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Coastal Life® Ancient Civilizations Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey

Program Overview

Discover the influence of Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Venetian, and Slavic civilizations on this extraordinary 7-night cruise featuring visits to 5 countries. Call at ancient walled cities, medieval villages, sublime archaeological sites, picture-perfect islands, and stunning landscapes—including smaller, seldom-visited ports inaccessible to larger vessels. Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as historical Split, with its 4th-century Palace of Diocletian; the 7th-century walled city of Dubrovnik; the dramatic, fjord-like Bay of Kotor; the archaeological site of Butrint; the elegant island capital of Corfu; and the ancient Delphi and its iconic Doric columns. Explore the many hidden gems along the Dalmatian Coast as a panorama of daily life unfolds before you. Experience the unique Coastal Life® forum with local residents and a traditional folk music performance. Enhance your journey with the Venice Pre-Program and/or Athens Post-Program Options.

Program Details

September 25 to October 3, 2024 (Le Jacques Cartier)
From $5,895 plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Comprehensive, 7-night cruise featuring islands and villages of the Dalmatian Coast.
  • Exclusively chartered, 5-star expedition ship Le Jacques Cartier, with only 92 suites and staterooms, each with a private balcony.
  • Visit 5 countries—Italy, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece—and up to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including medieval Kotor.
  • Explore the thriving community living within Split's 4th-century Palace of Diocletian, including the Cathedral of St. Domnius and the well-preserved Temple of Jupiter.
  • Experience a walking tour inside the walled city of Dubrovnik with visits to the Franciscan Monastery, Rector’s Palace, and Maritime Museum.
  • Enjoy a traditional Croatian klapa music performance.
  • Explore medieval Kotor, including a visit to the 12th-century St. Tryphon Cathedral.
  • Discover Corfu’s Old Town, featuring the Venetian Town Hall and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
  • Interact with locals from the Adriatic Coast during our exclusive Coastal Life® forum.
  • Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the cruise.
  • Venice Pre-Program and Athens Post-Program Options.

Day 1 - Depart Home City

Day 2 - Venice, Italy / Embark Le Jacques Cartier

Day 3 - Split, Croatia

Day 4 - Hvar / Korčula

Day 5 - Dubrovnik

Day 6 - Kotor, Montenegro

Day 7 - Sarande for Butrint, Albania / Corfu, Greece

Day 8 - Itea for Delphi / Corinth Canal

Day 9 - Athens, Greece / Disembark ship / Return to home city

View detailed program itinerary >

Le Jacques Cartier

Exclusively Chartered, 5-Star Luxury Small Ship

Le Jacques Cartier, launched in 2020, ushers in a new generation of 5-star small ships, combining revolutionary design and a new standard of luxury for unparalleled cruising. Dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships, where authentic cultural experiences and majestic scenery await you.

Learn more about the Le Jacques Cartier >

Venice Pre-Program Option

Begin your journey with 2 days in Venice, including visits to the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco. Experience a gondola cruise along the Grand Canal and visit the archipelago of Burano. Enjoy accommodations in a luxury hotel.

Athens and Cape Sounion Post-Program Option

Conclude your tour with 2 nights in Athens to explore such ancient treasures as the monumental Acropolis; the Parthenon; the Acropolis Museum; the Temple of Poseidon; and Plaka, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Stay at a luxury hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city.

The Pre-Program and Post-Program Options are available at an additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Departure

Depart your home city.

Day 2 Venice, Italy

Arrive in Venice and embark the 5-star Le Jacques Cartier in the afternoon.

Day 3 Split, Croatia

The glory of Split’s nearly 2,000-year-old city center is how contemporary life continues to thrive in and around Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace compound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the palace, including Diocletian’s mausoleum, converted to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (A.D. 305) and regarded as the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral. The Temple of Jupiter, one of the best-preserved Roman temples, now houses the cathedral’s baptistery. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception tonight.

Day 4 Hvar / Korcula

Since the 4th century B.C., Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians have left their mark on the island of Hvar, a key center of the Croatian Renaissance. Tour the Old Town’s remarkably preserved landmarks within its 13th-century walls, including Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and its 4-story bell tower. After lunch on board, arrive in picturesque Korcula to explore sites within its medieval walls, including the Abbey Treasury and the 15th-century, Gothic-Renaissance-style Cathedral of Saint Mark.

Day 5 Dubrovnik

Enjoy a guided walking tour of UNESCO-designated Dubrovnik to see Onofrio’s Fountains, a beloved city landmark, and visit the 15th-century Rector’s Palace, the fascinating Maritime Museum, and the Romanesque Franciscan Monastery’s gorgeous cloister and historical pharmacy. This evening, listen to local singers perform klapa, traditional a cappella folk music.

Day 6 Kotor, Montenegro

On a walking tour of Kotor, visit Saint Tryphon Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. During this afternoon’s exclusive Coastal Life® forum, meet and engage with locals who will discuss daily life along the Adriatic.

Day 7 Sarande for Butrint, Albania / Corfu, Greece

Visit the UNESCO-designated ruins of Butrint. Explore such ancient sites as the public baths, a gymnasium, and aqueduct built by Emperor Caesar Augustus and the intricately tiled baptistery. Continue to Lëkurësi Castle to enjoy stunning panoramic views. This afternoon, visit Corfu’s UNESCO-inscribed Old Town to see the 17th century Town Hall and the Regency-style Palace of Saints Michael and George. Attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening. 

Day 8 Itea for Delphi / Corinth Canal

In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, tour the Archaeological Museum and see the life-size, 5th-century B.C. bronze statue of the Charioteer of Delphi. Walk along the Sacred Way to the iconic sanctuary of Delphi and stand at the marble Altar of the Chians, where the ancient Greeks awaited the Oracle’s pronouncements. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime cruise through the 70-feet wide recently reopened Corinth Canal.

Day 9 Athens / Return to home city

Disembark the ship in Athens and continue on the Athens Post-Program Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight home.