Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Oceania Allura is the eighth stunning addition to Oceania Cruises’ incredible fleet. An invitation to explore some of the world’s most captivating locations, sail the open seas and embrace the wind on your face as you enjoy the freedom of exploration. With an intimate ratio of 1,200 guests to 800 staff members, personalised service, The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination rich itineraries make this a journey like never before.
Begin an incredible journey of discovery with 5 nights at the exquisite Sani Dunes. Take advantage of the hotel’s secluded and exclusively serviced beach, slip into the crystal-clear waters and indulge in the Michelin-starred menus before visiting nearby Sani Marina, a cosmopolitan hub of boutiques and nightlife. Oceania Allura will then take you on a seven day voyage of Ionian Exploration. Sailing from the magnificent Athens filled with historic sites, journey to the equally as enchanting Rome with stops in Bodrum, Crete and Sicily along the way.
Days 1-5
Arriving to northern Greece’s most popular tourist destination, transfer to Sani Dunes and discover true elegance. Sleek and sophisticated, spend days lounging on the beach’s silky white sands or swimming in the expansive lagoon-style swimming pool, all the while enjoying the Michelin-starred menus of the three restaurants and bars. If you manage to pull yourself away, stroll to the lively Sani Marina’s promenade or opt for a memorable sunset cruise aboard one of the resort’s resident yachts.
Day 6
Transfer to Athens, Greece, where this voyage officially kicks off. Boarding Oceania Allura, wave goodbye to the magnificent Acropolis, the inspiring Parthenon and the sprawling city and settle into your new home.
Day 7
Your first port of call, meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheatre, the surrounding marble roads with their chariot marks and the sidewalks that are a mosaic of history. Want to venture further afield? The three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma – are worth the journey with their renowned temples and painstakingly preserved stadiums.
Day 8
The second fascinating stop in Turkey, Bodrum is a playground for yachters and jet setters. The modern aspects of the city make way to ancient sites and treasured gems, including the foundations of the mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 9
Crete is the next stop, more specifically Heraklion. Disembark here and explore the stunning, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau that’s filled with orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages. It is also here that the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos lie. Famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, the archaeological museum houses many superb artefacts from the complex.
Day 10
Another breathtakingly beautiful, yet fascinating seaside village, Katakolon is a picturesque port of rich history and is often named the gateway to Ancient Olympia. It is here that the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and visitors can stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing.
Day 11
An underrated corner of Sicily, Messina is filled with historied churches and the cathedral in which Richard the Lionheart is rumoured to have worshipped in 1190. Travel to nearby Taormina to marvel at its famous Greek theatre and Mount Etna or opt for ancient Tyndaris with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theatre that overlooks the sea.
Day 12
A chance to experience the sublime atmosphere of the towns and villages that make up the Amalfi Coast, Salerno is a historic costal city known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene and stunning coastline. Remain in the area and stroll along the shoreside promenade with its far-reaching views of the sea and mountains beyond or grab this opportunity to explore the coast and enjoy excursions to the vertical kaleidoscope of Positano, the Renaissance palazzi of Sorrento or take in the extraordinary panoramas from hilltop Ravello.
Day 13
A European voyage like no other, this incredible voyage finally disembarks in nowhere other than Rome. A fitting finale, soak up the cities famous sites before beginning your journey home.