Mediterranean : Star Clipper : Ten Night Venice to Athens

Greek fishermen bring their catch to shore at the end of the day. Their craggy faces are etched by long days at sea, toiling under the same sun that rose and set over their ancestors

Our Greece island cruises are a journey of discovery to the ancient cities of Europe. You can travel from Venice to Athens on one of the tall ships, experiencing all the unspoilt natural beauty of the Mediterranean.  Our Mediterranean cruises will transport you to a world of ancient architecture and rich landscapes, where you'll discover all the splendour of Venice and Athens.  Long ago these islands were landing places for endless tides of invaders.  They stormed ashore to conquer, only to be vanquished by time and absorbed into the dry volcanic earth. All that remains are their stone ruins, ghostly shapes wrapped in myth and mystery. Today the Cyclades are an inviting playground for pleasure seekers aboard Star Clippers. White-washed churches point tilted Greek crosses heavenward in skies of brilliant blue, while sun worshippers bask on the beaches under Helios’ golden gaze. Twisting cobblestone alleyways lead to tavernas where octopus salad and ouzo are in order. Ancient Minoan palaces and medieval fortresses whisper tales of pagan rites and knightly rituals. In hidden coves, Star Clipper finds harbours where pristine sands and warm crystalline waters beckon you to explore underwater grottos while beachgoers laze away under sun blessed skies; yet another dream-like day in the mythic, magical Cycla.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Venice, Italy

Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge’s Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Mali Losinj, Croatia

The warm sands of Cikat Bay are an irresistible magnet for beachgoers. And no wonder, the beach is 30 kilometres long and offers every watersport imaginable. In the fortified town of Veli Losinj, climb the 16th century tower and hear the history of the Uskoks, warrior refugees from the Turkish invasion who fled in 1526 to the coastal islands to start new lives under Hapsburg protection. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Hvar, Croatia

The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favourite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty. See the perfectly preserved Cathedral of St. Stephen, the serene cloistered Franciscan monastery and the Venetian Arsenal, where one of Europe’s first public theatres was established in 1612 Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Dubrovnik, Croatia

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik’s colourful history. In the cathedral treasury, a collection of priceless golden reliquaries include the remains of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. Stroll up the Stradún to the elaborately colonnaded Rector’s Palace, designed by Onofrio de la Cava in 1435. This was the seat of the republic of Ragusa, a powerful Renaissanceera city-state boasting a fleet of 500 ships Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Kotor, Montenegro

You might think you were sailing up a Norwegian fjord. In fact, this stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in Southern Europe. As you venture deep into the heart of Boka Fjord, you’ll see several charming villages along the shore, but at its very end, Boka harbours one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you’ll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified with massive walls during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Corfu, Greece

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone’s throw from the Albanian coast. And nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa. Another sight not to be missed is the Achillion Palace built for the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm I. The British made Corfu a major base during the Napoleonic wars and you can see the lovely 1824 villa, Mon Repos, where Prince Philip was born. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - At Sea

Our graceful ships fly along the waves, just like the legendary clippers of a century and a-half ago. And this is as much an adventure in highly evolved relaxation as it is in tradition Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Yithion, Greece

Yithion is the ancient port and naval base of Sparta, and is reputed to be the site where Paris and Helen of Troy fled to Egypt. The town is an ideal base from which to explore the district, and the Caves of Diros. Yithion guards the road to Mystra, the secret treasure of Greece, where centuries old Byzantine frescoes are almost perfectly intact. Trace the exquisite patterns that cover every inch of Mystra’s 14th century churches Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano’s caldera Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Mykonos, Greece

One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands and quite justifiably attracting visitors from all over the world, Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital,spreads around a colourful harbour in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts. The brilliant white cubic houses with white-washed balconies, built close together, with little shops and tiny churches, make up the backstreets of the town. The harbour is overlooked by a variety of tavernas, and is a popular meeting place as the sun goes down, turning the brilliant whites to beautiful shades of pinks and reds. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Athens, Greece

After breakfast, depart for your journey home Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Star Clipper : Ten night Venice to Athens - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
22/07/2009	£2,276
26/08/2009	£2,276
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Price based on category 3 Cabin, upgrades available on request
Flight and transfer rates available on request
Third person sharing rates available on request
Supplements
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Port charges: £180

Prices for single travellers:

Star Clipper : Ten night Venice to Athens - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
22/07/2009	£3,413
26/08/2009	£3,413
Notes
Prices are per person.
Price based on category 3 Cabin, upgrades available on request
Flight and transfer rates available on request
Guaranteed single rates available on request
Supplements
01/05/2009 - 31/10/2009: Port charges: £180

What's Included?

• Watersports

  All passengers have access to a watersports programme which includes: snorkelling, scuba diving, Sunfish sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing. Please note: all watersports are complimentary except for scuba diving. A certification card is required for scuba diving. A medical consent form is required for passengers wishing to become PADI Resort Certified during the cruise. Introductory Scuba Diving Courses are also available

• Meals are scheduled as follows:

  6.30 to 10.30am Continental style breakfast, coffee, tea, pastries and juices in the Piano Bar.

  8.00 to 10.00am Breakfast buffet in the dining room.

  12.00 to 2.00pm Lunch buffet on board.

  5.00 to 6.00pm Hors d’oeuvres available in the Tropical Bar or Piano Bar

  7.30 to 10.00pm Dinner ‘à la carte’ in the Dining Room.

  11.30 to 12.30pm Midnight snack.

  Sometimes a deck lunch or beach barbecue will also be organised

What's NOT Included?

• International flights, but these can be arranged for you
• Gratuities

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The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary in order to suit wind and weather conditions.

DOCUMENTARY AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS . A full valid passport is required for all holidays, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the UK. The passenger is responsible for ensuring compliance with all necessary visa and other documentary requirements for the entire holiday, and shall have received all medical inoculations necessary

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