Overnight Flight to Athens, Greece
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Athens, the historic capital of Greece where ancient heritage and modern life blend seamlessly beneath the Acropolis.

Arrive in Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens, a timeless city where ancient ruins and vibrant modern life come together in a captivating cultural mosaic. Home to the iconic Acropolis, world-class museums, lively cafés, and bustling sidewalk markets, Athens offers a rich tapestry of history and atmosphere. Upon arrival, embark on a panoramic tour showcasing the city’s most notable highlights and monuments, including a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games. We will then transfer to a local restaurant for a relaxed welcome lunch featuring fresh Mediterranean flavors — a pleasant opportunity to unwind after your overnight journey and toast the beginning of your adventure. Following lunch, continue to the hotel for check-in and time to rest and refresh. This evening is intentionally relaxed. For those who feel up to it, join a gentle introductory stroll with a local guide to explore the surrounding neighborhood and ease into the rhythm of the city before tomorrow’s visit to the Acropolis. (L)

Athens – Embark the Azamara Onward
Your day begins with an ascent of the Acropolis, Athens’ most iconic landmark and one of the ancient world’s most powerful symbols. Greek for “highest city,” this remarkable site served as both a religious center and military fortress for centuries. From the summit, take in breathtaking panoramic views across Athens and the surrounding landscape.  Later, transfer to Piraeus, Athens’ historic port since 482 BC, where you will embark on the luxurious Azamara Onward, your elegant home for the journey ahead. Settle in, explore the ship’s welcoming spaces, and enjoy the warm Azamara hospitality as you prepare to set sail on your Adriatic cruise through the beautiful coastal destinations of Croatia. (B, D)

Sailing the Adriatic
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea aboard the elegant Azamara Onward as we sail the sparkling Adriatic toward the breathtaking shores of Montenegro. This leisurely day is the perfect opportunity to settle into the rhythm of life onboard and enjoy the many amenities and activities the ship has to offer. Attend enriching destination lectures, join a cooking demonstration, relax by the pool, indulge in the spa, or enjoy afternoon tea and live entertainment. Whether you prefer quiet moments with ocean views or lively social gatherings with fellow travelers, your day at sea offers the perfect balance of relaxation, discovery, and anticipation for the incredible ports ahead. (B, L, D)

Port of Kotor, Montenegro
Arrive via tender into the stunning Bay of Kotor, where a beautifully preserved medieval town lies nestled between towering mountains and one of Europe’s most dramatic natural harbors. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient walled city is filled with narrow stone lanes, charming squares, Romanesque churches, and centuries of maritime history. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, relax at a waterfront café, or admire the spectacular scenery that has made Kotor one of the Adriatic’s most captivating destinations. Adventurous travelers may even wish to climb the historic city walls for unforgettable panoramic views over the bay. (B, L, D)

Port of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive at Dubrovnik’s modern cruise port in Gruž, followed by a short drive to the walled Old Town. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to prominence as a merchant state, independent republic, and cultural crossroads of the Adriatic. The traffic-free Old Town has long been called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and living museum filled with ancient fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters, and Europe’s second-oldest synagogue, all tucked within its remarkably preserved stone walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower, or stroll the length of the Stradun, the city’s grand limestone promenade flanked by elegant baroque buildings, while soaking in the timeless beauty and atmosphere of this extraordinary city. (B, L, D)

Port of Hvar, Croatia
Arrive by tender into the charming harbor of Hvar, where elegant stone streets, cafés, and historic landmarks are just steps from the waterfront. Known as the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands,” Hvar is an enchanting medieval town set along the sparkling Adriatic on the island of the same name. Long favored by celebrities, royalty, and yachting enthusiasts, Hvar is celebrated for its sophisticated charm, lively waterfront, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Considered the sunniest destination in Croatia, the island offers beautiful beaches, secluded coves, and lush landscapes scented by its famed lavender fields, which bloom brilliantly in early summer.  Rich in history and culture, Hvar is home to several UNESCO-recognized treasures, including the ancient Stari Grad Plain, established by Greek settlers in 384 BC and remarkably preserved to this day. In Hvar, discover elegant Venetian architecture, marble streets, and Europe’s first public theater, built in 1612 and still standing proudly in the main square. Today, Hvar blends timeless beauty, fascinating heritage, and Riviera-style elegance into one of the Adriatic’s most captivating destinations. (B, L, D)

Port of Split, Croatia
Dock in the heart of Split, with the lively waterfront promenade and UNESCO-listed Old Town just steps from the ship. Set along the sparkling Dalmatian Coast, Split is a fascinating blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life. At the heart of the city stands the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its ancient stone walls, visitors will discover a lively maze of narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, bustling cafés, shops, and historic squares where everyday life unfolds among remarkably preserved Roman architecture. Stroll along the palm-lined Riva promenade, admire centuries-old churches and medieval landmarks, or simply relax at a waterfront café while taking in views of the Adriatic Sea. Rich in culture, history, and Mediterranean charm, Split offers the perfect balance of historic grandeur and relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it one of Croatia’s most captivating destinations. (B, L, D)

Port of Zadar, Croatia
Dock at Zadar’s modern Gaženica cruise port, followed by a short scenic transfer to the historic Old Town, where Roman ruins and innovative waterfront art await. Situated on a narrow peninsula along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a captivating city where ancient history and contemporary creativity blend seamlessly. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Zadar is filled with Roman ruins, medieval churches, Venetian architecture, and charming marble streets that invite exploration at every turn. The beautifully preserved Old Town offers a relaxed atmosphere with lively cafés, seaside promenades, and picturesque squares overlooking the sparkling Adriatic. Zadar is also known for its unique modern attractions, including the famous Sea Organ, where ocean waves create hauntingly beautiful musical sounds, and the “Greeting to the Sun,” an impressive solar-powered light installation along the waterfront. As the sun sets over the Adriatic — a scene once praised by Alfred Hitchcock as one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets — visitors quickly discover why Zadar remains one of Croatia’s most memorable coastal treasures. (B, L, D)

Port of Rovinj (Istria), Croatia
Arrive by tender into the storybook harbor of Rovinj, where colorful stone streets, waterfront cafés, and Venetian-style architecture unfold directly from the pier. On the Istrian Peninsula along Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast, Rovinj is one of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting seaside towns. Perched on a picturesque headland and crowned by the Church of St. Euphemia, this charming town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades, hidden courtyards, and lively cafés that capture the romance of the Adriatic. The Venetian-style bell tower rises above the skyline, reflecting centuries of Italian influence that continue to shape Rovinj’s distinctive character and atmosphere. Along the waterfront, elegant restaurants, boutique galleries, bustling markets, and a picturesque marina create a vibrant coastal setting, while beautifully preserved stone buildings hint at the town’s rich maritime past. Beyond the harbor lie rolling vineyards, olive groves, medieval hill towns, and scenic beaches with crystal-clear waters. Blending Croatian beauty with Italian charm, Rovinj and the Istrian region offer an unforgettable taste of the Adriatic at its most captivating. (B, L, D)

Port of Venice, Italy – Tour Ends
Arrive this morning in the iconic port of Venice, marking the conclusion of your Adriatic voyage aboard Azamara Onward. After breakfast onboard, disembark and take a final moment to savor the remarkable destinations, cherished encounters, and lasting memories gathered along the Croatian coast and Adriatic Sea. Though the journey ends here, the warmth of new friendships and the beauty of the places you’ve explored will travel home with you. (B)