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Wonders of the Aegean & Adriatic

Wonders of the Aegean & Adriatic

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Description

Anyone who has sailed through the Aegean and along the Adriatic Coast will tell you that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The combined effect of the natural beauty with the intriguing history and stunning architecture of the towns and cities make for a fascinating voyage. During our voyage from Athens to Split, we will sail through turquoise waters, admire rugged landscapes and visit some of the region’s greatest sites in the company of knowledgeable local guides.

This is not an itinerary which a large cruise ship could operate but one which is ideal for the MS Monet. Sailing from Athens and through the Corinth Canal, we will explore a magnificent array of ancient ruins including the sacred site of Delphi, the ancient city of Nikopolis and the marvellous site of Butrint in Albania where settlement can be traced back to the 8th century BC. We will spend time in some charming towns and villages and have scheduled in some daytime sailing allowing time to appreciate the wonderful scenery of the region including the stunning beauty of Montenegro’s Kotor Fjord. By the end of the voyage you will have seen and learnt so much and exploring in small groups with excellent guides, our trips ashore will be a pleasure. Whether your interest lies in ancient history, modern politics or simply the joy of experiencing new places, this journey has something for everyone.

Trip Name
Wonders of the Aegean & Adriatic
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Passenger Capacity: 50 Build / Referbished: 1998 / 2016 / 2018 Your Cabin All the cabins on board the MS Monet are designed for comfort and have a warm and inviting feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 9 to 22 square metres and Categories A, B & C are equipped with windows, while those in Category D have portholes. Cabins 104-107, 112, 119, 205 and 210-215 feature twin beds and all other cabins have fixed double beds. Facilities include en-suite bathroom with shower, television, minifridge, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and hairdryer. Your Space The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas on the Lumiere Deck, a restaurant located on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Open Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. The gym can be found on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Sun Deck provides a delightful sun exposed space with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi, ideal for relaxation and wonderful views. Your Dining Located on the Parisian Deck, the glass enclosed indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting with unassigned seating and allows for wonderful panoramic views of the stunning scenery as we sail. The Lumiere Open Deck provides a generous covered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffet stands. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties. A choice of house wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Life On Board During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as the open and inviting deck areas including the Jacuzzi. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London Heathrow to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Monet moored in Piraeus. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Corinth Canal, Corinth & Itea.
Be on deck this morning as we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and merely 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. During breakfast arrive into the port of Corinth, which flourished under both Greek and Roman rule due to its significant location on the Isthmus of Corinth. It controlled trade routes as well as being home to the naval power which took colonies in Syracuse and Corfu. Corinth has also been closely linked to St Paul who lived here for a number of years and through his letters to the Christian community. This morning explore the site of Ancient Corinth seeing the Temple of Aphrodite, the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the marketplace and the Roman Forum. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as we make our way to Itea where we moor overnight.
Day 3 - Day 3 Itea.
This morning we will visit the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Itea or join a visit to the nearby picturesque seaside village of Galaxidi. Take a guided walk which will pass the Agios Nikolaos Church and historical buildings followed by some time to explore independently.
Day 4 - Day 4 Preveza.
This morning we will arrive in Preveza, situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Amvrakikos. Our tour will take us to the ruins of the ancient city of Nikopolis which was built in 31 BC by Octavina (later Emperor Augustus) to commemorate defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra in the naval Battle of Actium. The scale of this vast site is breathtaking. We will explore the Roman and Byzantine walls, churches and theatre before also spending some time in the excellent museum. Continue on to the picture perfect town of Parga where we will have some time to explore the charming old quarter or enjoy a swim before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon will be at leisure to relax on board or discover this pretty yacht-lined harbour town and nearby beaches independently.
Day 5 - Day 5 Corfu.
Arrive this morning on the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey’ and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest’, the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon will be free to explore Corfu Town with its idyllic pastel coloured Venetian mansions and fine museums.
Day 6 - Day 6 Sarande, Albania & Otranto, Italy.
This morning we will discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Otranto, where we will arrive before dinner and moor overnight.
Day 7 - Day 7 Otranto.
From the port of Otranto we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring at leisure. Maybe walk the winding streets or along the seaside promenade. The highlight is the wonderful cathedral with its Medieval mosaic floor created by the monk, Pantaleone, between 1163 and 1165. You can also see the Chapel of the Dead which shows the bones and skulls of 813 martyrs killed by the invading Turks in 1480.
Day 8 - Day 8 Monopoli.
Today we drive into the Puglian countryside which is scattered with ‘trulli’, limestone dwellings built with dome or conical roofs. Enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the St Anthony Church also built in trullo style. Afterwards we visit ‘Cantina Albea’ and its wine museum, home to pictures and old instruments used in the past for the production of wine and where we will enjoy a tasting along with a talk on the wine production. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore Monopoli independently.
Day 9 - Day 9 Kotor, Montenegro.
This morning we enter the Gulf of Kotor and sail up the fjord-like entrance to the Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our morning guided walk will include the 12th century cathedral of St Trython, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. During lunch we will sail out of the gulf and enjoy an afternoon at sea as we make our way to Split.
Day 10 - Day 10 Split, Croatia to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Explore Sarande, Albania & Otranto, Italy.
    • See Corinth Canal, Corinth & Itea.
    • Experience Preveza.
    • Discover Monopoli.

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