Balkan Jewels Cruise

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 14 September 2025 / Depart: Sun 14 September 2025 at 17:00

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.

Day 2 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 15 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 15 September 2025 at 15:00

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.

Day 3 - Gallipoli

Arrive: Tue 16 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 16 September 2025 at 18:00

The compact city resides on the western side of the Italian boot heel, in the friendly, laid back Puglia region. An Aragonese Fortress marks the old city, which dates from the 13th Century. The Antica Fontana fountain is a Greek relic possibly from the 3rd Century BCE. The imposing, baroque Cathedral of Sant’Agata was decorated in the 17th century with elaborate carvings by the same artisans who made nearby Lecce a baroque showplace, in the native limestone. Stop by the Antica Farmacia Provenzana for a headache cure, or just to see the accumulated paraphernalia of its long, and still active, life as a business in this charming city in the far south of Italy.

Day 4 - Sarande

Arrive: Wed 17 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 17 September 2025 at 17:00

This important port on Southern Albania curls around a superb natural harbor, dominated by the hilltop 16th century Lekuresi Castle with distinctive round towers. In the town center are the ruins of a 5th century synagogue, later a Christian basilica, with remnant mosaic floors. Another picturesque ruin is the Forty Saints Monastery from the 6th century, which is thought to have been an important pilgrimage site. But the main attraction in southern Albania is the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins of communities dating from prehistory, though the Greek and Roman eras, as well as the Byzantine period, until the medieval period.

Day 5 - Zakynthos, Greece

Arrive: Thu 18 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 18 September 2025 at 17:00

A favorite of the Venetians during their three centuries of rule, Zakinthos today is increasingly popular with pleasure-seekers from throughout the world. Although virtually destroyed by an earthquake and fire in 1953, the town was painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone by its citizens, who remain fiercely proud of their island and its history. Explore Solomos Square and the fascinating Museum of Post-Byzantine Art with its fine collection of templos, carved, gilded icon screens. Shoppers will find no shortage of boutiques, particularly around St. Mark's Square. Above it all stands the ancient castle, complete with fortified walls, which once provided safety to the Medieval population. The views are excellent. Special Note: October 28 is a national holiday in Greece.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Nafplion

Arrive: Sat 20 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 20 September 2025 at 17:00

Held to be one of the loveliest small towns in all the islands, Navplion has a tradition and culture all its own. The sheltered location, below a rocky headland crowned by a Venetian fortress is perhaps unrivaled in Greece. After the Greek revolution of the early 19th century, Navplion served as the first modern capital. The neoclassical houses, large official buildings and carefully planned seafront streets all date from this period.

Day 8 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 21 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 21 September 2025

Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.