Adriatic Accolade

Fly from London to join Minerva in the Italian port of Civitavecchia, the gateway to the grandeur of Rome and the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia. Almost 6,000 tombs, many with exquisite frescos have been excavated since 1489.

Relax into life on board as Minerva sails around the toe and heel of Italy into the Adriatic Sea to reach the bustling port town of Brindisi. This important city was at the end of the historic Via Appia along which legionnaires, pilgrims and traders travelled en route to the Near East. The nearby pretty coastal resort of Otranto was once a base of Byzantine power and boasts a fine Aragonese castle, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello is a dense mass of 1,500 unique and fairytale-like trulli houses.

Enjoy Minerva’s convivial atmosphere and relax in the sunshine as you cruise along Italy’s Adriatic coast to Ravenna, a glittering showcase of Byzantine art and culture. View a unique collection of early Christian mosaics described as a symphony of colour by Dante in his Divine Comedy. Ensure you are on deck early to enjoy Minerva’s arrival in Venice ‘The Queen of the Adriatic’ and one of the world’s most remarkable cities. Wander the narrow streets on a guided walk to the lively Rialto district or take a cruise to the islands of the lagoon. A visit to a privately-owned Palladio villa is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the façade of the Veneto’s wonderful buildings. Take advantage of an evening in port to enjoy a glass of Prosecco before dinner in one of Venice’s bars or perhaps dine in a local trattoria.

On the Istrian coast of the Adriatic lies the ancient town of Pula, the highlight of which is a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre that dominates the town centre. As you sail from one port to the next, enjoy the vista of crystal blue seas and abundant Dalmatian islands passing by. Marco Polo is reputed to have been born in the old town of Korcula, a typical walled Dalmatian town, the perfect place to explore at your leisure and enjoy a special performance of the Moreska Sword Dancers, re-enacting the struggle between the White and Black Kings.

Dubrovnik, ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’, once rivalled Venice’s dominance of the area and is another Croatian town ideal for exploration. The mighty city walls enclose marble streets and baroque buildings and the main pedestrian street, Plaça, is lined with shops, cafés and monuments, perfect for a stroll in the evening.

A highlight of the Adriatic region is to sail along the length of the dramatic Kotor Fjord to explore Montenegrin Kotor, a picturesque walled town with a labyrinth of medieval cobbled streets and ancient churches. Venture over the high mountains to the historic town of Cetinje, former royal capital and cradle of religious life and culture. Near to the Albanian town of Sarande visit the mesmerising archaeological site of Butrint, an important port from Hellenistic to Ottoman times.

Minerva sails through the Gulf of Corinth, before making a unique and memorable morning transit of the Corinth Canal on her way to Piraeus, port of ancient Athens. Visit the iconic Acropolis or drive to Cape Sounion where the ancient Temple of Poseidon dramatically overlooks the sea. An unforgettable climax to your cruise discovering the treasures lining the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Cruise Message:

Special offer terms and conditions:

**To qualify for free insurance all passengers must be under 85 years of age at time of booking with no pre-existing medical conditions, further restrictions and terms apply, available on request. Offer only available on bookings confirmed by 31 May 2012.
***Complimentary return UK chauffeur service is available for all passengers booking in cabin grades A, B and C, travelling within 75 miles of Portsmouth or your departing airport.  Excess mileage charges on journeys over 75 miles will apply.

Itineraries and timings may be subject to change.