Venice and Greek island Hopping cruise to Athens

A further overnight hotel stay. History, architecture, dining, , romance and pure wander lust through the cobbled streets and by the canals is what Venice is all about. Top souvenirs would be Venetian Glass (also known as Murano Glass) or the famous and flamboyant masks. Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself - once described by: Napoleon as the ‘drawing room of Europe’. St Mark’s Basilica ,Doge’s Palace and the clock tower built between 1496 and 1506 - are the city's main attractions. St. Mark's Basilica, built in the eleventh century, is the most famous and most recognizable of all the churches in the city of Venice. Its design is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world, known for its opulent design and gilded interior mosaics, and nicknamed "Church of Gold". The magnificent Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice; it was the centre of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. No trip to Venice would be complete without a punt down one of the city's picturesque waterways in an iconic gondola.

Transfer by water taxi direct to Venice airport where you will pick up the coach transfer for your two-hour transfer to Trieste. Embark the ship and enjoy the sail-away party on board.

Enjoy the delights the Venetian Riviera.

Koper is a port city in Slovenia, on the country's Adriatic coastline. Its medieval old town centre around Titov Trg, a square with Venetian-influenced landmarks such as the Praetorian Palace and a Gothic-style loggia, while nearby Da Ponte Fountain is a replica of Venice's famed Rialto Bridge. Rebuilt many times, the circa-12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption is well worth a visit.

A medieval port which nestles on the sparkling Dalmatian Coastline of Croatia has a picturesque pedestrianised centre and a 60-metre-high cathedral bell tower. Diocletian‘s Palace is one of the best preserved Roman Palaces in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Well known for its stunning architecture and amazing natural setting in a dramatic bay with tall emerald-green hillsides. This small town with its cobbled streets and maze of alleyways, shops, bars and restaurants is surrounded by well-preserved walls that feature many landmarks making Kotor itself a UNESCO World heritage site.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s many highlights. This unique12th century walled city has cobbled streets , towering ramparts and red roofed building overlooking a pretty fishing harbour. Visit Onofrio’s Fountain, Sponza Palace and the Church St Blaise.

Corfu is the northern-most and capital of the Ionian Island chain - lying just a short hop from the coast of Albania. One of Corfu's many claims to fame is the birthplace of Prince Philip at the Palace of Mon Repos. It is where the famous zoologist Gerald Durrell lived with his family just before World War two - being the setting for his book - My Family and Other Animals, and the location for the popular TV series. The Achilleon Palace is home to the statue of Achilles Heel and was where Kaiser Wilhelm declared World War I. Corfu Town is the largest “living” medieval town in Greece and an absolute pleasure to walk around, perhaps watch some cricket in the square or sample the excellent local cuisine. Try the local Kumquat liquor or simply watch the world go by with an ice-cold Frappe. Rolling Cypress Pine clad hills drop down to beautiful bays and beaches.

The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer’s paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.

Mykonos (part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches.

Disembark the ship in Piraeus Port and transfer to Athens airport for your flight home.