Duration
12 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
10 Ports
2-3 August
Setting sail from Dubrovnik
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Formerly known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is a city with a rich, and occasionally troubled, history; the shelling of the city was one of the most shocking images of the Balkan wars of the 1990s, which makes the painstaking restoration of the old town in the years since all the more remarkable. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the views across the rooftops towards Lokrum island, and the deep sapphire of the Adriatic Sea beyond.
Our tip
Walking the entire length of the walls involves a lot of steps, and it can be quite exhausting in the hot Croatian sun. If you’d rather just see a smaller section, the Minčeta tower provides the best photo opportunities.
4 August
Croatia: Hvar
Hvar is the most popular of Croatia’s islands, a ruggedly beautiful place carpeted with lavender fields and dotted with little villages. The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is a charming collection of marble streets arranged around a harbour, and it gets very busy in the summer months.
5 August
Croatia: Korcula
Draped in vineyards and olive groves, the verdant Croatian island of Korcula is famous for its white wine and is said by some to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The main settlement, Korcula Town, bears more than a passing resemblance to Dubrovnik, with a historic centre encircled by medieval walls and towers.
6 August
Montenegro: Kotor
Kotor sits at the head of a beautiful, fjord-like bay, hemmed in by glowering mountains. The compact, walled old town is Montenegro’s star attraction, a warren of little alleyways and shady squares that is often described as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’.
7 August
Albania: Durrës
Durrës is Albania’s largest sea port, and has an interesting history stretching back to the Ancient Greeks, who founded a colony here in 627 BC. These days the seafront is overdeveloped and not particularly enticing, so we would instead recommend an excursion to Albania’s fascinating capital, Tirana, about an hour’s drive inland.
8 August
Albania: Sarandë
Sarandë is southern Albania’s premier seaside resort, and in summer the population swells with day-trippers from nearby Corfu. If the beach doesn’t appeal then visit the fascinating archaeological remains at Butrint, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the beautiful Blue Eye Spring.
9 August
Greece: Corfu
Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a beautiful island of verdant hills and rocky coves, and away from the more crowded resorts it remains a sleepy and idyllic place. Don’t miss the picturesque Venetian architecture of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10 August
Greece: Delphi (Itea)
The port of Itea, situated on the Greek mainland to the west of Athens, is the gateway to the magnificent ruins of Delphi. The spectacular cliffside setting at the foot of Mount Parnassos adds to the drama of this holiest of Ancient Greek sites, home to a famous oracle in antiquity.
11 August
Greece: Nafplion
Nafplion is one of the most beautiful cities on the Greek mainland, situated on the Argolic Gulf overlooked by the imposing Palamidi Fortress. The narrow streets of the old town are home to a beguiling mix of Venetian, Turkish and Greek architecture, while just offshore is the little island castle of Bourtzi.
12-14 August
Arriving in Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance. Towering over the city are the gleaming columns of the Parthenon, surely one of the most iconic sights in the whole of Europe. And yet Athens is much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding. For all its faults, the Greek capital possesses an energy and an optimism that are manifest in everything from the burgeoning art scene to the restaurants and bars that continue to pop up on a regular basis.
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
Your home from home
What we love
The third ship to join AE Expeditions' fleet of revolutionary purpose-built expedition ships, Douglas Mawson features the newest X-BOW design and a whole host of enhancements, building on the success of Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Named after a legendary Australian explorer, the new ship's inaugural season immerses guests in the pristine landscapes of East Antarctica, marking AE Expeditions' return to this region for the first time in 15 years.
On board you can expect the largest choice of cabins in the fleet, including single berth cabins, plus beautiful open deck space for taking in the views, featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpools and comfortable loungers, perfect for unwinding after a day's exploring.
capacity | 154 guests (maximum of 130 guests in the polar regions) |
---|---|
crew | 81 - 103 dependent on guest numbers |
style | Immersive exploration in comfort with elegantly designed interiors and the latest in sustainable technology. |
inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Dubrovnik
We love the intimate Villa Orsula, with just eight lovely bedrooms and excellent sea views, but if you want to stay in the Old Town itself, the Pucic Palace is the one to go for.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Make the short trip across the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina and visit the pretty little town of Mostar, with its famous stone bridge over the river Neretva.
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.