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Late Summer in the Aegean & Adriatic

Late Summer in the Aegean & Adriatic

From £3,495 GBP

Description

Anyone who has sailed around the islands of 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 of the islands and coast with the intriguing history and stunning architecture of its towns and cities make for a fascinating voyage. We will sail through turquoise waters, admire rugged landscape and visit some of the region’s greatest sites in the company of knowledgeable local guides.

From Athens, our journey to Dubrovnik includes picturesque Nafplion, the fascinating ancient site of Olympia and Byzantine town of Mystras, the stunning beauty of Montenegro’s Kotor Fjord and the historic and scenic wonders of Dubrovnik where we have the added advantage of an overnight mooring. Our journey will be particularly enjoyable as it includes some daytime sailing, allowing for time to relax on board and enjoy the magnificent views.

Trip Name
Late Summer in the Aegean & Adriatic
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Sail Cruiser Length: 54 metres Passenger Capacity: 49 Built / refurbished: 1993 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015 Launched in 2004, fully renovated in 2012 and upgraded again in 2015,  the two-masted Panorama II is a 164 foot motor sailer accommodating just 49 guests. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.  All the cabins on board Panorama II are designed for comfort and have a nautical feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 97 to 173 square feet and those located on the Upper and Main Decks are equipped with windows, while those on the Lower Deck have portholes. Cabins either have twin beds or fixed double beds. (Cabins  A1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17). Facilities include en suite bathrooms with showers, cabin TV (for DVD only), mini-fridge, safety deposit box and hairdryer. The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas, a restaurant located on the Lower Deck and the Upper Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. There is also a swimming platform enabling guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit and the Upper Deck provides a generous semi covered or sun exposed space with sun loungers and chairs, ideal for relaxation and fantastic views.  Located on the Lower Deck, the indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and offers generous buffet space. The aft area on the Upper Deck provides a generous semicovered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco with wonderful views, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffets stands. The menu is Greek and international, with a focus on local specialties. On each itinerary, we have included the opportunity for you to dine ashore independently allowing you to experience the local flavours.  During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor dining room, as well as the open and inviting deck areas. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, settling into a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views. The swimming platform on Panorama II’s stern enables you to swim off the yacht when weather and anchorage conditions permit. (only applicable for voyages around Greece).  Deck plans vary depending on cruise operator, please check for details.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Panorama II in Pireaus. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner on board as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Nafplion.
Nafplion’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece. From here we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain, once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy, to the famous citadel of Mycenae. High above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines, Mycenae is entered by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. Alternatively visit one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Built into the ground, rather than above it, it is known for its fantastic acoustics, which we will observe during our visit. This afternoon is free to explore picturesque Nafplion before we sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Gythion for Mystras.
We arrive in picturesque Gythion this morning and head north towards Mystras, a remarkably intact Byzantine town that once housed a population of 20,000 people. Here we visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor of the church is the two-headed eagle, the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty, carved into a plaque. According to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, you will visit the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes. Before returning to the vessel, refreshments will be served at the picturesque taverna located just beneath the site offering sweeping views over the local terrain. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Olympia.
The port of Katakolon will be our base today for our excursion to Olympia. Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum that houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. After our visit you will have the opportunity to find a local restaurant for lunch and some time to explore Olympia independently or maybe visit the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games. Return to the ship later this afternoon and sail this evening.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Preveza.
Arrive back on the Greek mainland during breakfast at the pretty port of Preveza. From here we learn of the Battle of Nicopolis in 31 BC in which the army of 100,000 led by Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian who marked his victory by building a great city. Amongst the ruins is one of the largest and best preserved Roman theatres in the Eastern Mediterranean. Alternatively enjoy time to explore this pretty yacht lined, harbour town and nearby beaches. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Otranto & Lecce, Italy.
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 including an abundance of churches and noble palaces decorated with the ‘Leccese stone’, a chalky stone ranging in colours which became the local style due to its ease to work with. A guided tour 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. After the tour, there will be an exclusive, private visit to the 15th century Palazzo Tamborino Cezzi. The owner of the palazzo will personally take us on a tour, sharing interesting stories and anecdotes regarding his family and the palazzo itself. Enjoy a light lunch of local specialties before a concert of traditional music called La Pizzica, a popular Italian folk dance, originally from the Salento peninsula which later spread throughout the Puglia region. Return to Otranto for some free time to explore the town before sailing this evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Monopoli.
Today we drive into the Puglian countryside which is scattered with ‘trulli’, limestone dwellings built with dome or conical roofs. We will 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 wine tasting along with a talk on the wine production. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to return to the old town to explore independently or maybe take a swim from one of the nearby beaches.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Manfredonia.
Our final call in Italy is on the Gargano Promontory, a wonderful mix of beaches, lagoons and mountains. For centuries this region was isolated and modern development was thwarted when the peninsula became a national park in 1991. This morning we will follow the pilgrim trail to Monte Sant’Angelo where it is claimed archangel Michael made four appearances in the 5th century making this one of the earliest Christian shrines in Europe. We will visit the cave church dedicated to St. Michael, the Medieval baptistery ‘Tomba di Rotari’, and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board sailing for Montenegro.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Kotor, Montenegro.
Be on deck early this morning as we sail through the stunning fjord-like scenery into Kotor. On arrival, a morning walking tour will explore this Medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our walk will include the 12th century cathedral of St Tryphon, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace. The more active may wish to take the strenuous climb to the Castle of San Giovanni which offers wonderful views over the bay and town below. This evening is free to enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Dubrovnik is a breathtaking sight and its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans in the 7th century, it eventually came under the influence of the Byzantine Empire, then Venice, Hungary and finally Turkey. This morning our local guides will lead us through the bustling old town taking in the beautiful civic buildings, the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque- Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and the Sponza Palace. After lunch we have free time to explore further at our own pace and perhaps walk along the city walls to enjoy the views.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Dubrovnik to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-09-201824-09-2018£4,395Main Deck Cabin Sole
14-09-201824-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
14-09-201824-09-2018£4,395Upper Deck Cabin
14-09-201824-09-2018£3,495Lower Deck Forward Cabin
14-09-201824-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Cabin
14-09-201824-09-2018£3,995Main Deck Cabin

Inclusions

    • Discover pastoral and lush Olympia
    • Visit Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’
    • Enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the St Anthony Church
    • Follow the pilgrim trail to Monte Sant’Angelo where it is claimed archangel Michael made four appearances in the 5th century making this one of the earliest Christian shrines in Europe

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