The dramatic beauty of the Adriatic coast has long
inspired writers, poets and artists. Myriad islands with lofty mountains plunging into the sea to create winding fjords and magnificent bays, make this jagged coastline one of the natural wonders of the world.

The numerous small channels and hidden inlets mean this is no place for a maritime leviathan and a smaller ship is necessary truly to appreciate this magical scenery. The Aegean Odyssey is able to navigate areas that are off limits to larger vessels and to take you to some secluded jewels along the way.

As well as providing outstanding natural beauty, this cruise also offers you the opportunity to visit the remarkable archaeological and historical sites en route. From the Byzantine splendour of St Marks and the tranquil beautyof the Venetian canals to the classical elegance of Delphi and Epidaurus, there is much to excite the imagination. One of the most spectacular and impressive destinations on this tour, however, dates from the Roman period.

To the Romans, Dalmatia was known as Illyricum.
Although the province was established in around 32BC, the area was not fully Romanized until the 4th century AD, by which time it had become a vital part of the Empire. This importance can be seen in the grandest of Roman monuments remaining in modern Croatia: the magnificent Palace of Diocletian in Split.

Described by George Bernard Shaw as “Paradise on Earth”, the warmth of Dubrovnik’s people and the beauty of its monuments such as the 16th-century Sponza Palace, still enchant the modern visitor.

As you leave Dalmatia behind and continue your voyage to Athens, the ship will call at the Ionian islands of Corfu and Ithaca, pass the site of the famous Battle of Lepanto and visit Itea for a trip to Delphi. Then, the Aegean Odyssey will stop at Corinth – a chance to see Epidaurus and Mycenae – and finally cruise through the Corinth Canal towards the Athenian port of Piraeus.