Ancient Sites & Cities Cruise with Rome and Istanbul Stays
12days from
£1,999*per person
Overview
Enjoy two unforgettable nights in Rome, exploring ancient ruins, grand piazzas, and world-famous cuisine. Then board Oceania Cruises for a remarkable journey across the Mediterranean, stopping at Naples’ historic streets and coastal beauty, the vibrant harbour of Messina, and the baroque splendour of Valletta. Continue to Athens and its legendary sites, discover the tranquil charm of Mitilini, and arrive in historic Istanbul. Your holiday concludes with two nights in Istanbul, giving you plenty of time to savour its unique blend of European and Asian culture, bustling bazaars, and magnificent mosques.
Itinerary
- Fly UK to Rome, Italy, transfer from airport to hotel for a two night stay.
- Rome is packed with iconic sights and timeless charm. Marvel at ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, wander through the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Enjoy people-watching in lively piazzas, sample authentic pizza and gelato, and explore characterful neighbourhoods such as Trastevere for a true taste of Roman life.
- Transfer from hotel to port. Board cruise in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
- Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii or Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri.
- Messina is a coastal city located in the north-east of Sicily and overlooks the homonymous strait, which separates the region from the rest of the Peninsula. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, a few years before Rome, it is said that the strait was the home of Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters described by Homer in the Odyssey. In Messina you can admire the Duomo, the Astronomical Clock and the rich Regional Museum which houses works by famous artists.
- Malta’s capital, Valletta is steeped in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A simple stroll through the Baroque-style streets will take you back in time to 1566 when the city was completed, while a range of museums and monuments provide an in-depth retelling of the past. Its intimate size makes it easy to explore the highlights on foot and discover many hidden gems such as botanical gardens, boutiques and eateries.
- While sailing between destinations, you’ll have time to take a moment and enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer; with stunning food prepared with the freshest ingredients, fantastic entertainment opportunities, and plenty of places to lounge around, an enjoyable day at sea awaits!
- Just a short distance from Athens, Piraeus is the biggest port in the Mediterranean and sees over 20 million cruisers each year. This port city is a perfect example of life by the sea, boasting an impressive harbour and authentic seafood dining, as well as the rich and fascinating history of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to discover archaeological findings or just want to relax in the sun at a friendly café, Piraeus is the place to be.
- Explore this bustling city's ancient roots, and visit the huge castle perched on the hill - the beautiful Greek theater that the Romans repaired and then copied back in Rome! See the impressive Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas, converted from a mosque. Enjoy the Archaeological Museum or one of the fine art museums with collections of important works.
- Transfer from port to hotel for a two night stay.
- Istanbul’s history dates back thousands of years, making it an incredibly culturally enriching destination to visit. With warm and welcoming locals excited to show you around, you’ll explore breath-taking mosques with vibrant mosaics, find handcrafted souvenirs at lively markets and enjoy aromatic mezes and fresh seafood as well as locally produced wine. There’s a lot to see here, but be sure to simply explore this wonderful city to truly soak up the culture.
- Transfer from hotel to airport. Fly Istanbul, Turkey to the UK.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Stays in Rome and Istanbul
- All speciality dining, gratuities and unlimited Wi-Fi on board Oceania Sirena
Our Price Includes
- Return flights and transfers
- Two nights' four-star accommodation in Rome
- Seven nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board Oceania Sirena, complimentary selected wine, beer & champagne or US$800 Shore Excursion Credit, speciality dining, gratuities and unlimited Wi-Fi
- Two nights' four-star accommodation in Istanbul
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Dates and Prices
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
Life onboard Oceania Sirena is luxury at its finest with stunning neo-classical furnishings throughout. When it comes to your downtime, suites and staterooms are elegantly spacious and most feature a private veranda, while guests can enjoy even more privileges including a personal Butler service when staying in one of Sirena’s opulent suites. What's more, with so much to choose from when it's time to enjoy the evenings onboard, including a lively and glamorous casino, eight lounges and bars with lavish accents, live music, world class fitness centre and spa, plus fine dining from morning until evening, Oceania Sirena exemplifies luxury at sea. Plus, with exciting shore excursions providing enrichment and ample opportunities for exploration, it won't just be your time onboard that's memorable!Dining Details
Oceania strives to deliver the best dining experience at sea, with colourful cuisine and fantastic food paramount and an important part of your voyage. On Oceania Sirena, that goal has been met – and then some. From sensational pan-Asian dishes that whisk you (and your tastebuds) away to places like Thailand and Japan, to carefully curated menus of Italian classics, you’ll be met with a world of flavour and delicious dishes when you dine. Some of the highlights aboard Oceania Sirena include: Grand Dining Room - in this 'main' venue, you'll be able to enjoy a sensational menu (that rotates daily) of fantastic foods from around the world; it's perfect if you're not sure what you want to eat and a great place to try new things. Red Ginger - serving a menu of classic pan-Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist, each meal here will be a treat for your tastebuds. Tuscan Steak - a signature restaurant aboard Oceania Sirena, this venue blends the Italian flair of Toscana with the classic appeal of Polo Grill to deliver a diverse menu of sensational seafood, steaks, and more. Terrace Café - an informal option for everyone onboard, you'll find a world of excellent cuisine available here throughout breakfast, into lunch, and during dinner. Waves Grill - serving American classics al fresco throughout the afternoon, this venue is just a stone's throw from the pool and a great place for a light bite. Horizons - if you're looking to treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea, you'll find that available mid-afternoon every day right here. With both in-suite dining and 24-hour room service options available, depending on your stateroom, you'll have no trouble enjoying all the excellent eats available onboard anytime during your cruise getaway.Activities Details
When it comes to keeping yourself entertained while at sea, Oceania Sirena really does have everything you could need to create the perfect night of entertainment when you’re not ashore enjoying the local culture. There may only be one live show a night in the main theatre, but you’ll find entertainment throughout – and music lovers will be particularly pleased with what’s on offer, for there’s a performance to suit all tastes. For example, here’s a taste of the evening entertainment on offer: Tuxedo - a fresh take on the music of legends such as Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra. Cabaret Cinema - an artistic twist on Hollywood’s most iconic music. Acoustic Sessions - unplug and relax to acoustic versions of some of the best songs from the 80s, 90s, and 21st century. Get on the Floor and Dance - a fun tribute to dance music, featuring hit tracks from artists like Michael Bublé and Christina Aguilera – and a few modern classics, too. If you would rather spend your evening sitting in sophisticated elegance, you will find a much more agreeable vibe in one of the bars onboard. On Sirena, you can enjoy the following anytime: Martinis - serving some sumptuous special twists on the classic martini alongside live piano performances. Horizons - admire the sensational sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows as you sip your favourite drink. Waves Bar - grab a cocktail by the pool and kick-back with a beverage. Lounge - enjoy a variety of drinks in Sirena’s entertainment hub.. Alternatively, you could try your luck at any one of the Casino games available, unwind with a good book in the Library, or play a round of mini-golf on the top deck. There’s a little something for everyone on Sirena and plenty of memories waiting to be made.Facilities
Spa and Fitness Oceania knows just how important your personal fitness and wellbeing is, which is why their ship is fitted with a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and the indulgent Aquamar Spa. Enter a deep state of relaxation or refresh yourself ahead of a shore day with one of the many treatments available, ranging from the massages e to the open-air whirlpool spa – or even the steamy sauna. In addition to this, guests will be able to take full advantage of a selection of free fitness classes while onboard. From yoga and pilates to spin classes and HIIT sessions, Oceania has created the perfect environment for a great workout on Sirena. Recreation If you’re eager to stay active, even when you’re on holiday, you can head to the Sports Deck to enjoy a bit of light competition in the form of mini-golf, shuffleboard, or even a quick race around the jogging track. While you may want to do lengths of the pool onboard, it’s really a great place to relax and dip your toes in while enjoying the sunshine. There’s also the onboard Library, with over 2,000 books to choose from, ranging from contemporary fiction to classic literature – which should hopefully mean you’ll find something you like. And, if you need anything onboard, don’t forget to visit one of the three boutiques; here, you’ll find anything from designer brands to sun cream and toothpaste.Other Information
Cruise itinerary may vary. Single supplements apply.
Holiday code
IC185Holiday provided by Iglu Cruise
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This cruise is sold by Iglu Cruise (ABTA J0332, ATOL 2987, IATA 91-280512), These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Iglu Cruise holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.