Our tip
Try and go for an authentic Turkish experience with a bath in a hamam. Discuss your options with the receptionist. Cagaloglu Hamami is the most spectacular.
From Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)
Aegean & Holy Land
From Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)
Aegean & Holy Land
Voyage Itinerary
25 November
Setting sail from Istanbul
This is one of those destinations that really does live up to the hype! Istanbul is the place where East meets West, where Asia Minor reaches out across the Bosphorus and almost touches Europe. In its earlier incarnation as Constantinople, the city was the eastern bastion of the Byzantine Empire, holding out for centuries before finally capitulating to the Ottomans in 1453, and it remains a bristling, bustling cultural melting pot, the skyline dotted with magnificent minarets and domes.
26 November - At sea
27 November
Greece: Rhodes
Sun-kissed Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is steeped in history; the medieval heart of Rhodes Town was once home to the crusading Knights of St John, and later fell to the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The hillside village of Lindos, with its pretty whitewashed houses, is another highlight.
28 November
Turkey: Antalya
Antalya is the biggest and busiest city on the Turkish Riviera, though there’s more to this place than just roasting on a beach. The historic Kaleiçi district is full of lovingly restored Ottoman mansions, and top attractions include the superb collection of classical treasures at the Antalya Museum, with pieces from the nearby archaeological sites of Perge and Aspendos.
29 November
Cyprus: Limassol
The buzzing city of Limassol is southern Cyprus’ main port, an important commercial hub that overflows with bars, restaurants and tavernas. It’s also home to a pleasant old town and medieval castle, and serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby Troodos mountains.
30 November to 1 December
Israel: Haifa
Haifa is Israel’s third city, a bustling and multicultural place where six different faiths live side by side. The city is the spiritual centre of the Baha’i Faith, and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens are a must-see. Many cruise visitors opt to skip Haifa and take an excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, two to three hours’ drive away.
2 December - At sea
3 December
Greece: Heraklion
Crete’s bustling capital is a modern and cosmopolitan city, where the island’s rich history isn’t immediately apparent. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll find a fantastic archaeological museum, along with remnants of Venetian fortifications and a lively seafront promenade, with plenty of nice outdoor cafés.
4 December
Arriving in Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.
Don't miss
Obviously don’t miss the Acropolis, nor the new adjacent museum, where space has pointedly been left for the frieze we call the Elgin Marbles – it is really excellent. Then take time to stroll on the hills and slopes around the outcrop.
The ship
Allura
- Capacity:
- 1200 Guests
- Crew:
- 800 Staff
- Style:
- Easy going and unpretentious, and at the same time stylish and oozing quality, Oceania's ships are a great choice for inquisitive and engaged travellers who enjoy good food, and from 2026 they operate as adults-only.
The first ship in Oceania's Allura Class, Vista joined the fleet in 2023, with sister ship Allura setting sail in 2025. These ships represent an exciting evolution and offer elevated dining options, accommodation, and guest experience.
What we love
The Allura Class ships promise to enhance and redefine the Oceania onboard experience, with chic residential-style accommodation, all ocean facing with either French or full private balcony, and a plethora of eye-catching public spaces that combine dramatic architectural flourishes with the relaxed intimacy for which Oceania is known. These are also the first Oceania ships to include dedicated staterooms for solo travellers, and you can expect innovative dining venues, a serene spa and a stunning pool deck.
inclusions
- All meals including speciality dining
- Speciality coffees & teas, soft drinks, juices, water
- Unlimited WiFi
- Onboard gratuities
- Group fitness classes
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our recommended hotel in Istanbul
We love the intimate Four Seasons at Sultanahmet, but – top Mundy tip! - it is so small that it’s often fully booked, so don’t hang about.
See more of Turkey
Take a few extra days and travel to Cappadocia for the extraordinary Star Wars scenery, rock caves and churches.
Extend your stay in Athens
At Mundy, we have long been hunting for the perfect Athenian hotel - our favourite so far is the Electra Palace in Plaka.
Excursions from Athens
Delphi is an absolute must – you’ll need a full day though, it’s quite a drive.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
