Athens to Fusina

14 Aug 27
00:00 - 23:00

A city of legend, civilization, and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which counts extraordinary contributions to philosophy, drama, and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus's giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the center. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

15 Aug 27
08:00 - 19:00

A full spectrum of soul-stirring blue hues awaits in the waters of the heavenly bays and blissful beaches of Milos - a laid-back Greek island of extraordinary natural artistry. Exotic and exclusive, Milos basks in the reliable sunshine of a charmed location to the south of the Cyclades island group. Known for its flowing coastal rock formations - including intricate caves, rock arches, and natural sculptures - there is no shortage of creative inspiration on display here. Indeed, the iconic Venus of Milos masterpiece was discovered on the island's hallowed shores and now takes pride of place in the Louvre. Charming towns like Klima, Emborios, and Mandrakia are a treat for the eyes, adorned with windmills and colorful buildings. Visits to Sarakiniko promise amazing lunar landscapes, swooping and flowing above the clear sea waters. Soak in life-affirming views from the Castle of Plaka, and gaze across dreamy vistas dotted with islands that seem to stretch out to infinity. Catacombs, mines, and a well-preserved Roman theater add extra layers of intrigue to the island, as do the murky tales of pirates and smugglers who have sought shelter here.

16 Aug 27
07:00 - 18:00

One of the most beautiful parts of this region of the Peloponnese is the plain of Laconia which extends from Sparta to the port of Gythion. The many neo-classical houses of this harbor town are built on the slopes of Mount Kourmaros. Aside from its remaining ancient theater and cultural museum, visitors can enjoy local beaches and a variety of dining opportunities. The inhabitants of Gytheion claim Hercules and Apollo as its founders. According to mythology, Paris and Helen of Troy were reputed to have spent their first night together on nearby ancient Kranae, now called Marathonissi. Enlarging the natural harbor, it was used by the Spartans as their naval base and the main port of trade. Today Gythion is visited mostly for its scenic beauty and access to numerous historical sites. These include the cliffside city of Mistra, one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece, and ancient Sparta.

17 Aug 27
08:00 - 23:00

Holding the torch as the spiritual home of the Olympic Games, Olympia has an enduring legacy, and its values echo around the world during humanity's greatest sporting contest. Come ashore at Katakolon - a small port village on the Peloponnese peninsula facing the Ionian Sea, and relax on beautiful Kourouta Beach. Or, head inland through this legendary destination to the historic home of the Olympic Games. Located in the valley of the River Alfeios, Olympia is a staggering archaeological site of immense ruins and an enduring legacy. Visit the museum and Olympia Stadium - where the ancient games were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. As many as 45,000 spectators fit into the mud seats, to witness the ultimate contest of athleticism. See the stand where judges would sit and the white blocks where runners would line up to compete. The tradition continues stronger than ever, and the Olympic flame of the modern games is ignited by the sun here, in the ruins of the Temple of Hera. It is then taken to spread the Olympic values across the globe. The Temple of Zeus, and the Statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - also stood here in all of their glory. Hewn from limestone, the temple contained the 13-meter-tall statue of Zeus, which was sculpted by Phidias - one of Ancient Greece's finest artists. Although the statue has been destroyed, you can walk the temple's ruins and see the guesthouse where the majestic wonder was painstakingly crafted.

18 Aug 27

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

19 Aug 27
08:00 - 22:00

Croatia's crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik's daunting fortress town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city's unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows - from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones, and every production in between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavor. This fantasy fortress's walls - which are no less than 12 meters thick at places - are certainly not just for show, however. They kept Dubrovnik safe when it was a maritime republic and they were besieged as recently as 1991, when Serbian and Montenegrin forces attacked, as Yugoslavia broke apart. Fully restored now, the stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendor, baroque churches, and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun, offering spectacular views down, but you'll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city's full scale. Banking up sharply to the rear, you can gaze across an ocean of terracotta roofs and church spires, clamoring together before the sparkling Adriatic. Visit the neighboring fort of Lovrijenac, for another perspective, or swing up to Srd fortress's glorious panorama on a cable car. Dubrovnik's streets are crammed with eateries and candlelit tables, where couples splash wine into glasses and enjoy gnocchi mixed with creamy truffle sauces. Nearby beaches like Banje are also close by, and hidden bays reward the intrepid who venture out beyond the old town. Take sunset drinks to sit back and watch as flotillas of sea kayaks roll by, or sail on the pristine waters to explore island gems like Lokrum - where peacocks are the only permanent residents.

20 Aug 27
08:00 - 19:00

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast's generous sunshine, and overlooking sparkling, island-studded waters, Split is a city of romantic beauty, built around an extraordinary - still beating - historical heart. The setting may be spectacular, but it's the Diocletian's Palace - a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. While immensely historic, Split hasn't been afraid to move with the times, and the stone walls encasing the streets are alive with buzzy bars and quiet nooks, where bottles of red wine are uncorked and delicious meals devoured. With a natural backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains, and Croatia's trademark scenic wonders all around, Split is a true heavyweight of the Adriatic. To enter Split's Diocletian's Palace is to step into a beautiful time warp. Head first to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, where a hollow bell tower rockets up, puncturing the sky. The palace's cellars can shelter you from a little of the heat and give space for everything from wine festivals to souvenir stalls. The perfume of lavender hangs heavy wherever you walk in the old town, where tucked shops offer artisan chocolates, dried figs, and freshly ground coffees. The expansive seafront promenade is all palm trees, buzzing bars, and eateries. Further out you'll find the peace of Marion Hill - where you can climb to some of the best views in town. Or, take the far less exerting wander to Sustipan cemetery's breathtaking panorama of sea, city, and distant islands. Trips to island paradises like Hvar and Brac are tempting, as are longer excursions to sites like Krka National Park's Waterfalls - where wide terraces of frothing water thunder into cooling, swimmable splash pools below. Nearby Trogir is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a cozier, no less charming old town, and historic port.

21 Aug 27
08:00 - 19:00

Croatia's Capital of Cool, Zadar is a dazzling mesh of influences and creativity. Romans founded the city before the Venetians, Austrians, French, and Italians all had their say, leaving a wealth of architectural interest. Glorious turquoise-water beaches and heavenly waterfalls also lie within easy reach of this energetic city of festivals and outdoor fun. See the old town, with its robust city walls, boasting decorative stone gateways and marble streets. The church of St Donatus was built from stones pillaged from the Roman forum, while Zadar Cathedral - Dalmatia's biggest - stands among the many architectural treats of this city, which was once an impenetrable stronghold of Venice's republic. Head for the 'pillar of shame' with its chains to humiliate the criminals of a bygone time - or succumb to the tempting treats of shopping in the market. The sparkling Adriatic waters call you, and Kolovare Beach is a mere ten-minute wander from the old town. A day trip to Kornat National Park - which incorporates the Zadar Archipelago's immaculate scattering of beach-fringed islands - or to the divine waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, will introduce you to more of Croatia's thrilling natural beauty. The sea truly does sing here in Zadar, thanks to a unique waterfront artwork, which encapsulates the city's playful spirit. Designed to make music when the waves wash over it, the ebb and flow of the Adriatic plays the Sea Organ instrument like a maestro. Not far away, the Monument to the Sun is a 22-meter-wide disc, which gathers the sun's rays during sunny days and releases solar energy in the form of a magical light show after dark. Sit and admire the artwork coming to life, as one of the city's famous sunsets plays out before you.

22 Aug 27
08:00 - 22:30

Feel the strong Italian influence as soon as you step into this city, known as Croatia’s "Little Venice". A gorgeous artwork of a port, you can revel in seafront promenade strolls, waterside drinks, and the tangled beauty of an immensely atmospheric old town. Nearby, islands sparkle, and beaches call out, while working fishing boats add authentic everyday charm. With both Croatian and Italian languages spoken, there's more than a hint of Venice in the crisscrossing streets and soaring bell towers of this breathlessly romantic place. An alluring highlight of the Istrian Peninsula, walk the cobbled streets of Rovinj's old town, between sun-parched houses that rear up directly against the sea's lapping water. Tiny streets and squares are lined with little souvenir shops, bars, gelato stalls, and restaurants serving up delicious dishes laced with Istria's elusive white truffles. Take the climb up above via the elegant Church of St Eufemia's Venetian bell tower. The tower's ascent is perhaps best viewed from the glinting waters, however, as you look back to see the church rising above the town's pretty clutch of colorful buildings. Explore the olive groves and vineyards of the sunny peninsular, on your way to villages where truffles are sniffed out by specially trained dogs, or head out to rocky coves to swim in refreshing, transparent seas. Pula is also close by - a city scattered with Roman ruins, including the magnificently preserved, in-tact amphitheater - which continues to be a center of entertainment, hosting atmospheric festivals and concerts to this day.

23 Aug 27
08:00 - 19:00

With a sweeping old town of Venetian architecture, sing-song Italian emanating from its cafes, and even a fountain that honors the Rialto Bridge - you could be forgiven for thinking that you’d stepped off the boat into the Floating City itself while exploring Koper. Formerly an island, Koper was linked artificially to the Slovenian mainland in 1825. It now serves as the only major port of Slovenia and basks in the sun of the Istrian coast, which offers an alluring blend of the best of Croatian, Slovenian, and Italian. The nation’s capital, Ljubljana, also lies within easy reach. A working city, with plenty of charm below its sea of terracotta roofs, the picturesque Tito square lies at Koper’s heart. The Cathedral of Assumption - with its narrow bell tower dating back to 1664 - when the city was a regional capital of Venice’s republic - rises above the square, and towers over the narrow streets nearby. Take a deep breath and climb the 200 steps for a stunning panorama of the city. Or, simply soak up the atmosphere with a wander through Čevljarska Ulica – a set of cobbled streets adorned with artisan shops, small bars, and restaurants. Soak up the sights of Koper, the country’s oldest town, or make for the Slovenian capital Ljubljana - to discover a lively city of green parks, leafy open spaces, and pedestrianized boulevards. The pretty Ljubljana River stretches through the city’s heart, providing casual strolls and charming bike rides. Nearby, encounter a scene from a fairy-tale, as you see the breathlessly picturesque Bled Castle emerging from a tiny island in the center of a cloudy-blue, alpine lake.

24 Aug 27
07:00 - 00:00

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges, and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice's sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city's most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice's elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially, their private chapel, it's now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge's Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it's Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colorful painted houses.