Expedition Details
Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Venetians, Ottomans, and 20th-century armies have left enduring imprints on the beautiful shores of the Dalmatian coast. The three-masted S.V. Panorama will be our home as we explore ancient ruins and medieval cities. Discover the remarkable sites of Albania, cut off from the modern world for decades, as well as Dubrovnik, Montenegro, and ancient Greek archaeological sites.
Trip Highlights
- Encounter ancient ruins at Delphi and charming Ionian villages on the Greek isle of Ithaka.
- Explore Albania's historic town of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site long off-limits to foreigners.
- Skim across Montenegro's stunning Gulf of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny islet formed from sunken fishing boats.
- Spend a day meandering along the marble-paved lanes and ramparts of glorious Dubrovnik.
Itinerary - 12 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Athens, Greece/Piraeus
Depart on an overnight flight to Athens. Explore the city on your own and then transfer to Piraeus to board the Panorama. After dinner tonight, pass between dramatically lit cliffs on the narrow Corinth Canal.
S.V. Panorama (D)
Day 3 — Delphi/At Sea
Explore the incredible ruins of this ancient pilgrimage site, including the Sanctuary of Apollo, site of the sacred Delphic oracle. Stroll along the Sacred Way to the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000-seat amphitheater, dating from the fourth century B.C. Sail west this afternoon, stopping along the way for a swim.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Ithaka
Discover gem-like Ionian villages nestled along the coast of Ithaka today. Drive around the island to view the sites that some claim link the island to Homer's Ithaca. Stop to see the active excavation of the Odysseus Unbound Project. In the afternoon, cruise into one of Ithaka's delightful bays for a swim.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 — Sarandë and Butrint, Albania
Cut off from the world for 50 years by its Stalinist dictator, Albania is now feeling its way into the 21st century, and its treasures are still little known. Venture into the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its Hellenic theater, Byzantine basilica, and Venetian towers, this lovely lakeside city tells the tale of the many civilizations that have passed through it. Return to Sarandë and experience its intriguing blend of religions, cultures, and landscapes. Take an afternoon hike along Albania's coastline.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Tirana
Dock in the port of Durrës, and drive to the old capital of Krujë for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum and market street. Continue to the contemporary capital, Tirana, scattered with the vestiges of one of the longest dictatorships in Eastern Europe. Stroll through Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of the city. Then enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch accompanied by music and dancing before returning to the ship.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Perast and Kotor, Montenegro
Sail into Montenegro via the magnificent Gulf of Kotor, a narrow waterway backed by soaring mountains. Stop in at the historic town of Perast before taking a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Škrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks. Steeped in lore despite its tiny size, the islet was created by fishermen sinking their rowboats with rocks. This afternoon, walk along the cobblestoned streets of medieval Kotor.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Dubrovnik, Croatia
Spend today in the city Lord Byron called the "pearl of the Adriatic." Dubrovnik is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the world. The entire old city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Anchor just outside the medieval walls and step into the heart of the old town. Visit the 14th-century Franciscan monastery and the Rector's Palace, and stroll through marble-paved squares. This afternoon, walk the ramparts and explore magical Dubrovnik at your own pace. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board the Panorama or you may opt to try out a restaurant onshore.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Korčula
Dock along the 13th-century walls of the island port of Korčula, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Balkans. Visit the town's sites, and see the house believed by some to be Marco Polo's birthplace. During an afternoon at leisure, wander along Korčula's lovely waterfront. Later, watch a traditional Moreska sword dance.
(B,L,D)
Day 10 — Šibenik/Krka National Park
The Panorama slips through a narrow passage to reach the port town of Šibenik. On a morning walk, stop at the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see its remarkable frieze sculpted with 71 faces. Then head into the countryside to explore the pristine waterfalls and wildflower-strewn trails of Krka National Park.
(B,L,D)
Day 11 — Hvar
At the height of Venetian rule, Hvar was the region's most prosperous center. Take a morning walking tour inside the delightful walled city to the 15th-century Franciscan monastery. Visit the arsenal and Croatia's oldest active theater, and if you choose, hike up to the citadel. Enjoy time at leisure to get to know the town on your own.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 — Dubrovnik/U.S.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
(B)
Optional Extensions
- Athens - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
- From Dubrovnik to Split - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
Related Trips
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. The expert featured below will be part of the expedition team on the dates noted.
Grace Fielder
Historian Grace Fielder is an expert on the history, culture, and languages of the Dalmatian coast. She holds a PhD from UCLA and is a professor of Balkan and south Slavic linguistics at the University of Arizona. Her courses on Balkan history focus on the emergence of distinct national identities following a century of ethnic and political conflict. Grace has studied the local lore, music, and cuisine of this region, and has even moonlighted as a lavender harvester on the island of Hvar.
Grace will join the following departures:
Sep 09 - 20, 2010 • Sep 19 - 30, 2010May 12 - 23, 2011 • May 22 - Jun 02, 2011
Sep 08 - 19, 2011 • More »
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Economy airfare from New York to Athens, and return from Dubrovnik, is $1,250 (subject to change).
