Project Description
8-Days Valetta to Venice
Begin in Valetta…Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. End your cruise by traveling to Venice amid the canals and so much history.
8-Day VALLETTA TO VENICE
Ancient Cities & Seaside Retreats
JUNE 2023 FARES FROM $2,199 PER GUEST
Mediterranean Voyage on the Oceania Sirena
Special Offer – Take advantage of our $199 Premium Economy Air Upgrade and enjoy a wealth of amenities to make your air travel experience more comfortable.
Shore excursions on the first and last day of a cruise are only available for guests who are combining back-to-back voyages to create a longer cruise.
CRUISE ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPART
1 Valletta, Malta Board 1 PM 6 PM
2 Mediterranean Sea Cruising
3 Ephesus, Turkey 10 AM 10 PM
4 Santorini, Greece 7 AM 4 PM
5 Argostoli, Greece 11 AM 7 PM
6 Tirana, Albania 9 AM 7 PM
7 Korcula, Croatia 7 AM 5 PM
8 Venice, Italy 10 AM Overnight
9 Venice, Italy Overnight Disembark 8 AM – Fly back to the United States
Valletta, Malta
Day 1: Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.
Ephesus, Turkey
Day 3: Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma – renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.
Santorini, Greece
Day 4: Visit the beautiful, whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira’s museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be legendary, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.
Argostoli, Greece
Day 5: This capital of the island resides in a sheltered bay along Koutavos Lagoon, where you might catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle. The stone obelisk of the Drapano Bridge and the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore are two of the island’s distinctive landmarks. Discover relics from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic, and Roman periods in the city’s archaeological museum.
Tirana (Durres), Albania
Day 6: Tour the National Museum of History with archaeological artifacts or jump ahead a few millennia and relive the Byzantine era at the Fortress of Justinian. Examine everything from modern art to 800-year-old religious icons at the National Art Gallery or climb the city’s clock tower for fabulous views.
Korcula, Croatia
Day 7: The walled city of Korcula is a medieval gem. Walk through the 14th century gate into the Old Town, and it’s like stepping back in time. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula features a wealth of Venetian-style architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint Mark and the Bishop’s Palace. For a glimpse of the ancient, note the prehistoric artifacts exhibited in the town museum. There is also an inspirational Museum of Icons full of Byzantine religious paintings, many collected by 18th century sailors.
Venice, Italy
Day 8 & 9: Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice’s secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.
Pre-Cruise in Malta
Grand Hotel Excelsior – As the premier destination among 5-star Valletta hotels, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems. This acclaimed hotel prides itself in providing the discerning traveler with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett harbor and Manoel Island and an unforgettable dining experience. Its central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands. 1 Night – $219.00 / 2 Nights – $398.00 / 3 Nights – $577.00
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Westin Dragonara Resort – Discover one of Malta’s top 5-star hotels located in the heart of downtown St Julian’s and right on the water’s edge, from where one can directly access the Mediterranean sea from our two private beach lidos. With over 74,000 square meters of space, The Westin Dragonara Resort is your ideal holiday accommodation. 1 Night – $339.00 / 2 Nights – $638.00 / 3 Nights – $937.00
Your Home Away from Home on the Oceania Sirena
The better-than-new Sirena blends sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant ambiance that embodies the most treasured elements of our celebrated ships. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed color palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises. From the hand-painted willow tree artwork on the French-glass mirror crowning The Grand Staircase to the bold and chic new personality of Martinis, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Sirena personifies the Oceania Cruises experience for it 684 guests.
TravelKatz is ready to help you plan this beautiful, life changing cruise for your group. Call us at 352-277-7300 to get this cruise on your calendar!