Southeastern Europe has been the dynamic crossroads of empires for thousands of years. From the early Greeks who colonized the Black Sea coast to the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans who followed them—each left their distinctive influence on the culture, philosophy, art, architecture, and cuisine of this storied realm. As we voyage from Venice to Istanbul aboard the all-suite 114-guest Corinthian II, we discover a dazzling abundance of treasures including the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the beautifully preserved medieval walled towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor, and the Byzantine monuments of Nessebur and Thessaloniki—just a few examples of the glorious heritage that makes this one of the most fascinating corners of the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Venice / Split, Croatia / Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Embarking on the Corinthian II in Venice, we cruise to the walled city of Split, with its imposing 3rd century Palace of Diocletian. We continue to Bosnia & Herzegovina to visit Mostar, a thriving center in the 15th century under the Ottoman Turks. The striking architecture here has pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences.

Days 5-6
Dubrovnik, Croatia / Kotor, Montenegro

Dubrovnik is a lovely walled stronghold that once rivaled Venice for control of maritime trade in the Adriatic. After viewing its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, we head to the Mediterranean port of Kotor, whose Old Town is full of stately palaces, churches, and squares.

Days 7-8
Saranda, Albania / Corinth, Greece / Mycanae

We call at Saranda, a pretty seaside town in the Ionian Sea, then head to Corinth, our base for visiting Agamemnon’s legendary citadel at Mycanae, which we enter through the famous Lion Gate. We also explore Epidauros, a major Greek site with a stunning 14,000-seat theater set against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Days 9-11
Sardis, Turkey / Thessaloniki, Greece / At sea

Sardis, one of the world’s wealthiest cities 2,500 years ago, was home to Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. Excavations have also revealed the remains of a flourishing Jewish settlement, and we explore a 4th century synagogue with impressive wall mosaics. Continuing to Thessaloniki, we visit several Byzantine churches and the Archaeological Museum, with its fabulous gold artifacts. On Day 11 we sail through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea.

Days 12-13
Nessebur, Bulgaria / Istanbul, Turkey

Cruising to Nessebur, we tour the town on foot, visiting the Archaeological Museum, Byzantine churches, and Hellenistic ruins that include an acropolis, agora, and Temple of Apollo. Disembark in Istanbul on Day 13 and depart.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels