Your browser (Internet Explorer {{browserVersion}}) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all the features of this and other websites.
Update my browser
Small Ship Cruise

Shores of the Mediterranean

Istanbul to Venice
21 Days Request Quote
Trip Code: EUSSIV21
  • Trip Highlights
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Travel & Accommodation

Your Vacation Includes

  • Experiences in 22 destinations
  • Locally-inspired dining – a total of 59 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • 20 nights aboard Le Jacques Cartier
  • The services of an APT cruise director and expert expedition team
  • Transfers, port charges and gratuities
  • Take an exclusive after-hours tour of the Museum of Olive Oil Production, where you will enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal and folk dancing performance
  • At the village of Radosic, be welcomed with local brandy and doughnuts and enjoy traditional entertainment before a meal of regional specialties
  • Cruise the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro

Map & Itinerary

Europe Map 2023 EUSSIV21
Istanbul to Venice

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

On arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your ship and settle into your spacious suite. This evening, get to know your crew and fellow travellers at a Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Twenty Nights, Le Jacques Cartier 

Daily :
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps travel to the ancient city of Troy, the location of the legendary Trojan War and the famed Wooden Horse that was the downfall of this remarkable city. Visit the town’s enthralling museum, which houses an interesting collection of Trojan artefacts as well as a fascinating range of ancient fossils from the Bronze Age through to modern times. Alternatively, you may wish to tour the ancient city of Assos.


This morning, arrive in Canakkale and experience the ANZAC legend first hand with an enthralling excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula. See the many trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War. Commemorate at Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine, and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. After lunch back on board, enjoy a choice of sightseeing in the afternoon.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Take an exclusive after-hours tour of the Museum of Olive Oil Production, where you will enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal and folk dancing performance.


Spend the day in charming Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. Admire the once-grand 19th-century mansions, the jumbled ancient streets and the imposing Byzantine castle. Built on the top of a pine-clad hill, it is one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean, with magnificent views from the top overlooking the town and the Aegean Sea. Walk through the marketplace and absorb the dynamic and lively atmosphere of the town. This evening, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning you will dock in Kusadasi, located on Turkiye’s Anatolian coast. Drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city’s former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings including the library of Celsus which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover. Later, enjoy lunch and a folklore show at a local handicraft museum before returning to your ship.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

On the edge of the Aegean you will find the island of Symi, your next port of call. With a more sophisticated ambience than other islands and retaining its historic architecture, you will feel a sense of old-world glamour. A local guide will show you around the town today. From the first sight of Gialos Harbour, you will fall in love with the pastel-coloured houses that line the shores. Almost a century ago, this special place was under Italian rule, who introduced the neoclassical architecture that Symi has adopted ever since. Later, take some time to explore on your own.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Colourful houses along the shoreline of Symi

Land on the dazzling Greek isle of Mykonos and embark on a guided tour. Visit Ano Mera, the second largest village of the island and enjoy free time to stroll through the main square, before travelling to Kalafatis beach where you will have time to relax and take in the beautiful setting. Later, take a walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the tangle of tiny lanes and take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters, and see the blue-domed churches. See the old port and the famous windmills so often featured on post cards. You might even see Petros the Pelican, Mykonos’ mascot. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps spend some time by the beach.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Paros is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades; from the busy port of Parikia to its picturesque fishing villages. Travel to Naousa, a charming town known for its whitewashed buildings and sparkling turquoise water. You’ll then tour Parikia, the bustling capital of the island. Enjoy a walk through the town and visit fourth-century Byzantine complex, The Church of 100 Doors. The narrow streets and market area are lively and will give you the opportunity to see the local life. Later, set sail for Naxos where you’ll visit the Temple of Apollo. This evening, you may wish to take the opportunity to dine at your leisure on shore.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

You may wish to take a tour of the island which includes Plaka, the island’s capital, the beach of Sarakino and the small fishing village of Pollonia. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a relaxing morning at one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, Paleochori.


Known for its most celebrated export, the iconic Venus de Milo, volcanic Milos arches around a central caldera and is ringed with dramatic coastal landscapes of colourful and surreal rock formations. Here, enjoy a choice of sightseeing tours.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

On a tour of Athens, take in the cities most popular attractions including the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka. Later, your ship will traverse the famous Corinth Canal, which is just 21.3 metres wide.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning, arrive in the Greek port of Itea and set off on an excursion to the sacred site of Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was considered the centre of the known world. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the partially reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians. You’ll also visit the impressive museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of archaeological treasures.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning dock in Ithaca and take a guided walk through the picturesque town of Vathy, considered one of the most beautiful of the Ionian ports. Later your ship will sail to Aetos Bay, where there will be an option to take a swim directly from your ship’s aqua platform.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps enjoy a guided city tour and wander past the town’s Romanesque cathedral and see the Castello Aragonese, a fortified castle. Alternatively, visit to the historic town of Lecce, a beautiful Baroque town filled with sandstone palaces and churches.


Disembark today in the picturesque port town of Otranto, located in Italy’s Puglia region. Enjoy a choice of tours before free time to explore the town at your leisure. This evening, relax on board with fellow passengers as your vessel sails towards Kotor, Montenegro.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Cruise the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. During time at leisure, those feeling energetic may like to climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the town’s fortifications, or alternatively, delve into history at the Maritime Museum. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to disembark and enjoy dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
A walkway along the waters edge leading into Kotor Bay

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps ride a cable car to the top of Srd Mountain for views of the town sprawled out beneath you, or learn about the city’s walls on a guided tour.


Choose how to spend your time in Dubrovnik today. A late departure allows you ample time to further discover the stunning city.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit a family-owned olive oil mill, known for being one of the leading olive oil producers on the island. You’ll then travel to the small town of Blato to experience the Barilo Family Museum which houses traditional costumes and handicrafts.  Your island exploration will end with a tasting at a boutique winery.


Arrive in Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Here, take in a special Signature Experience before time at leisure to explore the Old Town’s medieval streets.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Embark on a guided walking discovery of Hvar's stunning Old Town. Commence in the iconic main square, which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia, then see the cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery. Continue to the Benedictine Nunnery, where we hear about the aloe lace still produced today by the nuns.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Explore Split today, the second biggest and one of the oldest towns in Croatia. During the city tour visit the World Heritage-listed site of Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most famous buildings on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Later, head to the World Heritage-listed town of Trogir. Here, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
View of Diocletians Palace from the water

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

At the village of Radosic, be welcomed with local brandy and doughnuts and enjoy traditional entertainment before a meal of regional specialties.


Today, head to beautiful Krka National Park to explore its dramatic waterfalls. The most famous is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other as the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, as well as the unique flora and fauna. Later, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps take a tour of Trieste, or you may like to visit the coastal town of Portoroz. Alternatively, visit nearby Slovenia and tour Postojna Caves where a special train will take you deep into a magnificent underground world of unusual sculptural rock formations, magical stalactites and stalagmites, and underground halls.


Today you’ll dock in Trieste, an Italian city nestled between Slovenia and the Adriatic. Here you’ll have a choice of sightseeing tours.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

You may wish to take a tour of the St Mark’s area including the Doge’s Palace, an exquisite example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Alternatively, board a local boat to Murano, home to glass-blowing since 1291, and pay a visit to one of the oldest glassware factories.


Arrive in Venice, known to many as the most beautiful city in the world. Venice stretches across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

We know that great service is more than just taking care of you on holiday… it’s the unprecedented warmth, care and consideration you’ll be afforded from your first call until after your return home