This autumn odyssey through the Adriatic and Ionain seas visits historic ports and fabled shores, tracing ancient trade routes and celebrating the legacies of powerful empires. Discover the architectural legacies of these powerful civilizations and explore the charming port cities and lively medieval centers.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Spend the day exploring many of Dubrovnik’s highlights including the main square; the 14th-century Dominican Monastery; the Franciscan Monastery and its Romanesque cloister; and the Cathedral, completed in 1713. Or, walk along the city’s southern walls with beautiful views of the fortress and old Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops.
After lunch, enjoy free time on your own to get better acquainted with the city's lovely medieval center.
Venture into the surrounding countryside, passing lovely traditional villages and farms en route to the charming town of Cavtat. Stroll along the harbor, browse the lively market, and enjoy views of photogenic red-roofed houses flanked by shimmering blue waters and green, forested mountains. Return to Dubrovnik to board the Variety Voyager in the afternoon, and enjoy lovely sunset views of the city as the ship cruises through the stunning harbor.
Disembark in Sibenik, Croatia's oldest settled town, and enjoy a delightful nature hike in Krka National Park. Return to Sibenik for a walking tour and visit the town's crowning glory and World Heritage Site: St. James Cathedral. A 15th-century masterpiece, the cathedral is adorned with a remarkable frieze of 71 finely sculpted faces of men, women, and children that highlight the superb blending of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
The port of Split was once an important center of Dalmatia. Take a walking tour of the city, which was built by the Emperor Diocletian. Tour the palace, its cellars, the cathedral, and sprawling courtyards from which flow the streets and buildings of medieval Split which remain the soul of its bustling daily life. Alternatively, visit ancient Solin, the archaeological site of the ancient Roman settlement of Salona, where excavations have revealed temples, an amphitheater, early Christian churches, and Roman baths. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise through Croatia's lovely off-shore islands to Hvar. Visit the beautiful town square and the Arsenal, which was built in 1612. Visit the Benedictine Nuns Museum to learn about lace made from the fibers of the agave plant, a tradition dating back to the Renaissance and unique to this island. Enjoy free time to explore, with the option to dine ashore on your own.
Relax on deck as the magnificent Dalmatian Coast unfolds in scenic splendor. Historically, Dalmatia lay at the crossroads of empires—invaded by waves of conquerors from Illyrians to Austrians. In Kotor, witness the same beautiful scenery that captivated kings for centuries. At this World Heritage Site explore luxurious palaces, towers, and Romanesque and Gothic churches. Enjoy time at leisure before re-boarding the Variety Voyager.
Begin your fascinating discovery of Albania, a land of splendid terrain and historical monuments. Disembark in the port of Durres and drive inland to Tirana, Albania's capital city. Visit the museum and the city's bustling quarters, an intriguing mix of Ottoman buildings, Christian cathedrals, and marketplaces. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Kruja Fortress, a fortified citadel with nine observation towers built during the 5th and 6th centuries. Perched high on a mountain spur, the fortress is famed for the resistance of the Albanians, led by national hero Skanderbeg, against the Ottomans in the mid-15th century. Time permitting, explore Albania’s largest Roman amphitheater near Durres' seaport.
Today visit the World Heritage Site of Butrint, a veritable chronological repository of its various inhabitants: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. Among its archaeological highlights are the baptistery with its colorful floor mosaics, superb amphitheater, and medieval fortress. From the ruins, take in the splendid views of the surrounding mile-high mountains.
Dating from the 5th century B.C., Syracuse was one of the most powerful Greek cities—defending its sovereignty against rivals such as Carthage, the Etruscans, and the Romans, who later overcame the city in 212 B.C., followed by the Arabs. Tour the Saint John Catacombs, with their maze of underground passageways, and the Archaeological Park, a World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus; the Ear of Dionysius, a grotto with an extraordinary echo; and the massive 15,000-seat Greek Theater. Return to the ship, at port in Ortygia, for lunch, before striking out for a walking tour of the old town. Highlights include the ruins of the 6th-century B.C. Apollo Temple—the oldest in Sicily—and the Piazza Duomo, built around the ancient Temple of Minerva (Athena).
Disembark in Licata for a short tour of the town center. A scenic drive through rolling countryside brings you to the Butera Winery and Villa for a lunch of delicious Sicilian fare, accompanied by local wines. Then enjoy a guided tour of Agrigento, a World Heritage Site. The exquisite architecture of the Valley of the Temples dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. and includes the Temple of Zeus—the largest Doric temple from Greek antiquity.
Spend a full day exploring historic Valletta, a World Heritage Site. The Knights of St. John built Valletta in the 16th century, constructing an impregnable fortress-like town in a strategic harbor-ringed setting. Their auberges—large inns where they lived—remain intact. A city tour highlights the fortress, bastions, ramparts, churches, and the national museum. Continue to the Tarxien Temples, a series of monolithic edifices built between 2400 and 1800 B.C. Return to the ship for dinner, or choose to dine on your own at one of the many charming seaside restaurants.
Day 13: Valletta / Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the Variety Voyager in the morning and transfer to the airport for your independent onward flights.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,980
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Category 1
Range from 129-145 sq. ft. and feature two portholes. Either two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, closet, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 2
Range from 129-167 sq. ft. and feature either two portholes or two windows. Either two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, closet, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 3
Range from 145-216 sq. ft. and feature two windows. Either two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, closet, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 4
Range from 227-248 sq. ft. and feature two windows. Either two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, closet, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Owner
The Owner's Suite is 292 sq. ft and features 4 windows. Either two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, closet, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
Initial deposit is 25%, 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
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.