Elegant Cruises & ToursPresident's CruiseIn 2006, Elegant Cruises & Tours, Inc. celebrates 17 years in business by introducing exceptional, all-new deluxe small ship cruise programs in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Black Seas. This special President's Cruise comes with a bonus - the cost for all shore excursions are included in the cruise price. Their small ships are the ideal means to explore the diversity of these regions, without the crowds found on larger vessels. Unpack just once, as we visit not only the Adriatic's major coastal towns—Venice, Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor—but also take you to the less frequented islands like Hvar, Mljet, Cres and Krk. No need to figure out the local ferry schedules to visit these wonderful isles that have a beauty and relaxed pace all their own. Whether you choose our yacht-like Monet or our 105-passenger Andrea, you'll enjoy deluxe accommodations, fine dining and friendly service. ItineraryDay 1 - Venice, ItalyDay 2 - Venice Day 3 - Rovinj, Croatia Day 4 - Krk, Croatia Day 5 - Trogir, Croatia Day 6 - Dubrovnik, Croatia Day 7 - Dubrovnik and Kotor, Montenegro Day 8 - Vlora, Albania Day 9 - Argostolion, Kefalonia, Greece Day 10 - Galaxidion (for Delphi) and Piraeus, Greece Day 11 - Piraeus Day 12 - Piraeus - Disembark DetailsHosted by Captain Mato Stanovic, this all-new itinerary has been specially designed for Monet past passengers who have already enjoyed the Dalmatian Coast on our “classic” week-long cruise program, and are looking for something different. But “first-timers” are invited, too! Embark in Venice, where a full day is available for optional shore excursions or for pursuing your own interests. Truly, this is a place one never tires of.An overnight crossing of the Adriatic takes us to Rovinj, once a small island but now an egg-shaped peninsula dominated by the massive Cathedral of St. Euphemia. It's a relaxed place, with wooded hills surrounding the town, still an active fishing port. Originally inhabited by the Illyrian Liburnian tribe, Krk Island was battled over and dominated by a succession of Romans, Ottomans, Venetians, Habsburgs, Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. An optional excursion will explore the sights in the towns of Krk, the cliff-side village of Vrbnik and the southern resort town of Baska. Typical of other Croatian coastal towns, Trogir encapsulates the history and culture of Dalmatia in its medieval walls, maze of streets, and Romanesque and early Gothic palaces. Occupying a tiny island and backed by high hills to the north, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Our walking tour will take in the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, the town hall and the Kamerlengo Fortress. Monet docks within easy walking distance of this lovely place. It's not easy to cruise south past Dubrovnik without stopping, particularly since Captain Mato's hometown of Cilippi is nearby and this is, after all, the “President’s Cruise.” A full day is available to enjoy the sights of Dubrovnik, or come along with the captain for a drive through the scenic hills and a rustic “peasant lunch” in his hometown. Continuing south, Monet enters the moutainous Boka Kotorska—the Gulf of Kotor — giving us an unforgettable memory of one of the most scenic areas in the Adriatic. We dock in the town of Kotor, second only the Dubrovnik in the completeness of its medieval preservation and mostly rebuilt since the devastating earthquake of 1979. Vlora, or Vlore, is perhaps the most westernized city in Albania, due to commerce with Italy. Known for its beautiful beaches and mikprites, or warm hospitality, Vlora is our jumping off point for the ancient site of Appollonia. Founded by Greek colonists in 588 BC, the city grew rich on slavery, maritime trade and agriculture, flourishing further under Roman rule. Most of the archaeological ruins were uncovered in the past century, but much remains unexcavated. The visitor to Kefalonia will be fascinated by the infinite variety of the natural surroundings: deep blue sea, mountains, and small green plains of grape and olive groves. The island was the setting for the recent movie, “Captain Corelli's Mandolin.”
A scenic cruise into the Gulf of Corinth brings us to our port town of Glaxidion, from where a morning optional excursion is scheduled to Delphi. High on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, this famous cult site was renowned throughout the Greek world and beyond as the sanctuary of Apollo and the seat of his oracle. The wealth of ancient remains, along with its magnificent mountain setting, makes it one of the highlights of the cruise. The final leg of our journey takes us through the Corinth Canal, the four-mile-long, 75-feet-wide excavated trench that was completed at the end of the 19th century. We arrive in Piraeus, port for Athens, in the evening, giving us a full day to explore this ancient capital of the world. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, the city has made an immeasurable contribution to Western civilization. In the company of an expert guide, a full-day optional excursion includes the Acropolis, the Agora and other notable sights. On our final night, join Captain Stanovic and new-found friends for a festive farewell dinner in the Nymphea Restaurant. Cost of This Itinerary11 Night Trip:The least expensive cabin costs: The most expensive stateroom costs: |
