Star Clippers Adriatic Grand Voyage: From Athens to Dubrovnik
Cindi Sanden
Stretching across borders and centuries of history, the Adriatic Grand Voyage is one of Star Clippers’ most enriching Mediterranean itineraries. This journey sails from Athens through the Greek Isles and up the Adriatic to Dubrovnik, blending world-famous landmarks with hidden treasures.
Why Choose the Adriatic Grand Voyage?
This itinerary offers a rare chance to experience multiple cultures and coastlines in a single sailing. From Greek mythology to Roman ruins and Venetian fortresses, every stop reveals a different layer of Mediterranean history—all while traveling aboard an authentic tall ship with fewer than 230 guests.
Itinerary Highlights
- Athens (Piraeus) – Begin your journey in the cradle of Western civilization.
- Mykonos – Iconic windmills, golden beaches, and cosmopolitan energy.
- Santorini – Whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs, overlooking the dramatic caldera.
- Katakolon (Olympia) – Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games and walk the ancient stadium.
- Corfu – A lush Ionian island of Venetian palaces, olive groves, and hidden coves.
- Kotor, Montenegro – Sail into the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – End your voyage in the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its medieval walls and marble streets.
Why This Voyage Is Unique
The Adriatic Grand Voyage is ideal for travelers who want variety and depth. Unlike weeklong cruises focused on a single region, this sailing ties together Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia into one seamless journey. Guests enjoy both iconic ports and off-the-beaten-path discoveries, all under sail.
Life Onboard
Between historic ports, life at sea is just as rewarding:
- Watch the crew set thousands of square feet of canvas.
- Join complimentary watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling.
- Dine al fresco or in the elegant main restaurant with open seating.
- Unwind with sunset cocktails, stargazing, and casual entertainment under the sails.
Who Will Love This Sailing?
- History buffs – drawn to Olympia, Dubrovnik, and ancient Greek landmarks.
- Scenic travelers – eager to sail through the Bay of Kotor and Santorini’s caldera.
- Adventurers – who enjoy an active blend of watersports, exploring walled cities, and hiking island trails.
- Cultural travelers – seeking a journey across three countries with diverse traditions and cuisines.
Watch the Experience
Get inspired with this video glimpse of Star Clippers’ Mediterranean adventures:
The Adriatic Grand Voyage is more than a cruise—it’s a moving story across seas, centuries, and civilizations, made unforgettable by the romance of tall ship sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Adriatic Grand Voyage
How long is the Adriatic Grand Voyage?
Star Clippers typically operates the Adriatic Grand Voyage as a longer sailing, usually between 10 and 14 nights. This allows enough time to explore both the Greek Isles and the Adriatic coastline, including Montenegro and Croatia.
Which ports does this itinerary include?
Highlights often include:
- Athens (Piraeus) – embarkation point in Greece
- Mykonos & Santorini – iconic Cycladic islands
- Katakolon (Olympia) – the birthplace of the Olympic Games
- Corfu – lush Ionian island with Venetian influence
- Kotor, Montenegro – sail into the fjord-like Bay of Kotor
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – disembark in the “Pearl of the Adriatic”
Why is this itinerary special compared to other Mediterranean cruises?
The Adriatic Grand Voyage is unique because it links three distinct cultures and coastlines—Greek, Montenegrin, and Croatian—on one seamless sailing. It combines famous sites with lesser-known gems like the Bay of Kotor, creating a journey of variety and depth.
How many passengers are on the ship?
The Royal Clipper carries about 227 guests, while the Star Clipper and Star Flyer carry about 170 each. This small scale creates a more intimate, yacht-like atmosphere and allows access to harbors that larger ships cannot enter.
What is included in the fare?
Your fare covers:
- All meals and snacks onboard
- Coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast
- Use of pools, decks, and lounges
- Complimentary watersports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing)
- Access to the open bridge to meet the captain and crew
Not included: alcoholic beverages, sodas, gratuities, shore excursions, airfare, and transfers.
Is this itinerary good for history lovers?
Yes—this sailing includes ports like Olympia, Corfu, and Dubrovnik, all rich with ancient and medieval history. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy walking historic sites, touring UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, and discovering stories from across centuries.
What is the best time of year to sail the Adriatic Grand Voyage?
The season generally runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). June and September offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while July and August are the liveliest months with the warmest sea temperatures.
Do the ships actually sail in the Adriatic?
Yes. Whenever conditions allow, the tall ships sail under thousands of square feet of canvas. Guests often describe sailing into Santorini’s caldera or Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor under full sail as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
