Oceania Cruises
Embark on a journey across the Mediterranean with Oceania onboard the luxurious Sirena. Enjoy full board on the ship and an Olife Choice where guests can choose one benefit of internet and $300 per person shipboard credit, internet and 3 Shore Excursions per person, or internet and House Beverage Package. Expect a cruising experience like no other with luxury accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a range of world class amenities.
Experience an unforgettable trip as you discover some of the Mediterranean’s most charming coastlines and ancient cities which will transport you to another time. Begin your journey with a two night pre cruise stay in Istanbul before travelling to Mitilini, Ephesus, Nauplion, Katakolon, Tirana, Monopoli, Dubrovnik, and Ancona before ending your cruise with a docked overnight stay in Venice.
Day 1 – 3
Enjoy a 2 night pre-cruise stay at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus in a Standard King Room on a bed and breakfast basis. This luxurious hotel features a design with the perfect combination of traditional Turkish style with contemporary design and boasts incredible panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait. Relax at the indoor or outdoor pool, play a game of tennis at the tennis club or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. Be sure to experience all Istanbul, Turkey has to offer before setting sail on your luxury cruise with Oceania onboard the Sirena. Explore one of the many museums or wander through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar. Ensure you don’t miss a trip to the spectacular Blue Mosque and the stunning Topkapi Palace.
Day 4
Dock at Mitilini, the capital city of the Greek island of Lesbos. Discover this lively city’s ancient heritage with a must visit being the incredible Greek theatre which is perched on the hill amongst evergreen pine woods. Explore the old quarter, close by to the waterfront, where you can marvel at the old Turkish mansions or venture into the countryside and explore the quaint villages. Also be sure to visit the city’s magnificent Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas.
Day 5
The next stop is Ephesus, Turkey. Explore the ruins of this ancient city and marvel at the famous Library of Celsus, the massive amphitheatre, the beautiful mosaic sidewalks and the stunning Terrace Houses. Also guests should be sure to explore the three monumental cities of antiquity, Priene, Miletus and Didyma, which are known for their magnificent temples and incredibly preserved stadiums.
Day 6
The next stop on your luxury cruising adventure is Nauplion, Greece. Before Athens was named the capital of Greece in 1834, Nauplion held this title for a brief time. This city is full of charm with beautiful neoclassical buildings and a laid back atmosphere. Climb the steps to the Venetian fortress of Palamidi for a spectacular view of the city that is guaranteed to be worth the effort. Afterwards relax on the gorgeous beaches or visit the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation. History lovers shouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit Corinth, a short distance away from Nauplion, where you will find numerous Roman-built ruins as well as the archaic Greek ruins at Mycenae and the classic amphitheatre at Epihadurus.
Day 7
Dock at Katakolon, a quiet seaside village in western Elis, Greece. This village is the gateway to Olympia, where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. Ancient Greeks gathered every four years at Olympia for over a thousand years to celebrate the sacred games. Wander around this deserted sanctuary and marvel at the temples and altars and stand on the ground where the ancient athletes trained before competing. Alternatively why not enjoy a drive through the countryside to quaint villages and local vineyards where you can sample the wines and local cheeses.
Day 8
The next stop is Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania. This lively colourful city underwent a major transformation and is now unrecognisable from its communist slumber days in the early 1990s which was full of grey dull buildings. Explore the colourful public squares and wander the pedestrianised streets. Not to be missed is a visit to the National Museum of History where you can marvel at archaeological artifacts dating back as far as 100,000 years or admire everything from modern art to 800-year-old religious icons at the National Art Gallery.
Day 9
Next dock at Monopoli, a quiet fishing village in Italy full of rich history. Stroll the enchanting waterfront promenade and marvel at the magnificent Castle of Charles V. Be sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site town of Alberobello, which is full of charming cone-roofed houses. Don’t miss the change to dine at Grotto Palazzese, an acclaimed restaurant built in a cave which boasts incredible views of the Adriatic. Afterwards, head to Monopoli’s intimate Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi where you can enjoy a drink with the friendly locals.
Day 10
The next stop is Dubrovnik, a city in southern Dalmatia Croatia situated by the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites due to its magnificent medieval architecture and it’s fortified old town. Be sure to walk the city walls of the old town and take in its stunning architecture including the exquisite Venetian monuments. Why not head to the countryside and visit the beautiful Cavtat, a charming seaside resort.
Day 11
Next dock at Ancona, Italy. This historic city was founded around 387 BC and unsurprisingly has an old town rich in history. Wander this city and marvel at the ancient architecture, Roman arches, and magnificent Romanesque churches. Journey through the beautiful countryside to the scenic Urbino and visit the incredible Palazzo Ducale which was designed by Renaissance masters. Guests can also choose to spend their day visiting the independent country of San Marino which is nestled in the mountains.
Day 12– 13
Your cruise will end in Venice, Italy where guests will enjoy a docked overnight stay. This enchanting city is built on a group of 118 small islands which are separated by canals and linked by more than 400 bridges. Take a gondola ride and see the magical beauty of this city as you glide along the canals and under its bridges. Don’t miss a visit to the Piazza San Marco where you can visit the famous St. Mark’s Basilica and the spectacular Doge’s Palace. Also why not take a trip to the island of Murano, located just 30 minutes from the city of Venice. Murano features magnificent churches, its own grand canal and world famous glass factories.