10 nights. Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy

Day 1

istanbul, turkey

Departure: 18:00

Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

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Day 2

ephesus (kusadasi), turkey

Arrival: 14:00 - Departure: 21:30

Kusadasi is a seaside resort town located in the Aydin Province of Aegean Turkey. It's a favored destination for tourists, known for its numerous beaches and as Turkey's most active cruise port. Many cruise ship passengers visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant and well-preserved Greco-Roman sites in Turkey. There are several appealing beaches both to the south and north of Kusadasi. All these beaches are commercialized with hotels surrounding them. To the south of Kusadasi, you'll find the Ladies Beach, Lost Paradise Beach, and the Long Beach. Kusadasi serves as the entry point to Ephesus, an intriguing ancient city that features baths, gyms, an acoustic theater, temples, arches, and much more. The Roman Ruins at Ephesus are truly breathtaking. Within the town, you can visit the City Walls, Kaleiçi Camii, the Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai, and the Guvercin Adası peninsula. Kusadasi is one of Turkey's more cosmopolitan and vibrant resorts.

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Day 3

santorini, greece

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 22:00

Created by a massive volcanic eruption that is believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis, Santorini is the most visually stunning island in the Aegean Sea. The island is essentially the outer edge of a submerged volcano, with its entire eastern coast consisting of a series of small towns situated on tall hills. Fira, the island's dramatically located capital, is perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Fira, along with the Parthenon, is one of the most recognized images of Greece. Its narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, charming boutiques, and numerous jewelry stores. It is home to two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as well as a small local museum. Fira also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with excellent restaurants and bars, and a few nightclubs. The city itself is a spectacle, especially at sunset. Another great spot to watch the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village perched on the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are unique compared to other Greek beaches due to their distinctive geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles cover the shores of Santorini's beaches, and steep cliffs create a scenic atmosphere. The most famous of these beaches is the Red beach, while Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos are also very popular. Santorini is a truly magnificent destination. The placement of some of its main towns along the cliff-top edge of the caldera is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity as they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like a pile of sugar cubes. The sandy, multicolored beaches are just the cherry on top.

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Day 4

mykonos, greece

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 17:00

Mykonos is a favored vacation spot located in the Cyclades group of Greek islands, nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea. In the 1960s, Mykonos emerged as a bohemian hotspot and has since evolved into one of the most glamorous holiday resorts in the country, proudly showcasing its vibrant style and reputation. For many years, this central Cyclade was the top Mediterranean destination for gay travelers, although recently Mykonos has been working to attract a more diverse crowd. Despite this, the nightlife remains very gay-friendly and the island is a haven for any party-goer with its loud and lengthy nights. The main town on the island is Chora, or Mykonos town, which is filled with narrow, winding streets, buildings painted white with blue accents, delightful restaurants, clothing and jewelry stores, a fish market, and a vegetable market. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and bustling towns in the Aegean. Apart from Chora, there is only one other town on the island, Ano Mera, which is quieter and less frequented by tourists. While visiting, be sure to see the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a traditional Greek Orthodox Church featuring a beautiful iconostasis. The island itself is arid and barren, but it boasts some excellent sandy beaches, the most famous of which are Paradise and Super Paradise. However, there are many other beaches to explore around the island. From the quaint port, you can take a boat to the beaches or to Delos, transitioning from the present to the ancient past, from one set of myths to another.

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Day 5

katakolon, greece

Arrival: 08:30 - Departure: 19:30

Olympia is a city in the Peloponnese region of Greece. This was the location of the original Olympic Games. These games, which took place every four years in honor of the Greek god Zeus, continued throughout the entire Classical Age. The main sanctuary, or Altis, contained temples, altars, shrines, and public buildings for both religious and secular uses. The flame for each modern Olympic Games is still ignited in this city, using a reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror, and then transported by torch to the location where the games are to be held.

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Day 6

corfu, greece

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:30

With its Venetian fortress, British palaces, and a French esplanade modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, Corfu might not immediately strike you as Greek. As the most populated and cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands, it is teeming with foreign visitors and architecture. According to legend, Corfu was the island where the shipwrecked Odysseus met the beautiful Princess Nausicaa. Some locals even claim it was the magical island imagined by Shakespeare in The Tempest. Corfu Town, a quaint and enjoyable city, is the largest and most significant town on the island. This is where you'll find the airport and where most cruise ships and long-distance ferries dock. The Old Fortress, built by the Venetians in 1546 on the site of a Byzantine castle, is undoubtedly one of Corfu’s landmarks. Separated from the rest of the town by a moat, the fortress dominates the Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets. As you wander, you'll discover chapels, old mansions, and hidden garden squares around every corner. Between the Old Fortress and the Old Town lies The Esplanade, considered the most beautiful esplanade in Greece, with its arches and cafes. The Achillion Palace, located in the picturesque village of Gastouri, 10 km south of the city center, was the summer residence of Empress Sissi from 1890 until her death in 1898. This stunning building and its scenic gardens offer a panoramic view of the sea and Corfu town. On the northwestern tip of the island, you'll find the bustling resort of Sidari, which is actually two small coastal villages connected by a long, sweeping sandy beach. The Kanoni peninsula, home to a 17th-century women's monastery, is one of Corfu's best-known landmarks and is featured on numerous postcards from the island. From the islet of Kanoni, you can take a boat to another islet, Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Corfu's architecture is incredibly diverse, reflecting the various civilizations that once occupied the island. While mass tourism has marred parts of the island, much of it remains covered in olive groves, mountains, and woodland. Corfu Town is a charming and elegant town, nestled between two fortresses. Considered one of Greece's most beautiful cities, it's easy to see why as you stroll down the narrow streets and through the alleys, traverse spacious squares, visit Byzantine churches, and admire Venetian monuments. And of course, Corfu also boasts its natural beauty; the green-turquoise water that surrounds the town.

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Day 7

kotor, montenegro

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 17:00

Kotor is a coastal city in Montenegro, nestled in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. It sits on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented areas of the Adriatic Sea. Along with the nearly vertical limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding region create a stunning and picturesque Mediterranean landscape. Kotor is included in the World Heritage Site known as the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Old Town. The Old Town is the most renowned part of Kotor, where the city's history, culture, and traditions are preserved. This is complemented by a multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets. The main and largest square is Trg od oruzja (Square of Arms). Today, Kotor's old town is considered the best preserved medieval urban area in the Mediterranean. • Maritime Museum. The Maritime Museum holds the memories of the city's long history of sailing, the achievements of Kotor's famous seamen, artists, shipbuilders, craftsmen, statesmen, and diplomats, who served as intermediaries between the west and east. The museum is located in the baroque palace Grgurin. • The Island Gospa od Skrpjela. The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is one of two beautiful islands in Kotor Bay, located across from Perast in the bay. It is also known as "the island of the dead captains". The Island Gospa od Skrpjela is a man-made island, created by seamen from Perast and Kotor, who brought in large boulders on their large sailboats.

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Day 8

dubrovnik, croatia

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 17:00

George Bernard Shaw referred to Dubrovnik as "the pearl of the Adriatic, a paradise on earth", and indeed, it might be one of the most stunning cities you'll ever witness. Predominantly constructed and long occupied by the Venetians, Dubrovnik exudes a regal charm and remarkable architectural harmony that attracts thousands of tourists every summer. Established in the 7th century, Dubrovnik was nestled amidst a vast oak forest, from which it derived its name. Take a stroll along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the old town and the nearby coast. Just before leaving the old town through the western gate, make a right turn to visit the Franciscan Monastery and tranquil cloisters. Right at the entrance is Europe's oldest pharmacy, established in 1371. In the northern corner of the old city lies the Dominican Cloister and Museum, housing a polyptych by Titian. The majestic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is situated in the heart of Poljana Marin Držić and its treasury is open for visits; look out for the artwork by Raphael. Dubrovnik boasts warm, crystal-clear waters; don't just admire it from afar, take a plunge. The adventurous can dive and sunbathe along the rocks or swim around the city walls while others marvel from above. Dubrovnik's formidable battlements shine in the early morning light, but by early afternoon, the sea's pristine blue waters lure you away from the city and its tourist noise. If you can handle the crowd, you might also discover a slice of paradise.

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Day 9

ravenna, italy

Arrival: 10:00 - Departure: 20:00

Ravenna is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna. The city was the heart of the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna until the invasion of the Franks in 751, after which it became the seat of the Kingdom of the Lombards. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTION • Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo - explore the entire building and its stunning mosaics. If you're a fan of ancient churches and intriguing architecture, this is a must-visit. • For those interested in historical figures, the city also houses Dante's Tomb. • Sant' Apollinare in Classe, it is renowned for its extraordinary mosaics. • Basilica of San Vitale is filled with mosaics and is considered a significant monument in Western art history. • Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

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Day 10

zadar, croatia

Arrival: 06:30 - Departure: 20:00

Zadar is a city in Croatia, situated on the Adriatic Sea. It ranks as the fifth largest city in Croatia and serves as the hub of contemporary Zadar county and the broader northern Dalmatian region. Zadar is positioned across from the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, separated by the narrow Zadar Strait. Despite the destruction it suffered during World War II, Zadar has managed to preserve a rich heritage of global significance, evident at every turn. The Roman Forum, dating back to the 1st century, is a popular spot for locals to walk, relax among the ruins, and enjoy a pleasant summer day. The 9th-century St. Donatus Church is one of the best-preserved pre-Romanesque structures in the world and a symbol of the city. The reconstructed Romanesque St. Grisigono Church from the 12th century is a striking example of the integration of various monuments into one. This church was constructed on the ruins of an older one and was rebuilt after being bombed in World War II, incorporating a destroyed Benedictine convent at its rear. The Romanesque St. Anastasia's Cathedral from the 13th century is truly awe-inspiring. Visitors can climb the tower for a stunning view of Zadar and the surrounding islands. The Sea Organ is a favorite among both locals and tourists. This artificial organ on Zadar's Riva uses the movement of the waves and 35 pipes to produce a musical soundscape. The Sea Organ is the creation of Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, who also designed the nearby Greeting to The Sun. The city is renowned for its artists and galleries, with approximately a dozen major galleries and numerous smaller shops lining the side streets. It features a main street, Spire Brusine, for high-end daily shopping for locals and tourists who love to shop. This street runs through the heart of the old town. Zadar's sunsets are also legendary, making it an ideal location for romantics of all ages to relax and unwind.

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Day 11

venice, italy

Arrival: 07:00

Perhaps no city is as extraordinary as Venice, a metropolis constructed on stilts, a maze suspended over a lagoon. Venice has been referred to as Europe's living room, and indeed for centuries, the city was a haven for ideas and idealists, a junction of the Byzantine and Roman worlds. Today, Venice is a different kind of living room. Affluent visitors scramble into gondolas to marvel at the Byzantine palaces while being serenaded by accordionists and art enthusiasts strain to catch a glimpse of Renaissance masterpieces. No monument is as unforgettable as the city itself, so use the major attractions only as a pretext for exploration. Venice revolves around Piazza San Marco. The best feature of the mosaic-covered Basilica di San Marco is the Pala D’Oro, a dazzling gold Byzantine bas-relief. The Torre dell’Orologio, to the left of San Marco, is a beautifully adorned clock tower. For culture enthusiasts, check out the Accademia for the finest Venetian paintings. Some say that the tourist Venice is indeed Venice, but there are other versions of Venice as well. To discover them, stray from the major attractions and into the quieter outlying residential neighborhoods, you won’t be disappointed, this labyrinth of stone and color radiates charm from every brick.

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What you should know:

Itinerary

The order of the ports may vary depending on the date of departure.
Check your itinerary for exact departure and arrival times. The hours correspond to the local time of the port.
Itineraries can change at any time without prior notice.

Boarding and landing

For safety reasons, all passengers must board 2 hours before departure on day 1 of the cruise.
Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on the last day of the cruise.

10 nights. Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy

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