Ancient Athens with Greek Isles & Croatia

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Athens, Greece

  Fly, arrive and transfer to Athens for you 2-night stay.

• Day 2: Athens, Greece

  Athens — Greece's capital city — was the birthplace of democracy and western civilisation. The city features numerous 5th-century landmarks including the former temple of Parthenon and the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Plaka district. The historic Plaka neighbourhood is one of the oldest in the world and features winding streets lined with family-run bars and restaurants.

• Day 3: Athens, Greece (embark cruise)

  Embark onboard Norwegian Pearl for your 7-night cruise

• Day 4: Santorini, Greece

  Curving around a majestic caldera, Santorini is one of the prettiest of the Greek Isles. Hop on the tender boat ashore, where the cable car will whisk you up to the cliff-top village of Thira with its quaint streets filled with restaurants, bars and shops. Pay a visit to the cave houses at the beautiful village of Oia before heading down the steps to Amoudi Bay to feast on fresh seafood. Taste the unique beers at the Donkey Brewery close to the black pebbled sands of Kamari Beach. Explore the island's history at the Akrotiri archaeological site or admire the dramatic coastline by catamaran.

• Day 5: Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

  Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk through the Ancient Stadium ruins where athletes trained 3000 years ago and view ancient sculptures in the Archaeological Museum. Explore the ruins of the temple of Hera, dedicated to the queen of the Green Gods, and the temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• Day 6: Corfu, Greece

  The island of Corfu sits off the north coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lined with golden beach resorts, it's a cosmopolitan island with a strong, traditional character. Corfu has long been a hugely popular holiday destination due to its laid-back atmosphere, fun beaches, fantastic climate, and welcoming villages. Its old town is filled with Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and French-style houses. Spend time relaxing on the sand or enjoying water sports in the sea, before sampling the island's delicious cuisine — often a tasty blend of Greek and Italian — at a beachfront restaurant. The waterfront is lined with bars and cafes, and there are plenty of craft markets for buying souvenirs.

• Day 7: Kotor, Montenegro

  Kotor is based on the Adriatic coastline in south-west Montenegro. One of the country's prettiest and most-famous towns, Kotor is an UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a range of historic landmarks and natural beauty spots. The old town district is filled with medieval architecture and monuments — as well as one of the narrowest streets in the world! From its Venetian-style gates to its former Austrian prisons, Kotor's past is kept alive for you to explore. Wander around the range of shops, and head to a bar or restaurant at a piazza to admire views of the mountains.

• Day 8: Zadar, Croatia

  Explore Croatia's Zadar — found on the Dalmatian Coast lining the Adriatic Sea. Zadar has a beautiful old town district filled with Roman ruins and century-old churches, including the 12th-century St Anastasia's Cathedral and the Byzantine-style Donatus Church. Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Roman Forum, before enjoying a cold beer or a coffee at a cafe on the lively People's Square. This historic port also features a selection of modern landmarks including Sun Salutation — an enchanting light show that plays from sunset to sunrise — and Sea Organ, which is a system of pipes and whistles found underwater that play music as the sea pushes air through it.

• Day 9: Koper, Slovenia

  Situated along a wide horseshoe-shaped bay, Koper's medieval town allows you to lose yourself in its maze of streets while passing historical sights and browsing chic shops along the way. Visit Postonja caves and explore the mysterious world of underground caves and echoing passages. Admire Old Koper, with its stunning architecture and elegant squares. Explore the winding lanes of the picturesque town of Piran, or venture to the capital and journey back in time at the National Museum of Slovenia.

• Day 10: Ravenna (for Venice), Italy to UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end