Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens with Smithsonian Journeys

Timeless and majestic, Venice has ruled over its shimmering lagoon since the 6th century. A city so legendary, it feels familiar even before you arrive—but nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. The Serenissima enchants with its iconic landmarks: St. Mark’s Square, the majestic basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the winding Grand Canal, and gondolas gliding through the waterways. Yet beyond the famed sights, a more intimate Venice awaits. Wander through labyrinthine alleys, discover quiet canals, and step into hidden squares where history whispers from every stone. Behind unassuming doors, magnificent churches reveal stunning artistic treasures. Amidst this extraordinary heritage, indulge in Venetian traditions—sip a refreshing Spritz, savor delicate tramezzini, and embrace the city’s irresistible charm.

Just off the coast of Split, Hvar is captivated by traditions that have endured since antiquity. This Dalmatian gem is home to Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, nestled along a serene cove on the island’s northwestern coast. Surrounding the city, the Stari Grad Plain—an agricultural landscape shaped by the Ancient Greeks—stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its ancient dry-stone walls enclose vineyards and olive groves, where wine and olive oil are still crafted by hand using time-honored methods. Venture into the town’s upper quarters to sample locally produced delicacies, from artisanal cheeses to expertly cured hams, offering an authentic taste of Hvar’s rich heritage.

Included Excursions:

Hvar Walking Tour: Hvar’s pale stone houses and lush rosemary, lavender, and laurel landscapes create a stunning setting. Your guided tour begins at the pier, leading through narrow streets and along the waterfront to the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery. It houses a museum amid cypress gardens with rare books, coins, and a remarkable 30-foot-long Last Supper painting. Continue to St. Stephen’s Square, passing the cathedral, Venetian Loggia, and Benedictine Cloister, where nuns craft lace from dried agave fibers. End at the 17th-century Arsenal, home to Europe’s oldest Municipal Theater. Return to the pier or explore at your leisure.

Hvar, Stari Grad Plain, and Lavender: Hvar, a picturesque town on a natural harbor, is a top seaside destination known for its Venetian architecture and fragrant fields of lavender, rosemary, and laurel. Start with a walking tour through the old town, visiting landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the 17th-century Arsenal, home to Europe’s oldest Municipal Theater. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO-listed agricultural landscape. At Agroturizam Pharos, a family-run farm and lavender distillery, learn about local traditions before returning to your ship.

Sea Kayaking Adventure: Discover Hvar’s hidden gems by sea kayak, exploring secluded coves, idyllic islets, and pristine beaches. After a safety briefing, paddle along the coast with your guide, stopping to swim or relax before returning to the ship.

Ploce is a port with a reputation with nearby Makarska for great beaches, upscale seafront promenades, and vibrant nightlife. Ploce's Rupe Ethnographic Museum and Markaska's intriguing Shell Museum are worth visiting. Ploce also serves as a gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which became a thriving administrative and cultural center under the Ottoman Turks. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases the graceful Stari Most ("Old Bridge"), originally built in 1566, and the early 17th-century Turkish Tabacica Mosque, both carefully restored with help from UNESCO.

Included Excursions:

Mostar – A Herzegovinian Jewel: Explore Mostar, a charming city split by the Neretva River. Stroll the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admire the iconic Stari Most, visit a Turkish house, and browse the lively bazaar before enjoying a traditional lunch.

Peljesac: Medieval Towns, Oysters, & Wine: Enjoy a scenic drive to Ston, known for its impressive walls and ancient saltpans. Visit Mali Ston for a boat trip to oyster farms, savor fresh seafood, enjoy a Dalmatian lunch, and taste regional wines at a local winery.

The Wines of Peljesac: Discover the rich flavors of Croatian wines with tastings at three renowned wineries on the Pelješac Peninsula. Enjoy local specialties, explore scenic vineyards, and sample award-winning Plavac Mali and Dingac wines.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, and this ancient city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You may be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. Its sheer width can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Included Excursions:

Medieval Dubrovnik: Explore Dubrovnik, a UNESCO-listed gem, on a guided walk through its historic center. Stroll the Stradun, visit the Franciscan Monastery’s ancient pharmacy, and admire the Cathedral of the Assumption’s treasures. See landmarks like Sponza Palace, the Church of Saint Blaise, and Onofrio Fountain. Conclude at the Rector’s Palace, a museum showcasing the city’s rich heritage.

The Dubrovnik Hinterland: Enjoy a brief walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from the pier before boarding a coach to a scenic viewpoint. Travel along the Zupa coast to Cavtat, a charming seaside resort with a palm-lined promenade. Continue to Ljuta village to visit a working water mill. Return to Dubrovnik for a stroll back to the pier.

Medieval Towns, Sea Salt, and Oysters: From the pier, take a scenic drive to Ston for a guided walk and visit its traditional saltpans. Continue to Mali Ston, board a boat to oyster and mussel farms, and enjoy a fresh seafood tasting with homemade rakija (brandy).

Much of Tivat's elegance comes from the beauty of its marina, Porto Montenegro, which attracts many influential personalities. The port's promenade, emphasized by its line of palm trees facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, is a unique setting. Built in the 14th century, the town was successively governed by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians before the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the First World War. Today, Montenegro's most prosperous city welcomes visitors, particularly those visiting its old town or walking along its magnificent beaches.

Included Excursions:

Highlights of Montenegro: Explore Montenegro's interior, starting with a guided tour of Kotor's Old Town, including St. Tryphon's Cathedral and the Maritime Museum. Drive scenic mountain roads to Cetinje for a walking tour of historical sites and a visit to King Nikola's Museum. Return via Budva, passing its Old Town and coastal views.

Seafaring Traditions of Kotor Bay: Drive to Perast for a walking tour of its Venetian-era baroque buildings, including St. Nicholas Church. Take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks to explore its historic church. In Kotor, visit St. Tryphon's Cathedral and the Maritime Museum before returning to the pier.

A historic harbor town on the southwest coast of Albania, Saranda is built on a lush green spur. Its streets, lined with palms and maritime pines, border the beaches of the Ionian Sea at the mouth of Corfu Strait. This ancient town has archaeological ruins dating from Antiquity, which you can visit as you walk along the waterfront.

Included Excursions:

Butrint Archaeological Park: Drive along the scenic strip between Lake Butrint and the Ionian Sea to Butrint National Park. Explore its UNESCO-listed ruins, including Greek walls, a Roman theater, and a 6th-century Baptistery. Enjoy free time to appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity before returning.

Lekuresi Castle, Wine, and Ancient Saranda: Take a short drive to Lekuresi Castle for panoramic views of Corfu and Sarande Bay. Visit a nearby winery for a tasting of local wines and brandies. Back in Sarande, explore ancient ruins, including a 4th-century city wall and the Monastery of the Forty Saints, before enjoying free time.

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Stroll along the old cobblestone quays while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. Visit the Delphi Sanctuary, located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometers from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

Included Excursions:

Delphi: From the port of Itea, drive through stunning landscapes to Delphi's UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its ancient ruins, Delphi includes the Temple of Apollo, a theater, a stadium, and the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. The archaeological museum holds key artifacts from the site. Your guide will lead you along the Sacred Way, past treasuries and monuments, to the Temple of Apollo, where you can see parts of the temple's columns and foundations. Visit the Senate of Delphi and the early Oracle site. The nearby Delphi museum showcases items found during excavations, including vases, bronzes, and offerings to Apollo. Afterward, head to the town of Delphi to enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.

Monastery of St. Lucas & Arachova: Board your coach for a one-hour drive to the St. Lucas Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important example of Middle Byzantine architecture. Founded in the 10th century, it houses the relics of St. Lucas and features two churches, including the Catholic Church, the oldest in the complex. Next, visit Arachova, a picturesque town on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, known for its traditional houses, handwoven carpets, and local wines and cheeses. After a short walking tour and time to explore the charming streets, return to the ship.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometers long, enabling merchant vessels and passengers to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty meters. Don't miss this unique opportunity from the exterior decks to watch the ship navigate the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic Gulf in the east of the country. It bears a plural name for the first villages that surround the Acropolis. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, where, in the evenings, the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are some of the city’s key attractions, allowing visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.