9 nights · Greece · Departs Piraeus-Athens (Greece) · Visiting Santorini Island, Kefalonia Island, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Corfu Island, Valletta, Messina, Salerno, Civitavecchia-Rome · Aboard Oceania Cruises on the Oceania Allura
Image courtesy of Oceania Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Oceania Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Oceania Allura |
| Duration | 9 nights |
| Port calls | 10 |
| Departures | 2 sailings |
| From fare | $2,899 per person |
| Year built | 2025 |
| Guests | 1469 |
| Cabins | 613 |
| Crew | 800 |
| Length | 251 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 20.0 kn |
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.
Few Greek islands make an entrance like Santorini, where whitewashed villages crown a volcanic caldera above the Aegean. Most cruise ships anchor offshore, and tenders land at the old port below Fira. Ride the cable car, or climb the steps, to reach the island’s capital and its celebrated views. Beyond Fira, Oia’s blue domes, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and volcanic wines reward a longer day ashore.
Your first view of Kefalonia may be Argostoli, a working harbor framed by hills and the Ionian Sea. From here, roads lead to traditional villages, the underground lake at Melissani, and the sweeping shore of Myrtos Beach. Argostoli merits a pause for its palm-lined waterfront, lively market, and loggerhead turtles that forage in the harbor. Choose one excursion rather than rushing the island; winding roads make distances longer than the map suggests.
At the head of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, the old town sits beneath steep mountains. Enter through the Sea Gate and follow stone lanes to St Tryphon’s Cathedral. Venetian-era walls frame squares, churches, and cafés within a compact UNESCO-listed center. For a broader view, climb toward San Giovanni Fortress; the steps are demanding. Take water and allow time for the ascent, especially in summer heat. From the harbor, the bay’s changing light makes a memorable arrival and departure.
Spend a day inside Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, best explored on foot. Walk the city walls for close views of fortifications, roofs, and harbor. Then follow Stradun to Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan monastery. Book wall access in advance during busy months, and start early in summer. Mount Srđ offers a higher view, reached by cable car or road. Leave time for side lanes; their quieter corners reveal the city’s daily rhythm.
Corfu rewards visitors who look beyond the beach resorts. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears the marks of centuries of Venetian rule. Walk the arcaded Liston, then climb to the Old Fortress for views across the rooftops and Ionian Sea. Beyond town, cypress-lined roads lead to Paleokastritsa’s coves, while the Achilleion palace recalls an imperial past. Allow time for lunch; Corfiot cooking pairs Ionian seafood with Italian and Greek influences.
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.
Messina faces Calabria across the narrow Strait of Messina, with mainland Italy visible from its waterfront. At noon, figures move across the cathedral’s clock tower, a daily spectacle best seen from the square. Nearby, Montorsoli’s 16th-century Fountain of Orion rewards a closer look. Excursions reach Taormina and Mount Etna, but Messina’s compact center also merits an unhurried walk.
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.
Published August 13, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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