Athens to Dubrovnik & Split Sailing Adventure
- Tour ID: SC13
- Duration: 13 days/12 nights
- Transportation: Bus/Cruise
- Guide: Guided Tour
- From: Athens
- To: Split
- Hotels: 8 nights accommodation in 4 or 3-star hotels; 4 nights accommodation onboard;
- Meals / Breakfast
Enjoy the Adventure
Discover the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Europe on this 13-day journey from Athens to Dubrovnik Sailing Adventure . This intimate and comfortable tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants and requires a minimum of 4 to operate. Visit 10 remarkable destinations, including Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Skopje, Prizren, Kotor, and Dubrovnik. Enjoy well-appointed hotel accommodations, expert guides, meals, and transportation throughout your adventure. Walk the cobbled streets of its Old Town before setting sail or take advantage of the numerous excursions and experiences available in Dubrovnik that day. Discover Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, with its medieval charm, winding streets, and renowned vineyards offering the finest local wines. Immerse yourself in Hvar, a sun-kissed island famed for its lavender fields, glamorous nightlife, and breathtaking panoramas of the Adriatic. End your 5 day unforgettable experience in Split, home to the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, where Roman ruins blend seamlessly with vibrant cafes and bustling markets.
Itenirary
Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, a private transfer to the hotel is provided where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry because our driver will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays). After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.
Accommodation:
Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of the capital city of Greece, Athens and the Acropolis Museum. During a scenic coach journey, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium. Delve into the rich history of Athens with a walking tour of the Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon.
Return to your hotel for another night in Athens, filled with the city’s vibrant energy.
Accommodation:
Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens.
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Athens City tour with Licensed Local Guide
After a hearty breakfast, set out on a luxurious bus journey to Delphi, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures. Explore the famed Temple of Apollo and other historic ruins. Following a satisfying lunch, continue through Central Greece to Kalabaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora. Experience the awe of Meteora’s monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town.
Accommodation:
Alexiou Hotel, Meteora
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner at hotel.
Lunch:
Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Licensed Guided tour at Delphi. Entrance ticket to Delphi is included.
Route:
Athens to Delphi 213km-Delphi Meteora 220km (Notice: This day is the longest journey of our tour)
Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.
Accommodation:
Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)
Route:
Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery’s rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey. Upon arrival in Sofia check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.
Accommodation:
Best Western Terminus Hotel Sofia
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Rila Monastery ticket is included.
Route:
Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km; Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km
After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.
Accommodation:
Doa Hotel 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
Route:
Sofia-Skopje 244km
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25 euros per person). Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital city of another Balkan country, Albania.
In Tirana we will do a Tirana panoramic city tour.
With the guide’s decision, the city tour can be postponed for the next day morning! Among the places we will see are Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.
Accommodation:
Albanopolis Hotel 4*
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower.
Route:
Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km
Enjoy a flavorful breakfast in Tirana before departing for another Balkan countries Montenegro and Croatia to Dubrovnik. Meeting with your driver at your hotel and continue to the journey, visit the historic city of Kotor, guided by a local expert who will unveil the city’s secrets. Discover Kotor’s captivating highlights, including the medieval Castle of Kotor perched high on the city walls, the stunning Triphun Cathedral, the intriguing Archive Museum, and the renowned Wall of Shame, a testament to the city’s storied past. Kotor Bay, with its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring Kotor, relish some free time to soak in the picturesque views and local atmosphere before continuing to Dubrovnik. Arrive in Dubrovnik, check in at your hotel, and spend the night in this enchanting city, known for its stunning old town and crystal-clear waters.
Accommodation:
Ivka Hotel Dubrovnik
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the driver on the route
Route:
Tirana-Kotor 201km; Kotor-Dubrovnik 92km
Important notice:
Because of seasonal crowds, there may be a delay in arrival times at the hotel.
After breakfast free day at Dubrovnik, self transfer to boat from hotel. Official check-in is from 5pm onwards but you can arrive to the boat earlier, leave your bags onboard and choose from the many activities happening in Dubrovnik that day.
We recommend:
1. Taking a cable car ride up to Mount Srd for the most incredible view imaginable.
2. Dubrovnik is also the setting for the capital city of Westeros, Kings Landing, in Game of Thrones. If you are a fan, why not take a walking tour of the locations of the most famous scenes in the ultra-popular show and get an overview of the history of Dubrovnik at the same time?
3. Take a shuttle boat over to Lokrum Island from the Old City.
Dinner is served onboard at 6.30pm, when you will also be given your welcome speech and be introduced to everybody else on board. The evening is yours to enjoy in the Old City. Overnight on the boat in Dubrovnik (Gruz Port).
Meals:
Daily Breakfast and Dinner
Optional excursions:
Ziplining and/or Game of Thrones + Dubrovnik Walking Tour.
It’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik and hello to more incredible scenery as we head to Korcula Island, which is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. We are spoilt for choice with swimming spots en route before we dock near the Old City (with the same name as the island) to drop everyone off to explore the town. This pocket town is another gem with excellent restaurants and the famous Massimo cocktail bar in the “half-tower”. Overnight in either Korcula town, the ferry port or a nearby village such as Lumbarda.
Meals:
Daily Breakfast and Lunch
Hvar Island is rated as one of the highlights of the trip and it’s not hard to see why. It boasts several gorgeous towns such as Jelsa (where we often dock), Stari Grad and Hvar Town itself.
We arrive into Jelsa, Stari Grad or Hvar Town (if we are lucky enough to get a docking space there) after lunch, and if you fancy visiting other towns, you can easily take a bus or taxi (not included) as the town are only around 15-25 mins from each other.
Hvar town’s nightlife is legendary and nothing beats catching the sunset at Hula Hula bar, then taking the organised shuttle boat over to Carpe Diem – the famous “club on an island”.
Stari Grad’s old town is a delight to explore, with several cosy wine-bars to be found on its winding streets. Jelsa has a wonderful harbour and promenade and features a famous park that often has live, outdoor music performances and festivals.
You are spoilt for choice!
Meals:
Daily Breakfast and Lunch
Our 4th day on the cruise, starts with a swim stop and continue past Brac Island on the way to the biggest city on the Dalmatian coast: Split.
In the afternoon we dock into Split, with enough time to take in some of the inspiring sights of this city, including Diocletian’s Palace, the iconic statue of Gregory of Nin and Bacvice Beach.
Meals:
Daily Breakfast and Lunch
Optional excursion:
Rapid Rafting
After breakfast (7-8am) it is time to say goodbye to your shipmates and crew. Check-out is by 9am although you can leave earlier if you need to (for early flights, buses etc). The adventure does not need to stop here though as there is the option of an excursion to see the waterfalls of Krka National Park.
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Included
Excluded
Gallery
Map
