Changing of the leaves is typically associated with New England and Canada, but Oceania Cruises is introducing two 2011 voyages timed for fall foliage in Tuscany and the French Riviera.

Inspired by the strong response it received to its new seven-day itineraries for 2012, the upper-premium cruise line has created two week-long Saturday departures this fall in the Mediterranean.

“Tuscan Charms” sails from Barcelona on October 29, 2011, to Rome, visiting Provence (Marseille), Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno) and Sorrento/Capri en route. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $2,999 per guest, with free round-trip economy class air transportation and an overnight aboard ship in Livorno.

“Italian Treasures,” from Rome to Venice, departing November 5, 2011, calls at Amalfi/Positano, Taormina, Corfu, Bari and Dubrovnik. Guests enjoy an overnight aboard ship in Venice at the end of the cruise. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $2,799 per guest, with free round-trip economy class air transportation.

“These two cruises depart on Saturdays so that our working guests can enjoy a week in Europe,” according to Oceania Cruises’ President Bob Binder. “Fall is one of the best times to visit the destination because there are no crowds and the weather is pleasant.”

Travelers will cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Insignia – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating dining in four gourmet restaurants, all with no surcharge; luxurious public rooms, sumptuous accommodations, and warm, attentive service.