Greece, Croatia & Italy on Seabourn Encore

While you might want to speak with one of our specialists about arranging a pre-cruise stay in the Greek capital to enjoy its ancient Acropolis icons and welcoming café culture, otherwise your included airport lounge access, flight and private transfer will see you aboard your luxury ship. Here, you’ll be welcomed to your ocean-verandah suite with a glass of champagne, where your personal attendant is on hand to keep your complimentary in-suite bar stocked to your preference. And, the near one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio is evident everywhere from the spa and fitness centre to the open bars and all-inclusive fine dining, which range from sushi delicacies to grill delights. 

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

Your first port of call is Monemvasia – a medieval village built atop a cliff-clad island, linked only to the mainland by a short causeway. Surrounded by centuries-old fortified walls, it’s a joy to wander is cobbled streets to discover 6th-century temples, Byzantine churches and what is a labyrinth of stone houses and walled gardens. Explore at your own pace, book onto a walking tour or strike out to discover historic mansions or the former Byzantine capital of Mystras, topped as it is by a medieval citadel of ruined palaces and monasteries. 

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

Katakolon is gateway to that famed ancient wonder, Olympia. As birthplace of the Olympic Games, you’ll be able to wander among poplars and shading oaks to discover evocative ruins that hint at its storied past, from temples and altars to gymnasiums and the stadium itself. Walking tours and the superb archaeological museum bring it all to life. There’s also the option for wine tastings, visits to traditional olive oil farms or even a beach getaway.

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

The quiet port of Nydri is the perfect introduction to the island of Lefkada. Here, rolling green hills and pine forests backdrop emerald-green waters, lined by a small village and its palm-dotted promenade. While it’s a simple pleasure to make the most of your luxury ship here, you might also want to head inland through vast olive groves to discover pretty waterfalls or Lefkada Town’s frescoed churches, monasteries and traditional wooden houses. Further afield, the ancient ruins of the once-great ancient city of Nikopolis impress most with its enormous 5,000-seater Roman theatre, while an island-hopping boat tour could take you out through the Princess Islands’ swimming spots.

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

You’ll be greeted in Italy’s boot heel by the port town of Brindisi. Here, moving back from the palm-lined seafront, you’ll find an intriguing 12th-century Norman church and an archaeological museum home to marvellous Greek bronze sculptures. However, it might just be nearby Lecce that steals your heart. This university town delights with grandiose Baroque architecture, evident across mighty basilicas, cathedrals and evocative piazzas. Elsewhere in the region of Puglia, there’s the unique trulli houses of Alberobello – unique, dry-stone dwellings with whose construction dates into prehistory.

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

Staying in Croatia, Zadar has one of the Adriatic’s most intriguing histories. Indeed, that it’s played host to everyone from the Romans to the Austrians is evidenced across the likes of ancient forums, medieval churches and Habsburg relics. Today, it’s all joined by cute cafés and unique architectural delights from Nikola Bašić, including the mellifluous Sea Organ and pavement lightshow of the Sun Salutation – both are powered by the ocean’s waves. Nearby, you might also want to explore the cascading, multi-tiered waterfalls of Krka National Park, head out on a horseback ride through the Velika Plana Valley or indulge in some wine, cheese and liquor tasting. Slightly further afield, Croatia’s second-city Split delights with the World Heritage delights of Diocletian’s Palace – one of the world’s greatest Roman monuments.

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

Staying in Croatia, Zadar has one of the Adriatic’s most intriguing histories. Indeed, that it’s played host to everyone from the Romans to the Austrians is evidenced across the likes of ancient forums, medieval churches and Habsburg relics. Today, it’s all joined by cute cafés and unique architectural delights from Nikola Bašić, including the mellifluous Sea Organ and pavement lightshow of the Sun Salutation – both are powered by the ocean’s waves. Nearby, you might also want to explore the cascading, multi-tiered waterfalls of Krka National Park, head out on a horseback ride through the Velika Plana Valley or indulge in some wine, cheese and liquor tasting. Slightly further afield, Croatia’s second-city Split delights with the World Heritage delights of Diocletian’s Palace – one of the world’s greatest Roman monuments.

Stay: Seabourn Encore (Deluxe)

Your voyage ends back in Italy. While an included transfer will see you to your flight back to the UK, we’d recommend extending your time here to take in Venice’s many delights. Along with exploring its waterway maze of quite town squares, gilded palaces and canal-side restaurants, its nearby islands are a further highlight with their glass-blowing artisans and impossibly colourful water-side houses. Speak to one of our specialists to find out more.