Oceania Cruises
Ancient Sites & Cities
| Day 1 |
Often called the Eternal City, Rome stands alone as Italy's most visited destination. The third most populated city in the European Union, Rome boasts ancient sites, yet has a modern flair — an exhilarating mix of the Old World and the new.
Rome's must-see attractions include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and St. Peter's Basilica. Of course, within the city limits of Rome lies an independent country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church headquarters and the only current example of a country inside a city. With its Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins, and works by Michelangelo, Rome is a vibrant destination offering spectacular examples of human achievement. Visitors wandering through this glorious city have so much to discover! |
| Day 2 |
Situated between magnificent Mount Vesuvius and the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea, Naples is the perfect destination for history and archaeology aficionados and lovers of savory Italian eats. Marvel at the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, explore the San Gennaro Catacombs, and end your day with authentic Neapolitan pizza. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 6:00 PM
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| Day 3 |
This Sicily harbor city is divided from Italy proper by the Strait of Messina. Visitors marvel at the Gothic, bell-towered Norman Messina Cathedral. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 7:00 PM
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| Day 4 |
Malta is a Mediterranean island located between Sicily and North Africa that has been shaped by various civilizations. Its capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with grand palaces and centuries-old fortifications that tell the story of Malta’s strategic importance throughout history. Beyond its historical sites, Malta boasts incredible natural beauty. The Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves along the island’s southern coast, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and glowing blue reflections. Meanwhile, the island of Gozo offers a more peaceful experience with its rural landscapes, scenic cliffs, and the iconic Inland Sea at Dwejra. Maltese culture is a mix of Mediterranean influences, reflected in its language, traditions, and food. The local cuisine features a blend of Italian, Arabic, and British flavors, with specialties such as pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), rabbit stew, and ftira (a traditional Maltese bread). The island’s warm climate makes it a year-round destination for outdoor activities, including hiking along dramatic coastal cliffs, exploring ancient temples like Ħaġar Qim, or taking a boat ride in the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 7:00 PM
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| Day 5 |
Enjoy this day at sea as you travel to your next port of call. This is an opportunity to swim, catch some sun on deck or take advantage of the many activities that are onboard your ship. Eat heartily, take a nap and get ready for the next port of call ! This is what makes cruising so great. |
| Day 6 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 5:00 PM
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| Day 7 |
Lesbos, an enchanting island in the northern Aegean Sea, is a destination that seamlessly blends rich history with natural beauty. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Lesbos is also famous for its ancient sites and vibrant cultural scene. One of its key historical attractions is the ancient city of Mithymna, also known as Molivos, where you can explore the ruins of a Byzantine castle and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sea and hills. Additionally, the island's archaeological museum in Mytilene houses significant artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman periods, providing insights into Lesbos's storied past. Lesbos is renowned for its beautiful beaches and natural hot springs. The thermal springs of Eftalou and Therma are celebrated for their therapeutic properties and offer a relaxing retreat. For beach lovers, Skala Eressos and Petra boast crystal-clear waters and scenic settings ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The island's diverse landscape also features lush forests and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and exploring. A unique aspect of Lesbos is its reputation for ouzo production. The island is the birthplace of this iconic Greek spirit, and visitors can tour local distilleries to learn about the traditional production methods and enjoy tastings. The Ouzo Museum in Plomari provides a fascinating look into the history and craft of ouzo making. For a fun fact, Lesbos is the birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, whose poetry was renowned for its passionate and lyrical style. Her work had a significant impact on Western literature and is still celebrated today. Whether you're drawn by the island's natural wonders, historical treasures, or cultural heritage, Lesbos offers a unique and memorable Greek island experience. Arrive Time: 7:00 AM – Depart Time: 2:00 PM
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| Day 8 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
Malta
Malta, (môl´te) officially Republic of Malta, republic (1995 est. pop. 370,000), 122 sq mi (316 sq km), in the Mediterranean Sea S of Sicily, comprising the islands of Malta, Gozo (Ghawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna). Valletta is the capital. The economy is supported by tourism, light industry, agriculture, and shipbuilding. The polyglot population is a mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, and English. Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages, but
Italian is widely spoken. Roman Catholicism is the state religion. Malta is governed by a unicameral parliament, a prime minister, and a cabinet.
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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11/05/26 - 11/12/26 |
Starting At $2,099 |
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Offers and fares are subject to change. All fares are valid for residents of United States and Canada, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise noted),
for new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
