With an enticing mix of architectural and cultural wonders, this 20 night cruise on board Oriana takes in the magnificent city of Istanbul alongside Palma, Yalta, Odessa, Rhodes, Lisbon and Athens.
Istanbul offers you a fascinating crucible of cultures where east meets west. A key Turkish port, its treasures include the world-famous Blue Mosque, the captivating Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace, famed for its jewels and spectacular gardens. It’s the highlight of this glorious Oriana cruise.
Yalta’s Swallows Nest castle overlooks this port while Odessa boasts the 19th century five-domed Uspensky Cathedral and the Italian baroque Opera House. At Rhodes, step back in time as you stroll around the Old Town, the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. And in Athens, explore the incomparable Acropolis, its wealth of ancient temples an oasis of calm set high above the city.
Southampton, UK
, Sail late afternoon - Check-in 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
Palma. Majorca
Dominated by its iconic Gothic cathedral, the Majorcan capital and cruise port Palma has been transformed in recent years into one of the most sophisticated hotspots of the Mediterranean. Fine shops rub shoulders with authentic Balearic restaurants and tapas bars in this easy to navigate city.
Istanbul, Turkey
With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul's most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you.
Day
10
Sun, Sep 12th 2010
Yalta, Ukraine
A mixture of medieval and modern history makes Ukrainian Yalta one of the most stimulating calls on any Black Sea cruise itinerary. Its medieval past literally stares you in the face with the imposing and turreted Swallows Nest castle overlooking the port but you will need to visit the White Palace of Livadia to evoke one of the most important events in modern history.
Day
11
Mon, Sep 13th 2010
Odessa, Ukraine
Odessa is famous for its Potemkin steps; but there's much more to enjoy here; the catacombs and the opera house being just two examples.
Day
12
Tue, Sep 14th 2010
Day
13
Wed, Sep 15th 2010
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is an island with history in abundance. Years ago, this is where the mighty Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, bestrode the entrance to the pretty harbour. Since then, Roman and Moor, Venetian and Persian, Turk and Greek have controlled the island. Now, understandably, it has a cosmopolitan feel. Visit the soaring Acropolis at Lindos. Stroll the medieval old town. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters. Or simply relax on one of its many beautiful beaches.
Day
14
Thu, Sep 16th 2010
Athens, Greece
From Piraeus, visit the port of Athens, one of the largest cities in Greece. Standing sentinel over the city, it's hard not to be impressed by the awesome monuments of the Acropolis. A time trip through its ancient remains gives you time to relive the glory years of Greek history. Climb its steep steps and look at the Temple of Athena Nike, beyond the Propylea to its crowning glory, the Parthenon.
Day
15
Fri, Sep 17th 2010
Day
16
Sat, Sep 18th 2010
Day
17
Sun, Sep 19th 2010
Day
18
Mon, Sep 20th 2010
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon was once the most powerful and wealthy city in the world, thanks to the efforts of Portugal's seafaring explorers. The evidence remains in its lavish palaces and monasteries, crammed with imperial treasures.
Day
19
Tue, Sep 21st 2010
Day
20
Wed, Sep 22nd 2010
Day
21
Thu, Sep 23rd 2010
Southampton, UK
, Arr early morning - Disembarkation 9.00am to 11.00am.