Malta’s capital, Valletta is steeped in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A simple stroll through the Baroque-style streets will take you back in time to 1566 when the city was completed, while a range of museums and monuments provide an in-depth retelling of the past. Its intimate size makes it easy to explore the highlights on foot and discover many hidden gems such as botanical gardens, boutiques and eateries.
Things to do in Valletta:
Malta 5D
This new-generation theatre provides an immersive journey through the history and culture of Malta, featuring 3D films, moving seats, water and air blasts and even leg ticklers. Fun for all ages, Malta 5D is the most unique way to discover Malta!
Manoel Theatre and Palazzo Manoel
Tucked away on a quiet street, the Manoel Theatre is a hidden gem of fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Whether you’re taking a tour of the theatre or enjoying a musical performance, visitors will fall in love with its elegance and grandeur.
St Johns Cathedral in Valetta
St John’s Co-Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of traditional Baroque architecture in Europe and features memorials dedicated to knights covering the floor and ceiling as well as the stunning Caravaggio’s painting.
Grand Master's Palace
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Grandmaster’s Palace is an iconic piece of Maltese heritage, housing the President’s office and a museum where visitors can enjoy an audio guide to get to know the history behind the impressive armoury.
National Museum of Archaeology
Covering the history and mythology of Malta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a must visit for those looking to discover ancient artefacts. This highly informative museum is where you’ll find the renowned Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta and more.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
At the end of a busy day of exploring, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just what you need to wind down and relax in the capital. Offering unrivalled views of the city, these gardens date back to 1661 and are home to beautiful statues and plaques.
Ajaccio, Corsica
DAY 3
As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio and its museums and monuments is a must visit for history enthusiasts. During the day you’ll find beachgoers enjoying the sun and sea and locals relaxing in one of the many café’s while, after dark, the city is alive with thriving nightlife. Whether you’re here to relax or play, Ajaccio’s historic, pastel-coloured lanes and buildings will provide the perfect setting to a cruise holiday.
Things to do in Ajaccio, Corsica:
Pointe de la Parata
Pointe de la Parata is where you’ll find the perfect spot to watch the sunset, as well as the Tower of Parata, a ruined Genoese tower built in the 1550’s. A walking route will take you to the best viewpoints as well as the clear, blue sea where you can take a dip.
Fesch Museum
Situated in the heart of Ajaccio, the Fesch Museum is dedicated to fine arts, particularly Early Italian and Renaissance pieces. With one of France’s largest collections of Italian works, the Fesch Museum is a must visit for art-enthusiasts.
Maison Bonaparte
The home in which the great and controversial leader, Napoléon, was born, Maison Bonaparte is must visit in Ajaccio. Now preserved as a museum dedicated to memorabilia of the family, this house provides great insight into one of the biggest names in history.
Salons Napoléoniens
Found in Ajaccio’s town hall is an ornate gallery showcasing paintings, sculptures, medals and other memorabilia connected to Napoleon and donated by the Bonaparte family. Most notable is the full-length portrait of Napoleon himself.
Ajaccio Cathedral
Officially the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio, this Baroque-style church was where Napoleon was baptised in 1771. While the exterior is modest and subtle, visitors will find rich, grand décor within including a stunning organ.
Nice (Villefranche)
DAY 4
A popular holiday resort with people from all over Europe since the 19th century, Nice is one of the top spots on the beautiful French Riviera. A stroll down the Promenade des Anglais is a great way to admire the scenery and pebbled beach before heading to the pleasant harbour - a fantastic spot to enjoy some seafood in the sun. After dining, head up to the gorgeous gardens atop the old castle for unrivalled views out over the whole city and bay.
Things to do in Nice (Villefranche):
Castle of Nice Park and Garden
Founded by the Phoenicians before being all but destroyed in 1706 by Louis XIV, this once mighty fortress dominates the bay with fantastic views out over the city and coast. Nowadays you’ll find a pleasant stroll in the gardens and a gorgeous waterfall.
Le Vieux
Full of artisan shops and charming streets, Nice’s old town district is the perfect place to sample some Socca - a local salad Niçoise speciality made with chickpeas. A wander around the flower market is a must too, with intoxicating smells and dazzling colours.
Marc Chagall National Museum
Named after Belorussian artist Marc Chagall, this art museum boasts his 17 “Biblical Message” paintings, and most of the other works follow this religious theme too. Make sure to follow the audio guide to truly immerse yourself in his works and their tales.
Musee Matisse
Located in a beautiful 17th-century Genoese villa, the Matisse Museum is a must for all art fans. The highlights are the paintings of Henri Mattisse himself, with which you can follow his life through his works, as well as temporary exhibitions.
Nice Cathedral
Situated in Nice’s old town, La Sainte-Réparate Cathedral was built in the 17th century in a predominantly Baroque style. The ceilings and walls are decorated with gold, marble and a myriad of colourful hues throughout as well as carvings and artworks.
Promenade des Anglais
Named after the English holiday makers for whom the French Riviera became a popular destination in the 19th century, this gorgeous seafront boulevard is lined with pretty palm trees and luxury hotels, and is now the place for a pleasant seaside stroll.
Florence & Pisa (Livorno)
DAY 5
Made famous by its sloping bell tower, Pisa was once a simple but noteworthy port town. Over the years Pisa had some involvement in Italy’s military conflicts, and has seen success in matters of trade. Today most visitors come to see the fascinating Leaning Tower; a construction dating back to the 12th century that has been repeatedly repaired and stabilised over the years. As well as this is the neighbouring cathedral and baptistery, and the pretty Square of Miracles which houses them all. Pisa has a brilliant culinary scene, with many inexpensive restaurants serving amazing antipasti, pizzas, pastas, and other hearty Italian dishes.
Things to do in Florence & Pisa (Livorno):
Square of Miracles
Locally referred to as Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in 1064, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo – a graveyard – and the Campanile – the cathedral’s bell tower which is perhaps better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Today the square has become a popular place to relax and enjoy the warm sun in some beautiful, historic surroundings.
Leaning Tower
Maria Assunta. Construction of the building began in 1173, and in spite of a detailed, thought-out design it is believed that a slight lean was evident from the building of the second floor. Building was intermittent due to wars and sociological events, and the tower was not completed until roughly the year 1370. Since this time the lean has been stabilised, and tourists are permitted to enter and climb the staircase to the top for a wonderful view.
Cathedral and Baptistery
The cathedral – or Duomo – and baptistery are two important historic sites which are often overlooked in favour of the Leaning Tower. The cathedral itself dates back to 1064, and you can see within there are influences from the Arabic world, with column designs being reminiscent of those often seen in mosques. The neighbouring baptistery is the largest in the country, and was originally designed in 1152, before being remodelled in the mid-13th century.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
DAY 6
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome has been an epicentre of politics, art, architecture, and food for thousands of years. It is home to some of the most well-known historic sites such as the Colosseum, the pantheon, and Vatican City. It’s easy to spend a day in a hundred different ways in Rome, whether you’re looking to sip on incredible wine and people-watch, indulge in decadent pasta, pizza, risotto, and gelato, or if you’re eager to wander around the streets soaking in all the history you can. Rome is one capital city which will always leave you wanting more.
Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia):
Vatican City
Found in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe at just 0.44km² with a population of 1,000 people. It acts as headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and is home to The Apostolic Palace - the Pope’s residence –the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
St Peter's Basilica
Within Vatican City is one of the biggest churches in the world; St. Peter’s Basilica. Accommodating up to 20,000 people, this is where the Pope delivers services. Its 136 metre high dome was designed by Michelangelo, and was completed in 1614.
Colosseum
The colosseum was opened in 80 A.D. with 100 days of exciting games. It was mostly used for gladiatorial combat and fights with animals until around the 6th century when it began to fall into disrepair. It was then used to store building materials until the 18th century, when the papacy decided it should be preserved. As it stands now, however, more than two-thirds of the structure has been destroyed.
Sistine Chapel
Known the world-over for its elaborate, 15th century artwork courtesy of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Luca, and Perugino, the Sistine Chapel is where new Popes are elected and ordained. It is located within Vatican City, inside The Apostolic Palace.
Michelangelo's Pietà
This Michelangelo sculpture is located inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the body of Jesus after he has been crucified, being held by the Virgin Mary. The statue was originally commissioned by Jean de Billheres – a French cardinal – as a memorial for his tomb.
Pantheon
This is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. There are myths surrounding the building of the original Pantheon, but the structure we see today was built in 120 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. It was created as a Pagan temple to “honour all Gods” – which is the translation of “Pantheon”. In the year 609 it was converted to a Christian church, although it is still widely known as the Pantheon.
Piazza Navona
This popular public square is located where the (now fallen) Stadium of Domitian once stood, in 86 A.D. Since then it has been developed into a social gathering spot, adorned by three magnificent fountains that were commissioned in the 16 and 17th centuries. These are Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno.
Valletta
DAY 8
Malta’s capital, Valletta is steeped in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A simple stroll through the Baroque-style streets will take you back in time to 1566 when the city was completed, while a range of museums and monuments provide an in-depth retelling of the past. Its intimate size makes it easy to explore the highlights on foot and discover many hidden gems such as botanical gardens, boutiques and eateries.
Things to do in Valletta:
Malta 5D
This new-generation theatre provides an immersive journey through the history and culture of Malta, featuring 3D films, moving seats, water and air blasts and even leg ticklers. Fun for all ages, Malta 5D is the most unique way to discover Malta!
Manoel Theatre and Palazzo Manoel
Tucked away on a quiet street, the Manoel Theatre is a hidden gem of fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Whether you’re taking a tour of the theatre or enjoying a musical performance, visitors will fall in love with its elegance and grandeur.
St Johns Cathedral in Valetta
St John’s Co-Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of traditional Baroque architecture in Europe and features memorials dedicated to knights covering the floor and ceiling as well as the stunning Caravaggio’s painting.
Grand Master's Palace
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Grandmaster’s Palace is an iconic piece of Maltese heritage, housing the President’s office and a museum where visitors can enjoy an audio guide to get to know the history behind the impressive armoury.
National Museum of Archaeology
Covering the history and mythology of Malta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a must visit for those looking to discover ancient artefacts. This highly informative museum is where you’ll find the renowned Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta and more.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
At the end of a busy day of exploring, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just what you need to wind down and relax in the capital. Offering unrivalled views of the city, these gardens date back to 1661 and are home to beautiful statues and plaques.
Fly Malta/UK
DAY 8
Customer reviews for Oceana
4.1
Based on 198 reviews
Cabin
4.1
Service
4.1
Excursions
4.1
Dining
4.2
Activities
4.1
Value for money
4.1
Entertainment
4.1
Just back a week from a 35 night cruise around the Caribbean It was fantastic not a enough hours in every day
Verified customer
1 cruise
30 Dec 2019
Excellent service from all staff. I have coeliac. Which means I have to be extremely careful about what food I can eat and how this is prepared. My food was cooked specially for me by The amazing staff aboard oceana. Can not thank them enough. Our holiday was fantastic from the moment we booked with iglu travel to our return journey home I would like to award both Iglu and P&O 5*
Verified customer
1 cruise
24 Sep 2019
The cruise was very good, the places we visited, the sights we saw etc. were first class, however, the ship was in need of a little TLC in places. It appeared that there was a shortage of staff in the restaurants, there was often a long wait to get a table, I and other passengers noticed that the staff moral seemed to be very low. In the bars and on deck the waiters didn't go out of their way to serve drinks and there were often glasses and pots left about on the deck that passengers were too lazy to return!! When I travelled previously with P&O on Azura, all the staff went above and beyond to make you feel special. The Captain announced, several times, how he valued each and every member of staff, as Captain he needs to take responsibility for the low moral and take this up if required with P&O and if he doesn't know he needs to find out. I will travel again with P&O but will not repeat this if these issues are still the same.
Verified customer
1 cruise
13 Sep 2019
Excellent ship; not as big as Azura or Ventura but very nice just the same. Brilliant staff and lovely decor. Cabin A215 is a good sea view cabin that is near to the buffet restaurant. I'm writing this review to warn people not to choose family cabin F346, or cabins close by. It is above the area where they prepare the suitcases overnight for disembarkation the next day. My son and his family were kept awake all night on the 7-day switchover day and the night before we left for home.
Verified customer
1 cruise
8 Sep 2019
Oceana Gallery
Terms and Conditions
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.