Expedition Journey: From the City of the Gods to the Dalmatian Coast

Day 1 - Athens

Athens, Greece: Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city steeped in history and brimming with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the iconic Parthenon on the Acropolis. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, vibrant neighbourhoods, and indulge in exquisite Greek cuisine.

Day 2 - Náfplion

Náfplion, Greece: Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Náfplion. The town's old section, perched on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, is a captivating blend of Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture. Narrow, often stair-stepped streets climb the slopes beneath the imposing walls of Acronafplia. Neoclassical buildings line tree-shaded plazas, while the Palamidi fortress, a testament to Venetian strength from the early 1700s, towers over the town. Náfplion demands at least a full day of exploration, but many visitors find it a perfect base for venturing into the area's rich tapestry of ancient sites.

Day 3 - Kythira

Kythira, Greece: Kythira, a serene Greek island, is known for its idyllic beaches, charming villages, and rich history steeped in mythology. The island, apart from its picturesque landscapes, offers ancient ruins and caves to explore, making it a captivating destination for relaxation and adventure.

Day 4 - Pýlos

Pýlos, Greece: Pýlos, set along the lush hills and azure waters of the Ionian Sea, is a town filled with history, from the famous naval battle of Navarino Bay to the grand, well-preserved Niokastro. Its charming squares and cafes make it ideal for leisurely exploration.

Day 5 - Zakynthos

Zakynthos, Greece: Known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife, Zakynthos offers stunning vistas such as the iconic Navagio Beach with its shipwreck and turquoise waters. The island is a blend of vivid natural beauty and lively cultural experiences.

Day 6 - Parga

Parga, Greece: Parga, a picturesque town on the Ionian coast, is famous for its scenic beaches and Venetian castle. Visitors can stroll through charming streets lined with colourful houses and experience the warm hospitality of its locals.

Day 8 - Hvar Island

Hvar Island, Croatia: Hvar Island proudly claims to be the "sunniest island in the Adriatic," and rightly so with its 2,724 hours of sunshine annually. This island offers not just idyllic seaside views, but also a unique promise—a money-back guarantee in the off chance of seven consecutive days of snow, which last occurred in 2012.

Day 9 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Nothing can quite prepare you for the awe-inspiring sight of Dubrovnik. Nestled along the coast, 216 km southeast of Split, this fortified city is renowned for its magnificent stone ramparts and the elegantly curved fortress towers that hug its quaint harbour. Enclosed within are striking orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and slender bell towers. This stunning setting ignites the imagination, harkening back to its days as a lone stone sentinel rising from the sea amidst the absence of suburbs and highways. Originating in the 7th century after fleeing the Avars and Slavs, its early settlers established what we now know as Dubrovnik. The city evolved and coalesced with the Slav settlement of Dubrovnik in the 12th century, forming what today is a breathtaking Old Town. Its solid defensive walls, built in the 13th century and reinforced in the 15th, encapsulated a thriving republic known for its sophisticated independence until the Napoleonic conquest in 1808. Dubrovnik regained glory as a tourist hot spot in the 20th century, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, despite a hard siege during the war for independence. Today, thanks to careful restoration, Dubrovnik's breathtaking heritage stands resilient for all to enjoy.