Eastern Mediterranean Holland America Cruise: Rome, Dubrovnik, Malta, Rhodes & Sicily with Athens Stays & A$1,000 Flight Credit
It’s not too late to chart your way across the charming coastlines and ancient history of the Eastern Mediterranean this August, snagging a few final days on sundrenched summer shores. Bookend your journey with one night each of pre- and post-cruise accommodation at the Grand Hyatt Athens. Then set sail to discover the gems of Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Malta and Turkiye as you glide across the azure waves of the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, stopping in romantic Rome, the Neopolitan Amalfi Coast, ancient Ephesus, the fortified city of Kotor and more.
Embarking 25 August 2024, follow the sun aboard Oosterdam, enjoying its variety of world-class entertainment and extravagant dining opportunities. With onboard entertainment and all meals at select restaurants included with your package, you can explore a world’s-worth of cuisine and dance to the groove at the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard from departure till you finally disembark.
Your journey takes you to: Athens, Greece – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Kotor, Montenegro – Kerkira (Corfu), Greece – Naples (Pompeii/Amalfi), Italy – Civitavecchia (Rome) – Messina (Sicily) – Valletta, Malta – Rhodes, Greece – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkiye – Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
Dining
- The Dining Room
- Lido Market
- Dive In
- Explorations Cafe
- 24-hour in-room dining
Specialty Dining
- Canaletto
- Pinnacle Grill
- Crow’s Nest
- Explorer’s Lounge
- Ocean Bar
Activities
- Rolling Stone Lounge
- Billboard Onboard
- World Stage
- Casino Action
- High Score game room
- Pickleball courts
Facilities
- Greenhouse Spa and Salon
- Onboard shopping
- Fitness centre
- Kids club
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins and ends in Athens, Greece with one night each of pre- and post-cruise accommodation in Athens.
Check-in at your pre-cruise stay in Athens is available from 3pm on Day 1 (24 August 2024). Your cruise then departs from the Port of Piraeus at 5pm on Day 2 and returns at 7am on Day 16. Check-out from your post-cruise accommodation is at 11am on Day 17 (9 September 2024). Information on boarding times will be provided prior to your departure date; please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. A flight credit of A$1,000 with your package, bookable through Luxury Escapes (see Fine Print for details). Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
Airport and cruise port transfers are NOT included with your package, please plan accordingly.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens, the launchpad to your dazzling Mediterranean adventure. Before embarking on your Oosterdam cruise, spend time unearthing the beauty of the City of Gods. Follow in Socrates’ footsteps and explore more than three millennia of history as you bask in the shadow of the mighty Acropolis, honour Athena at the Parthenon, gaze upon the colossal Panathenaic Stadium and savour delicious souvlaki from one of the many tavernas that fill the streets.
Check in to your pre-cruise accommodation at Grand Hyatt Athens and enjoy the night at leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Athens (Standard Room) or similar
Day 2: Embark Piraeus (Athens), Greece
After a sumptuous breakfast at Grand Hyatt Athens, squeeze in time for some last-minute exploration of the storied streets of Athens before preparing to board your cruise vessel. Be sure to arrive at your scheduled boarding time for a timely 5pm departure.
Please note: boarding normally closes one hour prior to embarkation.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: At Sea
Settle into the phenomenal Oosterdam today and take advantage of the onboard activities and delectable cuisine. Familiarise yourself with its eateries and make the most of the onboard shows at World Stage, Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nestled on Croatia’s southern Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik rose to prominence during its 450-year tenure as the independent Ragusan Republic, rivaling the likes of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. A historic hub of maritime prowess and commerce, the city now invites tourists to explore its pristine limestone streets, picturesque architecture, cozy cafes, and eclectic boutiques. Its natural surroundings – including pine forests, the shimmering Adriatic Sea and its scattered islands – provide a scenic backdrop to the city’s life.
Adventure through the iconic Old Town, see the thriving community living within its museum-like facade and even hear the sounds of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra filling the space, emanating from the Revelin Fortress.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kotor, Montenegro
From the moment you cruise into the Bay of Kotor, the sight of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site alone will take your breath away. The entire city of Kotor is crafted from stone – complete with the towering ancient walls that shut out the seaside and the impressive sight of Mount Saint John to the rear which make the cobbled streets feel cosy and protected.
Today, be sure to discover the Old Town’s medieval architecture and historic monuments, including the narrowest street in the world. Explore the city’s boutiques, bars and hidden pizzerias while enjoying flowing glasses of Montenegrin red Vranac or dry white Krstac wines.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kerkira (Corfu), Greece
Known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, attacting royalty and status from the 19th century to now, Corfu is not only beautiful – it’s also rich in history. Boasting alabaster beaches with sparkling turquoise waters, Corfu is the ultimate Greek island. Let your feet guide you through the charming Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or unwind on the soft sands of one of the island’s many beaches.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Strait of Messina and Stromboli Volcano, Italy (cruising only)
This afternoon, you’ll pass through the Strait of Messina, a narrow waterway between Sicily and Calabria, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and legacy within Greek Mythology. The legendary Strait of Messina, home to the fabled Scylla and Charybdis, inspired the phrase ‘between a rock and a hard place’, as legend says the sea monsters transformed into rocky formations on one side and a whirlpool on the other. Today, navigating this strait is a simple choice for modern explorers, offering wildlife sightings against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Etna.
This evening, you will glide by Stromboli Volcano, the second-most-active volcano on Earth.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Naples (Pompeii/Amalfi), Italy
Located near Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, you’ll dock at Naples, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples’ grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old city centre will take you back centuries. Take advantage of this prime location and explore the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which were hit by the famous 79 BCE eruption of Mount Vesuvius. You could also take a short ride over to the island of Capri, or down the road to the wonderful town of Sorrento.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Architecture, history, basilicas and sun-drenched piazzas and fountains – the Eternal City will captivate you no matter how many times you visit. Walk in the steps of gladiators at the Colosseum, channel your inner statesman at the Forum or gaze up in wonder at Michelangelo’s masterwork at Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pasta and vino are a must, and there are plenty of places to relax and refuel after a day of exploration.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Messina, Italy
The gateway to Mount Etna, this northeastern corner of Sicily is the region’s third biggest city. Loved for its magical cathedrals and museums, Messina offers visitors a glimpse into a storied past through its stunning architecture. Explore the ancient ruins rising from the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains and all the way to the shores of the azure Mediterranean.
You might also wander through the charming streets of nearby Taormina, where eclectic shops offer traditional Sicilian ceramics and jewelry crafted from black volcanic glass. Enjoy a tipple of the region’s acclaimed wines from esteemed producers, including the 62-acre San Michele Estate, celebrated for their rich flavour profiles influenced by the unique volcanic soil.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 & 12: Valletta, Malta
Welcome to Malta, a sun-kissed archipelago steeped in history. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of one of the world’s smallest countries with a full day to see Malta through the eyes of a local.
Valetta prides itself on its magnificent Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches, all of which provide an exceptional sight for visitors. Highlights include Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Ramla Beach and natural wonders such as the Blue Grotto and Blue Lagoon.
Dock overnight and continue your exploration through the wonders of Valletta the following day.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: At Sea
Explore the natural world at the World Stage or spoil yourself with a massage (charges apply) at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Stay on top of your fitness with a workout class at the fully equipped gym, or try your luck at the onboard casino. Music aficionados will love Billboard Onboard, where you can enjoy the very best in live music, while kids can unleash their competitive spirit in Club HAL, complete with arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Rhodes, Greece
The largest island of the Dodecanese, with a name translating to ‘twelve islands’, Rhodes is one of the Greek Isles’ most popular destinations. Traverse the historic architecture, stunning beaches and lush forests of the main town and uncover ancient ruins high up on a hill to the south in Lindos.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkiye
Considered one of the most legendary ancient cities, Ephesus is home to a variety of historic sites. Explore the Great Theatre where Saint Paul once preached and admire the facade of the Calsus Library, an enduring symbol of the city’s educational and cultural influence. Just outside of Ephesus, venture to the Temple of Artemis (or Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and walk through its crumbled foundations and between the remaining towering columns.
Accommodation: Oosterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Disembark Piraeus (Athens), Greece
This morning, say your goodbye to the Oosterdam when you disembark at 7am, following your final breakfast onboard.
Make your own way to the Grand Hyatt Athens, which will be your central launchpad to continue exploring Athens, or relax at your leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Athens (Standard Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17: Athens, Greece
After the adventure of a lifetime, one last breakfast is in order before making your way to Athens International Airport (ATH) where your journey comes to a close.
Meals: Breakfast