10 nights Athens (Piraeus) to Monte Carlo

Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. 

Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on any Greek itinerary — enjoy the sensational sunsets from Oia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini – and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE - which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the centre of the island, forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, welcomes you with seemingly eternal sunshine thanks to more sunny days than any other place in Europe. Situated at the island's most northern point, Rhodes' only neighbours on the east and west are gleaming blue seas. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites ranging from the ruins of the Temple of Venus to the medieval Street of Knights.

A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. Climb to the top for views out across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. 

Between exciting adventures ashore, you’ll have ample time to explore all of the luxurious amenities, entertaining activities and engaging enrichment on board. As you enjoy imaginative destination experiences around the world, relax aboard Oceania Cruises’ small, luxurious ships and savour The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Book a blissful body treatment, massage or facial, enjoy the steam room or sauna, and revel in the views from the Aquamar Spa Terrace while you soak in the thalassotherapy pool. Beneath dazzling blue skies, pair a glass of rosé with some lively deck games for refreshing ocean air. 

Honey-coloured Siracusa is a staggering UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an extraordinary Sicilian city of immense ancient history. The Baroque cathedral rises like a giant sandcastle, and you can settle opposite to cradle a glass of wine and enjoy the view over the immaculate square - people watching before the glorious baroque façade. Dig deep into its history at the mainland's archaeological park. Here you can wander between the remains of a Greek theatre, constructed in the 5th century BC, and now used as a grandiose, atmospheric venue for events and performances. Local ingredients are imbued with flavour by this volcanic land’s fertile soils and the firepower of Europe’s most active volcano Mount Etna, waits just to the north.

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. Its claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century. Naples provides a convenient starting point for trips to such favoured destinations as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the Pompeii population of 20,000 was wiped out, but dozens of buildings were preserved under layers of cinder more than 20 feet deep. The most important finds from Pompeii are displayed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum.

Discover the charming port town of Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome and the treasures of the Eternal City. Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-rich churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

This cradle of the Renaissance owes its UNESCO status to the overwhelming influence the city and its museums, churches, architecture and artworks have had on Europe and, ultimately, the world. Vestiges of this enlightened period are everywhere today – at the Uffizi gallery, the Palazzos Pitta and Vecchio and throughout the city streets. Only a little over an hour away visit Pisa, known for its Gothic architecture, home to the vibrant University of Pisa, and of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which remains famously tilted since construction finished in 1372. Florence glows from afar with red brick, teeming with cathedrals. You’ll be in good company among paintings and sculptures by da Vinci, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, and others. 

At the same time bustling and picturesque—filled with colourful markets, fabulous wine and food and sights like le Vieux Port—Marseille is one of Europe’s oldest cities and the largest port in the Mediterranean. If it looks familiar that might be because it has played a role in many films, French and international, in fact just off the coast looms the foreboding Chateau d’If, where the fictional Count of Monte Cristo was imprisoned. Or perhaps you recognise scenes from paintings; the small port of l’Estaque was once a favourite haunt of artists such as Renoir, Cezanne, and Braque.

On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbour sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous. The harbour district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum.