Tripology

Ocean Cruise

Athens (Piraeus)
Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.

Dining:
Indulge in mezes - plates of tempting appetizers such as stuffed grape leaves or taramasalata, a delicious caviar spread. Pita bread and a cold glass of retsina are the perfect accompaniment.

Shopping:
Take home beautiful glassware and ceramics, unusual jewelry, embroidered pillow covers and throws, stunning icons and artwork

Stroll through the amazing remnants of ancient temples on this uninhabited island, one of the most revered sanctuaries of antiquity. The legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it was once a religious center for all of the Aegean. See the silent marble lions still on guard and the splendid mosaic floors in the temples dedicated to Apollo, and feel its enduring power.

Enjoy wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this delightful seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors. Stand beneath the windmills on the hill. Visit the archaeological museum and an old bakery still using a 15th century wood-burning stove.

Dining:
Relax in a waterfront taverna with tempting lamb gyros and a light and frothy red caviar dip, called taramasalata, served with a delicious warm flatbread.

Shopping:
Among the tiny shops look for beautiful gold jewelry, traditional Greek bags and clothes, rugs and pottery.

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.

Dining:
Savor fresh fish caught that morning or a spicy kebab complemented by a sticky sweet dessert.

Shopping:
Visit Kusadasi's bazaar and nearby shops for spices, apple tea, luxurious handmade carpets and antique jewelry.

Ocean Cruise

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 the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Dining:
Savor the view over an array of intriguing seafood appetizers and a chilled glass of Santorini wine, the product of the rich volcanic soil.

Shopping:
Look for beautiful jewelry, ceramics, paintings, weavings and local trinkets.

Explore this charming town, discover fascinating ancient Minoan and Byzantine villages, and see the panorama of lovely windmills irrigating meticulously cultivated fields on the Lasithi Plateau. Visit a monastery or head across the island to see the reconstituted Palace of Knossos.

Dining:
Enjoy delicious grilled lamb, fresh seafood or tempting assortments of cold appetizers, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

Shopping:
Take home lovely handmade tablecloths, rugs, olive wood products, jewelry, honey and a variety of other handicrafts.

In Monemvasia, known as the "Gibraltar of the East," discover an ancient castle and Byzantine churches, a monastery dating back to 1150 in the uninhabited Upper Town, and the Muslim mosque, which houses the city's archaeological collection and is located in the fortified Lower Town. Or travel inland to Mystras, the last Byzantine stronghold against the invading Ottomans, perched high on a Peloponnesian hill.

Dining:
Try the fresh fish, tasty eggplant with cheese, giovetsi and other traditional Greek foods like dolmadakia and chilopites, offered in family-owned cafés along the water.

Shopping:
Look for antiques, souvenirs and locally made wine in the artfully decorated boutiques.

The town of Zakynthos, on the Ionian island of the same name, curves around a scenic bay and melds into the surrounding fertile plains. While Zakynthos is modern, some of the architecture bears a Venetian influence, especially its fortress and historic Saint Mark's Square. Many of the icons and frescoes salvaged from the island's medieval churches are now exhibited in the Byzantine Museum. Be sure to leave time for the beaches and look for Caretta-caretta sea turtles, as Zakynthos is their primary nesting ground.

Dining:
Dishes such as cheese pies tend to feature fresh organic ingredients such as currants, citrus fruits and olives. A favorite treat is mandolato, a honey-and-almond-flavored nougat.

Shopping:
Take home leather goods, antiques, folk art and embroidery. Dining

Founded in 1830, Itea is known for its access to Delphi, which the Greeks considered to be the center of the ancient world. The ruins are phenomenal, especially the Temple of Apollo, which dates to the 4th century B.C. Tiny Itea takes its name from the willows, or ities, that once grew abundantly on its shores. The surrounding plain is now farmland and olive groves, and the coastline sports unspoiled beaches such as Tronkantero. Wandering through Itea, you will notice the remains of a medieval tower, or stop by a hospitable taverna for a sip of ouzo.

Dining:
Locally produced olive oil is a key ingredient in most dishes, including grilled octopus and the traditional bean soup, fasolada.

Shopping:
Look for silken goods, sandals and handicrafts.

Excursions for this Port
Ossios Lukas Monastery
Delphi
Delphi & Ossios Lukas
Executive Collection Half Day Minibus
Executive Collection Full Day Minibus
Oceania Choice - Delphi
Oceania Choice - Delphi & Ossios Lukas

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Dining:
Enjoy mezes, delicious Greek appetizers, such as stuffed grape leaves or tzatziki with olives and fresh bread. Sample freshly caught grilled fish or a delicious lamb souvlaki, accompanied by a chilled glass of retsina.

Shopping:
Browse the arcades of the old town for intriguing silver items, jewelry, fishermen's sweaters, sandals and objects made of olive wood.

Excursions for this Port
Corfu Town & Paleokastritsa
Wonderful Palaces of Corfu
Corfu Town & Achilleion
Panoramic Corfu
Achilleion Palace & Exclusive Villa Rosa
Discovery Walks Tour of Corfu
Explore Corfu By 4x4
Executive Collection Full Day Minibus
Oceania Choice - Corfu Town & Paleokastritsa
Oceania Choice - Corfu Town & Achilleion

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral consecrated in 1166.

Dining:
Enjoy traditional smoked ham or lamb cooked in milk, roast squid, mussels and delicious cheeses as well as local wine.

Shopping:
Take home local lace, weavings, handcrafted wood, paintings and sculpture.

Excursions for this Port
Highlights of Montenegro
Historic Kotor & Seaside Resort of Budva
Leisurely Kotor
Town of Kotor & Bay of Kotor Heritage
Executive Collection Half Day Car
Executive Collection Full Day Car
Executive Collection Half Day Minibus
Executive Collection Full Day Minibus
Executive Collection Half Day Van
Executive Collection Full Day Van
Oceania Choice - Highlights of Montenegro
Oceania Choice - Historic Kotor & Seaside Resort of Budva
Oceania Choice - Leisurely Kotor

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector's palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

Dining:
Savor local grilled meat dishes, wonderful cheese, fresh bread, olives and wine.

Shopping:
Browse in the shops filled with hand-woven textiles, lace, peasant blouses and skirts, carved wood and other trinkets.

Excursions for this Port

Highlights of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik & the Croatian Riviera
Cavtat & the Walled City
Discovery Walks Tour of Dubrovnik
Panoramic Dubrovnik, Village Life & Wine
Executive Collection Half Day Car
Executive Collection Half Day Minibus
Executive Collection Half Day Van
Oceania Choice - Highlights of Dubrovnik
Oceania Choice - Cavtat & the Walled City

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.

Dining:
Enjoy delicious Adriatic seafood, including shrimp, mussels, eel, crayfish and mullet, or the local specialty - tissue-thin calves' liver slices sautéed with onions. A glass of superb Veneto region wine is a must as well as any dessert or gelato.

Shopping:
Murano glass, exquisite and unusual jewelry, handmade lace, masks, marbled paper, fine clothing, leather goods, etchings and other artwork are just a sampling of what's available.

Excursions for this Port
Secret Corners of Venice & Grand Canal
Islands of Murano & Burano
St. Mark's Square & Doge's Palace
Venice By Gondola
Leisurely Venice
Hidden Treasures of Venice

Adventure

Venice
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.

Dining:
Enjoy delicious Adriatic seafood, including shrimp, mussels, eel, crayfish and mullet, or the local specialty - tissue-thin calves' liver slices sautéed with onions. A glass of superb Veneto region wine is a must as well as any dessert or gelato.

Shopping:
Murano glass, exquisite and unusual jewelry, handmade lace, masks, marbled paper, fine clothing, leather goods, etchings and other artwork are just a sampling of what's available.

Excursions for this Port

Secret Corners of Venice & Grand Canal
Islands of Murano & Burano
St. Mark's Square & Doge's Palace
Venice By Gondola
Leisurely Venice
Hidden Treasures of Venice