Mediterranean Solstice - Istanbul to Barcelona with Oceania Vista 2024

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

 

Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is located in Turkey’s Aegean province, which enjoys the finest climate in the country. Turkey’s third largest city and located in a region whose magnificent history has rendered it a key holiday destination. Lively and cosmopolitan, Izmir boasts scenic, palm-lined promenades that line a glittering bay, graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces that cloak the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important centers of the ancient period, has been inhabited for approximately 9000 years, starting from the prehistoric period, throughout the Hellenistic, Roman, Eastern Roman, Principalities and Ottoman periods, and has been a very important port city and cultural and commercial center at all stages of its history.

 

Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape-whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. Ride a donkey up the trail to the city of Thira or take a cable car. The views from Thira, set atop a ledge overlooking the sea, are stirring. Most ships allow just enough time here to wander the streets, admire the churches and browse the shops and cafes.

 

Discover for yourself the beauty of one of Greece's most popular islands, known as "the green island" because of its 3 million olive trees and flower-strewn countryside. Her Adriatic-style villages offer you a fascinating mixture of old tavernas, new cafes, Byzantine churches, discos, and shops, plus an amazing old city between two fortresses.

 

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a medium sized city located on the very south of the Republic of Croatia on the Adriatic coast.'The City' or 'Grad' as the locals call it has an exceptionally rich historical heritage and culture which make Dubrovnik very popular among tourists who come to Croatia. The term "The City" (Grad) was coined by the proud citizens in the height of the Dubrovnik Republic when the trade, culture, and arts in Dubrovnik were at its peak and Dubrovnik seemed to be the center of trade on the Adriatic and the Mediterannean. The term "Grad" reffers only to the Old Town Dubrovnik whereas Dubrovnik includes also the surrounding suburban area.

 

Kotor offers some of the most well preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city's master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls.

 

Hvar frequently appears on lists of the world’s most appealing islands. Its fertile plains and fresh water springs support glowing fields of lavender, fruit orchards, ancient olive trees, and vineyards, which you are invited to visit, producing some award winning “garage” wines, which you are encouraged to taste. Or perhaps you prefer an espresso while people watching in the town square, followed by a stroll through picturesque streets that reveal centuries of Dalmatian history. Of note is the handmade agave lace, now on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, made by Benedictine nuns in their secluded convent.

 

A few kilometers from the Slovenian border, the city port is a beautiful excursion route with its wide beach and historical monuments.
The city’s historic landmarks: the Church of San Giusto and surrounding medieval complex, the Miramare Castle, and the Habsburgian atmosphere of Piazza Italia. An hour’s bus ride from Trieste is the elegant and fascinating town of Aquileia, known among other things for its mosaics.

 

Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you'll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder - Split has it all.

 

Kotor offers some of the most well preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city's master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls.

 

Igoumenitsa is a coastal city in northwestern Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit of Thesprotia. The city itself is built on the slopes of a forested mountain and expands perimetrically around the gulf. Igoumenitsa is known for being surrounded by several forests and for its blue waters. The nearby Drepanos Beach is one of the longest sand beaches in the region, with a length of over 7 kilometers.

 

Katakolon is a small holiday port town in Ilia, in the western part of Greece. Katakolon is known as the ‘gateway to Olympia’ as it lies just East of the ancient city of Olympic, which was the birthplace of the Olympic games.
Katakolon really is a destination for everyone and all passengers will come away with greater understanding of the ancient Hellenic civilisations. Enjoy the best deals on the extraordinary Olympia archaeological museum, which is the most important in Greece. Here you can view exhibits of pottery, bronzes, Roman sculptures, artefacts from the Olympic Games and terracotta sculptures dating from 480 BC.

 

This beautiful ancient city on the west coast of Sicily has played a significant role in Mediterranean history for centuries. Tour Trapani's ancient Senate and gorgeous 14th and 15th century churches; explore the stunning medieval hill town of Erice; and meditate on the lives of the ancients as you wander among the ruins at Selinunte, with its impressive collection of temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

 

This locale requires a camera with lots of memory. Wedged into the mouth of a ravine, encircled by sheer cliffs and facing blue waters, it is hard to believe that this tranquil little town was once a great naval power. Now terraced hillsides support the lemon groves vital to the production of limoncello liqueur, which you must taste, if only to fortify yourself for a not-to-be-missed foray along the Amalfi Drive, a thrilling ride snaking along hillsides past unbelievably stunning views of other pastel hamlets perched above the sea.

 

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic.It is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world. Its historical centre, outlined by the enclosing Aurelian Walls, layering nearly three thousand years of antiquity, is an invaluable testimony to the European western world’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy and in 1980 it was, together with the Holy See’s property beyond the confines of the Vatican State as well as the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

 

Renowned as Napoleon's birthplace, Ajaccio's many squares and plazas pay homage to the conqueror who never returned home. Located along Corsica's west coast, Ajaccio is a short drive away from hospitable beaches, soaring mountains and unforgettable gorges. Visitors to the town can walk along the quaint streets, stroll along its waterfront promenade or venture out of town to enjoy the island's natural beauty.

 

Casinos, super-yachts and movie stars – Monte Carlo is the capital of the tiny sovereign state of Monaco, located on France ’s Côte d'Azur. Monte-Carlo is a highly cultural vacation destination with many sights and will certainly offer a warm welcome to all visitors.

 

France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France .
As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain. The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet. Although Marseille is the economic and industrial capital of France , it manages to remain true to its own traditions and culture, reflected in the Marseille way of life and its numerous museums, theatres and opera houses

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.