18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise

Cruise Itinerary for 18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean

Rome (Civitavecchia)

5/14/2009

5/14/2009 4:00:00 PM

Civitavecchia is the port city for Rome. Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. With its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, Rome is one of the world’s most attractive cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum where spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once a political and commercial center. Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Awe at Christendom’s most magnificent church, the Sistine Chapel. The busy square Piazza Venezia is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Take a stroll to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is the site of lovely St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, where for 200 years, Renaissance masters worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. Visit Vatican Museum.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Mahon

5/15/2009 2:00:00 PM

5/15/2009 8:00:00 PM

Mahon is a town known since antiquity for its natural harbor. Its coastline includes beautiful natural coves, rocky cliffs, and long beaches. Menorca is an open-air museum with archaeological remains giving evidence of Mediterranean cultures of thousands of years ago. Traces of English rule remain, especially in the design of tall houses with sash windows overlooking the harbor. Watersports are most popular of the wide range of leisure activities available. Sail boat rentals are available at numerous beaches and a golf course is located in Son Park. Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 - an acknowledgement of the island's environmental importance and artistic and cultural heritage. Santa Maria Church, located in Plaza de la Constitucion, was founded in 1287 and rebuilt in neo-classical style in the 18th century. Its 19th-century organ is one of the world’s largest, with 3,004 pipes. Sa Mesquida and Cala del Pilar are the two best beaches.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Strait of Gibraltar

5/16/2009

5/16/2009

Cruising

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Seville (Cadiz)

5/17/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/17/2009 4:00:00 PM

Cadiz is an old city with Andalusian character. The magnificent Baroque cathedral and impressive mansions were built with gold. Cadiz’s modern-day treasure lies 30 minutes to the north in the rolling hills of Jerez - where production of the liquid gold, as the famous sherry is often called, ensures a booming economy. Visit one of the bodegas for a tour and tasting. The Historic City Center of Old Cadiz is a pedestrian zone for a pleasant stroll. The monument to "Las Cortes" is the Spanish Parliament established in Plaza de España. The 18th-century golden-domed Cathedral of Santa Cruz looms over the whitewashed houses. The dazzling interior contains a magnificent collection of sculptures and art objects. The Museum of History features an outstanding model of Cadiz in ivory and mahogany that illustrates what the town looked like at the end of the 18th century. The small, colorful Flower Market offers much local flavor. The Moorish-style Alameda Apodaca Gardens serve as a reminder of the Moors’ occupation in past centuries.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Lisbon

5/18/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/18/2009 6:00:00 PM

Portugal’s capital is an 18th-century city - elegant, open to the sea and carefully planned. Most places of interest are within easy walking distance. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. Many rebuilt houses with original façades provide stores and restaurants with modern interiors. High above Baixa is Bairro Alto - with its teeming nightlife. There are many monuments and museums, such as San Jeronimos Monastery, Royal Coach Museum and Gulbenkian Museum. Two well-known landmarks are the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem. A statue of Christ looms above Europe’s longest suspension bridge. Madragoa, Bica and Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s older sections, offer a variety of sights: the Church of Sao Roque, with its beautiful tiles; St. George Castle, which offers a splendid view from its location above the Alfama quarter; the botanical gardens, featuring an unusual, cold greenhouse; and the cathedral, stunning with its Moorish design. Renowned Gulbenkian Museum is the cultural center of Portugal.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Oporto

5/19/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/19/2009 4:00:00 PM

Home of the famous Port wine and Portugal's second largest city, Oporto is situated on the banks of the Douro River and lies in the Costa Verde, a region steeped in history and ancient monuments with wide golden beaches and sprawling pine forests. Main attractions include its 12th century cathedral, the art museum containing some of Portugal's finest masterpieces and the Stock Exchange with its impressive Moorish hall. Try a visit inland to the heart of the Costa Verde with visits to historic Braga and the shrine of Bom Jesus and also to Guimeres, the ancient capital and birthplace of the first king of Portugal.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Bay of Biscay

5/20/2009

5/20/2009

Cruising

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

St. Malo

5/21/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/21/2009 4:00:00 PM

Saint Malo is a prime tourist destination in Brittany. Visitors flock to Saint Malo to experience the unique "intra-muros" (meaning within the walls) streets of the old citadel. Visit Saint Vincent Cathedral, noted for its medieval and modern stained glass windows. The museum in Château de Saint Malo has exhibits illustrating the city's prosperous time during its heydays of piracy, colonialism and slave trading. The ramparts afford great views over the roof tops and harbor. Saint Malo also serves as a gateway for excursions to legendary Mont Saint Michel - with the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel and its ensemble of buildings soaring high above the sea. As amazing as the abbey itself are extraordinary tide variations that leave the mount to look out on stretches of bare sand at low tide, while the same expanse of land is submerged during high tide. South of Saint Malo is the medieval town of Dinan. Once totally surrounded by ramparts, 14 towers and a good part of the walls are still standing, encircling beautiful 15th-century timbered houses.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge)

5/22/2009 11:00:00 AM

5/22/2009 8:00:00 PM

Zeebrugge is an important port city in Flanders, connecting Belgium’s intricate railway and canal transportation systems. It is the gateway to medieval Bruges, one of northern Europe's most picturesque old cities and Brussels with its tree-shaded boulevards, splendid parks, imposing monuments, and beautiful buildings.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Amsterdam

5/23/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/23/2009 6:00:00 PM

Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. Interesting attractions include the medieval weighhouse, Royal Palace on Dam Square, and New Church. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade. Not too far from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. Enjoy the city’s sights from a glass-topped sightseeing boat which passes characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. Facing Dam Square, the Royal Palace was built in 1648 and is still officially the royal residence, although the royal family resides in The Hague. The marbled Citizens Hall with inlaid maps of the world is worth seeing. One of Amsterdam’s most visited sites is historic Anne Frank House. Rijksmuseum, the city’s most prestigious museum, houses the largest collection of Dutch paintings in the world. Van Gogh Museum houses a striking collection.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Kiel Canal

5/24/2009

5/24/2009

The Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee Kanal, is an artificial waterway in northwestern Germany that links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The canal extends in a northeastern direction across the farmIands of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbüttel, near the mouth of the Elbe River, to Kiel, on the Baltic. Constructed between 1887 and 1895 and subsequently enlarged, it is about 60 mi long, 335 ft wide, and 36 ft deep. The canal shortened the distance between the North and Baltic seas by about 200 mi and eliminated the difficult passage around Jutland. It was internationalized by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Copenhagen

5/25/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/25/2009 4:00:00 PM

Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen is known as Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its Little Mermaid statue and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Gdansk (Gdynia)

5/26/2009 9:00:00 AM

5/26/2009 6:00:00 PM

Historic Gdansk represents one of the richest, most lavish complexes of architectonic relics in Poland. The entrances to historic quarters are huge stone gateways guarding the main thoroughfare; the well-proportioned tower of town hall makes a powerful impact. The main square is filled with fine mansions. St. Mary’s Church is the world's largest brick church, with a capacity of 25,000. Dominating the waterside is seven-story Great Mill. Gdynia is the modern port for Gdansk. Near Gdansk is Sopot, one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in northern Europe during the 19th century and the country’s most popular health spa with its beach and flair for entertainment. Sopot is known as an important music center, featuring an annual Opera and International Song Festival. Gdansk Historical Museum has lavish decorations and fascinating exhibits. Maritime Museum features a model of every ship produced in local shipyards since 1945 and is housed in the massive 15th-century Gdansk Crane. National Art Museum, one of Gdansk’s highlights, boasts a collection of Gothic art and sculpture.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Baltic Sea

5/27/2009

5/27/2009

Cruising

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

St. Petersburg

5/28/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/28/2009

Founded by Peter I in 1703, this beautiful city became the designated capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 to 1914. St. Petersburg was a gateway to the West and a distinctly European metropolis with Baroque and neo-classical mansions. The second-largest city in Russia and the country’s principal seaport, St. Petersburg boasts some of the world’s finest art museums, opulent palaces and one of the world’s most talented ballet companies. Many monuments and palaces in and around St. Petersburg are being carefully restored; they represent an important facet of the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Some of the world’s most magnificent art treasures are housed in the famous Hermitage; several other museums boast fine collections by Russian and international artists. Strolling down Nevsky Prospect, you will realize the pride of St. Petersburg’s stoic citizens as the former glamour and opulence of its stately buildings begin to emerge once again.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

St. Petersburg

5/29/2009

5/29/2009 6:00:00 PM

Founded by Peter I in 1703, this beautiful city became the designated capital of Imperial Russia from 1712 to 1914. St. Petersburg was a gateway to the West and a distinctly European metropolis with Baroque and neo-classical mansions. The second-largest city in Russia and the country’s principal seaport, St. Petersburg boasts some of the world’s finest art museums, opulent palaces and one of the world’s most talented ballet companies. Many monuments and palaces in and around St. Petersburg are being carefully restored; they represent an important facet of the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Some of the world’s most magnificent art treasures are housed in the famous Hermitage; several other museums boast fine collections by Russian and international artists. Strolling down Nevsky Prospect, you will realize the pride of St. Petersburg’s stoic citizens as the former glamour and opulence of its stately buildings begin to emerge once again.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Tallinn

5/30/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/30/2009 5:00:00 PM

Tallinn's many occupations over the centuries have resulted in a cultural mix and unique ambiance of this maritime city. Old Town's cobbled streets and 13th-14th century buildings attract thousands of visitors annually who admire the city’s heritage of medieval buildings, the imposing City Hall, the Orthodox Cathedral, Toompea Castle and Oleviste Church. See former guild houses, including the Great Guildhall of the medieval Hanseatic League. Other attractions include impressive Town Hall Square with 15th century Gothic Town Hall, and numerous Gothic churches including Toomekirik. Toompea Castle has fine views over Tallinn. In Hirve Park, Estonians have rallied recently in protest of foreign occupation. "Tall Herman" and "Fat Margaret" are two towers among the remnants of the original defense walls. The "Fat Margaret" tower now houses a Maritime Museum on Tallinn’s history as a busy port. Other museums include: The House of Knights on Toompea Hill which displays Estonian art from the 19th and 20th centuries; the Museum of Decorative and Applied Art.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Stockholm

5/31/2009 8:00:00 AM

5/31/2009

Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Stockholm

6/1/2009

6/1/2009

Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

18-night Scenic Splendors and Gilded Palaces Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta