Day 1 – Fly Dublin to Venice with Aer Lingus, transfer to Ravenna port (approx 2 hour transfer)
Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including breathtaking architecture and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. From early Christian mosaics to majestic churches and impressive palaces, this charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture. What’s more, Ravenna has a surprisingly rich history – it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three hundred years and became a thriving hub for talented craftsmen, artists and master masons. Dedicate a couple of days to getting to know Ravenna before or after your cruise. Plus, Venice is just over two hours away by car, putting one of Italy’s star destinations well within reach. Once there, you can wander iconic cultural treasures like St Mark’s Basilica or the Campanile – and of course no visit is complete without a gondola ride beneath the Rialto Bridge. Or take a quick one-hour car ride to Bologna and eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe or climb Asinelli Tower to catch amazing views of the terracotta-roof city. Cruising from Ravenna gives you the chance to go off the beaten track while also visiting Venice’s famous canals and Bologna’s enchanting streets.
Day 2 – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But there are no boundaries on the endless adventures you’ll discover amongst its orange-roofed ramparts. With a made-for-TV appeal – Game of Thrones was actually filmed here – the city commands your attention with the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace, elaborate Onofrio’s Fountain and baroque St Blaise’s Church, named after the city’s patron saint. You can browse museum collections showcasing Croatian artwork, period furniture and ship-building traditions. Stand in awe of the Franciscan Monastery library’s 30,000 volumes. Or to get your heart pumping, go cliff diving into the sea and kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.
Day 3 – Cruising
Day 4 – Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece’s powerful ancient civilisation. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece’s naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbour of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.
Day 5 – Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cosy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history amongst excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.
Day 6 – Cruising
Day 7 – Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is one of the Dalmatian Coast’s best-kept secrets – and adventure in this tucked-away treasure teems with centuries of charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, its time-worn history is perpetually on display amongst old city walls and Venetian gates. And its zany way of life keeps this dynamic city thriving today, from the waterfront Riva promenade to the untouched surrounding islands. One minute you might mingle over coffee in People’s Square, the next plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. You can enter church treasuries, cycle around Old Town, or check out fascinating museum exhibits. Adventure in Zadar leads you away from the crowds to discover off-the-beaten-track wonders.
Day 8 – Ravenna, Italy
Disembark & transfer back to airport for flight home.
Itinerary subject to change
