10-Night Jewels Of The Med Voyage – October 2023

4 – 14 October 2023

Join Wine Diva Deb aboard the Azamara Onward for this unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean. 

This journey begins in Venice, perhaps the most romantic city on Earth. Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals before dining at Ristorante Quadri or Antiche Carampane—two of the oldest restaurants in the city.

From here, we say arrivederci to Italy and zdravo to Slovenia with a late-night stay in Koper. Immerse yourself in the city’s Old Town and be sure to check out Titov Trg, the heart of Koper’s medieval core. Up next is Pula, Croatia, a stunning Adriatic city that’s home to a wide assortment of beautiful Roman architecture, followed by a late-night stay in another Croatian gem, Dubrovnik. Nothing short of awe-inspiring, Dubrovnik is surrounded by ancient walls that protect an old town full of winding limestone streets and brilliantly baroque buildings.

The late-night stays continue when we arrive in Corfu, Greece. Home to the breathtaking Achilleion Palace and Mon Repos villa, this island is a popular destination for explorers and foodies alike. Be sure to sample pastitsada (stewed meat in a tomato sauce with generous amounts of paprika) while you’re here—it’s a Corfiot specialty. The next morning, you’ll arrive in Argostoli, Greece, a lively town sprinkled with trendy boutiques, chic cafes, and friendly locals. Strolling the pedestrian-friendly streets, you’re sure to hear the sweet sounds of Greek kantades performed by talented musicians. While you’re here, don’t miss Drogarati Cave—home to the captivating underground Melissani Lake.

From Argostoli, it’s off to Gythion and the warm turquoise waters along Lakonikos Bay. And because it is Greece—where there’s no escaping the past—you can get your UNESCO World Heritage fix at the 13th-century Byzantine citadel of Mystras. A late-night stay in sun-kissed Santorini, Greece, is next. Sailing into port, it’s hard to not be captivated by Santorini’s towering cliffs that plunge into the shimmering turquoise waters and its beaches that make it an ideal destination for sun worshippers.

The seaside resort town of Ҫeşme is our next stop. A popular destination for both Turks and tourists, it’s the perfect place to discover by sea with its pristine surfing and windsurfing conditions, but also by land through its collection of Greek neoclassical buildings in the Old City. Our journey concludes with an overnight stay in İstanbul, Turkey. A truly alluring city, İstanbul melds together the Eastern and Western worlds, creating a unique atmosphere unlike any other on Earth. Food, architecture, history, it all has a distinct flavor in İstanbul, and it’s all waiting for you to discover on this spectacular voyage.

 

Voyage Details

Date Port/City Activity Arrival Depart
Wed 4 Oct Venice, Italy Embark/Docked 6:00pm
Thu 5 Oct Koper, Slovenia Docked 8:00am 10:30pm
Fri 6 Oct Pula, Croatia Tendered 8:00am 3:00pm
Sat 7 Oct Dubrovnik, Croatia Tendered 8:00am 9:00pm
Sun 8 Oct Corfu, Greece Docked 1:00pm 8:00pm
Mon 9 Oct Argostoli, Greece Docked 8:00am 6:00pm
Tue 10 Oct Gythion, Greece Tendered 8:00am 6:00pm
Wed 11 Oct Santorini, Greece Tendered 8:00am 9:00pm
Thu 12 Oct Cesme, Turkey Docked 8:00am 2:00pm
Fri 13/Sat 14 Oct Istanbul, Turkey Docked/Debark 9:00am (13 Oct)

Port Details

Venice, Italy

Experience Venice, one of the most captivating—and romantic—cities in the world. Tour the city’s cobblestone streets and overarching bridges, or take to the water and explore the canals on a water taxi or gondola. As you make your way through the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop, sample delicious Veneto wines, or people watch in Piazza San Marco.

Koper, Slovenia

  Even with such sights as the historic Old Town, Preaetorian Palace, and the beautiful square of Titov Trg, Koper is also the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Skocjan Caves; tour the capital city of Ljubljana, truly one of Europe’s secret gems; or cross the border into the Italian coffee capital of Trieste for a cappuccino.

Pula, Croatia

  Pula may be a relatively undiscovered gem by most modern-day travelers, but with its protected harbor and strategic location on the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, it’s proven a popular hit with invaders. For almost 3,000 years, Pula has been home to everyone from the Romans, Ostrogoths, and Venetians to medieval knights and the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

  From the moment you step beyond the stonewalls that protects Dubrovnik, you’ll understand what makes it so special. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is adorned with charming squares and centuries-old red-roofed buildings. Walk the walls for a spectacular view of the city, and if anything looks familiar, it’s probably because Dubrovnik is the home of King’s Landing on HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Corfu, Greece

It’s one of the most popular Greek Isles for good reason. Explore the cobblestoned streets of Old Town in search of handcrafted treasures or while away the day on a sandy beach in town, or head out to the charming countryside. Here you’ll find olive groves, lemon trees, and rugged cliffs that are more than postcard-worthy.

Argostoli, Greece

  The capital and “heart” of the Greek Island of Kefalonia, Argostoli is a modern town with a traditional soul. With its stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites, the famous Drogati Cave and underground Melissani Lake routinely top must-see lists—plus the vibrant Plateia Vallianou Square.

Gythion, Greece

  Nature lovers will appreciate the beaches along Lakonikos Bay, home to warm turquoise waters. If you like dramatically lit places, head to Diros Caves to be punted along through one of the earliest inhabited places in all of Greece. For fans of ancient city-states, it’s worth the 30-minute drive to the banks of the Eurotas River in Laconia, just to climb out of the car and bellow, “This is SPARTA!”

Santorini, Greece

  The capital, Fira, clings to the rim of the caldera 900 feet above the sea. Take the cable car, or giddy up on a donkey to climb the 588 steps to the top. Hike to nearby Oia, a quintessential Greek village. Head south to the 3,500-year-old Minoan town Akrotiri. Often called Greece’s answer to Pompeii, the well-preserved ruins provide a glimpse into Santorini’s storied (and explosive) past.

Cesme, Turkey

  The seaside resort town of Cesme is not only a popular destination for Turkish and tourists alike, but also for surfers, who come from all over the world to surf, windsurf, kite-surf…the list goes on. (Perhaps it’s the golden-sand beaches like Ilica Beach, warm sapphire waters, and laid-back atmosphere that have something to do with the allure.)

Istanbul, Turkey

  East meets West in the storied city where Europe and Asia meet. Start in Sultanahmet Square and you can easily explore the intricate architecture of Topkapi Palace, the cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum of Hagia Sofia, and the brilliant blues of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Sample kebaps, mezes and more at the city’s endless restaurants and taverns where you’re sure to meet friendly locals and be caught up in their infectious love of life.

On Board Inclusions

VIRTUOSO HOSTED VOYAGE INCLUSIVE AMENITIES OFFERED ON This Cruise: 
  • Enjoy the benefit of a knowledgeable host, 
  • Invitation to a private cocktail reception; and
  • Exclusive excursion included – details below.

Farm to Table Cooking Lesson – Gytheio – 2023 (5 Hours 30 Minutes)

10 Oct 2023 | Gythio, Greece

Enjoy the ultimate gastronomic experience! Visit an organic local farm, enter in the sanctuaries of the Greek cuisine and learn all the secrets of the Laconic gastronomy, while being in the land of Leonidas and the last Byzantine emperor. Upon arrival to the farm, enjoy a tour with the owner and find out the concept and the philosophy of the farm including its architecture, environmental technologies, perennial olive groves, vineyards, animals and people. Then, walk around the organic farm to pick fresh eatable greens, cut fresh organic vegetables from the gardens, and start creating your meals during our cooking seminars under the supervision and expertise of local chef. Enjoy a slow food experience: cut, boil, bake and create special dishes from the symphony of local products.

 

All Azamara Cruises include the following:

  • Complimentary AzAmazing Evening event or onboard Destination Celebration (on most voyages)
  • Select standard spirits, and international selection of beers and wines throughout the voyage
  • Gratuities (dining, bar and housekeeping)
  • Shuttles to/from port communities, where available
  • Destination-influenced entertainment & enrichment
  • Bottled Water, Sodas and specialty Coffee & Teas
  • Concierge Services for personal guidance and reservations
  • Self-Service Laundry
  • All gourmet meals
  • Aqua Spa and Fitness center
  • Piano and Wine bar, and Live Entertainment

For Veranda Plus Guests

All standard amenities plus:

  • Complimentary Internet (120 minutes or 25% off the unlimited internet package) per guest
  • One free bag of laundry service per stateroom, every seven days
  • One night complimentary specialty dining for two, each seven days
  • Priority embarkation and debarkation
  • Complimentary in-room spirits

For Suite Guests

All standard amenities plus:

  • English butler service
  • 240 complimentary Internet minutes per guest
  • One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
  • Complimentary dining in specialty restaurants
  • Priority embarkation and debarkation
  • Complimentary in-room spirits
  • Afternoon tea service in suite
  • $300 in Onboard Credit per person (Club World Owner’s Suites, Club Ocean Suites, Club Spa Suites categories only)

Pricing Details* (per person US$)

*Airfare not included in prices listed. Price per person, includes $150/person onboard credit for Suite and Veranda categories and an exclusive Virtuoso Hosted excursion.

verandah Veranda $3120
Oceanview Oceanview $2455
Interior Inside $2095
 Suite $4135

 

To Reserve your space

Send email to: winedivadeb@yahoo.com or call Wine Diva Deb on 206-617-6160.

A deposit of $1,100/cabin or $2,220/Suite is required.

All reservations based on double occupancy.  Travel Insurance highly recommended as well as Personal & Medical Insurance.

Azamara Club Cruises reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds US$65 per barrel.