Oceania Cruises
Oceania boasts a fleet of ships which are the definition of small ship luxury, with the Riviera being no exception to this. This stunning ship combines sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant environment. Set sail and enjoy lavish accommodations, thoughtfully crafted dining experiences and a range of would class amenities and activities.
Experience the best of the Mediterranean onboard Oceania’s Riviera on this incredible cruise and stay. Enjoy two nights in Istanbul before boarding your 10 night cruise which will end with a two night post cruise stay in Athens. Sparkling waters, dazzling beaches, enchanting cities and enigmatic history await you on this unforgettable voyage.
Day 1 – 3
Your journey will begin in Istanbul with a two night pre cruise stay at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus in a Deluxe 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. Be sure to explore all this magnificent city has to offer before beginning your cruise on day three. Explore some of the city’s many museums or wander through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar. A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a visit to the spectacular Blue mosque and the stunning Topkapi Palace.
Day 4
The first stop on your cruising journey is Dikili, Turkey. This fishing village is located on Turkey’s north Aegean coast, 30km west of Bergama and is blessed with a stunning landscape. A drive through the countryside will reveal lush pine forests, olive groves, thermal springs, and spectacular mountains. Wander through the beautiful cobbled streets of the village where you will observe authentic rural Turkish life. Not to be missed is a visit to the ruins of Pergamum, regarded to be among the best in the world.
Day 5
Next your cruise will dock at 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 is Mykonos, Greece. The allure of the Cycladic island of Mykonos is well established, with its glamorous nightlife, tantalizing gastronomy, spectacular beaches and picturesque villages. Spend your day wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this enchanting seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors.
Day 7
Today your cruise will dock in Bodrum, Turkey. More than a million tourists visit the town of Bodrum each year to visit its pristine beaches, trendy restaurants, towering castle, glittering marina and beautiful white plastered backstreets. This town stands on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus and you can still see the foundations of the mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by earthquakes.
Day 8
The next stop is Rhodes, Greece. Also known as the “Knights’ Island”, Rhodes combines a rich history, impressive medieval architecture, amazing beaches and lovely natural scenery. Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city, which is listed a World Heritage Site, and marvel at the impressive Grand Master’s Palace. Alternatively drive along the scenic coast to the whitewashed little town of Lindos where you can climb to the ancient acropolis and its temples.
Day 9
Dock at Alanya, located on the south coast of Turkey. This coastal city rose to prominence during the Middles Ages under the Seljuks, a tribe from central Asia that built the fortress and protective wall that still dominate the city. Several other buildings from that time also remain, including the octagonal Red Tower and the Seljuk Shipyard. Thousands of archaeological pieces in the Alanya Museum attest to the city’s importance through the ages.
Day 10
The next stop is Limassol, a city located on the southern coast of Cyprus. This city boasts majestic mountains, stunning beaches, ancient ruins and vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives. Be sure to visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its incredible museum. Alternatively, wander through ancient Curium and marvel at its stunning mosaics, theatre, and basilica.
Day 11
The next day is a day at sea onboard Oceania’s Riviera. While at sea, take some time to recharge before your next port of call. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, treat your tastebuds at one of the many onboard restaurants or enjoy some entertainment.
Day 12
Next your cruise will dock at Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, Greece. Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the archaeological museum that houses many superb artifacts from the complex. Also be sure to explore the beautiful, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages.
Day 13 – 15
Today you will arrive in Athens where you will disembark your cruise and transfer to The Dolli at Acropolis where you will spend the next two nights in a Deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis. This ancient city is famous for its rich culture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring this fascinating city which features an abundance of attractions including the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis of Athens, a citadel situated on a rocky outcrop containing ruins of several ancient buildings, namely the Parthenon.