Oceania Cruises : 10 nights from Istanbul with Oceania Sirena
Jul 28, 2027

Mitilene

Mitilene is an ancient Greek city, with origins dating back to the 11th century BC. The city is the capital and port of the island of Lesbos, which is located in the north-east of the Aegean Sea. Lesbos has an area of about 1,632 km², with 320 km of coastline, making it the third largest Greek island. The city of Mytilene is located on the south-east coast of the island. It has a large number of neoclassical buildings, public and private homes. Among these, the Prefecture of Lesvos, the old town hall, schools and various houses and hotels that dot the city. The Baroque church of San Therapon, with its imposing style, overlooks the port. Its construction began in the 19th century and was completed in 1935. The port of Mytilene offers navigation services to the nearby islands of Lemnos, Chios and sometimes Dikili Ayvalik in Turkey. It also serves the continental cities of Piraeus, Athens and Thessaloniki. The island has a series of attractions, including cultural (ancient remains), geological, gastronomic and religious. Lesbos was also known, in ancient times, for the quality of its wines, its timber, for ships and for its famous light blue marble. Do not miss the superb Kastro, a fortress built by Emperor Justinian in 527. It houses the ruins of the Gatezulli palace and a Byzantine cistern. If you are a history enthusiast, the archaeological museum is full of mosaics and numerous Neolithic objects. The island's airport is named after the contemporary poet Odysseus Elytis. Lesbos (in Greek: Λέσβος, Lesbos) is a Greek island located in the north-eastern Aegean, in front of the coasts of the Anatolian peninsula. The main center is Mytilene. It is famous for having given birth, in the 7th century BC, to the lyric poets Alcaeus and Sappho. In Sappho's verses we find the exaltation of the beauty of femininity and eros between women, hence the term lesbianism. With an area of 1,630 km² Lesbos is the third largest Greek island by surface area and the eighth in the Mediterranean. Characterized by a conspicuous coastal development (320 km), it has a population of about 90,643 inhabitants at the 2001 census[1], a third of whom reside in the capital Mytilene. From an administrative point of view it is a municipality and peripheral unit consisting of the only homonymous municipality in the periphery of the Northern Aegean.

Ephesus

Chania

Chania, the second largest city in Crete, is a jewel overlooking the Aegean Sea, rich in history and natural beauty. Here's what to do during your stop in this city:

1. Walk in the Venetian Port: Start your visit with a walk along the picturesque Venetian port. Admire the Lighthouse, one of the symbols of the city, and visit the Janissaries Mosque.

2. Explore the Historic Quarter: Get lost in the narrow streets of the old quarter, where you can discover craft shops, traditional taverns and colorful houses. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

3. Municipal Market: Take a jump to the covered market of Chania, where you can buy local products such as olives, cheeses and spices.

4. Stop in a Local Tavern: Savor Cretan cuisine in one of the taverns on the waterfront or in the alleys of the historic center. Try typical dishes such as dakos, moussaka and oven-baked lamb.

 

Chania: Crete's Venetian Jewel for Your Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey from Chania, Crete's most picturesque city. With its charming Venetian harbor, lighthouse, and labyrinthine Old Town, Chania offers a captivating and romantic setting for your cruise departure. Before setting sail, wander through its narrow alleys, discover ancient ruins, and savor the authentic Cretan cuisine. Chania provides a vibrant blend of history, culture, and stunning coastal beauty, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the Aegean and beyond.

Explore the Aegean and Beyond from Chania

Cruises departing from Chania open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Imagine discovering the ancient wonders of mainland Greece, the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, or the historical richness of Turkey. Whether you seek vibrant island life, serene beaches, or profound historical sites, Chania serves as an excellent launchpad for diverse itineraries. Enjoy the seamless transition from Crete's charming city to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments on the open water, promising a truly enriching voyage.

Argostoli

Argostoli is the capital and main port of the Greek island of Kefalonia. It is located 100 km west of Patras and has a population of about 13,000 inhabitants. The island is part of the archipelago of the Ionian Islands or Eptaneso.
This small city has been the capital of the island from 1757 to today and is located in the center of the southern part of the territory, surrounded by mountains and green forests.
Argostoli has monuments of great historical interest, such as the Archaeological Museum, which preserves archaeological finds from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Korgialenios Museum, a historical and ethnographic museum of the island, which contains a detailed reconstruction of the uses, customs and traditions of the place. The lighthouse of San Teodoro, located a couple of kilometers from Argostoli, built by the English under the command of Governor Napier and consisting of a small circular building with white Doric columns.

From the walk in Lithostrotos avenue, the most commercial street in the capital, you will find the beautiful Orthodox Church of San Spiridione and the interesting clock tower and its splendid bell.
The stone bridge, composed of 650 meters in length and called Drapano Bridge, is located at the entrance to the capital flanked by a small pyramid in the center and dedicated to Charles de Bosset, builder of the bridge.
The modern and cosmopolitan city of Argostoli is constantly moving with interesting activities to offer. It has an elegant maritime promenade lined with palm trees and beautifully paved with colored stones.

The road ends at the small ferry pier where boats leave for the city of Lixouri and where small fishing boats dock.
The central square of the city, called "Plateia Valianou", is a large site full of numerous restaurants, clubs and bars. During the summer evenings, the square becomes really crowded.
In Argostoli you will find a place of extraordinary beauty with splendid mountains and wonderful beaches.

Durres

Old city located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Durres is known for its historical sites, museums and theaters. The city is a quiet Mediterranean destination with beautiful beaches where you can swim and sunbathe. The historical and cultural sites are the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans and has an interesting archaeological museum, with excellent collections of ancient artifacts and a History Museum. Durres, the second largest city in Albania, is also its main port, with ferries and cruises arriving from all over the world. The metropolis is located on the Adriatic coast, just a 30-minute drive from the capital Tirana and the Italian port city of Brindisi is just 200 km from Durres. Founded in 600 BC by the Greeks, the population was also ruled by the Illyrians, Romans and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Unfortunately, the city has suffered floods and earthquakes that have destroyed and damaged many old buildings, such as the Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century BC. JC. Later replaced, in part, by a chapel in 1000 AD. Interesting memories of the communist era are the numerous concrete bunkers found along the beach, built to defend the country against foreign attacks. As a popular local tourist destination, Durrës is visited by around 600,000 tourists a year. The rural area around it is a wine region, and it also offers an excellent mountain setting for hiking. Also a great destination for nautical tourism in the summer. It has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The driest months are June, July, and August, the sun continues to go down until around the end of October. Winters are very rainy until March, but the temperatures always remain above zero.

Kotor

The Adriatic Sea penetrates the jagged coast of Montenegro and winds between high mountains until it meets the exquisite and walled medieval city of Kotor.

Along the Adriatic coast of the former Yugoslavia, we find one of the most unique and fascinating European coastal areas, the city hidden in Montenegro, Kotor.
Located at the bottom of a bay, the beautiful medieval city of Kotor is considered a Mediterranean location surrounded by cliffs and an interesting historic wall. The tourist attractions of Kotor are easily reached with a pleasant walk. This small walled city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has compact dimensions that make it comfortable and easy to visit.

The central part of Kotor was built between the XII and XIV centuries. A historic center surrounded by a rather thick wall, four and a half kilometers long and fifteen meters high. This immense fortified wall reaches the bastion of Sveti Ivan (San Giovanni).
Inside the walls, it preserves an urban network cut into the stone. Its most emblematic work is the Cathedral of San Trifone, built in the 12th century. Inside the church it contains objects and frescoes sculpted during the 14th century. Furthermore, The Orthodox Church of San Nicolas, built between 1902 and 1909 in neo-Byzantine style and that of San Luca (13th century) built in Romanesque and Byzantine style.

Together with the churches, the city includes many palaces that tell its history: the Maritime Museum, located in the Grgurina Palace, a splendid baroque building located in the historic center of the country. The Drago house, with its beautiful Gothic windows, the Prima building, where Renaissance and Baroque lines are combined, the Ducal Palace and the Bizanti, both from the 17th century and the Napoleonic theater in the 19th century.
In Kotor, it is very common to see locals located along the rocky coast in the lower part of the city. In the old part of the area you will find many shops and restaurants that will delight your eyes. This location is the classic ideal city to spend quiet days or for a romantic getaway.

Korcula

The island of Korcula is known for its vineyards and berry fruits, but the most interesting part is certainly its city. Although less known than other municipalities in Dalmatia, it is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. Located on a peninsula, between stone buildings and defensive towers, Korcula has maintained its original appearance. The metropolis was created in a very ingenious way, the plan of its streets is arranged in a herringbone pattern, the spine is the main road that passes in front of the cathedral, then these lanes of the road meet the sea on both sides. Entering the oldest district, through a magnificent staircase, you will reach the great Revelin tower. Passing through the door, you arrive on the main road that leads to the Basilica of San Marco. You will notice on the facade the superb rose window carved with fantastic motifs, such as dragons and mermaids. The ball clock, with its colored shades, indicates the different phases of the moon. The city has many other monuments to visit. Most are located around Piazza San Marco, dominated by the cathedral of the same name. Korcula boasts of being the birthplace of the famous Marco Polo. Legend or reality? Hard to say. In any case, it is possible to visit his alleged home... Otherwise, you can admire the Church of All Saints of the XIV century, or the Church of San Michele of the XVIII century. Its beaches are considered the most beautiful in Croatia, but don't expect kilometers of sandy beaches, because they are small pebbles of secluded and rocky beaches, but still perfect for swimming or sunbathing in total relaxation.

Ravenna

Ravenna is located on a plain near the confluence of the Ronco and Montone rivers, 10 km inland from the Adriatic Sea, with which it is connected by a canal.
Ravenna was important in history as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 6th century AD.

Nothing remains of the ancient Roman structures of Ravenna or its port of Classis.
The fame of Ravenna is instead based on the quality and quantity of its Christian monuments from the 6th-XVIII century.
Capital of the Western Roman Empire for 250 years and an important port of entry for the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire,
Ravenna reflects in its art and architecture a fusion of Roman architectural forms with Byzantine mosaics and other decorations.

Venice

Setting sail from Venice on a cruise ship is unique and unforgettable. Discover all the cruises that depart from Venice for a great start to your holiday!

Venice it is one of the golden destinations of our age. A unique city of 120 islands, with an ancient history and endless waterways, it attracts a constant flow of tourists from all over the world to see its inspiring architecture and navigate its canals.

There are many souvenirs you can bring home from Venice, but the most lasting memory will be your impression of the city itself.

Venice

Setting sail from Venice on a cruise ship is unique and unforgettable. Discover all the cruises that depart from Venice for a great start to your holiday!

Venice it is one of the golden destinations of our age. A unique city of 120 islands, with an ancient history and endless waterways, it attracts a constant flow of tourists from all over the world to see its inspiring architecture and navigate its canals.

There are many souvenirs you can bring home from Venice, but the most lasting memory will be your impression of the city itself.