Rome to Trieste - Maiden Voyage

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

  Fly from your UK airport to Rome and embark onboard Oceania Sonata for your 14 night cruise

• Day 2: Salerno, Italy

  The picturesque port city of Salerno overlooks the Gulf of Salerno in Italy's Campania region. Stroll along the tree-lined seafront promenade before meandering through Centro Storico where medieval churches rub shoulders with traditional trattorias, trendy wine bars, and chic boutiques. Get up close to the fauna and flora at Giardino della Minerva or enjoy a spot of culture at Museo Archeologico Provincal and Museo Pinacoteca Provincal. Step inside the impressive Duomo di Salerno or climb up to the mountain-top Castello di Arechi to enjoy far-reaching views.

• Day 3: Catania (Sicily), Italy

  The ancient port city of Catania sits in the shadow of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Stroll around the Fontana dell'Elefante statue and the ornate Catania Cathedral, before experiencing the lively Pescheria fish market. Step back in time at Catania at Castello Ursino and the Teatro Romano, window-shop along the elegant Via Etnea then escape to the idyllic gardens at Villa Bellini. No trip to Catania would be complete without taking a scenic trip up Mount Etna by bus or cable car.

• Day 4: Valletta, Malta

  Malta's small capital city — Valletta — sits within the city's original walls on a hillside and is known for its old churches, palaces and museums. Formerly ruled by the French, Italians, Spanish, and British; this UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with more than 300 historical monuments — making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world! Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of its old town district and see the famous Maltese-decorated balconies. Among a variety of churches, you can discover St. John's Co-Cathedral — one of Malta's biggest tourist attractions — with its striking interior decor and painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio.

• Day 5: Katakolon, Greece

  The sleepy fishing port of Katakolon sits on the west coast of the Peloponnese, close to Pyrgos. The port is gateway to one of Greece's most famous landmarks - Olympia. Visit the ancient ruins of the Olympic Stadium where the sacred flame is lit each Olympic year. Pay a visit to the remains of the 7th-century BC Temple of Hera and the Temple of Zeus. Admire the classical, Roman and Greek treasures at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Pay a visit to the Mercouri Estate Winery to enjoy a wine tour and taste the wine.

• Day 6: Heraklion (Crete), Greece

  Sitting on Crete's northern coast, the capital city of Heraklion is Greece's fourth-largest city. Located between the districts of Lassithi and Rethymno, Heraklion remains one of the most popular tourist destinations. Discover the Bronze Age ruins at the Palace of Knossos and sail to the deserted island of Dia for a snorkelling trip. Stroll through Agora — the Market Street — for an authentic taste of Crete. Here, you can sample traditional dishes like souvlaki kebabs and sweet baklava pastries.

• Day 7: Paros, Greece

  The Greek island of Paros is part of the Cyclades island group and sits in the Aegean Sea. Paros is famous for its 120-kilometre-long coastline awash with pretty beaches and charming traditional villages; while inland you'll find idyllic landscapes, rolling hills, and lush valleys dotted with monasteries and quaint churches. The waterside capital of Parikia is the perfect place to explore; don't miss Panagia Ekatontapiliani Byzantine church that dates back to the 4th century AD. Nearby you'll also find Butterfly Valley which is filled with Jersey Tiger Moths in the summer months. Make a beeline for the north coast resort of Kolombithres to enjoy its beach and naturally-sculpted rocks that form swimming coves. The fishing village of Naousa, the mountain town of Lefkes, Cycladic Folklore Museum at Aliki, and Golden Beach at Piso Livadi fishing port are well worth visiting too.

• Day 8: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

  Athens — Greece's capital city — was the birthplace of democracy and western civilisation. The city features numerous 5th-century landmarks including the former temple of Parthenon and the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Plaka district. The historic Plaka neighbourhood is one of the oldest in the world and features winding streets lined with family-run bars and restaurants.

• Day 9: Mykonos, Greece

  Mykonos sits in the Aegean Sea with traditional white-washed houses and bright-blue waters. Wander the twisting narrow lanes, which were originally designed to confuse pirate invaders, and discover quaint shops and boutiques. Visit stylish beach bars, modern restaurants and see the iconic 16th-century Venetian windmills which overlook Mykonos town — the island's capital.

• Day 10: Argostoli (Cephalonia), Greece

  Argostoli is Kefalonia's main port town and boasts a beautiful natural harbour. Stroll around the town centre and discover plentiful shops, cafes, bars and restaurants around Plateia Valianou and along Lithostroto main street. Pay a visit to the Museum of Archaeology and the Cultural Museum. Head to Kampanas Square and enjoy breath-taking views of the town and the beautiful Koutavos Lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild loggerhead turtles each morning in Argostoli Bay. Walk across the De Bosset Bridge and enjoy the stunning views. Watch the sea flow inland and disappears into sinkholes at the Katavothres. Soak up the sun on nearby Fenari beach and discover the picturesque St Theodore lighthouse.

• Day 11: Corfu, Greece

  The island of Corfu sits off the north coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lined with golden beach resorts, it's a cosmopolitan island with a strong, traditional character. Corfu has long been a hugely popular holiday destination due to its laid-back atmosphere, fun beaches, fantastic climate, and welcoming villages. Its old town is filled with Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and French-style houses. Spend time relaxing on the sand or enjoying water sports in the sea, before sampling the island's delicious cuisine — often a tasty blend of Greek and Italian — at a beachfront restaurant. The waterfront is lined with bars and cafes, and there are plenty of craft markets for buying souvenirs.

• Day 12: Bar, Montenegro

  Bar blends coastal beauty with rich Balkan heritage, set between the Adriatic Sea and rugged mountains. Stroll its lively waterfront, visit the ancient ruins of Stari Bar, and enjoy pristine beaches with crystal‑clear waters. This sun‑soaked port offers a relaxed Mediterranean feel with a touch of historic charm.

• Day 13: Split, Croatia

  Split, on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, is the country's second-largest city. It is popular for its golden beaches and bustling centre — which was built around the fourth-century Diocletian's Palace. Today, the palace remains a central part of Split's heritage after its transformation into a variety of houses, flats, churches, and chapels. Stroll through the centre to admire the towering Cathedral of Saint Domnius with its 13th-century oak doors that tell the story of Christ. The Riva waterfront promenade runs the length of the old town and is the perfect place to stop for lunch. See cascading waterfalls at Krka National Park or relax and snorkel on the beach of Brac Island before departing.

• Day 14: Zadar, Croatia

  Explore Croatia's Zadar — found on the Dalmatian Coast lining the Adriatic Sea. Zadar has a beautiful old town district filled with Roman ruins and century-old churches, including the 12th-century St Anastasia's Cathedral and the Byzantine-style Donatus Church. Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Roman Forum, before enjoying a cold beer or a coffee at a cafe on the lively People's Square. This historic port also features a selection of modern landmarks including Sun Salutation — an enchanting light show that plays from sunset to sunrise — and Sea Organ, which is a system of pipes and whistles found underwater that play music as the sea pushes air through it.

• Day 15: Trieste, Italy

  Today your cruise comes to an end.