There is no shortage of vessels plying the waters of the Adriatic. However, what we offer aboard Callisto is special. Be one of just 34 passengers as we cruise amongst the many islands aboard our private yacht. Visit small ports and explore ashore accompanied by a knowledgeable guest speaker.
Spring arrives in a great flourish along the Dalmatian Coast. It is a wonderful time to explore this extraordinarily beautiful corner of Europe and if ever a region was right for exploration by sea it is here. Even the most jaded of travellers cannot fail to be won over by the beauty of this region. The sea is an intense blue and the islands are amazingly picturesque. Mountains sweep down to the sea covered in rich vegetation, islands lace the coast creating endless inviting waterways and channels and on shore there are great historic villages, towns and cities. The whole coastline of the Adriatic offers a wealth of historic and natural world wonders.
Our voyage allows us a comprehensive look at this unique region, whether it be the forests and natural beauty of Korcula and Mljet or the enchanting medieval architecture of Vis. The highlight for many will be the visit to Dubrovnik, a marvellous example of a medieval city, surrounded by its ancient walls and well deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Split, with its powerful reminders of the Roman Era, we can admire the classical architecture which has inspired artists and architects through the ages. At the end of the voyage, be on deck in the early morning as we approach La Serenissima and sail past some of Venice’s most beautiful buildings.
One Thousand Islands and Beyond itinerary:
Day 1 - LONDON TO DUBROVNIK.
Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the Callisto and embark.
Day 2 - DUBROVNIK.
Dubrovnik is a breathtaking sight and its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Founded by the Romans in the 7th century, it eventually became under the influence of the Byzantine Empire, then Venice, Hungary and finally Turkey. This morning, our local guides will lead us through the bustling old town taking in the beautiful civic building, a monastery, old pharmacy and the city walls.We will also hear of the siege of Dubrovnik in the early 1990s when Serb forces blockaded the city for three months and the bullet-marked buildings bear testimony to this dreadful period of Balkan history. This afternoon is free for further exploration.
Day 3 - KOTOR, MONTENEGRO.
This morning we enter the Gulf of Kotor and sail up the fjord-like entrance to the medieval town and UNESCOWorld Heritage Site of Kotor. This really is an extraordinary place full of marvellous architecture and pretty town squares. Our morning guided tour will include St Tryphon - the 12th century cathedral, the ancient town gates, the Maritime Museum and Romanesque churches including St Luke’s. Rejoin the Callisto for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the old walled town of Budva.
Day 4 - MLJET & KORCULA.
Spend the morning on the idyllic island of Mljet. This is one of the few Dalmatian islands that were never ruled by Venice, which is apparent in the architecture and the absence of any sizeable historic town.What it lacks in terms of great architecture it more than makes up for in natural beauty.We will also visit to the National Park including its beautiful lakes. Sail to the nearby island of Korcula during lunch. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk along Korcula’s crooked medieval streets to the elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility.
Day 5 - VIS & SPLIT.
Today we can particularly appreciate the joy of small ship cruising as we make our way to the island of Vis. This beautiful island sit far out in the Adriatic, well away from the conventional cruise routes. Enjoy a tour of this enchanting island with two medieval towns surrounded by lovely countryside. During lunch sail to Split, and enjoy an afternoon excursion in this fascinating city. Explore the Palace of Diocletian, built by the emperor in 295-305 A.D. as his retirement villa. Much of this large building is well preserved and the palace contains Split’s old town within its walls, making it the only Roman palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times.
Day 6 - KORNATI ISLANDS & RAB, CROATIA.
Spend a leisurely morning on board as we sail through the thousand islands which make up this idyllic national maritime park. This afternoon, we will reach Rab, one of the most beautiful Croatia islands, well known for its natural charm. On our afternoon walking tour we will explore medieval Rab Town, a perfectly preserved late medieval Adriatic settlement squeezed into a slender peninsula along which are dotted a sequence of Romanesque campaniles; it is a truly lovely place.
Day 7 - PIRAN, SLOVENIA.
Another relaxing morning cruising the Adriatic brings us to Piran. Sitting pretty at the tip of a narrow peninsula, Piran is everyone’s favourite place on the Slovenian coast. It is a gem of a place with Venetian Gothic architecture and tiny narrow streets. Join the guided tour through the old town including the Venetian House and the Baroque and Renaissance St Georges Church.With your free time, call into the excellent Maritime Museum or the beautiful Franciscan monastery.
Day 8 - VENICE TO LONDON.
Arrive into Venice this morning. Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.
Callisto
The MS Callisto has a guest list which is limited to 34, a party large enough to bring together an interesting mix, but small enough to foster a true spirit of community. Beautifully appointed and filled with amenities one would expect to find in a fine country house, the 17 cabins feature large windows (portholes on the Daphne Deck) that look out to sea. Cabins also feature:
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Fine Dining
MS Callisto’s steward and kitchen staff seek fresh provisions from many ports of call. Guests savour just caught fish and perfectly ripened produce from local markets, resulting in menus of classic regional specialties as well as creative Continental fare. Select regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner (wine is not permitted to be served in Libyan waters). Meals are served at a single, unassigned seating in the elegantly-styled dining room, surrounded by large picture windows. Weather permitting, guests may also dine al fresco on the broad sun decks.
An Uncommon Advantage
MS Callisto’s compact size allows visits to unspoiled islets, pristine beaches and intimate coves inaccessible to larger cruise-liners. She is both large enough to offer every possible comfort and small enough to navigate tiny inlets and berth in exclusive harbours, taking travellers where few have gone before.
