Oceania Cruises
Experience the best of the Mediterranean and Italy onboard Oceania Nautica on this 15 night journey sailing from Istanbul. Your voyage begins with two nights in Istanbul giving you the chance to discover this impressive city before setting sail for 11 nights calling at Kavala, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Santorini and Valetta before arriving in Italy. Visit the ports of Sicily, Salerno and Civitavecchia before disembarking and spending your final two nights in Rome.
Better than new Oceania Nautica blends creates a casually elegant ambiance through sophistication with a contemporary flair on one of Oceania’s most celebrated ships. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed colour palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises. Each day spent onboard is a spectacle and adventure to experience, from world-class music, high-energy production shows and dazzling cabarets to rousing deck games, spirited wine tastings and evenings at the atmospheric casino.
Day 1-3
Arrive in Istanbul for your first two nights at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus as this splendid city has many unique and fascinating features. Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque or cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. On day three set sail on Oceania Nautica as your voyage begins.
Day 4
Built on a promontory on the site of ancient Neapolis, Kavala offers fine beaches and numerous historic sites. A Byzantine castle lords over Kavala, and its 16th century aqueduct is still intact. The ruins of nearby Philippi include a Roman forum and a 5th century cathedral.
Day 5
With a history spanning more than two millennia, Thessaloniki reigned alongside Constantinople as a capital of the Byzantine Empire. So numerous are the outstanding Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments that as a group they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the ornate church and sacred crypt of St. Demetrius, the city’s martyred patron saint, or the palace complex of Galerius and the mosaics in the Rotunda.
Day 6
Located at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos wasn't founded until the mid-19th century, and its neoclassical architecture lends it a contemporary feel. The broad streets along the waterfront are excellent for strolling. Still, history hasn't been completely disregarded as the Archaeological Museum of Volos displays vast collections of ancient coins and glass vessels.
Day 7
Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheatre, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity - Priene, Miletus and Didyma - renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.
Day 8
Savour the charm of Rhodes which is said to be Greece's sunniest island and has a well-preserved and picturesque old city. Stand where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, guarded its harbour in antiquity. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis to discover its temples and wonderful views.
Day 9
Besides being one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini is also one of the most geologically and archaeologically dramatic. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner. Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below and see the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis.
Day 10
Spend the day relaxing by the pool, unwind with a luxurious treatment at the spa or indulge with afternoon tea. Each afternoon, the parade of gleaming four-tiered pastry carts begins. Savour freshly made, flavourful smoked salmon and egg salad finger sandwiches as you sail to your next destination.
Day 11
Discover the myriad of cultural layers Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colourful fishing village. Valletta, the capital of Malta, embraces the famed charm of an Italian city, its many Baroque palaces set on narrow steep streets that form a grid pattern. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns.
Day 12
Syracuse is a captivating city located on the northeastern coast of the beautiful island of Sicily. With a rich history dating back thousands of years and a stunning blend of architectural styles, Syracuse offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience from ancient ruins to picturesque landscapes. In between spectacular ancient relics, treat your palate to cheese, olives and cured meats from street vendors or delicious gelato from a gelateria. Looming in the distance is Sicily’s most famous attraction, Mount Etna, which nourishes the rich soils that produce some of the best wines, fruits and nuts in the world.
Day 13
Experience the sublime atmosphere of the towns and villages that punctuate the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its quintessentially Mediterranean scenery. Stroll along Salerno’s elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade with far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. From Amalfi’s quaint Piazza Duomo, walk up ancient steps to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Andrew, while in kaleidoscopic Positano, take postcard-worthy photos of houses precariously perched on the shoreside cliffs.
Day 14-16
Arrive in Rome where you will spend two nights at the Anantara Palazzo Naidai and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendour of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new.