2028 Venice to Athens - Azamara Cruise

Then It's Time to Cruise!

After spending a couple of weeks exploring the Venice area before boarding, it's time for the main event - the cruise! The itinerary looks fabulous, and the map above gives you an idea of the journey ahead. This 12-day adventure takes us across the Adriatic Sea and beyond, with stops in Slovenia, Croatia, the Greek Isles, and Turkey before finishing in Athens.

With just one sea day, this is going to be a port-packed, go-go adventure! That's one reason we're allowing plenty of time to explore before boarding. We want to be rested and ready for all those ports, evening activities, shows, and onboard fun!

Our Day-by-Day Cruise Schedule

Here's our current day-by-day schedule, including planned arrival and departure times. As always, our final booking documents will be the authority if the cruise line makes any changes before we sail.

Cruising...

Koper, Slovenia (Day #2): Koper is Slovenia's fifth-largest city and its main port on the country's short stretch of Adriatic coastline. Located in the southwest, just a few kilometers south of the Italian border, Koper was once an island before being connected to the mainland in the 19th century. Centuries of Venetian rule left their mark on the Old Town, where highlights include the mid-15th-century Praetorian Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption.

The cruise ship dock is only a 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town. Koper is worth exploring if you enjoy a relaxed blend of Venetian architecture, local wine, and the atmosphere of a working coastal city.

Zadar, Croatia (Day #3): Zadar is a historic coastal city on Croatia's Adriatic coast, with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years. Its attractions range from Roman ruins and Venetian-era walls to some fascinating modern installations. One of the most unusual is the Sea Organ, a wave-powered sound installation built beneath marble steps along the waterfront. Nearby, the Greeting to the Sun is a large, circular solar-powered installation that creates a colorful light show after sunset. Since we don't depart until 8:00 p.m., we may even get a chance to enjoy the show from the ship! The Old Town is largely car-free, with narrow marble streets, the remains of a Roman Forum dating to the 1st century BC, and the distinctive 9th-century Church of St. Donatus.

Split, Croatia (Day #4): Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the largest on the Dalmatian coast. Its historic Old Town is built right into the remains of the enormous Palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, Split has a population of more than 160,000 within the city and around 310,000 in the metropolitan area. The city began as the Greek colony of Aspalathos in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, but it really came into its own when Emperor Diocletian chose the site for his retirement palace. Construction began around 295 AD, and the palace was completed in 305 AD.

Today, Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much more than an ancient monument. It is a living, breathing neighborhood filled with apartments, cafes, shops, and remarkably well-preserved Roman cellars. It's a fascinating place to wander, with history around practically every corner.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (Day #5): Often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a beautiful historic port city tucked between the Adriatic Sea and Mount Srd. Its Old Town is a pedestrian-only UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its massive medieval stone walls, polished marble streets, and distinctive orange-red rooftops. The city walls stretch for nearly 2 kilometers around the Old Town, offering wonderful views of the city and coastline. Just outside the walls stands Fort Lovrijenac, a dramatic fortress that was also used as a filming location for *Game of Thrones*. For an even broader view, the cable car ride up Mount Srd offers panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.

At Sea (Day #6): A day to relax, recharge, and enjoy the ship! After five consecutive days exploring ports along the Adriatic, we'll welcome a chance to slow down a bit. Perhaps a leisurely breakfast, some time by the pool, a little exploring around the ship, and maybe a cocktail or two. No sightseeing schedule, no tour buses, and best of all, no alarm clock! Sometimes a day at sea is just what the doctor ordered.

Chania (Crete), Greece (Day #7): Chania is a picturesque coastal city on the northwest coast of Crete, famous for its charming Old Venetian Harbor and lively Old Town. The harbor is one of the city's highlights, with its iconic Egyptian Lighthouse, Firkas Fortress, and historic Venetian shipyards. Just inland, the Old Town is a maze of narrow, colorful alleyways lined with Venetian mansions, Ottoman-era buildings, shops, and inviting restaurants. It's the kind of place where getting a little lost might be part of the fun!

Ermoupoli (Syros), Greece (Day #8): Ermoupoli is the beautiful capital of the Greek island of Syros and the administrative center of the South Aegean region. Founded in the 1820s during the Greek War of Independence, its name means "Town of Hermes." Unlike the familiar whitewashed villages found on many Cycladic islands, Ermoupoli stands out for its grand neoclassical architecture, pastel-colored mansions, and marble-paved streets. At the heart of town is Miaouli Square, with its palm trees and impressive City Hall, designed by the renowned architect Ernst Ziller. Another highlight is the Apollon Theater, an 1864 architectural gem inspired by Milan's famous La Scala opera house. With so much beautiful architecture to admire, we'll want to remember to look up as we wander the streets!

Chios Island, Greece (Day #9): Chios is the fifth-largest Greek island, located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, just a few miles off the coast of Turkey. The island is famous for producing mastic (mastiha), a rare natural resin harvested by hand from trees in its southern villages, collectively known as the Mastichochoria. Chios is also home to the 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, and is widely believed to be the birthplace of Homer. Other highlights include Mavra Volia, a striking beach covered in dark volcanic pebbles, and the lush citrus orchards of Campos. Between the history, scenery, and local specialties, Chios sounds like a place worth exploring!

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey (Day #10): Kusadasi is the lively port town that serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, located near Selquk, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the cruise port. Founded by Greek settlers, Ephesus later became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and a major center of trade. Today, its remarkably preserved ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into life nearly 2,000 years ago. Highlights include the enormous Great Theatre, which once seated around 25,000 people, and the famous Terrace Houses, where beautifully preserved frescoes and mosaics reveal how some of the city's wealthier residents lived. Walking these ancient streets should be quite an experience - we'll practically be stepping back in time!

Patmos, Greece (Day #11): Patmos is a peaceful Greek island in the northern Dodecanese, often called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean" because of its deep Christian history. According to tradition, Saint John the Apostle was exiled here around 95 AD, where he is believed to have written the Book of Revelation. The island's most important landmarks include the hilltop Monastery of Saint John, the charming medieval village of Chora, and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where tradition holds that Saint John received his visions. In 1999, these three historic sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patmos offers a wonderful mix of history, spirituality, and traditional Greek island charm - a lovely way to wrap up our port visits before heading to Athens.

Athens - After the Cruise

Our 2028 Athens plans won't be finalized until after we return from our 2027 trip. We already have quite a list of must-see sights in Athens, and we're hoping to save some of the places we don't get to in 2027 for our return visit in 2028. So, for now, this part of the itinerary is a work in progress. More to come!