Cruise from Venice to Athens on a 10-day voyage through Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece aboard SH Diana. Explore Venice's canals and Gothic landmarks before sailing to Rab’s medieval old town and Trogir’s Romanesque architecture. Walk Dubrovnik’s famed city walls and discover Kotor’s fortified bay. Visit Albania’s Sarandë and the ancient ruins of Butrint, then sail to Itea for a monastery visit and stunning mountain views. Transit the Corinth Canal before ending in Athens with a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum. This journey offers exclusive access to historic landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and scenic cruising through coastal gems. Designed for culturally curious travelers seeking depth, variety, and unforgettable landscapes.
Highlights
Explore Venice’s canals and Renaissance landmarks on foot
Tour Athens' Acropolis Museum and sip traditional Greek coffee
Stroll Dubrovnik’s walls and tour the historic Dominican Monastery
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Navigate a city built entirely on water. Venice sits atop over 100 islands connected by canals instead of streets. Ride past landmarks along the Grand Canal, lined with historic buildings from the Renaissance and Gothic eras. Head to Piazza San Marco, where you encounter the mosaic-covered St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile bell tower, offering views across the tiled rooftops.
Included Excursion:
Exclusive Doge’s Palace for Early risers
03 h 05 m
Enter the Doge’s Palace before public opening hours
Walk through richly decorated chambers and historic council rooms
View the golden staircase and detailed ceiling frescoes
Cross the Bridge of Sighs to visit the palace prison
End with a coffee break at the historic Caffe Florian in St. Mark’s Square
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, the Doge's Palace and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.
Included Excursion:
Exclusive Doge’s Palace for Early risers
03 h 05 m
Enter the Doge’s Palace before public opening hours
Walk through richly decorated chambers and historic council rooms
View the golden staircase and detailed ceiling frescoes
Cross the Bridge of Sighs to visit the palace prison
End with a coffee break at the historic Caffe Florian in St. Mark’s Square
The medieval charm of Rab Town on Rab Island is evident in its winding alleys, Romanesque bell towers and churches, and 15th-century Renaissance palaces that line the palm-fringed port. This UNESCO-listed old town blends sacred and secular monuments. The island is also known for sandy beaches on the Lopar Peninsula, which along with diverse landscapes, from pine forests to windswept barren coasts, earned Rab geopark status in 2008.
Sitting on an islet within imposing city walls, Trogir Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features medieval charm. Narrow cobblestone alleys weave among 13th to 17th-century buildings. The Duke's Palace, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, overlooks the main square near the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence, adorned with intricate carvings. Beyond the walls, the lively Riva promenade boasts sea views and overlooks Ciovo Island.
Included Excursion:
Krka River & Waterfalls
05 h 00 m
Experience lush greenery and pristine nature of Krka national park
See Europe's largest travertine cascades at the Skradinski Buk waterfalls
Explore the waterfall surrounds on a wooden walkway
Dubrovnik is renowned for its immaculate medieval city walls that encircle the Old Town, offering views of red-tiled rooftops and the sea. Stradun, the main street, runs through the UNESCO World Heritage site. With a harmonious blend of architectural styles, from baroque to Renaissance, highlights include the Franciscan Monastery featuring a Romanesque cloister and the Rector's Palace, a splendid example of 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance design.
Included Excursion:
Exclusive Dominican Monastery
03 h 30 m
Wander through the historic Old Town, encircled by 16th-century stone walls, and marvel at architectural masterpieces like St. Blaise Church, Sponza Palace, and the Rector’s Palace.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along Stradun, Dubrovnik's gleaming main promenade
Conclude your day with a private tour of the Dominican Monastery, featuring a rich collection of cultural and artistic treasures, topped off with a live music performance, sparkling wine, and finger food
Kotor sits at the end of Boka Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site ringed by towering limestone cliffs. Its old town walls hide medieval cobblestone alleys, Romanesque churches like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and Kotor’s cats, said to be descendants of ancient seafaring felines. At 260m, the towering St John's Fortress overlooks town, and is accessed via a hike up 1,350 steps. Mount Lovcen looms over, accessible via serpentine road or cable car.
Included Excursion:
Kotor Walking Tour
01 h 30 m
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Wander through one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the eastern Mediterranean, surrounded by well-preserved walls and stunning landmarks
Visit the Iconic Cathedral of St. Tryphon: Marvel at the architectural beauty of this historic cathedral, consecrated in 1166, and learn about its fascinating history
Dive into Kotor's rich maritime history with a visit to the Maritime Museum, showcasing the town's exceptional seafaring heritage
Gliding through the Bay of Kotor's narrow entrance is breathtaking. Ships cruise past Yugoslav submarine tunnels then the Verige, the bay's narrowest point. The island Church of Our Lady of the Rocks appears, its dome rising from the shimmering water, one of the Adriatic's most photographed sights. Perast, a postcard-perfect baroque village, comes into view with bell towers and red-roofed houses hugging the bay's edge.
The Albanian Riviera stretches along a beautiful section of the Ionian coastline. Sarande is its unofficial capital, whose original settlers were said to be descendants of the ancient Greek hero Achilles. Today, crowds flock to Sarandë to enjoy the beaches and bustling nightlife. Outside the city, a plethora of UNESCO-listed ancient ruins include the Ancient City of Butrint, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.
Included Excursion:
The Ancient City of Butrint
04 h 00 m
Visit the archaeological site of Butrini. Inhabited since prehistoric times
Enjoy the special atmosphere created by a combination of archaeology, monuments, and nature in the Mediterranean
Be surprised by the authenticity of the World Heritage property, Butrint, related to its excellent preservation on a site
An important historical place, the harbor town of Itea sits below Mount Parnassus, home to the mythical Muses and the winged horse Pegasus. It's near the ancient Greek sanctuary of Delphi, where Pythia, the Oracle, prophesied the words of Apollo Pegasus. In 1827, Itea witnessed the Battle of Agali during the Greek War of Independence. The mountain region hosts one of the oldest and largest olive groves.
Included Excursions:
Ossios Loukas Monastery
04 h 00 m
Discover the beautiful Monastery of Ossios Loukas adorned with these mosaics and frescoes of the Great Church
Breathtaking mountain scenery passing by the village of Arachova
Visit the mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassos, Arachova
The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, it divides the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. At 6.4 km long and 21.3 m wide at its base, it's impassable for most large ships. Commissioned by Greek tyrant Periander in the 7th century BC, it stayed incomplete until the late 19th century, when modern engineering techniques finally completed it.
Day 10: Piraeus | Disembark
Greece's cosmopolitan capital, Athens, connected by Piraeus port, is an exciting blend of ancient and modern. The Grand Promenade seamlessly links the city's main archaeological sites, and a visit isn't complete without exploring the Acropolis—a hill housing ancient ruins, including the iconic Parthenon. For deeper insights, the Acropolis Museum awaits, and a marble path ascends Filopappou Hill, offering majestic views of the 'high city.'
Included Excursions:
Piraeus Acropolis Museum & Greek Coffee
04 h 15 m
Drive through Athens, marveling at historic sites like Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the grand neoclassical trilogy
Step into the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, home to masterpieces of classical art and architecture
Complete your journey with a visit to the historic Kafeneio I Orea Hellas for an authentic taste of Greek culture
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
24-hour room service
One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
24/7 self service laundry
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Spa Treatments
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.