Venture from Dubrovnik to Istanbul on a 15-day ocean cruise. Embark on walking tours of charming Mediterranean towns, soak in medieval history and admire magnificent architecture. Enjoy time on board the Seabourn Encore as you set sail for the next location.
Arrive in Dubrovnik and be transferred to your luxurious ship. This evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at a welcome reception.
Today arrive in Kotor, a Mediterranean town situated on a magnificent fjord. Here, board a local boat and travel along the Lustica Peninsula, known for its dense olive groves, lush pine forests and secluded blue lagoons. Arrive in the picturesque town of Prčanj, where you’ll enjoy a special experience. Reboard your ship for lunch, then enjoy some time at leisure to explore Kotor. Later, your ship sets sail for Italy.
Signature Experience – Private Concert
Visit the church of St. Nicholas, built in the early 1700s in the baroque style, and home to a Franciscan monastery. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, followed by a private concert performed by a guitarist duo.
Arrive in Gallipoli, one of the most attractive towns in Puglia. Visit to the historic town of Lecce, a beautiful baroque town filled with sandstone palaces and churches. Return to your ship for lunch, then the afternoon is free to explore. Walk past whitewashed buildings and grand palazzi or sip a limoncello on the seafront promenade, with views of the azure coastline peppered with quaint fishing boats.
Visit Sarandë, an integral port in Southern Albania. Crowned by distinctive round towers, the 16th-century Lekuresi Castle sits elegantly upon the hilltop. Enjoy time at leisure to explore, or perhaps join an optional excursion (own expense).
Dock in Zakynthos, the third largest of the Ionian Isles. Perhaps explore Zakynthos town or take an optional tour to the famous Shipwreck beach to swim in the crystal-clear water (own expense).
Relish a day at leisure as the ship sails along the coast and explore the incredible amenities on board. Enjoy a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship’s many restaurants.
Stop at Nafplion in the Peloponnese region, with neoclassical houses, large official buildings and carefully designed seafront streets. Situated below a rocky headland and crowned by a Venetian fortress, the town’s location is truly unique. Transfer to the famous Corinth Canal and board a local boat. Afterwards, take a short drive to Ancient Corinth to explore the ancient Greek and Roman ruins dating from the sixth century BC. Later, see the Temple of Apollo before walking through the ancient marketplace and along the historic Lechaion Road.
Arrive in the ancient capital of Athens and embark on a tour of the city’s most popular sites, including the legendary Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka. Step back in time as you walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets that the Ancient Greeks once called home.
Visit Gythion, a beautiful port town set on a hillside. Enjoy a Signature Experience in Areopolis.
Signature Experience – Areopolis
Explore the historic Diros Caves, thought to be the entrance to the underworld in Greek mythology. Embark on a boat ride to take in the array of geological formations, the network of stalactites and stalagmites, and discover the underground river system. Then, savour an authentic Greek brunch at Milia Bakery in Areopolis, renowned as one of the oldest bakeries in the Peloponnese region. The bakery produces a variety of traditional baked goods including sesame bread rings, a selection of handmade pies, rusks and sweet biscuits known to locals as koulourakia.
Today you’ll dock in Chania, located along Crete’s north coast. Indulge in vistas of inlets, islands and sandy beaches tucked away at the foot of mountains. Discover key locations of the Battle of Crete, a significant airborne and amphibious operation that occurred from May to June 1941 in World War II. Take the opportunity to commemorate the fallen soldiers from this strategic battle with visits to Maleme, Hill 107, RAF War Memorial, Galatas ‘Prison Valley’ and more important sites.
Dock in the quintessential Greek island of Mykonos today, where quaint streets are lined with whitewashed houses and domed churches. Perhaps venture to the picturesque Little Venice area or explore the bustling harbour with its colourful fishing boats.
Dock in Kuşadası today. After dinner on board your ship, head ashore to Ephesus and enjoy an extraordinary Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Ephesus After Hours
This evening, indulge in a spectacular after-hours experience at the ancient site of Ephesus, a destination known for its exceptional historic ruins. On arrival, stroll along the ancient Roman road and soak in the history of your surroundings as centurion guards mark the way. Delight in the remarkable landscape around you as you listen to a chamber orchestra's beautiful repertoire of classical music.
The town of Cesme is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, and is known for its Ottoman and Greek houses. Enjoy free time to explore, or perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour (own expense).
Sail along the coast today and enjoy a day on board the ship. Perhaps relax with a drink at one of the onboard bars or attend a lecture, presented by one of the ship’s expedition team members. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner onboard with your fellow travellers.
This morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.