12 nights · Turkey, Galataport · Departs Istanbul (Turkey) · Visiting Izmir, Piraeus-Athens, Katakolon, Valletta, Catania, Salerno, Civitavecchia-Rome, La Spezia, Toulon, Barcelona · Aboard Oceania Cruises on the Oceania Allura
Image courtesy of Oceania Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Oceania Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Oceania Allura |
| Duration | 12 nights |
| Port calls | 11 |
| Departures | 2 sailings |
| From fare | $5,099 per person |
| Year built | 2025 |
| Guests | 1469 |
| Cabins | 613 |
| Crew | 800 |
| Length | 251 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 20.0 kn |
Istanbul makes a compelling first impression: minarets rise above the Bosphorus, while ferries cross between Europe and Asia. On the historic peninsula, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace place centuries of empire within walking distance. Istanbul rewards curiosity beyond its landmarks. Browse the Grand Bazaar, linger over Turkish coffee, then take a ferry to the Asian shore. Allow time for traffic and queues; the city’s scale is part of the experience.
İzmir brings the Aegean within easy reach of a lively, modern Turkish city. Kordon’s waterfront promenade, cafés and ferries set an easy pace. Nearby, Kemeraltı Bazaar’s lanes reveal mosques, courtyards and centuries of trade. At the Agora of ancient Smyrna, Roman columns rise amid the city’s everyday bustle. İzmir also makes a practical gateway to Ephesus, one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
Katakolon is a compact seaside port on the western Peloponnese, with cafés and shops lining its waterfront. Most visitors come for ancient Olympia, about 35 kilometres inland and readily reached by road. There, the sanctuary, archaeological museum and ancient stadium bring the story of the Olympic Games into focus. Back in Katakolon, allow time for a stroll along the harbour before returning to your ship.
Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.
Mount Etna sets the scale in Catania, where black lava stone gives the Sicilian city a character unlike any other. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, its Baroque heart is part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto. Begin at Piazza del Duomo, then follow Via Etnea toward cafés, churches and views of the volcano. At La Pescheria, the fish market, Sicily’s daily life is on full display, best sampled before lunch.
Salerno puts southern Italy within easy reach, with ferries and roads leading toward the Amalfi Coast. Yet the city rewards a closer look: its old lanes gather around the handsome Duomo di San Matteo. Inside, bronze doors and a richly decorated crypt recall Salerno’s medieval importance as a center of learning. Climb to Arechi Castle for broad views across the Gulf, or venture inland to the Greek temples at Paestum.
Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.
La Spezia sits at the head of the Gulf of Poets. Here, Liguria’s steep hills meet a sheltered stretch of Mediterranean coast. Its working harbor gives the city a lively maritime character, while cafés and broad streets reward an easy stroll. Trains connect La Spezia with the villages of the Cinque Terre; ferries sail to Portovenere. Allow time for the city itself, not just its celebrated neighbors.
Toulon is a working Mediterranean port, framed by limestone hills and one of Europe’s finest natural harbours. Look beyond the waterfront to the old town, where Cours Lafayette’s market fills the street with Provençal produce. For a wider view, ride the cable car up Mont Faron, then visit its memorial to the 1944 Allied landings. Nearby, the Îles d’Hyères, local beaches and cafés offer an easy-paced taste of coastal Provence.
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.
Published September 29, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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