Under Sail: Greece to the Dalmatian Coast

After boarding the sailing yacht Panorama in Piraeus, you'll transit the legendary Corinth Canal and visit two of ancient Greece’s best known cities: Delphi and Ithaka. You’ll continue to the remarkably beautiful and culturally rich Dalmatian Coast with its convolutions and myriad islands; it is also kaleidoscopically historical. Yet amazingly, the core cultures have persisted through millennia of overlords. Croats, or more specifically coastal Dalmatians, seafaring Montenegrans, irrepressible Albanians, and enduring Greeks all make this a deeply cultural expedition in a contemporary environment. You will get to know not only the historic and physiographic marvels of the region, but the personal views of the proud peoples that have rooted in the limestone and weathered unending waves of foreign rule.

The winds along the Dalmatian Coast and Ionian Greece tend to pick up in the afternoon as the stalwart limestone landscape returns the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Our itinerary takes advantage of the Panorama’s quick ability to set sail or to anchor for a swim, with excursions planned for the cooler mornings. Our afternoons are flexible for sailing, swimming, exploring or just relaxing on deck. With the Panorama’s emphasis on local cuisine and the outstanding wines and seafood of the region, this voyage will be a full-sensory immersion in Greek and Adriatic cultures.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — Fly overnight from the U.S. to Athens, Greece

DAY 2 — Athens / Piraeus / Embark / Corinth Canal
We arrive in Athens, and make our way to the Electra Palace Hotel, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. This afternoon we board Panorama in Piraeus. After dinner, venture on deck to view illuminated geologic formations that are seemingly within arm’s length of the ship’s beam as we cruise through the Corinth Canal. (D)

DAY 3 — Delphi / At Sea
Delphi, site of the famous Oracle and a great pilgrimage site for the ancient Greeks, was the center of worship for the god Apollo, and the ruins here are exceptional. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, site of the sacred Delphic Oracle, and walk along the Sacred Way. Back on board, we set sail west for a late afternoon swim stop. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Ithaka
Few names elicit the intrigue and sense of adventure as Odysseus’s home of Ithaka. Today, the island remains off the beaten track, with gems of small Ionian villages. We’ll drive around the island to explore the sites that link the island to Homer’s Ithaka, including a stop at the active excavation Odysseus Project. In the afternoon we cruise to one of Ithaka’s delightful bays for a swim, then set sail north for Albania. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Sarandë and Butrint, Albania
Today we visit the ancient city of Butrint, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Hellenic theater, Byzantine basilica and Venetian towers lie in a beautiful lakeside setting. We continue to intriguing Sarandë with its blend of religions, cultures and landscapes. In the afternoon we’ll stop for a swim and a hike along Albania’s surprising coastline. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Tiranë, Albania
From the port of Durrës, we drive to the fascinating capital of Tiranë. where we see relics from one of the longest dictatorships in Eastern Europe. We’ll visit the National History Museum and wide-open Skanderbeg Square, before a festive lunch in traditional Albanian style. We return to Durrës in the afternoon to set sail with the sea breeze. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Kotor, Montenegro
Sail into the magnificent fjord-like Gulf of Kotor, backed by soaring mountains with sparse villages clinging to the slopes. Visit the historic town of Perast, and then take a local boat to the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela, or the Church of Our Lady of the Rock, created by local fishermen. Spend the afternoon in medieval Kotor, or join us for a drive up the 27 serpentine switchbacks to the top of the fjord for an unrivaled view. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Dubrovnik, Croatia
Under UNESCO’s protection, Dubrovnik is regarded as the best-preserved medieval town in the world. Unlike most ships, we will actually anchor off the city walls and land in the heart of the Old Town. Here we stroll marble-paved streets to the 15th-century Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. We can take a walk on the ramparts, then explore this magical city. We remain anchored for the evening, so you might opt for dinner on your own or an after dinner stroll through town. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Mljet and Korcula
The lakes and lagoons of Mljet National Park are perfect for swimming, paddling a kayak, riding a bike, hiking the pine forests, or a boating trip to the delightful 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Then visit the quintessential medieval town of Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo, where we stay for the evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Sibenik/Krka National Park
The small port of Sibenik boasts a spectacular entrance and its own World Heritage Site. We’ll visit the great cathedral of St. Jakov, containing a remarkable frieze decorated with 71 sculptured faces. Outside of town, we’ll spend a day amid remarkable waterfalls, cliffs and boardwalks of Krka National Park, which includes an historic sugar mill. Late afternoon we’ll depart through the Sibenik Channel and set sail south. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Hvar/At Sea
Hvar is known as one of the most attractive and lively of Croatia’s historic Venetian towns. A walking tour takes us through the Franciscan monastery, the stunning main street arsenal and the oldest active theater in Croatia. Those who want some exercise can hike up to the Citadel. We’ll remain in Hvar into the mid-afternoon so you can have lunch in town or opt for a swim. As the winds pick up for the afternoon, we’ll set sail south. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Dubrovnik/Disembark
Disembark this morning for flights home, or to join the optional extension to Dubrovnik and Split. (B,L,D)

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