Day 1 – Thursday 13 May - Dubrovnik
Following the conclusion of the main conference programme in Budapest, transfer to the airport for a privately chartered flight to the stunning Adriatic city of Dubrovnik. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful coastal destinations, Dubrovnik captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture, limestone streets and breathtaking seaside setting. Take time to relax after your journey, stroll along the city's picturesque waterfront, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination.
The evening is at leisure, offering the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of Dubrovnik's many excellent restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Overnight: Hilton Dubrovnik
Day 2 – Friday 14 May - Dubrovnik
This morning, gather with fellow delegates for a meeting session before embarking on a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's remarkable Old Town.
Encircled by impressive medieval walls and framed by the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik's historic centre is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the narrow stone streets and elegant squares while discovering many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including ancient churches, historic palaces and centuries-old fortifications. Throughout the tour, learn about Dubrovnik's fascinating maritime history, its role as the prosperous Republic of Ragusa and the resilience that has shaped the city over the centuries.
Following the tour, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Optional excursions will be available for those wishing to further explore the region, while others may choose to relax, enjoy the coastal atmosphere or wander the city's charming laneways and waterfront promenades.
This evening is free to enjoy at your own pace.
Overnight: Hilton Dubrovnik
Day 3 – Saturday 15 May - Embarkation
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Dubrovnik before the next stage of your journey begins. Take the opportunity to savour your final hours in this magnificent Adriatic city. You may wish to stroll the ancient city walls, explore the charming limestone laneways of the Old Town, enjoy a waterfront coffee overlooking the harbour, or simply relax and take in the spectacular coastal setting.
Late this morning, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port for embarkation. As you board your luxury cruise ship, settle into your suite and familiarise yourself with the ship's exceptional facilities and amenities.
This afternoon, the voyage officially begins as you depart Dubrovnik and set sail across the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. The coming days offer an extraordinary combination of fascinating destinations, enriching experiences, world-class dining and the relaxed elegance of life at sea.
This evening, enjoy your first dinner onboard and begin what promises to be a memorable cruise through some of the Mediterranean's most captivating destinations.
Depart Dubrovnik late evening aboard the Seabourn Ovation.
Day 4 – Sunday 16 May - Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a town of medieval architecture and historic monuments, influenced by its time under the rule of the Republic of Venice between 1420 and 1797. Set to a backdrop of majestic mountains, the scenery is second to none, so be sure to keep your camera handy. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Take a stroll through the old town and you’ll find many cathedrals, churches and Venetian palaces to explore. St. Tryphon's Cathedral, Church of St. Nicolas, Church of Our Lady of Remedy and Kotor Maritime Museum are a few to get you started. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks or, take a 15-minute drive to Perast, a picturesque village at the edge of the bay, which is one of the most romantic places in Montenegro and affords a stunning view over the twin islets.
Day 5 – Monday 17 May - Brindisi (Lecce), Italy
Set on a peninsula between two arms of the Adriatic Sea, Brindisi was an important port of the Roman Empire, and later for the East India Company. In the 2nd century BC the Appian Way was built, linking the port to Rome, and a column near the harbor marks the end of that famous route. It is here that in 71 BC, the gladiator Spartacus led thousands of rebel slaves in an unsuccessful escape. Today visitors find Romanesque churches, a 13th-century castle and, in the surrounding Apulia region, remains of ancient Messapian culture.
Day 6 – Tuesday 18 May - Corfu, Greece
A scant few miles off the Albanian coast lies the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in "The Odyssey" and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for "The Tempest," the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Rolling acres of olive groves, small orchards of lemon and orange trees, tall cypress, oleander, and myrtle bushes lend a lush, verdant look to the island. While the oldest part of Corfu Town has cobblestone lanes so narrow only pedestrian travel is possible, the modern sector has wide avenues. Residents boast that its "Spianada" is the largest and most beautiful square in all Greece.
Day 7 – Wednesday 19 May - Itea (Delphi), Greece
Colorful fishing boats line the busy little port of Marina Grande, entry to the famous isle of Capri in Italy’s Bay of Naples. Inhabited since the Stone Age and settled by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Capri was the favorite retreat of Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius, who built numerous residences there. The island has remained a haven for A-listers ever since, as evidenced by the many elegant villas that dot its dramatic coastal cliffs. Your first view upon approach is of the iconic Faraglioni, a cluster of three rock formations said to be home to the mythical sirens who tempted Odysseus with their songs. Today’s travelers are enchanted by the spectacular views from Villa San Michele and atop Mount Solaro. Wander the Gardens of Augustus, take a boat ride inside the ethereal Blue Grotto, and explore the remains of Villa Jovis, the most impressive of Tiberius’s many island abodes. Stroll Capri Town’s narrow alleyways lined with exclusive boutiques, then grab a limoncello in the central piazza, La Piazzetta, and soak in the charm.
Day 8 – Thursday 20 May - At Sea
Sea days aboard Seabourn Ovation provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship's exceptional facilities and onboard programme. Choose from enrichment lectures, wellness activities, fitness classes, live entertainment, culinary experiences and a range of social events throughout the day. Alternatively, unwind by the pool, visit the spa, enjoy world-class dining or simply take in the ever-changing Mediterranean scenery from the comfort of your private veranda. With a variety of activities available each day, you are free to tailor your experience to be as active or as leisurely as you choose.
Day 9 – Friday 21 May - Gythion (Sparta & Mystras), Greece
Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. To commemorate the occasion, Paris erected a shrine to Aphrodite, goddess of love, only to have it torn down by the vengeful Menelaus after he recaptured Helen. In its place Menelaus erected statues honoring Praxidica (Punishment) and Themis (Justice). Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful. To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit.
Day 10 – Saturday 22 May - Athens (Piraeus)
Arrive in Athens and disembark after breakfast.
Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.