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5th05 | MayMay | 202222 | Civitavecchia, Italy, embark on the Nautica | 07:00 | 18:00 | ||
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza. | |||||||
6th06 | MayMay | 202222 | Amalfi, Italy | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
At first glance, it's hard to imagine that this resort destination was one of the world's great naval powers, and a sturdy rival of Genoa and Pisa for control of the Mediterranean in the 11th and 12th centuries. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, the town is set in a verdant valley of the Lattari Mountains, with cream-colored and pastel-hued buildings tightly packing a gorge on the Bay of Salerno. The harbor, which once launched the greatest fleet in Italy, now bobs with ferries and blue-and-white fishing boats. The main street, lined with shops and pasticcerie, has replaced a raging mountain torrent, and terraced hills flaunt the green and gold of lemon groves. Bearing testimony to its great trade with Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers, Amalfi remains honeycombed with Arab-Sicilian cloisters and covered passages. In a way Amalfi has become great again, showing off its medieval glory days with sea pageants, convents-turned-hotels, ancient paper mills, covered streets, and its glimmering cathedral. | |||||||
7th07 | MayMay | 202222 | Messina, Italy | 08:00 | 19:00 | ||
Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring two of Caravaggio's paintings, the city is also famous for having been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sicily. | |||||||
8th08 | MayMay | 202222 | Valletta, Malta | 08:00 | 19:00 | ||
Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures. | |||||||
9th09 | MayMay | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
10th10 | MayMay | 202222 | Katakolon, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there. | |||||||
11th11 | MayMay | 202222 | Corfu, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one. | |||||||
12th12 | MayMay | 202222 | Split, Croatia | 11:00 | 20:00 | ||
Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. | |||||||
13th13 | MayMay | 202222 | Ravenna, Italy | 09:00 | 20:00 | ||
A small, quiet, well-heeled city, Ravenna has brick palaces, cobblestone streets, magnificent monuments, and spectacular Byzantine mosaics. The high point in its civic history occurred in the 5th century, when Pope Honorious moved his court here from Rome. Gothic kings Odoacer and Theodoric ruled the city until it was conquered by the Byzantines in AD 540. Ravenna later fell under the sway of Venice, and then, inevitably, the Papal States.Because Ravenna spent much of its past looking east, its greatest art treasures show that Byzantine influence. Churches and tombs with the most unassuming exteriors contain within them walls covered with sumptuous mosaics. These beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics put great emphasis on nature, which you can see in the delicate rendering of sky, earth, and animals. Outside Ravenna, the town of Classe hides even more mosaic gems. | |||||||
14th14 | MayMay | 202222 | Koper, Slovenia | 08:00 | 23:30 | ||
Today a port town surrounded by industrial suburbs, Koper nevertheless warrants a visit. The Republic of Venice made Koper the regional capital during the 15th and 16th centuries, and the magnificent architecture of the Old Town bears witness to the spirit of those times.The most important buildings are clustered around Titov trg, the central town square. Here stands the Cathedral, which can be visited daily from 7 to noon and 3 to 7, with its fine Venetian Gothic facade and bell tower dating back to 1664. Across the square the splendid Praetor's Palace, formerly the seat of the Venetian Grand Council, combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. From the west side of Titov trg, the narrow, cobbled Kidriceva ulica brings you down to the seafront. | |||||||
15th15 | MayMay | 202222 | Trieste, Italy | 05:00 | 22:00 | ||
Up until the end of World War I, Trieste was the only port of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire and therefore a major industrial and financial center. In the early years of the 20th century, Trieste and its surroundings also became famous by their association with some of the most important names of Italian literature, such as Italo Svevo, and English and German letters. James Joyce drew inspiration from the city's multiethnic population, and Rainer Maria Rilke was inspired by the seacoast west of the city. Although it has lost its importance as a port and a center of finance, it has never fully lost its roll as an intellectual center. The streets hold a mix of monumental, neoclassical, and art-nouveau architecture built by the Austrians during Trieste's days of glory, granting an air of melancholy stateliness to a city that lives as much in the past as the present. | |||||||
16th16 | MayMay | 202222 | Ancona, Italy | 09:00 | 19:00 | ||
Ancona is the capital of Italy's Marche region. Ancona's main attraction is her tactile museum for the blinds. It's also a great place to take a dip and enjoy great sea views under the sunshine. | |||||||
17th17 | MayMay | 202222 | Split, Croatia | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Split's ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split's magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic's main trading ports, and the city's splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. | |||||||
18th18 | MayMay | 202222 | Kotor, Montenegro | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Backed by imposing mountains, tiny Kotor lies hidden from the open sea, tucked into the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska (Kotor Bay), which is Europe's most southerly fjord. To many, this town is more charming than its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, retaining more authenticity, but with fewer tourists and spared the war damage and subsequent rebuilding which has given Dubrovnik something of a Disney feel.Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls built between the 9th and 18th centuries and is presided over by a proud hilltop fortress. Within the walls, a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets leads through a series of splendid paved piazzas, rimmed by centuries-old stone buildings. The squares are now haunted by strains from buskers but although many now house trendy cafés and chic boutiques, directions are still given medieval-style by reference to the town’s landmark churches.In the Middle Ages, as Serbia's chief port, Kotor was an important economic and cultural center with its own highly regarded schools of stonemasonry and iconography. From 1391 to 1420 it was an independent city-republic and later, it spent periods under Venetian, Austrian, and French rule, though it was undoubtedly the Venetians who left the strongest impression on the city's architecture. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, some 70% of the stone buildings in the romantic Old Town have been snapped up by foreigners, mostly Brits and Russians. Porto Montenegro, a new marina designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest super yachts, opened in nearby Tivat in 2011, and along the bay are other charming seaside villages, all with better views of the bay than the vista from Kotor itself where the waterside is congested with cruise ships and yachts. Try sleepy Muo or the settlement of Prčanj in one direction around the bay, or Perast and the Roman mosaics of Risan in the other direction. | |||||||
19th19 | MayMay | 202222 | At Sea | ||||
20th20 | MayMay | 202222 | Santorini, Greece | 08:00 | 21:00 | ||
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants. | |||||||
21st21 | MayMay | 202222 | Piraeus, Greece | 08:00 | 23:00 | ||
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. | |||||||
22nd22 | MayMay | 202222 | Páros, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
23rd23 | MayMay | 202222 | Rhodes, Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect. | |||||||
24th24 | MayMay | 202222 | Kusadasi, Turkey | 08:00 | 18:00 | ||
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit. | |||||||
25th25 | MayMay | 202222 | Dikili, Turkey | 07:00 | 16:00 | ||
26th26 | MayMay | 202222 | Istanbul, Turkey | 09:00 | |||
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it. | |||||||
27th27 | MayMay | 202222 | Istanbul, Turkey, disembark the Nautica | ||||
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Grade Code | From | To | |
A3 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,359 | £8,259 |
A2 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,509 | £8,409 |
A1 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,659 | £8,559 |
Located in the most desired of locations, Category A Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer an unrivaled combination of luxury and value. A wealth of amenities and a host of exclusive privileges (listed below) elevate the experience to the sublime.
These sleekly redefined 216-square-foot staterooms feature a wealth of amenities, including many of those found in our Penthouse Suites. The luxury is further enhanced by the fresh new decor, sumptuous Ultra Tranquility Beds, re-inspired verandas with stylish new furniture and the indulgence of exclusive Concierge Level amenities and privileges.
Concierge Level Exclusive Privileges
In addition to Stateroom Amenities
+ Up to 20 garments per laundry bag. 3 day turnaround time and laundry will not be accepted 3 days prior to disembarkation
++ Limited availability
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free
Grade Code | From | To | |
C2 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £4,589 | £6,489 |
C1 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £4,739 | £6,639 |
With entirely re-designed closets, dressers and vanities, these 165-squarefoot staterooms feel even more spacious. A generous seating area, vanity desk, refrigerated mini-bar and breakfast table are perfectly complemented by the soothing hues and stylish fabrics of the sleek new decor.
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom Amenities
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free
Grade Code | From | To | |
G | Inside Stateroom | £3,699 | £5,599 |
F | Inside Stateroom | £3,919 | £5,819 |
Beautifully re-designed with a modern flair, these private retreats boast 160 square feet of luxury. Highlights include a comfortable seating area, vanity desk, refrigerated minibar and plenty of storage. The ingenious use of space is complemented by the re-inspired decor.
Inside Stateroom Amenities
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free
Grade Code | From | To | |
OS | Owner's Suite | £14,729 | £16,629 |
Lavish new fabrics and designer furnishings grace our six new Owner’s Suites – always among the first to be reserved. Immensely spacious and exceptionally luxurious, these suites span nearly 1,000 square feet and areas of quietude and relaxation. Every imaginable amenity is found here, further enhanced by a sumptuous re-designed bathroom with an oversized shower, a private teak veranda and two flat-screen televisions.
Owner's Suite Privileges
In addition to Stateroom Amenities
+Up to 20 garments per laundry bag. 3 day turnaround time and laundry will not be accepted 3 days prior to disembarkation.
++Certain limitations apply
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free
Grade Code | From | To | |
PH3 | Penthouse Suite | £8,139 | £10,039 |
PH2 | Penthouse Suite | £8,439 | £10,339 |
PH1 | Penthouse Suite | £8,809 | £10,709 |
Our collection of 322-square-foot Penthouse Suites is designed with splendid décor and exquisite furnishings in serene shades of the sea and sun. Spacious enough for private in-suite dining the living area features a refrigerated mini-bar and vanity desk, and the granite-clad bathroom is large enough for an indulgent full-size bathtub/shower. Relax on the beautifully furnished private teak veranda.
Penthouse Suite Privileges
In addition to Suite & Stateroom Amenities
+Up to 20 garments per laundry bag. 3 day turnaround time and laundry will not be accepted 3 days prior to disembarkation.
++Certain limitations apply
Grade Code | From | To | |
VS | Vista Suite | £12,509 | £14,409 |
Named for their sweeping views over the ship's bow, the four Vista Suites each sprawl over 786 square feet. Every imaginable comfort is here, including a second bathroom for guests as well as a master bathroom newly redesigned in onyx and granite with a luxurious new shower. Relax on the private teak veranda, listen to music in enhanced surround sound or watch a movie on one of two flat-screen televisions. Access wireless Internet on a complimentary iPad®.
Vista Suite Privileges
In addition to Suite & Stateroom Amenities
+Up to 20 garments per laundry bag. 3 day turnaround time and laundry will not be accepted 3 days prior to disembarkation.
++Certain limitations apply
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
This delightful coffee bar is a favorite stop for java lovers. Enjoy complimentary illy® espressos, cappuccinos and lattes prepared by our master baristas, as well as the delicious pastries, finger sandwiches and homemade biscotti that draw so many to Baristas throughout the day. Whether your favorite coffee creation is a macchiato or a cool and refreshing illy crema, the chic and bold ambiance of Baristas is perfect for relaxing in quietude or socializing with newfound friends.
Polo Grill embodies all the elements of a classic steakhouse, expressing them with timeless reverence. Mindful of tradition, the decor features crisp, white linen tablecloths, dark wood furnishings and supple, high-back, burgundy leather chairs. Each course stands as the very definition of time-honored favorites, most notably the beef dishes, all of which are USDA Prime and dry-aged for 28 days to enhance tenderness and flavor. Succulent seafood dishes such as Grilled Swordfish and Whole Maine Lobster Gratinée are also classics in their own right. The Classic Caesar Salad, too, is prepared according to tradition, tableside and with gusto.
After a day of enriching shore excursions ashore or various activities onboard, you may dine in the privacy of your suite or stateroom. An extensive Room Service menu is available around the clock. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on your private veranda, as you take in spectacular seascapes.
Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.
Informal and carefree, the Terrace Café is wonderfully inviting any time of day--feel free to dine inside or alfresco at one of the shaded teak tables on the terrace. First thing in the morning, enjoy sumptuous breakfast selections. Come lunch, the expansive menu of international-inspired dishes changes entirely, beautifully complemented by flavorful roasted and rotisserie meats and the magic of the pizzeria’s oven. Feel free to dine inside or alfresco at one of the shaded teak tables on the terrace. Evenings, the impeccably clad wait staff shines, and the cuisine takes on a more sophisticated flair. Lobster tails and lamb chops are prepared to order, and freshly made hand-cut sushi and sashimi await your selection. Tomorrow, an entirely different series of menus awaits the opportunity to delight you.
The Grand Dining Room is a study in stateliness, a tribute to the spirit of Europe’s marquee 5-star hotel restaurants that inspired its dignified yet convivial ambiance. Handsomely decorated in rich woods, designer tapestry fabrics and oversized armchairs, the expansive dining area exudes classic splendor. Tables are beautifully set with bone china, sparkling Riedel crystal, gleaming silver, and fine cotton linens. Remarkably, as sumptuous as The Grand Dining Room’s decor is, guests always feel completely at ease within its grandeur. Much of that is a direct reflection of the formally attired and classically trained wait staff, graciously serving course after course of European-inspired cuisine or delectable alternatives such as light and healthy Aquamar Vitality Cuisine and plant-based options. And on board Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena signature specials from Jacques and Red Ginger are featured nightly in The Grand Dining Room. As variety is essential, menus change daily with a brilliant choice of at least ten appetizers, soups and salads and twelve entrées at dinner.
In Italian, Toscana means Tuscan, and just as Tuscan cuisine evolved from rich family traditions, many of our recipes originated with the mothers and grandmothers of our own Italian culinary staff. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion. Perhaps the evening begins with an appetizer of Octopus Carpaccio with Champagne Vinaigrette or the Artichoke and Parmesan Cheese Timbale with Black Truffle Sauce. Classic dishes from other regions of Northern Italy are featured as well, such as the Minestrone alla Genovese, Lasagne al Forno alla Bolognese and Osso Buco alla Milanese.
Sometimes, the ultimate luxury is casual dining on all-American favorites, a laid-back style Waves Grill epitomizes. Located in a spacious, shaded area steps from the swimming pool, Waves Grill offers an extensive and mouthwatering luncheon menu. During lunch, the chefs grill gourmet burgers, tangy barbecue and succulent seafood to order in the open galley, accompanying them with side dishes like garden-fresh salads and crispy, hand-cut truffle fries dusted with grated aged parmesan.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Enrich your mind in the tranquility of their English-style Library with over 2,000 books and periodicals ranging from destination-specific guide books to best-selling mysteries to classic literature.
Stay connected with family and friends or monitor business developments in the 24-hour Internet centre. The ship also offers wireless Internet access throughout, allowing you to connect through your laptop or mobile device.
Lady Luck always seems to be present in the Monte Carlo-style casino, coaxing jackpots and eliciting squeals of delight. Take one of the slot machines for a spin or join a rousing game of blackjack, poker, or roulette.
The Grand Bar
Before enjoying a gourmet meal, sample a rare vintage or imbibe your favourite libation as you enjoy spirited conversation with new found friends amid the opulence of the convivial Grand Bar.
Martinis
Martinis serves numerous incarnations of this famous cocktail in an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a private gentleman’s club, featuring live piano music.
Horizons
An elegant observation lounge with dramatic floor to ceiling windows and a country club casual ambiance, Horizons features Oceania's beloved teatime by day and transforms into a sophisticated evening venue by night. Dance the night away to the sounds of a lively musical group and enjoy cocktails with friends at the convivial bar.
Waves Bar
Located in shaded area steps from the swimming pool, Waves Bar offers a wide variety of libations to enhance your poolside experience. A perfect afternoon on the deck with your favourite cocktail or a glass of wine or beer can be further enhanced with a decadent dessert such as a creamy homemade gelato, a made-to-order hot fudge sundae or a thick, hand-dipped milkshake.
From headline acts to comedians and magicians to lively jazz ensembles, the Lounge is the center of nightly entertainment aboard Oceania Cruises.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Return flights including luggage allowance | |||
Overseas Transfers | |||
22 nights aboard the Nautica | |||
Free Speciality Restaurants | |||
Butler Service In All Suites | |||
Free Bottled Water, Soft Drinks, Speciality Teas & Coffees | |||
Complimentary 24-hour room service | |||
FREE and unlimited access to Canyon Ranch® private Spa Terrace | |||
Elegant medium size ships | |||
Drinks package available | |||
Free Shuttle Buses In Selected Ports | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Fly/cruise package |
Date 5th May 2022 |
Nts 22 |
Interior |
Oceanview £4,589pp |
Balcony £6,359pp |
Suite |
Interior |
Oceanview £5,009pp |
Balcony £6,779pp |
Suite |
Date 5th May 2022 |
Nts 22 |
Interior |
Oceanview £4,589pp |
Balcony £6,359pp |
Suite |
Interior |
Oceanview £5,009pp |
Balcony £6,779pp |
Suite |
Interior staterooms | |||
G | Inside Stateroom | ||
F | Inside Stateroom | ||
Oceanview staterooms from | £4,589pp | ||
E | Ocean View Stateroom | ||
D | Ocean View Stateroom | ||
C2 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £4,589pp | |
C1 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £4,739pp | |
Balcony staterooms from | £6,359pp | ||
B2 | Veranda Stateroom | ||
B1 | Veranda Stateroom | ||
A3 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,359pp | |
A2 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,509pp | |
A1 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,659pp | |
Suite staterooms | |||
PH3 | Penthouse Suite | ||
PH2 | Penthouse Suite | ||
PH1 | Penthouse Suite | ||
VS | Vista Suite | ||
OS | Owner's Suite | ||
Interior staterooms | |||
G | Inside Stateroom | ||
F | Inside Stateroom | ||
Oceanview staterooms from | £5,009pp | ||
E | Ocean View Stateroom | ||
D | Ocean View Stateroom | ||
C2 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £5,009pp | |
C1 | Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom | £5,159pp | |
Balcony staterooms from | £6,779pp | ||
B2 | Veranda Stateroom | ||
B1 | Veranda Stateroom | ||
A3 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,779pp | |
A2 | Concierge Level Veranda | £6,929pp | |
A1 | Concierge Level Veranda | £7,079pp | |
Suite staterooms | |||
PH3 | Penthouse Suite | ||
PH2 | Penthouse Suite | ||
PH1 | Penthouse Suite | ||
VS | Vista Suite | ||
OS | Owner's Suite | ||
Fusion Cruises when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of The Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. Fusion Cruises is an Accredited Body Member of Midcounties Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA:P6652, ATOL:6053).
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services offered on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk