Oceania Cruises Mediterranean: 14 nights from Istanbul with Sirena
Aug 27, 2026

Istanbul

An incredible city, huge, vibrant like few others in the world. Where two continents meet, culture and diversity thrive in a unique architectural setting. Istanbul is hot,and we aren’t talking about the weather. These days there are more restaurants,bars,galleries and clubs around the city than Ottoman mosques(which is not a small feat).

The international fashion and design press has talked about Istanbul to the point of exhaustion; the sense of age that fell over the city once the Ottoman empire disappeared, has been replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Izmir

The second most important port in Turkey after Istanbul, Izmir is located on the Aegean Sea near the Gulf of Izmir. It is a large city and a famous culture center, situated along the coastal strip, it is surrounded on all sides by high mountains covered with ancient forests. The city has many points of interest, with museums and theaters, so visitors, in addition to relaxing on the beach, will have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities.

The most valuable archaeological discovery is the Temple of Athena Barakly, located in the region. Within the temple, fortified walls surrounding an ancient Ionian town were also found The buildings date back to the 9th-7th Century BC, and all the priceless artifacts from the excavations in the area have been transferred to the archaeological museum, where examples of ceramics and jewelry can be seen.

History lovers should visit Kadifekale Mountain, where the ruins of a castle built during the time of Alexander the Great are located. In front of the castle there is a large courtyard, which offers a scenic view  of the mountains and the Blue Gulf. Another build from the time of Alexander the Great is the market known as the Agora. It was severely damaged by an earthquake, but it was rebuilt and has been perfectly preserved to this day. The architectural monuments, remnants of the Roman Empire, include the water pipes of Elshiedere Shiriner. 

Among the religious buildings, we must mention the Church of St. Polycarp, built in the 14th Century and rebuilt in 1620. It is the oldest building of its kind. In the central square, you can see the Izmir Clock Tower. It was built in 1901 by order of Sheik Abdul Hamid and, more than a hundred years later, remains the undisputed symbol of the city.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

Rhodes

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of Cray. It is the largest port and economic center of the island and the third largest city in Greece. This city hosts the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church and has religious buildings of great interest.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek Islands. With more than 100,00 inhabitants, the city is the capital of Crete, a Venetian fortress during the Middle Ages. The ancient city, with its squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies with wonderful view on the sea, mantains numerous fortifications. In particular there are important and magnificent monuments such as the Church of Agia Ekaterini, dated back to 1555, where the Museum of Sacred Art is hosted. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewellery and frescoes on the Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only exhibited work of the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (The Greek), and where you can have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of St Mena, the patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895 is one of the largest buildings in the area.

Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine and hides. It has ferry boats and ships with regular itineraries to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos and Syros. There are also several daily ferry bgoats to Piraeus, south-west of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.

The large combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Herklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destination in the Mediterranean. Great beaches, lively nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine and the strange "interplay" between the old and the new, guarantees to tourists an unforgettable holiday.

Heraklion is located in the center of the northern coast of the Greek island. With more than 100,000 inhabitants, the locality is the capital and largest city of Crete, a Venetian stronghold during the Middle Ages.
The ancient city, between squares and wide cobbled streets, balconies overlooking the sea, preserves numerous fortifications. Particular importance and beauty are its magnificent monuments such as: the church of Agia Ekaterini, dating back to 1555, is where the museum of Sacred Art is housed. The Archaeological Museum, home to ceramic sculptures, jewelry, and frescoes on Minoan culture. The Historical Museum, home to the only work on display by the painter Domenico Theotokopoulos (El Greco), and where it is possible to have a view of Mount Sinai. The Cathedral of Saint Mena, patron saint of the city, built between 1862 and 1895, is one of the largest buildings in the area.
Heraklion has an important port and a considerable center for the coastal trade of oil, soap, wine, and hides. It has ferries and boats with regular routes to the islands of Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Karpathos, and Syros. There are also several daily ferries to Piraeus, southwest of Athens. The Venetian fortress, still in perfect condition, protects the entrance to the port.
The great combination of reality and mythology, tradition and modernity, make Heraklion a cosmopolitan center and one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Large beaches, intense nightlife, sunny people, excellent cuisine, and the strange "game" between the old and the new, assures tourists an unforgettable vacation.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is definitely special. A magnificent curtain wall surrounds marble streets and Baroque buildings exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun.

Picturesque and artistic, Dubrovnik is a tourist hotspot and port in southern Dalmatia, at the foot of the Srđ mountain. From a historical and cultural point of view, it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Thanks to its beauty and everything it has on offer for tourists, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, so much so that the city can be visited all year round. In addition to its world-famous architectural heritage, this place has beautiful rocky beaches, pebble beaches and sandy beaches, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and also has lush vegetation. The main pedestrian street, Placa, is a melange of cafes and shops with monuments at each end.

Churches, monasteries and museums adorned with finely carved stone, recall an eventful history and a rich artistic tradition. Beyond the city there is a paradise of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a crystal-clear sea dotted with lush islands.

The city is also known for its delicious cuisine and its infrastructure of hotels for tourists. The city offers a wide selection of first-class restaurants, numerous sport and leisure activities, as well as cultural and entertainment events

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.

Saranda

Located in the extreme south-west of Albania along the Ionian Sea, opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is a popular Albanian city, one of the most important tourist cities on the Ionian coast.

The most welcoming and tourist city in Albania, draped along a curved bay with a thin strip of beach. The city developed in antiquity, from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, archaeological excavations have revealed the remains in the center of the metropolis.
Despite its lack of popularity, it has a fascinating heritage: a promenade decorated with palm and eucalyptus trees, surrounded by numerous clubs.
The beaches also offer the opportunity to practice numerous water activities.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Kakome Bay north of Seranda: The beach is huge, absolutely stunning.
Blue Eye is a lagoon, so called thanks to its turquoise shades similar to the color of the iris of an eye. At 45 meters deep, the water is incredibly transparent.
Ksamil is a small village near Saranda (15 km) and also has a beautiful beach surrounded by small islands accessible by swimming.

Castle Lekures dating back to the 16th century is located on the hills of Saranda and offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. The dominant position of the castle was a strategic point for protecting the city from invasions: on one side the sea and on the other a large tray suitable for cultivation and breeding. The castle has a splendid terrace and a restaurant. It is reachable by car or on foot.
The Butrint National Heritage Park World Heritage by UNESCO, is a natural park, rich in wildlife such as foxes, reptiles, martens, seals, turtles and various birds. The climate is mild and sunny for most of the year. The economy of the city of Saranda is mainly based on agricultural products from the Valtos valley, on the cultivation of mussels from the salt lake of Vouthrotos (Butrint).
In addition to the slow and constant growth of tourism, fishing is another source of wealth.

Katakolon

Katakolon is known as the 'gateway to Olympia' in fact it is located just east of the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Katakolon is a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Greece. It is located on a picturesque promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian Sea. It is 11 km west of the center of Pyrgos. The small village of Agios Andreas is located north-west of Katakolon. The port of Katakolon is a very popular stop for cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to visit the site of ancient Olympia. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. In 1865 the Katakolon lighthouse was built. One of the most important sites in Katakolon is the Museum of Ancient Greek technology.

Messina

Messina has a very lively passengers port, discover all the cruises that set sail from Messina on Taoticket. Thanks to a cruise from Messina, you can visit lots of localities in Italy, France, Spain and Malta. Departures from Messina often has very convenient prices. Compare the itineraries and the prices and depart for your cruise. Messina is located in the north east Sicily, about 90km from Catania and 230 km from Palermo. A lively
and chaotic city, Messina is a real highway of maritime traffic.

In ancient time, the Greeks mythologised the conflicting currents of the Strait of Messina as the twin monsters of Charybdis and Scylla (the six-headed monster). The history of this place is filled with many myths and legends, transforming Messina into a town with a fairy-tale and enigmatic atmosphere. The climate in Messina is Mediterranean: very hot and dry environment but mild in summer and with heavy rainfall in winter.

Messina can be a starting point for excursions to discover Sicily: do not miss Taormina and Giardini-Naxos, two ancient small towns founded by the Greeks rich in charm, history and typical gastronomic and handicrafts products. Here you can do shopping and buy souvenirs for your friends and family. If you are nature and trekking lovers, do not miss the excursions to Mount Etna, one of the largest still active volcanoes in Europe. You will pass through cool forests until you reach the barren peak covered with lava stones from the latest eruptions: a fascinating landscape all year round! In winter, Mount Etna opens its ski facilities while in summer it is a refuge from the heat of the city.

Have a snack with the typical Arancini di Riso (rice balls) or the Pidoni (calzones pizza stuffed with escarole, anchovies and scamorza cheese), and if you love dessert, do not miss the cassata Siciliana or the chocolate cannoli accompanied by a coffee granita with cream! Enjoy your meal and have a goodcruise from Messina.

Set sail from Messina, a historic port city on the northeastern tip of Sicily, nestled on the stunning Strait of Messina. With its vibrant harbor, the iconic astronomical clock, and the beautiful Cathedral, Messina offers a captivating starting point for your Mediterranean cruise. Before embarking, explore its rich history, enjoy fresh Sicilian pastries, and take in the panoramic views of the strait. Messina provides a perfect blend of island charm and strategic location, making it an ideal gateway for your Italian and Mediterranean adventures.

Cruises departing from Messina open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. Whether you dream of discovering the ancient ruins of Greece, the sun-drenched coasts of mainland Italy, or the exotic allure of other islands, Messina serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively Sicilian city to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days filled with relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Messina promises breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion, leaving you with cherished memories of the sea.

Sorrento

According to a Greek legend, it was in the waters of Sorrento that the mythical Sirens once lived. Like them, this location is able to bewitch its visitors.

Dating back to Greek times, Sorrento's strong point is its fabulous location. Straddling cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius, it is ideally located for exploring the surrounding areas: the best of the uncontaminated countryside, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and the archaeological sites and the fabulous island of Capri.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.