Whispers of the Adriatic - Albania and Greece Cruise

Upon arrival Private Transfer from Tirana Airport to 4 star hotel. Evening welcome dinner in a traditional Albanian taverna, offering an authentic culinary experience and introduction to local culture. 

Guided half-day walking tour which explores the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana. It’s a fascinating city which features a dynamic and rich history, and we discover how Titana evolved from a small rural trade centre in the 17th century into the capital of Albania with a legacy of ancient ruins, Ottoman and Italian influences and the more recent communist regime. The sights include the Byzantine ruins and walls, the main Italian
boulevard its Art Gallery and distinguished Italian buildings, Tirana City Hall, the Statue of Skanderbeg, Ethem Bey Mosque, the famous Clock Tower, National Library, Opera House and the mosaic “Albanians” on top of the entrance of National Historical Museum. Tirana truly is a multi-cultural wonder, something to reflect upon as you sit and enjoy a coffee, a beer or a glass of wine, coffee before choosing a place for lunch. This evening you are at
leisure to dine out and explore the City Centre’s nightlife. Overnight in 4* Tirana Hotel.

After breakfast we transfer to Durres and board the Callisto, with the afternoon free to explore the historic port city. Late afternoon, rejoin the ship for our welcome reception and a ‘sail-away’ cocktail whilst getting to meet your crew and fellow adventurers. Tonight will be your first dinner on board dinner onboard – the Chef will set out to impress you. 

The first swim-stop of the holiday see’s the Captain drop anchor in a beautiful, secluded bay so you can slip into the wonderfully translucent Adriatic waters. Back on board we set sail for Vlora, Albania’s coastal gem, where we disembark and set out on a walking tour of the historic town where Albania famously declared its independence. After seeing the main sites there’s time for further exploration Before it’s back on board for dinner.

We couldn’t resist hopping across the border to the beautiful island of Corfu, and one of the most beautiful of all Greek cities, steeped in Venetian, British and French history, and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site Stroll the narrow streets and step out to the wide open Esplanade, walk under the arcade of Liston where the old aristocracy enjoyed their coffee and drinks, and perhaps even witness a game of cricket! For lunch sample famous local specialties, Greek cuisine unlike anywhere else in Greece influenced by Italian tradition. Back
onboard tonight is Greek Night with music and dancing until late! 

After a busy day in cosmopolitan Corfu we see a much sleepier side of Greece when we drop anchor at tranquil Othonous, the largest of the little-visited Diapontian islands. In Greek mythology it is supposed to have been the home of the nymph Calypso, who captured and imprisoned Odysseus here on his return home from the Trojan wars. Even in high summer there are rarely more than 400 people living here and the empty beaches make it ideal for swimming. It is a place of much natural beauty and well worth a hike to explore the scenery. Although it’s an equally good place to just relax amid the olive groves and turquoise waters. A leisurely day to top up your tan. 

Saranda is one of Albania’s more developed seaside resorts but the highlight of the day is the visit to see the fabulous relics at Butrint, a UNESCO heritage site, an amazing promontory dating back to the bronze age with ruins that embrace Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. It’s a real ‘must see’ experience. Back in Saranda visit the castle with its cobblestone streets, cafes and shops and enjoy the view of the river meandering through the town below. Back onboard tonight is Albanian Night with traditional dancers and music and cuisine.

Today we really go off the beaten track and visit the uninhabited island of Sazan, only really known as the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic. Get some beach time, go for a swim, or join the guided walk and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Reboard Callisto and we turn toward Durres by sunset.

In the morning we arrive in Chenzen, very close to Montenegro, and the jumping off point for a wonderful excursion to Shkoder Village and the spectacular Shkoder Lake. We take lunch in a traditional restaurant enjoying great food and natural beaty. Back on board we weigh anchor and sail to Durres and tonight we dine in honour of the Captain for the unforgettable experience he and his crew offered us.

Breakfast onboard. Disembark by 9 AM for transfers to Tirana or onward destinations.

Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions — winds of 6/7 Beaufort or more depending on the vessel — if port authorities do not allow the vessel to leave port, or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not automatically entitle passengers to any refunds, but the Captain guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.