28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise

Cruise Itinerary for 28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean

Istanbul

10/31/2009

10/31/2009

This exotic capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the West and the East. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Sarai await-as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from far-off lands. A walk down any backstreet gives the feeling of entering a completely different environment. Traders with handcarts, stevedores carrying burdens twice their size, limbless beggars and shoeshine boys all frequent the streets around the city center. Men monopolize public bars and teahouses, while many women cover their heads, their gaze downcast. In summer, dust tracks take the place of pavements, giving way in winter to a slurry of mud. Where there are pavements, they are punctuated at intervals with unmarked pits large enough to swallow you without trace. And this is before you even begin to cross any bridges into Asia.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Istanbul

11/1/2009

11/1/2009 3:00:00 PM

This exotic capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the West and the East. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Sarai await-as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from far-off lands. A walk down any backstreet gives the feeling of entering a completely different environment. Traders with handcarts, stevedores carrying burdens twice their size, limbless beggars and shoeshine boys all frequent the streets around the city center. Men monopolize public bars and teahouses, while many women cover their heads, their gaze downcast. In summer, dust tracks take the place of pavements, giving way in winter to a slurry of mud. Where there are pavements, they are punctuated at intervals with unmarked pits large enough to swallow you without trace. And this is before you even begin to cross any bridges into Asia.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Kusadasi

11/2/2009 1:00:00 PM

11/2/2009 8:00:00 PM

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/3/2009

11/3/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Limassol

11/4/2009

11/4/2009

Every night people celebrate events momentous and trivial. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, housed in an old mansion. Walk ten miles of beautiful beaches, known as Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. West of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain a tower surrounding living quarters, and an ancient sugar factory. Visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Haifa

11/5/2009 7:00:00 AM

11/5/2009

Holy Land to three of the world's major religions, Israel has a great emotional and spiritual effect on its visitors through its magnificent religious shrines and tenacity of a nation that, against all odds, made the desert bloom. As a center of shipping, banking, foreign commerce and wholesale trading, Haifa boasts institutions for higher education and for scientific research, a theater, a concert hall, museums and places of culture and entertainment. The residential areas and major hotels are situated along the ridge of Mount Carmel, about 900 feet above sea level. Clandestine Immigration & Navy Museum features the ship which ran the British blockade during the Mandatory period. Mane Katz Museum is dedicated to the world-renowned Jewish artist of the same name who left his home, paintings and other works of art to the city. Gan Ha-Pesalim, a lovely garden overlooking the bay, is home to over 20 bronze sculptures by Ursula Malbin. Elija’s Cave, known as the center of the prophet’s activities, is holy to Jews, Christians, Moslems and Druze.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Haifa

11/6/2009

11/6/2009 6:00:00 PM

Holy Land to three of the world's major religions, Israel has a great emotional and spiritual effect on its visitors through its magnificent religious shrines and tenacity of a nation that, against all odds, made the desert bloom. As a center of shipping, banking, foreign commerce and wholesale trading, Haifa boasts institutions for higher education and for scientific research, a theater, a concert hall, museums and places of culture and entertainment. The residential areas and major hotels are situated along the ridge of Mount Carmel, about 900 feet above sea level. Clandestine Immigration & Navy Museum features the ship which ran the British blockade during the Mandatory period. Mane Katz Museum is dedicated to the world-renowned Jewish artist of the same name who left his home, paintings and other works of art to the city. Gan Ha-Pesalim, a lovely garden overlooking the bay, is home to over 20 bronze sculptures by Ursula Malbin. Elija’s Cave, known as the center of the prophet’s activities, is holy to Jews, Christians, Moslems and Druze.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Port Said

11/7/2009

11/7/2009

Port Said has a lovely view which runs along its attractive beach. The city is located at the northern end of the Suez Canal. Situated largely on man-made land, the city was founded on a low sandy strip separating the Mediterranean from Lake Al-Manzilah. Lying at the junction of Africa & Asia, it is a famous and vital sea route between east & west.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Alexandria (Cairo)

11/8/2009 8:00:00 AM

11/8/2009 3:00:00 PM

This Mediterranean city, blessed with a mild, pleasant climate and white beaches, is a popular playground and the country's summer capital. Nightclubs, sidewalk cafes and restaurants lining the Corniche add to Alexandria's attractions. There are museums, Roman theater, and catacombs to explore. Alexandria also serves as gateway for excursions to Cairo and the famous El Alamein battlefield. Visitors will find plenty of interest in this "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Good shopping buys include gold and silver jewelry, especially the gold cartouche with your name inscribed in hieroglyphs, cotton goods, carpets, leather articles, copper- and brassware, basketware and papyrus prints. The city boasts a reputation of having the country's best food. Other sights include: Ras at-Tin Palace, with its surrounding gardens; Hussein Sobhy Museum of Fine Arts; and Hotel Cecil, a grand and elegant hotel with romantic and intriguing history. There is a War Museum and Commonwealth War Cemetery.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Agios Nikolaos

11/9/2009 1:00:00 PM

11/9/2009 8:00:00 PM

Agios Nikolaos lies picturesquely on Mirabello Bay in the eastern part of Crete. Its charming small town has developed into a popular holiday resort thanks to its beautiful beaches and its convenience as a center from which to explore eastern Crete. Visit the island's capital, Heraklion, and the famous site of Knossos. Many of the artifacts and frescoes unearthed at Knossos are now in Heraklion's renowned museum. Among the artists who came from this port city was El Greco, who was born near Heraklion in 1541. The area around the harbor and the side streets are lined with souvenir and handicraft shops. Tavernas along the harbor front offer tasty local dishes. Spinalonga Island is located 15 miles from Ághios Nikólaos. Formerly the site of a leper colony, the island is popular with sun worshippers who enjoy its picturesque setting. Other attractions include the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fort.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/10/2009

11/10/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Valletta

11/11/2009 8:00:00 AM

11/11/2009 4:00:00 PM

Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

La Goulette

11/12/2009 8:00:00 AM

11/12/2009 6:00:00 PM

One of the most important ports in Tunis, La Goulette is also perfectly located to explore some great sightseeing destinations in Tunisia.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/13/2009

11/13/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Barcelona

11/14/2009 5:00:00 AM

11/14/2009 8:00:00 PM

Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/15/2009

11/15/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Tangier

11/16/2009 8:00:00 AM

11/16/2009 6:00:00 PM

The "Gateway to Africa," located at its northwestern tip, Tangier is a fashionable resort retaining its age-old mystery and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy streets of the bazaar, while the higher part of town, with its broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/17/2009

11/17/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Funchal (Madeira), Portugal

11/18/2009 8:00:00 AM

11/18/2009 5:00:00 PM

Madeira has been described as "Island of Eternal Spring". It is renowned for its wine, which many feel ranks among the world’s best. Funchal has a wide selection of resort hotels where watersports, golf and tennis are popular. Visitors can tour the 15th-century cathedral, orchid gardens of Quinta das Cruzes, and buildings associated with Christopher Columbus. Madeira’s discoverer, Zarco, is believed to have lived in the house Quinta das Cruzes. Now it displays furniture and paintings and is surrounded by fabulous gardens. The stunning 15th-century design of Sé Cathedral features white stucco with contrasting black basalt and red tufa rock; the ceiling is inlaid with ivory. Located near Town Hall, the Museum of Sacred Art contains art from several islands, including a group of 15th- and 16th-century paintings of Portuguese and Flemish schools. Visit colorful Mercado dos Lavradores during the morning to see flower vendors and fish and produce stands.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/19/2009

11/19/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/20/2009

11/20/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/21/2009

11/21/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/22/2009

11/22/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/23/2009

11/23/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Hamilton, Bermuda

11/24/2009 2:00:00 PM

11/24/2009

The port of Hamilton is a leading offshore business center and main attractions are the island’s temperate climate, pink sand beaches, pastel homes and bucolic landscapes in this idyllic spot in the Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is famous for high quality British and European imports along with local artistry which includes cedar candlesticks, coral and seashell products, jewelry and local perfumes. Imported goods include Italian and Scottish woolens, European glass, china and perfumes. Front Street is lined with boutiques and duty-free shops. Although there are few bargains, a wide range of British goods may be found at genuine reductions. The Sessions House was built in 1817 when the government was moved from St. George’s to Hamilton. The Golden Jubilee clock tower was added in 1887. Other historic buildings include the Supreme Court, the Cabinet building, Senate Chamber and the Library. Many natural highlights are in Harrington Sound: the Devil’s Hole, the Crystal and Leamington Caves, the Blue Grotto and Spittal Pond.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Hamilton, Bermuda

11/25/2009

11/25/2009 4:00:00 PM

The port of Hamilton is a leading offshore business center and main attractions are the island’s temperate climate, pink sand beaches, pastel homes and bucolic landscapes in this idyllic spot in the Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is famous for high quality British and European imports along with local artistry which includes cedar candlesticks, coral and seashell products, jewelry and local perfumes. Imported goods include Italian and Scottish woolens, European glass, china and perfumes. Front Street is lined with boutiques and duty-free shops. Although there are few bargains, a wide range of British goods may be found at genuine reductions. The Sessions House was built in 1817 when the government was moved from St. George’s to Hamilton. The Golden Jubilee clock tower was added in 1887. Other historic buildings include the Supreme Court, the Cabinet building, Senate Chamber and the Library. Many natural highlights are in Harrington Sound: the Devil’s Hole, the Crystal and Leamington Caves, the Blue Grotto and Spittal Pond.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/26/2009

11/26/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

At Sea

11/27/2009

11/27/2009

Every day at sea is packed with activities...from deck games to entertainment. Indulge yourself in a relaxing massage. Exercise. Shop at onboard boutiques. Take a dip in the pool. The day is yours. Indulge!

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta

Miami

11/28/2009 7:00:00 AM

11/28/2009

A great climate which makes it a great vacation spot all year round, exciting attractions, professional sports teams, art, history, museums, and all of the nature parks and education you could ask for. Miami has many local activities & attractions, including Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, and South Beach. Amusement parks, deep-sea fishing, boat rides, sightseeing, fine dining, professional football, dolphin watching, marine museums. A visitor can spend hours, days, or weeks entertaining themselves and family without having to travel more than a few minutes in any direction. Nighttime entertainment includes: music and dance clubs with music ranging from smooth sounding jazz to lively disco, comedy clubs, concerts, theater, opera, symphony and movies. Virtually no one comes to Miami without taking a stroll along the Beach.

28-night Exquisite Explorations Cruise Mediterranean Cheap Cruise aboard the Oceania Regatta