Itinerary

Day 1 : VALLETTA

Fly Belfast to Malta – Depart    Arrive

On arrival in Malta, we transfer direct to the ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 : VALLETTA

Included excursions: Valletta in the morning. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top of a steep cliff, its layout and architectural structures are remarkable. The city was built stone-by-stone, by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We’ll make an exclusive stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral. Take some free time this afternoon to explore the Maltese capital at your own pace.

LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will then raise its anchor and begin to cruise to Greece. Join the ship's crew on the Sun Deck for a cocktail as we admire one of the most beautiful ports in the world on our way out. You'll have a great view of the fortifications surrounding the city as we sail out.

Day 3 : At sea

We’ll spend the entire day at sea. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some much-deserved downtime. Join us for a workout on deck as the sun begins to rise, or kick up your feet on a sunlounger to enjoy the never ending horizon across the water. In the afternoon, you can listen to a presentation followed by a tasting of Greek delicacies on the Sun Deck.

Day 4 : KATAKOLON

Where the Olympic Games began

This morning's included excursion: A guided tour of the Olympia archaeological site. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in honour of the god Zeus in 776 BC. The impressive ruins in Olympia include the Ancient Stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera. Time and catastrophes have taken their toll on the structures, but archaeologists have been able to reveal their splendour for us to enjoy. The temple of Zeus was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—a seated statue of the god sculpted by Phidias.

We’ll spend the afternoon cruising, passing by the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca, the final destination of Odysseus's long and arduous journey home from the Trojan War as recounted by Homer.

 Day 5 : GYTHIO

Included excursion this morning: Mystras, a marvellous wonder in the Peloponnese, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Byzantine power in the 13th century. Developed along the hillside under an existing fortress, the city's influence helped it thrive culturally and politically over several hundred years. We'll see the 14th-century Brontochion Monastery and the 15th-century Pantanassa Monastery, with beautiful interior frescoes. On our way back, we'll stop in Sparta, synonymous with the military glory of ancient Greece. While Athens was known for its philosophers, Sparta was famous for its military strength. Despite its tragic destiny, the city still benefits from worldwide recognition. We'll spend the afternoon cruising along the historic Peloponnesian coastline. If you've ever studied Homer, you might find your mind plunging back into his epic tales. Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge.

Day 6 : NAFPLIO

The included excursion this morning is to the heart of the Argolis Region to visit Mycenae and Nafplio. According to Greek mythology, Perseus founded Mycenae. He used Cyclopes to build the citadel walls so that no human could move them. Mycenaean culture is the source of ancient epics and legends such as the labours of Hercules, the Trojan War, and Agamemnon's tragic life and death. Notable curiosities include the Lion Gate access way and the circular burial areas. We’ll continue on to Nafplio—the first capital of modern Greece, dominated by Palamidi Fortress. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Piraeus Harbor. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 : ATHENS

We'll spend the morning cruising to Piraeus Harbour, a "shipping crossroads" between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East since ancient times. Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge. This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: 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.

Day 8 : ATHENS

Disembark and travel to airport.....

.....or extend your stay in Athens for 2 nights

(See separate panel below)

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 coastal cruising. This is our  cruise on this ship 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.



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.