Gems of the Adriatic and Aegean Voyage

Pricing based on departure date 22 July 2025

Cruise Legendary Coastal Gems of the Med

Begin your journey in romantic Venice. You’ll have two days to explore the canal-riddled city streets, walking over the myriad of pedestrian bridges or get right on the water on a gondola ride. Don’t miss the Gothic-style Doge's Palace or the Byzantine St. Mark’s Basilica. The heart of religious activities in Venice, the basilica holds the Saint Mark’s body, transported from its original tomb in Alexandria, Egypt. It boasts 1,927 precious gems and the walls are heavily decorated with paintings, icons, mosaics, and gold. Before you blow a kiss and say ""ciao"" to Italy, have some cicchetti (canapes) and an ombra wine, like the Venetian fishermen used to.

Rejoice! We’ve arranged for a late departure at this next port, which allows you time to get to know the lovely landscape and even lovelier people of Slovenia. The Venetians’ influence reached across the Adriatic Sea to Koper, and it’ll be obvious in some of the the palaces and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Savor some of their famous dumplings or seafood and walk alongside locals on the seaside promenade at dusk.

Sailing down the Croatian coast, you’ll arrive at Zadar, one of the lesser-known ports but one that is significant during the Roman Empire. The archaeological site of the Roman Forum dates back to the 1st century and is a great place to start. Enter the only circular church in Croatia, St. Donatus Church, an example of Byzantine architecture. Let the Sea Organ's song draw you near. It's an innovative art installation that creates music using the power of the sea waves.

Next we’ll cross Dubrovnik off of your bucket list. Famed for the mile-long (2 km) walls that are still standing and surrounding the old city center, visitors can get a real sense of life in a medieval fortified city. Some of the famous landmarks include the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Today, it is full of vials of natural herbs and remedies of old.

Your next stop is the small, Greek island of Corfu. Guarding the entrance from the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, Corfu’s history is dominated by its strategic importance in trade and military maneuvers. Corfu has two fortresses , differentiated as the “Old” and “New” fortresses. Cross the short bridge from the Esplanade to enter the Old Fortress, which holds barracks, a little church, an archive, and prison. The New Fort, whose building started in 1576, has a network of tunnels into the city. Also on the list is the Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical mansion adorned with sculptures and beautiful gardens.

Next, you’ll dock at Argostoli, on Kefalonia island, abundant in natural beauty. For example, a short boat ride away and you’ll be at Melissani Cave, a mystical cave lake with crystal-clear waters. Options include a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia, a stroll along the waterfront promenade or stopping to witness the unique phenomenon of the Katavothres, where seawater disappears into sinkholes.

Moving on to one of the largest Greek islands, we’ll dock in Chania port on Crete. Stepping off of the cruise ship you can directly stroll along the Venetian Harbor, lined with colorful buildings and waterfront restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the narrow streets of the old town and visit the Chania Cathedral, which has a miraculous story attached to it, told not so long ago.

Of course, we must stop in Santorini for the iconic views from the cliffside town of Oia and Fira. Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, a well-preserved Minoan settlement buried beneath volcanic ash, similar to Pompeii. Another option is to ditch the climb and relax on the unique beaches of black sand from volcanic activity.

Travel back in time as you visit the ancient city of Ephesus, located near the modern town of Selcuk. Explore the ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. Discover the Terrace Houses, showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the Roman elite.

Conclude your cruise in Istanbul, the heart of Turkey’s vibrant life that melds a Middle Eastern life with a slight European style. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and the Blue Mosque right across. Explore the grand Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, and don’t forget to experience the colorful sights and smells of the local souk (market). End your tour with authentic Turkish food, experimenting with Turkish coffee, baklava, and the their many styles of similar desserts.

Azamara Pursuit

The launch of Azamara Pursuit in 2018 opened the seas to new itineraries, and the opportunity to provide our guests with more unique and immersive experiences than ever before.

A boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Pursuit® opens the seas to maiden ports, new itineraries, and the opportunity to provide guests with even more unforgettable, unique, and immersive experiences than ever before.

Cruise Highlights

• On Santorini, the village of Akrotiri with its well-reserved ruins is often called Greece’s answer to Pompeii.
• Don’t miss the district of Little Venice on Mykonos with its 16th-century Venetian windmills.
• In Athens, don’t miss landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, and of course, the Acropolis.
• In Patmos, visit the Cave of the Apocalypse where John the Apostle stayed in A.D. 95.
• On the isle of Rhodes, the medieval town of Lindos features houses stacked like giant sugar cubes on a steep hill.
  
  
  

Venice (Fusina Port) overnight, Koper, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Argostoli, Chania, Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Istanbul overnight.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.