DUBROVNIK – KOTOR – IGOUMENITSA – KATAKOLON – GYTHION - ATHENS



Set sail on a cruise filled with discovery, exploring three countries where nature and history blend in perfect harmony. Embark in Dubrovnik, the jewel of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, admire the majestic ramparts that have watched over the city for centuries, and be captivated by exceptional views of the Adriatic. Continue your journey to Montenegro, where a spectacular voyage through the Bay of Kotor reveals breathtaking landscapes. Then set course for Greece, sailing along the Ionian Islands with their crystal-clear waters before rounding the Peloponnese. At each port of call, immerse yourself in the fascinating heritage of ancient Greece and follow in the footsteps of great civilizations, from the Acropolis of Athens to the ruins of Olympia. A cruise through Mediterranean panoramas, characterful cities, and historic treasures.

Itinerary

Day 1.  Wed O6 Oct 2027

Fly from Dublin to Dubrovnik (See details above)

On arrival, private transfer to 4* Remisens Albatross Hotel in Cavtat for one night on an “All-Inclusive” basis). Dinner at hotel on arrival.

Day 2.  Thur 07 Oct 2027 - Dubrovnik

Relaxing morning. Take a walk into the village and stop for a coffee, Stroll around the peninsula. Or, relax at the hotel spa and indoor or outdoor pool.

Enjoy lunch before we depart for Dubrovnik and our awaiting ship.

Board the ship around 4.30pm and settle into your cabin or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Dinner on board

Day 3. Fri 08 Oct 2027 – Dubrovnik

Known as “the Pearl of the Adriatic,” the city stretches along the sea at the foot of a limestone mountain range with rugged contours. The ancient city of Ragusa is renowned for its medieval walls and its many Pre-Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.

In the morning, included excursion: Dubrovnik. You will discover a place of breathtaking natural beauty and a rich historical heritage.

In the afternoon, (Optional) we suggest a walk along the city walls. These fortifications completely encircle the old town, stretch for 2 km, and rise to 25 m in height. From the walls, you will enjoy a wonderful view of the old town.

Day 4. Sat 09 Oct 2027– Kotor

Although you are welcome to join the guided tour arranged by the ship, we suggest you simply explore this beautiful city on your own. Your host, Alan, will give you a brief overview and then leave you to potter around this “mini-Venice”, before returning to the ship for lunch.

The ships sails in the afternoon towards Greece.

Day 5. – Sun 10Oct 2027 - Igoumenitsa

Join the excursion to Meteora (approximately 5 hours of round-trip travel; lunch included). You will discover one of Greece’s most spectacular sites. Upon arriving in Kalabaka, the view is breathtaking. Dozens of monasteries, built atop rocky pinnacles, defy the laws of gravity and imagination. In ancient times, it was said that these rocks had fallen from the sky so that hermits could pray there. Later, the Orthodox faith continued this tradition in these monasteries, isolated from the outside world. Today, some are still occupied by monks, and several can be visited via paths that range from gentle to steep.

Sail to Patras this evening

Day 6. Mon 11 Oct 2027 - Katakolon

Morning cruising. You will sail past the Ionian Islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca, where, according to Homer's epic tale, Odysseus was reunited with his family after his long journey.

In the afternoon, visit the archaeological site of Olympia. This is where the world's most famous and important sporting competition was born. The Olympic Games were held here every four years from 776 BC to AD 393. Olympia was not considered a city but rather a religious centre dedicated to Zeus.

Today, the sanctuary still preserves the remains of several structures, including the workshop of the sculptor Phidias, a stadium, a gymnasium, and the Temple of Zeus. The temple suffered several disasters over the centuries, including a fire and an earthquake. Archaeological excavations uncovered it after digging several metres below the surface.

In its time, the temple housed the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Overnight sailing to Gythion.

 Day 7. Tue 12 Oct 2027 – Gythion

Morning cruise around the Peloponnese, a peninsula steeped in history. As the scenery unfolds, your imagination will be carried away by Homer’s epic tales.

In the afternoon, visit Mystras. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former Byzantine capital of the Morea is a wonderful stop in the heart of the Peloponnese. Situated at the foot of the magnificent Mount Taygetus, this complex of Byzantine monasteries and the fortress towering above them are architectural gems set within breathtaking surroundings.

On the return journey, you will pass through Sparta, a name forever associated with the ancient world. Sparta was the great rival of Athens and the city that challenged the mighty Persian Empire. Despite its tragic fate, Sparta still enjoys worldwide fame today.

Late afternoon cruise around the Peloponnese, a peninsula rich in history. As the landscapes glide by, your imagination will once again be transported by Homer's epic stories.

Day 8. Wed 13 Oct 2027 – Athens

Morning cruise to the Port of Piraeus, the great maritime gateway that exerted its influence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa from ancient times.

In the afternoon, excursion to Athens and the Acropolis. Overlooking the surrounding plain, the Acropolis, meaning "high city", occupies an exceptional site. Its earliest inhabitants built a fortress there, which later became the heart of the most powerful city-state of ancient Greece: Athens.

Although the Acropolis was destroyed and plundered several times over the centuries, its ruins have been preserved and restored. With a little imagination, you can travel back to the glorious age of Ancient Greece as you wander among the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

(Please note: In extreme temperatures, access to the Parthenon and Acropolis will be restricted)

Gala evening on board.

Day 9. Thur 14 Oct 2027 – Homeward bound

At time of writing, our homeward flight is due to depart at 1.00pm, arriving Dublin at 3.30pm, flying with Aer Lingus. We will transfer to the airport by private minivan around 09.30am.

Extend your stay in Athens

So, you’ve made it as far as Athens and you haven’t had much of a chance to see one of the world’s most exciting city. So, why not add two nights in a very nice 4-star hotel, smack in the city centre.  Ask us for details.

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 –         NIL

Reception Deck

– Cabin with picture window –         £275 pp

Upper Deck

– Cabin with picture window –            £350 pp

NOTES

1.           1.         All of the excursions aboard Belle de l’Adriatique on this cruise are included. You have nothing extra to pay and you can decide whether you join the excursion or not.

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.