Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement called Aspalathos, Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, built in a.d. 295. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split’s medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Also visit the Archaeological Museum.
Day 3: Ploce, Croatia / Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sail to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, which became a thriving center in the 15th century under the Ottoman Turks. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most (“The Old Bridge”), originally built in 1566, and the nearby Tabacica Mosque.
Day 4: Dubrovnik, Croatia / Kotor, Montenegro
For hundreds of years, Dubrovnik (the “Pearl of the Adriatic”) was an independent city-state set in competition with Venice for Constantinople’s trade routes. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, and the Baroque Cathedral, containing works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Also view the wonderful courtyard of the Rector’s Palace. Depart on a scenic drive through the mountains to Kotor, located at the head of its namesake bay. One of the most quaint and best-preserved medieval towns along the Dalmatian coast, Kotor is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s fortifications and most of its monuments, which you will visit on a walking tour, date from the time of Venetian rule.
Day 5: Saranda, Albania / Butrint
From Saranda, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was founded by the Trojans, or so claimed the poet Virgil. A gem of an archaeological site, its ruins span 2,500 years and include the remains of a Greek acropolis, Roman theater, 6th-century baptistery, and 19th-century fortress.
Day 6: Nafpaktos (Lepanto), Greece
It was at Nafpaktos (the medieval Lepanto) that the celebrated Battle of Lepanto was fought in 1571 between the Turkish fleet and an allied fleet of Venice, Genoa, the Papal States, Spain, Sicily, and Naples. The overwhelming defeat of Muslim sea power was one from which they never recovered. Nafpaktos’s medieval appearance is well-preserved. Enclosing walls come down to the sea, while an imposing castle sits above the town in a beautiful forest of pine.
Day 7: Chios
Today visit Chios, the Greek island claiming to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics.
Day 8: Izmir, Turkey / Sardis
Arrive in Izmir and take an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Sardis. Sardis was one of the world’s wealthiest cities from the 7th to the mid-6th centuries b.c. and was most likely inhabited as far back as 1200 b.c. First settled by the Lydians, natives of Anatolia, the city was also home to Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. During the first major excavations here in the 1950s, archaeologists unearthed an ancient synagogue. Later excavations revealed remnants of a flourishing Jewish settlement, which coexisted peacefully with Christian ones. Explore the massive 4thcentury a.d. synagogue, whose walls are covered by impressive mosaics; the bath complex; the Temple of Artemis, built by the Lydian king Croesus and later rebuilt by Alexander the Great; and other ruins.
Day 9: Thessaloniki, Greece
Arrive in Thessaloniki, justly famous for its late Classical and Medieval remains as well as early Christian churches. On a tour of the city, explore several of these monuments, including a visit to a Byzantine church as well as the Byzantine Museum (or the Archaeological Museum).
Day 10: At Sea
Attend lectures while sailing toward Bulgaria.
Day 11: Istanbul, Turkey / Disembark
Disembark in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Dates & Prices
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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.