Seaside town in Croatia with terra cotta roofs on beige brick buildings on a green hillside topped by castle walls in the sun.
Aft of small ship with French flag & pool as it cruises among green & gold hillsides on a Dalmatian Coast & Ionian Sea cruise,
Aft of modern small ship with French flag as it sails the tight Corinth Canal with blue sea & green cliffs on either side.
Woman in white hat & blouse & gray shorts stands along Venice's Grand Canal with a small riverboat nearby & colorful buildings.
Small gray expedition ship sits in teal sea offshore from a bright green tree during a Dalmatian Coast & Ionian Sea cruise.
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Europe Mediterranean Cruise

Dalmatian Coast & Ionian Sea Cruises

Set sail to discover the cultural and artistic jewels of the Aegean, Adriatic and Ionian Seas. On these Timeless Dalmatian Coast and Ionian Sea cruises, take in the legacy of mythical ancient civilizations, picturesque seaside cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, architectural treasures and sparkling sea. Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences and serene relaxation, with one included activity per guest in every port and one or more guest lecturer on board.

The 8-day Cruising The Dalmatian Coast & the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens itinerary makes unique stops in Ploce, Croatia and Saranda, Albania. This itinerary is tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. These PONANT voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture. Look for the themed icon in the Rates and Dates table below.

Passage is aboard 264-guest Le Boreal, a luxury expedition ship cruising the Mediterranean. Enjoy her elegant decor that reflects the seas in which she sails. Explore breathtaking medieval walled cities, romantic canals and magical bays off ship, then return on board your luxury ship for 5-star hotel service and a plethora of activities such as performances, culinary tastings and enriching lectures.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s other Greek Island small ship cruisessmall ship Croatia cruisessmall ship Mediterranean cruises and Mediterranean trips.



Itinerary

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens Itinerary

The Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens cruise operates eastbound from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece, and cruises through the Adriatic Sea before ending in the Aegean Sea. These Timeless/Smithsonian departures include one excursion per guest in every port, plus one or more onboard expert lecturers from Smithsonian Journeys.

Route map of Cruising The Dalmatian Coast & Ionian Sea With Smithsonian Journeys Mediterranean cruise, operating between Greece & Italy with visits along Albania, Croatia & Montenegro.
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Day 1
Embark Venice, Italy

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. Fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for to be explored with its little interlacing streets and canals. Ramble through its squares and push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage goes hand in hand with enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini. Embark the ship for a wonderful week ahead.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Hvar, Croatia

Off the coast of Split, Hvar surprises with its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Ploce

Ploče is a port that shares with nearby Makarska a reputation for great beaches, upscale seafront promenades and a vibrant nightlife. Ploče’s Rupe Ethnographic Museum and Markaska’s intriguing Shell Museum are both worth a visit. Ploče also serves as a gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases the graceful Stari Most (Old Bridge), originally built in 1566, and the early 17th-century Turkish Tabacica Mosque, both carefully restored with help from UNESCO.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Dubrovnik

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik and admire the coastline while walking along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Kotor, Montenegro

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During this stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Saranda, Albania

An historical harbor town on the south-west coast of Albania, Saranda is built on a lush green spur. Its streets lined with palms and maritime pines border the beaches of the Ionian sea at the mouth of Corfu Strait. This very ancient town has archaeological ruins dating from Antiquity, which one can visit while walking along the waterfront.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Itea, Greece & Crossing The Corinth Canal

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. Be tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just six miles from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over 3 miles long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 250-mile detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately 165 feet. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Athens, Greece

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past. Disembark the ship and travel home or onward.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

An excursion in every port of call; transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days; all meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
365 days or more – $250
364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost
210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Athens to Venice – With Smithsonian Journeys cruise begins in Venice, Italy (VCE), and ends in Athens, Greece (ATH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Included activities on your Dalmatian Coast & The Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens cruise are onboard lectures and discussions with subject matter experts from Smithsonian Journeys, the travel component of the Smithsonian Institution. Also included is an excursion in every port of call such as Zodiac cruising; hiking; and guided explorations of cities, museums, monuments, and archeological sites. Additional options include practicing photography and possible swim stops. You will have the opportunity to choose your included excursions prior to departure. Onboard your ship a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; optional spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and more.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 1 year and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. Select departures may offer a Kid’s Club with organized kid-friendly activities. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2026
Le Boreal • 8 days
From $7540USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Luxury Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Le Boreal

The 200-to-264-guest Le Boreal combines high comfort with adventure. Cruising primarily in the polar regions, Europe and the Pacific, she allows her guests to experience luxury, gastronomy, wellness, entertainment and active programming in remote destinations.

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Current Deals on This Trip

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Expert Review

Ship Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • September 9th, 2020
Expert Aboard: L’Austral, Le Soleal, Le Lyrial & Le Boreal Review

Learn from an AdventureSmith luxury cruise expert what it’s like to travel aboard L’Austral and her identical fleet of sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal.

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A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.

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