We spent seven nights aboard Oceania’s Sirena, sailing from Venice to Rome. One of the best parts of the cruise was waking up each morning in a new port, each with its own personality.
Our first stop was Slovenia, where we toured Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave. Predjama is the world’s largest preserved cave castle, dramatically built into the mouth of a cliffside cave. Just a few miles away, Postojna Cave stretches for more than 15 miles underground and features stunning rock formations that have been sculpted by water over millions of years.
Split, Croatia, was another highlight. The heart of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkable blend of Roman history and modern life where shops, restaurants, and homes exist within walls built nearly 1,700 years ago. We also made the climb up Marjan Hill, which rewarded us with spectacular views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands.
Kotor, Montenegro, may be a small town, but it offers one of the most impressive settings on the cruise. Nestled between towering mountains and a stunning bay, Kotor feels like something from a postcard. I climbed the steep trail above town to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy. The hike was challenging, especially in the heat, but the panoramic views of Kotor Bay made every step worthwhile.
The next stop was Corfu, Greece. One thing that immediately stood out was the town’s two fortresses. Corfu has an Old Fortress and a New Fortress, both perched above the city and offering spectacular views of the harbor. Together, they helped make Corfu one of the most heavily fortified cities in the Mediterranean.
Catania, Italy, sits on the eastern coast of Sicily beneath the watchful presence of Mount Etna. Strolling the dramatic coastline and lively city center, it was easy to imagine scenes from The Godfather unfolding around the next corner.
Our final stop was Sorrento, Italy, a picturesque town perched high above the water. Colorful beach clubs lined the shore below, while the streets above buzzed with restaurants, bars, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a leisurely meal or a cold drink.
The sun may have set on our cruise, but the adventure continues. The next three weeks will be divided between the stunning Amalfi Coast and the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Enjoy.
Pete
Just Pete Adventures 