Greece Islands & More Cruise

You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won't. You'll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There's no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise.
Welcome Aboard - Norwegian Star (Boarding Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm)

With a population of 650.000, Montenegro is an enchanting little country full of extreme geographical diversities. Great mountains with snow peaks, steep fiord-like hills, mountain lakes, mystical monasteries carved in the solid rock, sandy and sunny beaches that go on for miles alongside the coast….that is Montenegro. Located where the Balkans meet the Adriatic, Kotor sits on a deep bay surrounded by soaring cliffs. A hilltop fortress stands guard over the walled medieval Old Town, where you'll find small piazzas, elegant palazzos, lively cafes and shops.
Included Shore Excursion: Kotor Overview Tour - After meeting our guide at the pier our tour of Kotor, Saint Stefan and Budva will begin. We get to drive along the 12 1/2 mile stretch of Budvan Riviera and enjoy spectacular views of the fabulous private island of St. Stefan, a luxurious resort that once used to be a small fishing village. Then explore the ancient town of Budva, considered to be one of the oldest settlements on the Balkan Peninsula and over 2500 years old. Surrounded by ramparts originating from the 15th century including a medieval fortification system with city gates, defense walls and towers. Budva's old city is a small labyrinth of narrow streets, the Citadela (an ancient castle), and little squares with valuable monuments of different Mediterranean cultures. Our tour continues as we discover the fascinating history of Kotor, one of Montenegro's most well-preserved medieval towns. Along the water is a formidable Venetian wall, which lends the city a medieval atmosphere. Within the walls are numerous stone churches including the Kotor (St. Tryphon) Cathedral built in 1166 and numerous palaces built by the important mercantile families of the city's past. Walk through the maze of Kotor's medieval quarter, its bustling market and beautiful Renaissance buildings.

Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
Included Shore Excursion: Corfu Island Tour - A short drive through the lush Corfiot countryside takes us to the traditional village of Gastouri to enter the Achilleion Palace, built by the Empress of Austria in 1891. Then we proceed to one of the most beautiful spots on the island, the Bay of Paleokastritsa, known as the “Capri of Greece.” We will circumvent the bay and drive uphill for a visit to the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, still inhabited by monks. Its small museum houses priceless Byzantine icons and church relics. Leaving Paleokastritsa we drive to Corfu Town passing the coastal resort of Perama, with excellent views of the Convent of Vlacherna and picturesque Mouse Island.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, around a maze of winding narrow cobbled streets known as “kandounia”. Stroll along the old cricket grounds and see the Royal Palace of St. George & St. Michael, the spectacular arcades of the Liston Piazza, a down-sized replica of the Rue de Rivoli of Paris. Visit the 300-year old Church of Saint Spiridon with its priceless icons and gifts, explore the old flea-market, pass the old Town Hall and we will be in the busy shopping district. Free time for shopping before we transfer back to our ship.

Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.
Included Shore Excursion - Santorini Island Tour - After going ashore by local tender to the port of Athinios, our coach will climb 800 feet to the top of the caldera. Our guide will point out the still active volcanic islet in Santorini Bay and discuss the geological upheavals, which gave the island its overwhelming and unique form. Driving through the picturesque scenery and small villages from the southern to the northern end of the island of Santorini, we'll travel across the rich, volcanic countryside.

The beautiful village of Oia is perched atop a craggy cliff at the northernmost point of the island offering panoramic views of steep plummeting cliffs and nearby small islands surrounded by the deep blue sea. The charm of this lovely traditional and somewhat removed village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone alleyways and steps, pointing out the brilliant white stone buildings that create a maze of fine shops, cafes and domed churches. Walking through the village one can enjoy the panoramic views, admire the Cycladic architecture for which the town is well known, and visit many of the art galleries.
After our visit to Oia, we'll continue to the world famous Acrotiri’s archaeological site. The tour concludes at the hilltop village of Fira, where you'll have the option of returning directly to the ship or remaining in town to shop or explore independently. The charm of this lovely cliff-top village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone paths that cater to only pedestrians. From Fira, you will join the cable car (ticket provided) and descend independently to the old port.

Mykonos is an island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. It's popularly known for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music. Massive dance clubs attract world-renowned DJs and typically stay open well past dawn. Iconic landmarks include a row of 16th-century windmills, which sit on a hill above Mykonos town.
Included Shore Excursion: Mykonos Town and Delos Tour - From the pier of Mykonos town we'll board the local ferry to Delos. Upon arrival our licensed guide will provide a fascinating walking tour of one of the most respected and revered sanctuaries of antiquity. Located virtually at the center of the Cyclades island group, today Delos is a small uninhabited island, but it was the religious center of the entire Aegean and the birthplace of Apollo.

In the early 19th century excavations uncovered ruins of a long dead city. Beautiful artifacts such as the Naxos marble lions and splendid mosaic floors are visible amid the ruins and inside the small museum. Rising above the ruins of the ancient city is Mount Kynthos. Here the earliest traces of habitation were discovered, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
After our tour on the island we return to Mykonos where our walking tour of the town begins. First we will stop at the Myconian Archeological Museum which has a number of exhibits from the island of Delos. Next stroll through the narrow whitewashed streets, where you will appreciate the fact that it's confusing layout was designed to foil the attacking pirates. Our next stop is the traditional 15th century bakery which is still operational today and one of the few bakeries in Greece which still uses wood burning ovens. The we will walk through picture-perfect Little Venice, so called due to its striking resemblance in design to the famous canal city. Of course we we'll see the famous windmills, an island trademark, which offers a wonderful photo opportunity.

Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea marked by sandy coves and dry rugged landscapes. Its capital, Argostoli, is built on a hillside overlooking a narrow harbor. Kefalonia's indented coastline is made up of limestone cliffs, bays and short strips of white sand, like Myrtos Beach in the north. Many beaches are only accessible on foot or via narrow twisting roads.
Included Shore Excursion: Kefalonia Island Tour - Our day starts with a very scenic coastal drive through charming small villages, beautiful vineyards, olive trees and breathtaking thick cypress glades to the Agios Gerasimos Nunnery. Founded in the 16th century, today we visit a cave consisting of two rooms with a strange phenomenon: the hole that unites the two rooms, even though it’s very narrow, allows the entrance to all visitors, no matter their dimensions, and even though it’s muddy, no one gets dirty. The monastery is surrounded by the Omala valley, where the 40 wells of St Gerasimo are.
After our visit we travel to Samia, a beautiful coastal town with wide paved streets and Venetian buildings that reflects the rich heritage of the island. Free time for souvenir shopping or enjoy a walk along the coastline.
Leaving Sami, we stop above Myrtos beach for a photo-op and then continue our drive to Assos. Assos is located on a small piece of land that connects the mainland to an isolated miniature island on which we can see a picturesque castle.

Despite the magnificent 13th century walls that surround the city, Dubrovnik is one of the most welcoming cruise destinations in all of Europe. Dubbed “the pearl of the Adriatic” by the poet, Lord Byron, this Croatian city exudes romantic charm and beautiful scenery with its shimmering marble streets, centuries-old buildings capped by bright orange roofs, and lovely beaches ensconced between awesome rocky ledges. Explore more of Dubrovnik on a European cruise!
Included Shore Excursion - Dubrovnik City Tour - Gaze out at the historical streets and listen to our guide’s enlightening commentary on our panoramic drive through Dubrovnik. The best views of Dubrovnik are experienced from the top of the Srd Hill and what better way to enjoy the view then from the Dubrovnik Cable Car. On a clear day, we can see up to 37 miles.

Discover Dubrovnik's Old Town surrounded by mighty walls and fortresses, well preserved over the centuries. Accompanied by our local guide, who will entertain us with interesting stories, we will be given a walking tour of all the major sights of Dubrovnik’s Old City. Within the Franciscan monastery's solid stone walls is a gorgeous mid-14th-century cloister, historic pharmacy and a small museum with a collection of relics, including chalices, paintings, gold jewelry and pharmacy items. Artillery remains that pierced the monastery walls during the 1990s war have been saved, too. The old pharmacy is indeed an aged wonder–it’s the third oldest in all of Europe and the oldest pharmacy still in use on the continent today.

Our cruise ship has been docked overnight so you can disembark anytime after 6:00am. If you have time, breakfast is available before saying goodbye to all your new friends. Make your way to the Venice airport (airport code VCE) for your flight home. Have a safe flight!