This website uses modern construction techniques, which may not render correctly in your old browser.
We recommend updating your browser for the best online experience.

Visit browsehappy.com to help you select an upgrade.

Skip to Content

Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean

Dubrovnik to Istanbul

15 days / 14 nights

Small Ship Cruise

Luxury

Seabourn Ovation

Departs 15 May 2027

from
$21,145*
per person twin share

Book Now

Download Flyer

Overview

Cruise from Dubrovnik to Istanbul, uncovering the coastal jewels of the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas. Stroll along charming cobbled streets in medieval towns and cities, and admire superbly preserved archaeological sites that reveal the legacy of ancient civilisations. Follow the enticing aroma of freshly baked local delicacies before enjoying a tasting, then conclude your epic voyage in magnificent Istanbul, renowned for its architectural splendour and celebrated cuisine.

Inclusions

  • 14 nights aboard the Seabourn Ovation
  • Experiences in seven destinations
  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 41 meals and a wide range of premium onboard beverages
  • Services of an expert APT Tour Leader
  • Transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Visit the Acropolis of Athens
  • Enjoy an after-hours visit to the ancient city of Ephesus or a private performance by a chamber orchestra
  • Take in a private concert at a baroque style church in Kotor

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik, Embark Ship

Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious home for the next 14 nights, the Seabourn Ovation. This evening, join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome reception to celebrate the start of an unforgettable voyage.

Stay: 14 Nights, Seabourn Ovation

Daily: Dinner

Day 2 Kotor

Today arrive in Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro situated on a magnificent fjord. Here, board a local boat and travel along the Luštica Peninsula, known for its dense olive groves, lush pine forests and secluded blue lagoons. Arrive in the picturesque town of Prčanj, where you’ll enjoy a memorable Signature Experience. Enjoy lunch back on board, then spend some free time to explore Kotor before continuing your journey.

Signature Experience - St Nicholas Classical Concert

Step inside the Church of St Nicholas, a stunning baroque masterpiece dating back to the early 1700s, and home to a historic Franciscan monastery. Begin with a welcome drink upon arrival, then be enchanted by a private concert performed by a talented guitarist duo, offering an intimate and unforgettable musical experience.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Brindisi, Lecce

Dock in Brindisi, perched on a peninsula between two arms of the Adriatic Sea, and set out on a guided tour to the charming town of Lecce. Begin at Piazza St Oronzo, where the 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre once welcomed up to 20,000 spectators and marked the legendary end of the Appian Way. Stroll through the city centre and discover the distinctive Leccese baroque style, evident in ornate rococo and baroque monuments dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit the magnificent Santa Croce Basilica, admire the impressive facade of the Governor’s Palace, a former Celestine monastery, and conclude at Piazza Duomo, one of southern Italy’s most breathtaking squares. Return to the ship and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Corfu

Just a few miles off the Albanian coast lies the enchanting Greek island of Corfu, one of the most captivating of the Greek Isles. Celebrated by Homer in The Odyssey and chosen by Shakespeare as the setting for The Tempest, the island bears traces of its diverse rulers—Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia, and Great Britain. Rolling groves of olives, cypress, oleander, myrtle, and orchards of lemon and orange trees create a lush, verdant landscape.

Corfu's Old Town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, best explored on foot, while the modern district features wide avenues. Residents take pride in the Spianada, boasting that it's the largest and most beautiful square in all of Greece. Spend the day at leisure exploring at your own pace, or join one of the optional sightseeing tours (additional expense).

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Itea, Delphi

Arrive in Itea and embark on an excursion to the sacred site of Delphi. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the partially reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians, before exploring the impressive Delphi Museum, home to one of the finest collections of archaeological treasures in Greece. Later, return to your ship in Itea for an afternoon at leisure.

Daily: Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Day at Sea

Relax on board and enjoy the ship's wealth of luxurious amenities as you sail along idyllic coastlines, admiring the ever-changing scenery.

Daily: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Gythion, Aeropolis

From Gythion, follow the dramatic coastline of the Mani Peninsula, celebrated since the time of Homer and renowned for its striking stone tower houses. Continue to Areopolis, a beautifully preserved town of cobbled lanes and restored cubic homes, perched more than 200 metres above sea level. Here, visit Milia Bakery, regarded as one of the oldest bakeries in the Peloponnese. Discover a range of traditional baked specialties, including sesame bread rings, handmade pies, crunchy rusk breads, and sweet biscuits known locally as koulourakia. Enjoy a tasting of these local delicacies before returning to your ship. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in Gythion.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Athens

Arrive in the timeless city of Athens, Greece’s capital, steeped in history and culture. Set out on a captivating tour of its most iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Acropolis, the majestic Parthenon, and the charming historic neighbourhood of Plaka. As you wander along narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported back in time, walking in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks and immersing yourself in the enduring heritage of this legendary city.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Monemvasia

Today, arrive in the enchanting medieval town of Monemvasia, a remote gem set on a small island and considered one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Carved from a rugged sea rock and accessible only by a scenic causeway, this secluded settlement exudes an atmosphere of mystery and timeless beauty. Its name, meaning ‘single passage’, perfectly reflects the town’s remoteness and enduring allure.

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Explore at your own pace, perhaps taking a gentle walk to the hilltop for sweeping panoramic views across the sparkling sea, or choose to join one of the optional sightseeing tours available (additional expense).

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Agios Nikolaos

Disembark in Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete this morning and travel to the charming village of Plaka. From here, board a small boat for a short crossing to Spinalonga Island, set at the entrance to Elounda Bay. Once an Italian fortress and among the last strongholds to fall to Ottoman rule, Spinalonga later served as a leper colony until the mid-20th century. Today, the abandoned island stands as a compelling and atmospheric historical site.

After exploring the island, return to Plaka to enjoy traditional Greek snacks and a glass of raki at a local taverna. Conclude your tour with a drive back to Agios Nikolaos, where you may choose to explore the town at leisure or return to the ship to unwind on board.

Daily:·  Breakfast·  Lunch·  Dinner

Day 11 Mykonos

The quintessential Greek island of Mykonos enchants with its whitewashed houses, domed churches, towering windmills, and a maze of narrow streets originally designed to confuse pirates. Splashes of vibrant blue — on doors, shutters, window frames, and dome-church roofs — mirror the sparkling sea and sky, creating a picture-perfect setting. The bustling harbour is alive with colourful fishing boats, local vendors, and a lively mix of residents and visitors enjoying the casual seaside cafes.

Spend the day at leisure exploring at your own pace, or choose to join an optional excursion to the nearby island of Delos (additional expense) for a deeper exploration into the region’s rich history.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Çeşme

Situated on a promontory at the tip of its namesake peninsula, Çeşme captivates with a blend of history and charm. The town is dominated by the imposing medieval Çeşme Castle, while its back streets invite leisurely exploration, lined with quaint Ottoman and Greek houses that enchant visitors. South of the castle, discover an Ottoman caravanserai dating back to 1528, now transformed into a stylish boutique hotel, and visit the Greek Orthodox Church of Ayios Haralambos, a serene testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Kuşadası, Ephesus

Dock in Kuşadası this morning and join a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Stroll along the well-preserved marble streets and marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian, while your expert guide brings the city’s rich Roman history vividly to life. After exploring the site, visit the Ephesus Museum, where a remarkable collection of statues, mosaics, and everyday artefacts offers deeper insight into the lives and grandeur of this once-thriving metropolis.

Following dinner on board, return to Ephesus for an exclusive Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Ephesus After Hours

Return to the ancient city to a warm welcome, with refreshments served at elegant bistro tables set along a historic marble road — an enchanting introduction to this legendary site. Continue to the Odeon Theatre, a beautifully preserved 2nd-century AD structure once used for political gatherings, performances, and social events. Reserved exclusively for Seabourn guests this evening, the theatre provides a magical setting to relive the past. Take your place on the ancient stone benches, just as the citizens of Ephesus once did, and enjoy a captivating chamber orchestra performance under the stars. With the timeless music and extraordinary atmosphere, this is an evening that will transport you back in time — an experience that will stay with you for years to come.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Day at Sea

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax onboard, enjoying the ship's wealth of amenities, as your ship as sails towards the extraordinary city of Istanbul, famously located at the junction between Europe and Asia.

Daily:·  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Disembark Ship, Depart Istanbul

After breakfast on board, disembark the Seabourn Ovation in Istanbul. Your journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily: Breakfast

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

Destinations featured in this deal

Europe Italy Greece Türkiye Croatia

We just need some details...

Then one of our expert Consultants will get back to you shortly.

Call us
13 11 00
Email us
holidays@pht.com.au
Meet with us
Find your closest branch

Contact Details

Name
Address
Are you an existing client to Phil Hoffmann Travel?
Subscribe
By proceeding I agree to my personal information being handled in accordance with Phil Hoffmann Travel Privacy Policy.