CROATIAN WILDS & GRECIAN ISLES - Fly, Cruise & Tour 2024 Cruise Line Ponant Ship L'Austral Package Departs 05 Jul 2024 Other Dates
Package Duration 21 Nights Embark Ship Athens (Piraeus) Greece Disembark Ship Athens (Piraeus) Greece Enquire Fly, Cruise, Tour & Stay 19 nights from Split to Athens on this fantastic small group tour combined with boutique style cruising with Ponant to Greece.
Fly cruise tour from
AU $ 18,535Per person
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Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.The Greek Islands, from the Peloponnese to the Cyclades via the Dodecanese, are enchanting, bewitching and captivating. From the sheer coastlines bordered by paradisiacal turquoise waters to the archaeological sites that are as emblematic as they are monumental, let yourself fall under the spell of these jewels of the Aegean Sea. From Athens, set sail aboard L’Austral for an 8-day cruise in the heart of the most beautiful Greek islands.In the Dodecanese archipelago, where St. John is said to have written the Apocalypse, the island of Patmos, known as “the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea”, reveals itself to offer you a moment suspended between unique landscapes of white-sand beaches and rocky bays.Planted with forests of cypress trees and olive groves, Symi is bewitching. The shimmering colours of its dwellings and surrounding nature make it a real paradise for those seeking tranquillity and serenity.You will now head towards the most easterly part of the Cyclades. Amorgos, or the island in the Big Blue film, as it is nicknamed, is a rough gem. Fall under the spell of its volcanic and mountainous landscapes diving into the bordering crystal-clear waters and its paved small streets edged by traditional whitewashed houses.After an unforgettable cruise in Santorini’s captivating caldera, where high cliffs surround the majestic ancient crater engulfed by water in the 2nd millennium BC, you will set sail north west. On Milos, the limestone cliffs and small hidden coves are yours to discover in a soothing atmosphere.The birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, Delos is rich in archaeological ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, illustrating its prestigious history. The Terrace of the Lions, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena, the Temple of the Athenians… journey back in time almost 2,000 years, between millennia-old heritage and sumptuous panoramas.L’Austral will then head towards Paros. Nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves to ancient monuments.You will now sail towards the east of the Peloponnese, to reach your final port of call. Here, a gem named Hydra reveals its old-world charm in a stunning setting. With its hidden coves and its mountains topped with monasteries, this jewel of the Saronic Islands completely devoid of cars offers a total change of scenery against the spellbinding blue of the Aegean Sea.Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, will mark the end of this exceptional odyssey.
Package duration: 19 nights Fly, Cruise, Tour and StayPackage starts: 5th July 2024 - with flight from Australia to SplitTour starts: 7th July 2024 - from Split, CroatiaTour ends: 16th July 2024 - into Dubrovnik, CroatiaCruise starts: 18th July 2024 - from Athens, GreeceCruise ends: 25th July 2024 - into Athens, GreecePackage ends: 25th July 2024 - with flight back to Australiareturning approx 26/27 July depending on flight schedules.______________HIGHLIGHTS:- Explore Krka National Park`s maze of mesmerising waterfalls and crystalline lakes with a local guide- Uncover the fascinating tales behind Our Lady of the Rock islet in the Bay of Kotor- Savour the distinct flavours of Croatian cuisine with a cooking class and dinner in Korcula- A cruise in the heart of the Aegean Sea, discovering the Greek Islands, featuring emblematic ancient heritage and unique landscapes with a mix of white sandy beaches and rocky bays.- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis in Athens (embarkation port), Delos, the sacred island, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos, Kotor Bay and more- Discover the pearls of the Cyclades: Amorgos, the Santorini Caldera, Folegandros, Delos, Paros and their ancient ruins, typical landscapes and beaches.- An exceptional sunset cruise in the Santorini caldera._______________EARLYBIRD SAVINGS: Hurry, all offers are capacity controlled by Ponant - first come, best dressed.All rates in AUD per person from*Twin DEL Deluxe Balcony was $20,065 - your exclusive price: $18,535*pp Twin PR4 Prestige Balcony was $20,985 - your exclusive price: $19,270*ppTwin DS Deluxe Suite was $25,915 - your exclusive price: $23,195*ppSingle DEL Deluxe Balcony was $29,875 - your exclusive price: $23,765* (limited space at this price)_______________CROATIAN WILDS & GRECIAN ISLES Fly, Cruise, Tour and Stay package includes:- Return economy class airfare from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Split and ex Athens on return inc. tax- One way transfer from Split airport to hotel- 1 night pre-tour hotel stay in Split- 9 night small group fully escorted tour from Split to Dubrovnik with 18 guests. Tour includes accommodation, transport, driver/guide and 14 meals (see below for more tour details)- 1 night post-tour hotel stay in Dubrovnik- One way transfer from Dubrovnik hotel to airport- One way economy class airfare from Dubrovnik to Athens inc tax- One way transfer from Athens airport to hotel- 1 night hotel stay in a 5-star hotel Athens with breakfast- One way transfer from Athens hotel to port- 7 night Greek Islands cruise aboard the L`Austral round trip from Athens- All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)- Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner- Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands)- Evening entertainment and events- Room service 24h (special selection)- Port taxes- One way transfer from Athens port to airport_______________Tour ItineraryDay 1 - Split (Croatia)This incredible journey will begin in Split, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city beside the azure Adriatic. Tonight, get to know the rest of your tour group better over a delicious welcome dinner.Accommodation: Hotel Jupiter (or similar)Meals: DinnerDay 2 - Split – TrogirToday`s history-filled agenda begins with a walking tour of Split – where a local guide will take you into the white walls of Diocletian`s Palace, a vast fortress filled with centuries of history. You`ll also pay a visit to the Grgur Ninski Statue and the Cathedral of St Domnius, before moving on to medieval Trogir. Here, be taken around the maze of marble streets and Romanesque buildings by a local guide – before going your separate ways to explore this tiny island town and indulge in some delicious local cuisine.Accommodation: Hotel Pasike (or similar)Meals: BreakfastDay 3 - Trogir – Krka National Park – TrogirThis morning will see you seeking the crystalline lakes and energetic waterfalls of Krka National Park. You`ll be shown around this mesmerising park by a local guide, before moving on to a local winery. At this quaint establishment we`ll learn the history of winemaking in the region – while being treated to a tasting of selected wines. After that, you`ll round off the day with some free time to relax back in Trogir.Accommodation: Hotel Pasike (or similar)Meals: BreakfastDay 4 - Trogir – KorculaToday you`ll say goodbye to Trogir and move on to Split, where you`ll catch the ferry to Korcula – an island that`s reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. After checking into the hotel, your Tour Leader will take you on a stroll through the Old Town, before enjoying some free time to delve deeper into the hidden treasures of this medieval island. Then: time to hone those culinary skills! Uncover the distinct and unique flavours of Croatian cuisine with an included cookery class – and indulge in your creations for dinner this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Marko Polo (or similar)Meals: Breakfast & DinnerDay 5 - KorculaToday you`re free to explore Korcula as you wish. Lounge at a nearby beach or find a cafe and get better acquainted with the local cuisine. If you`re in the mood for exploration, you can even hop aboard a taxi boat to the tiny island of Vrnik.Accommodation: Hotel Marko Polo (or similar)Meals: BreakfastDay 6 - Korcula – Peljesac Peninsula – Kotor (Montenegro)After bidding farewell to Korcula, set sail to the nearby Peljesac Peninsula – a hotspot for winemaking since the days of the Roman Empire. Savour the fruits of this ancient tradition with a visit to a local winery before you leave Croatia for Montenegro. Kotor Bay is a soul-stirring sight – and at the centre lies UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor town, seemingly untouched by time. Enjoy some free time to explore the picturesque Old Town at your leisure, before reconvening tonight for sumptuous group dinner.Accommodation: Hotel Vardar (or similar)Meals: Breakfast & DinnerDay 7 - KotorFirst today: a guided walking tour of Kotor. Old Kotor was built like a maze for protective purposes – and it`s very easy to get lost here without some local expertise! Following that, you`ll take to the water. A boat will carry you to Our Lady of the Rocks: a small church on a manmade island. After hearing the fascinating legend behind the church, return to Kotor – where you`ll be free to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please.Accommodation: Hotel Vardar (or similar)Meals: BreakfastDay 8 - Kotor – Lovcen National Park – Dubrovnik (Croatia)Today it`s back on the road (taking the scenic route, of course) as we make our way to the picturesque Lovcen National Park. A local guide will show us around as we soak up the incredible views across Montenegro. Then, you`ll pay a visit to the charming village of Njeguai – where you`ll have time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Moving onto Dubrovnik – the evening will be yours to hunt down more local fare, explore the city`s cobbled streets or simply put your feet up and relax at the hotel.Accommodation: Hotel More (or similar)Meals: BreakfastDay 9 - DubrovnikToday`s guided tour of Dubrovnik includes strolling through the Old Town, where you`ll see the likes of the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Old Port. If the weather is on your side, take the opportunity to climb the spectacular Mt Srd on a cable car ride. Tonight, come together for one last included dinner – and clink glasses to what an incredible nine days it has been.Accommodation: Hotel More (or similar)Meals: Breakfast & DinnerDay 10 - Dubrovnik – Trsteno – DubrovnikBefore your journey comes to an end, there`s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the beautiful Trsteno Arboretum. After tucking into a delicious lunch at a local oyster farm, return to Dubrovnik – where you`ll say your goodbyes.Meals: Breakfast & Lunch