Traversing the Mediterranean: Riviera Retreat

Pricing based on departure date 20 July 2025

Escape to the glimmering French and Italian rivieras. Uncover treasures of Pisa and Rome. Pass the bubbling Stromboli Volcano. Wander Tunis’s centuries-old medina.

Cannes, France

The French Riviera is ritzy, but sun-drenched Cannes, France takes it to a new level. Every year in May, hordes of celebrities and their associates descend for its world-renowned film festival. If your France cruise happens to be at this time of year, expect a frenzy of flash bulbs and fancy dress, which is truly something to witness. But Cannes bubbles with year-round glamor. A simple stroll along La Croisette will show you why the city is a top choice among well-to-do vacationers. Lavish hotels, designer shops, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line this walkway. But long before it was a celebrity playground, Cannes was a simple fishing town. You can see vestiges of its rustic past throughout the city. Le Suquet Village oozes old world charm, topped with the 11th Century Tour du Mont Chevalier watchtower. Vieux Port is the entry to winding cobblestone streets that date back to medieval times. Relax with a café au lait and baguette in the cool shade of the Square Mistral or view a collection of antiquities housed in a castle. When it comes to things to do in Cannes, France, snagging a spot on one of its public beaches, such as Plage du Casino or Plage Macé is a good idea. France cruises to this stunning region fill up fast, so plan accordingly.

Valletta, Malta

The ancient city of Valletta is teeming with historic monuments, churches and gardens. At just one-third of a square mile in area, Europe's southernmost capital is one of the easiest to explore on foot. Given Malta's strategic location and succession of rulers including the Romans, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, it’s somewhat surprising to see Valletta so well preserved. The city dates back to the 16th century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Extensive restorations of historic buildings are underway, including the rebuilding of the city entrance to mark Valletta's recognition as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Decades of British rule mean that English remains an official language, along with the local Maltese language, plus a curious mix of Italian vocabulary and Semitic roots. As Malta lies just 50 miles south of Sicily, Italian influences dominate the cuisine and culture. Even so, the Maltese do value their own traditions, such as the folk music known as Għana, which features strong yet poetic male vocals over slow guitar music.

La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia

Tunis, the nearby capital, offers a bustling medina as well as the Bardo Museum, famed for its collection of mosaics and major finds from nearby Carthage, once the glorious rival of Rome.

Gythion (Sparta), Greece

Once the port of ancient Sparta, this lovely fishing town draws its name from gi theon, which means "land of the gods" in Greek. It’s the entryway to the rugged, mountainous realm of the Spartans—the fiercely independent people who rejected foreign rule time and time again, and fought vicious internal feuds as well. As legend has it, a splinter group from Sparta settled among the olive trees and giant prickly-pear cactuses of the Mani Peninsula, where they built their distinctive, austere fortified towers. The region's bloodthirsty people became known as Maniots, meaning “of the dry, barren place.” (The folk etymology is more fun: It maintains that the name stems from the ancient Greek word mania.) Unable to quell the Maniots' fighting spirit, the Ottoman Turks largely left them alone—which turned out to be a grave tactical error. The defiant region became the cradle of the War of Greek Independence (1821–1832). Today Gíthion (also called Githio) presents a gentler aspect, with its lush hills, splendid beaches and neoclassical houses. It's a great base from which to explore the mysterious Mani’s stark landscapes, brooding villages and numerous churches, relics of the area’s intense religious fervor.

Your Ship: Oosterdam 

Oosterdam, our second Vista Class ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. Guests will have plenty to do on board when not taking in expansive views or stretching out in spacious staterooms. Begin with an exquisite breakfast in the Dining Room. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, indulge in pre-dinner craft cocktails at Ocean Bar, followed by delectable Italian fare at Canaletto. Top off the night with chart-topping hits at Billboard Onboard.

Barcelona, Cannes, Portofino, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Cruising Stromboli Volcano, Cruising Strait of Messina, Valletta, La Goulette, Gythion, Piraeus/Athens

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.