| | Jun 9 – Sun | Dubrovnik – Croatia | 08:00 | 23:00 |
A Croatian seaport city on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent destinations on the Adriatic. The Republic of Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was called in the Middle Ages, joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979; it was a Maritime Republic (together with Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, Venice and other Italian cities), and became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. The city has always been based on maritime trade, and it achieved and prospered a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries. Dubrovnik offers its visitors many incredible old buildings, such as the Arboretum Trsteno, the oldest arboretum in the world, which dates back to before 1492. Also, the third oldest European pharmacy is located in the city, which dates back to 1317 (still in operation today)! In Dubrovnik’s bay there is a 72-hectare wooded island of Lokrum, where according to legend, Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after being shipwrecked in 1192 - this island includes a fortress, botanical garden, monastery and naturist beach. Some excellent beaches to consider while in Dubrovnik are Banje, Dubrovnik's main public beach, home to the East-West Beach Club, or Copacabana Beach, a stony beach on the Lapad peninsula, named after the popular beach in Rio de Janeiro. |
| | Jun 10 – Mon | Kotor – Montenegro | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| Located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor, Kotor is an old Mediterranean port on the coast of Montenegro. As one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, surrounded by impressive city walls built by the Republic of Venice, Kotor has been honored with being title a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the shadow of the impressive St. John’s Hill, as one approaches the shores of Kotor, they can’t help but be in awe of the incredible natural landscape and of course of the picturesque city itself – it is immediately obvious that you have come to one of the world’s most beautiful bays. |
| | Jun 11 – Tue | Corfu –Greece | 09:00 | 23:00 |
| Corfu lies at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Greece in the Ionian Sea and is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a very mountainous island with incredible landscapes, dense vegetation, golden brown sandy beaches, traditional villages, Byzantine churches, several museums, striking Venetian fortresses and one of Greece’s most beautiful main towns. Corfu town is the largest town in all of the Ionian Islands and is perhaps one of the most interesting cities in Greece. Built during the island’s Venetian rule, Corfu town stands between two fortresses and its architecture has been influenced by all the major civilizations that occupied the island, such as the Sicilians, Venetians, French and British. |
| | Jun 12 – Wed | Kafalonia (Argostoli) – Greece | 09:00 | 18:00 |
Located in the center of southern Kefalonia, Argostoli has been this beautiful island’s capital since 1757. With a population of approximately 14,000, Argostoli is a busy modern and cosmopolitan town; it is the island’s main port and main commercial center.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal promenade and then venture into town to explore and see the Kefalonian way of life. Head to Plateia Valianou, the central square, which is full of restaurants, cafes and bars. If you’d like to do some shopping, the pedestrian street ‘Lithostroto’ is Argostoli’s main commercial street and offers many shops to browse. During your walk along Lithostroto, be sure to admire the beautiful church of Saint Spyridon and the clock tower of Campana Square.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Kefalonia, the Archaeological Museum is home to interesting archaeological artefacts from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Additionally, you may like to visit Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum which is housed on the ground floor of the Korgialenian Library; it consists of a reconstruction of a traditional 19th century Kefalonian house and houses a rich collection of the island’s photographs.
If heading to a beach sounds more like what you have in mind, the closest beach resort is ‘Sami’, and is just a few kilometres from town. Sami is a very popular beach area that offers wonderful beaches, traditional tavernas, and of course lively summer bars. |
| | Jun 13 – Thur | Pylos – Greece | 08:00 | 17:00 |
Pylos is a modest, yet pretty coastal town that offers its visitors old town charm, pleasant narrow streets for a leisurely stroll, and a harbor full of cafes and traditional tavernas – just perfect for a panoramic view of the Bay of Navarino.
If you have included a True Greece guided tour of the Palace of Nestor, meet your driver and guide to explore and learn more about this fascinating site. Located on the hill of Ano Eglianos, the palace of famous King Nestor awaits exploration. Follow your local True Greece guide through this fascinating Palace consisting of four main buildings and several smaller structures. Explore the surrounding complex of more than one hundred ground floor apartments and premises. The beautiful town of Pylos retains its charming old quarter to this day, a setting that is even more enhanced by the historic significance of this region. Navigating the history of the Greek revolution, your True Greece guide will make this charming area come to life. |
| | Jun 14 – Fri | Nafplio – Greece | 08:00 | 17:00 |
Nafplio is a beautiful town that was named the first capital of Greece in 1829; today Nafplio is a lively and charming seaside town. Enjoy a leisure stroll through the old city and become enchanted with its impressive combination of medieval and neoclassic characteristics.
If you have included a True Greece guided tour of Nafplio and Mycenae, meet your driver and guide to explore and learn more about these exciting locations. Together with your local True Greece guide you will have the opportunity to see and learn about historically significant sights, such as the Venetian castles of Akronafplia, Bourtzi, and Palamidi. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of Mycenae - one of the best known ancient sites in Greece, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the threshold of the ‘Lions Gate’ and enter the Mycenaean realm in all its glory. Dating back to the second millennium BC, the legendary ancient city of Mycenae exudes history and mythology, since it was King Agamemnon of Mycenae that stood by his brother’s side – King Menelaus of Sparta – and spearheaded the epic war on Troy. Your True Greece guide will lead you on this journey into one of the richest and prominent cities of the Late Bronze Age. |
| | Jun 16 – Sat | Athens – Greece | 07:00 | |
Arrival Athens ~ individual departure.
Disembark your cruise ship at Athens’ main port of Piraeus - Greece's largest port and gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC! If True Greece has arranged for your post-cruise experience, upon arrival at the Piraeus cruise terminal meet your private driver who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in Athens; then enjoy a True Greece guided tour of Athens and the Acropolis.
Together with your local True Greece guide, the highlights tour will expose you to this diverse city - birth place of modern democracy and cradle of western civilization. Follow your True Greece guide up the steps once taken by ancients like Socrates, Pericles and Plato, and gaze at the ‘sacred’ Acropolis, home to the magnificent and architecturally unique Parthenon. Allow your True Greece guide to bring the city of Athens and this exceptional experience to life, with a wealth of historical and cultural information. As part of your tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit significant and historically important sites, such as the Parliament Building, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Columns of Olympian Zeus, and the Presidential Mansion.
If you have already had the opportunity of exploring Athens and its historically significant monuments, it would be our pleasure to arrange a guided tour to one of the many famous ancient sites outside of the city – perhaps Ancient Delphi or the Temple of Zeus at Sounio. Whatever your preferences, we can fulfil exactly what you are looking for…and more! |