteau once set sail for Santorini in search of the mythical island of Atlantis. The volcano shaped the land into what we see today, and it remains one of the greatest attractions. The volcanic caldera extends over a large part of the island and even plunges into the sea. You'll enjoy a panoramic tour to see the different landscapes and visit iconic sites, such as Profitis Ilias Mountain. Stroll down the labyrinth-like cobblestone streets in Oia, a stunning whitewashed village. The gorgeous village of Fira, perched on the edge of a high caldera that faces west across the sea, will be our last stop. We'll watch the sun set slowly along the horizon as the colors change to fiery orange, purple, and pink hues. This evening, we’ll enjoy a Greek dinner on the Sun Deck. Tonight’s entertainment is the warm air and nature’s grandeur as the sun sets. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 7 : MILOS(2)

Take advantage of some free time in the village of Adamantas, on Mios, this morning. Everything slows down on vacation, so enjoy a leisurely stroll along the small streets or indulge in a treat at a café facing the harbour.

The optional excursion this afternoon is: Historic Tour of Milos (approximately 6 hours). This panoramic tour will take you to all of the must-sees on the island, where you'll learn about its history and culture. Don't miss the moonscape atmosphere at Sarakiniko Beach or the ancient Roman Theater set on the hillside, offering splendid views of the bay. Klima is a beautiful fishing village with dazzling colored homes. And lastly, enjoy a bit of free time strolling the streets in Plaka, the island's historic capital. Our ship will cruise to Piraeus Harbor overnight. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 8 : ATHENS

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. and head for the airport.

NB: For reasons of navigational safety, the captain and crew of the boat alone may decide to modify the cruise itinerary. Alternative port visits may need to be offered.

At time of writing, the flight schedules for 2024 have not been set but, based on 2023, we hope that the outbound flight will be early evening from Dublin. Arrive Dubrovnik and transfer to the hotel, right beside the port. Due to the flight time, an evening meal has not been included.



LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE

La Belle de l'Adriatique, a 198-passenger oceangoing vessel, was purpose-built for coastal cruises and sails on itineraries to the Croatian islands and Montenegro.

If you are looking for a modern, luxury cruise liner, this cruise is definitely not for you. If, on the other hand, you are seeking an intimate. almost yacht-like experience on a ship with lots of atmosphere and charm, then you have maybe found your ideal holiday. La Belle de l'Adriatique is not a new ship; she is, however, comfortable and provides an ideal base for touring the Croatian Islands. This is our fifth time offering this cruise and we have always had positive comments from our customers. Just don't expect the Queen Mary!
 
The ship has a cosy atmosphere with a small lounge and outdoor terrace on the upper deck. The main panoramic lounge, with a dance floor and bar, is situated forward on the reception deck, and the dining room is found aft on the main deck. Like its river cruise cousins, La Belle de l'Adriatique prides itself on its French heritage, which is reflected in the cuisine, with a choice of other international dishes available. Complimentary wine, beer, fruit juice, water and coffee are served throughout your cruise. 
 
There are two whirlpools on the sun deck, and other amenities include a library, nursery, gift shop and elevator.

Cabins

The cabins are spread across the four main decks. The majority are twins that can be configured as doubles.  All have en-suite facilities, although these are "modest" in size, to say the least.


Staterooms on the upper and reception decks have large windows, and the two lower decks' cabins have portholes. There are no balcony cabins. All staterooms are equipped with showers and toilets, hair dryers, satellite TV, radios and safes.

Cabin size  -  151 sq. ft.

Upper Deck   29 Cabins - with large windows

Reception Deck  22 Cabins - with large windows

Main Deck  25 Cabins  -  with portholes

Lower Deck   24 Cabins  - with portholes

Equipment: all cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.

Supplements for cabin upgrades

Lower Deck – Cabin with porthole –       NIL

Main Deck – Cabin with porthole –   £170 pp

Reception Deck

– Cabin with picture window –         £275 pp

Upper Deck

– Cabin with picture window –            £350 pp

NOTES

1.           There are a range of excursions offered during this cruise, as detailed in the itinerary. Choose any three of these at no extra cost. Should you wish to go on more, simply pay for them before you go. We will update the information on this webpage in due course.

2.           Croisieurope offer a fixed three course menu for lunch and dinner, with a choice of main course options. The food is of the highest quality but sometimes a particular course may not appeal to you. The menu is on display from early morning and you may ask your waiter if he/she can arrange something else for you. You must do this at breakfast time, or an alternative may not be available.

3.           Unlimited drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, are available throughout your cruise. The offer includes beers, spirits, soft drinks, teas & coffees, bottled water and a selection of fine house wines but excludes those from the wine list.

4.          Gratuities are included aboard the ship but, if you feel you have received exceptional service, please feel free to put something into the unmarked envelope, which will be left in your cabin towards the end of the cruise. Gratuities for tour guides, etc. are not included and a small contribution would be appreciated.

5.           “Accessibility” Whilst the “MV Belle de l’Adriatique” offers one fully-accessible cabin for those who require wheelchair access, our experience shows that this cruise is not ideal for those with limited mobility. Berthing is often via steep ramps, possibly steps, and we may also need to cross through another vessel, often involving steep steps. We would endeavour to ensure you get the maximum from a cruise but cannot guarantee you will be able to get off at each and every port. You must also have a carer with you, who is able to manage every aspect of operating and pushing the wheelchair, your luggage, etc. Neither our representatives nor the crew of the ship can be called upon to assist, as we are not insured for it.