Barcelona ➤ Provence (Marseilles) ➤ Monte Carlo, Monaco ➤ Ajaccio (Corsica) ➤ Rome (Civitavecchia) ➤ Amalfi/Positano ➤ Taormina (Sicily) ➤ Katakolon ➤ Sea ➤ Kotor (Montenegro) ➤ Dubrovnik ➤ Pula/Rovinj (Croatia) ➤ Trieste
DAY 1 – Flight to Barcelona and Embark on Oceania Sirena
On arrival at Dublin Airport, Terminal 2, proceed to the Aer Lingus bag-drop desk, and proceed through security to your departure gate. On arrival in Barcelona Airport, Join your transfer to the cruise terminal to board Oceania Allura. Once onboard explore the ship and all it has to offer. Why not take the opportunity to book any excursions or shows you may like to do during the week? (Any Oceania excursions booked are at an additional cost)
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaud ‘s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaud ‘s other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
DAY 2 – Provence (Marseille), France
See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Proven al countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.
DAY 3 – Monte Carlo, Monaco
Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don’t forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the C te d’Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence – each one a jewel to be savored.
DAY 4 – Ajaccio (Corsica), France
Stroll through the narrow streets of Napoleon’s birthplace, visit the bustling, colorful market, browse in the shops and see the cathedral where he was baptized. Relax in shady Place Foch beside a bubbling fountain and Napoleon’s statue. Or discover the stunning, rugged Corsican countryside and its famous aromatic maquis shrubs and oak trees. Admire the superb views and the impressive Prunelli Gorges.
DAY 5 – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Piet and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.
DAY 6 – Amalfi/Positano, Italy
Visit enchanting Amalfi to admire the 12th century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th century cathedral and cloister. Then discover chic Positano with its relaxed, sophisticated air and white Moorish-style houses clinging to steep slopes around a sparkling bay filled with colorful fishing boats.
DAY 7 – Taormina (Sicily), Italy
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views on the way up to the town, where you can stroll down medieval lanes past stunning palaces. See the famed Greek theater and its fantastic view of Mount Etna. Or take a trip to the volcano itself and get a first-hand look at cones, craters and lava streams from previous eruptions and a fantastic view over the Gulf of Catania. Venture into the countryside and its lovely hill towns, one with a Norman castle built of black lava, and visit beautiful old Catania.
DAY 8 – Katakolon, Montenegro
Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.
DAY 9 – Day at Sea
Today enjoy a day at sea and take the time to enjoy all Oceania Allura has to offer
DAY 10 – Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.
DAY 11 – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.
DAY 12 – Pula/Rovinj, Croatia
Rich in Roman political history, visit the majestic Pula Arena, which dates back to the 1st century. Stroll the quaint streets of the city’s old quarter, lined with Medieval and Renaissance buildings. Two other notable and well-preserved ancient Roman structures are the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Rome and Augustus. Or simply enjoy the wonderful beaches on Rovinj and its medieval old town.
DAY 13 – Trieste, Italy & Disembark Ship
Situated at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures, Trieste invites visitors to discover new palaces, piazzas and cathedrals around every corner. Along the canal, the gilded Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione is juxtaposed with the neoclassical Catholic Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo. A walk along the harbor takes you to Trieste’s majestic main square, Piazza dell’Unit d’Italia, and on to the Museo Revoltella, the opulent palace of a wealthy baron. Not to be missed is the Castello di Miramare, Archduke Maximilian’s gleaming castle situated on a rocky promontory north of the city.
Join your transfer to Venice Airport for your return flight to Dublin.