Mediterranean 2024: 21-Day Tour & Cruise Combo with Holland America from Athens to Barcelona & Southern Spain Highlights Tour

Oosterdam – Superb elegance at sea

Step aboard the Oosterdam, a magnificent vessel built to transport you to your dream destinations in absolute elegance and comfort. Explore the ship’s Dutch heritage with a visit to the newly added Rijksmuseum at Sea, which replicates some of the museum’s most famous exhibitions, or try your hand at steering the ship at the incredible exploration centre, featuring a virtual bridge.

Guests looking for a relaxing onboard experience can spoil themselves with a treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon (charges apply) or stay on top of their fitness with a workout class at the state-of-the-art gym. Music aficionados will love the brand new Music Walk™, where you can enjoy the very best in live music, ranging from the classical sounds of Lincoln Center Stage and acoustic covers at Billboard Onboard.

Enjoy delicious culinary experiences at The Dining Room, the Oosterdam’s sophisticated flagship restaurant offering breakfast, lunch or a superb multi-course dinner. For something casual, head to Lido Market for a wide range of food options to satisfy every taste or indulge in that satisfying late-night snack. The laid-back poolside grill Dive-In serves up the best burgers at sea, while leisurely mornings are best enjoyed in bed with 24-hour in-room dining.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, head to the specialty restaurant Canaletto or experience the ultimate feast at Pinnacle Grill, where impeccable steak, seafood and wine make for one of the finest meals you’ll ever have. For cruisy mornings, head to Explorations Café for a hand-crafted espresso and panoramic views, or return at sunset for some of the best cocktails at sea.

Spain through the ages – Unearth lively culture, mouthwatering cuisine and striking architecture

Spain is a land of rolling hills, sun-soaked beaches, ancient cities and everything in between. Barcelona is a paradise of vibrant design, dotted with renowned architect Antoni Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces, culminating in the soaring majesty of La Sagrada Familia. In Madrid, the gothic influences and impressive structures will capture the attention of history buffs and architecture aficionados. Drink in the diverse architecture of Cordoba and Seville, then stand in quiet contemplation among the striped arches and wide halls of the breathtaking Alhambra – a Moorish masterpiece standing watch over Granada. Each day reveals a kaleidoscope of awe-inspiring landscapes, tantalising cuisine and immersive local experiences – whether you’re wandering the tree-lined streets of Seville’s Old Town or the ancient Roman ruins of Merida.

Your journey begins in Athens and ends in Madrid.

Your cruise departs Athens (Piraeus) at 3pm on Day 1 (with boarding times announced prior to departure). Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding. Your cruise ends in Barcelona at 7am on Day 12.

Your post-cruise stay in Barcelona begins on Day 12. Please note the length of your Barcelona stay is dependent on your departure date. Guests travelling on 1 June 2024 will have a three-night stay whilst guests travelling on 8 September 2024 and 20 October 2024 will have a two-night stay. Please choose packages carefully and plan accordingly.

International roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your journey is confirmed.

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.

Your tour begins and ends at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) with roundtrip airport transfers.

A one-way flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Madrid (MAD) is included in your package.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. Transfers are not included to or from your cruise.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Time zone: Central European Time +1

Telephone: +34

Currency: Euro

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Most institutions will exchange money for you.

Languages: Castilian, Catalan, Galician, Basque and Aranese.

Climate: Three different climates. Expect a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers (June-September) and mild, rainy winters (December-March).

Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.

Day 1: Embark Athens (Piraeus), 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.

Be sure to arrive at the ship for a timely 3pm departure. Please note, boarding normally closes approximately one hour prior to embarkation.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

The picturesque blue waters of the Ionian Sea await in the port and beach town of Katakolon, the gateway to Olympia, where the Olympic Games were born in 776 BC. Choose to join a shore excursion for your chance to enter the stadium and pose on the marble starting blocks where the first marathoners once stood. Or, take a scenic drive through small Greek villages on the way to Kouroutas Beach, where you can spend hours relaxing under the sun, swimming and soaking up a perfect Greek beach day.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Sarande, Albania

Glide into this coastal gem where sun-kissed beaches, framed by rugged mountains, beckon. Steeped in antiquity, Saranda offers glimpses of ancient times through archaeological sites, like the nearby ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage listed-site. The town’s lively promenade, adorned with cafes and boutiques, embraces a relaxed pace of life, while the Ionian Sea’s allure remains a constant backdrop, making Saranda a serene yet vibrant coastal haven.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: At Sea

Settle into the phenomenal Oosterdam today and take advantage of the onboard activities and delectable cuisine. Familiarise yourself with the eateries and make the most of the onboard shows.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: 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 St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Ramla Beach and natural wonders such as the Blue Grotto and Blue Lagoon.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Taormina, Strait of Messina and Stromboli Volcano, Italy (Cruising Only)

Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, within the province of Messina, Taormina features a delightful blend of historical landmarks, secluded beaches and upscale shopping experiences. The medieval centre, perched 300 metres above sea level, treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea from its terraces, while the well-preserved Greco-Roman theatre stands as a testament to the town’s rich heritage.

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: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Naples

Located on 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 centre will take you back centuries.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Rome (Civitavecchia)

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 Coliseum, channel your inner statesman at the Forum or gaze up in wonder at Michelangelo’s masterwork at St. 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: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Ajaccio, France

Famed as the birthplace of Napoleon, visitors can expect capped bright orange roofs, cobblestone streets and yachts bobbing in the harbour of this gorgeous town. Anchored by a splendid citadel and elegant Baroque cathedral, Ajaccio’s streets are adorned with pastel buildings and sun-shielding wooden shutters. Stroll along the palm-fringed waterfront and, if time permits, plunge into the glittering Mediterranean waters from one of Corsica’s magnificent beaches.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Nice (Villefranche-Sur-Mer)

Luxuriate amongst the rich and famous in the jewel of the French Riveria. Savour local pissaladière (flatbread with toppings) at one of the terrace cafes, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or journey to Monte Carlo to visit the famed Place du Casino.

Accommodation: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: At Sea

Explore the natural world with BBC Earth in Concert 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 the 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: Holland America — Oosterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Disembark Barcelona, Spain

This morning, say your final goodbye to the Oosterdam when you disembark after breakfast.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the sites of Barcelona and immerse yourself in the superb beauty, rich history and culture of this cosmopolitan masterpiece. With a history rich in art and architecture, medieval, Gothic and modern influences can be seen all over this vibrant city. Start at the waterfront and stroll up the shady, tree-lined Las Ramblas boulevard and discover some of the city’s best shopping and bustling cafes.

Make your way to the Hotel Attica 21 Barcelona, which will be your central launchpad for the next few days as you explore Barcelona at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Attica 21 Barcelona (Mar Double Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Barcelona

Spend the day at leisure exploring the capital of Catalonia, famed for its medieval streets within the charming Gothic quarter. Wonder at Gaudí masterpieces like La Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, stroll along the seaside boardwalks or dive into a traditional paella at one of the many buzzing tapas bars that fill the streets.

Accommodation: Hotel Attica 21 Barcelona (Mar Double Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Please note: Guests on the 1 June departure will have one additional night in Barcelona, and all subsequent days will be pushed out by one.

Day 14: Barcelona – Madrid

This morning, make your own way to Barcelona International Airport (BCN) for your included flight to Madrid. Upon arrival at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), take your private transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the day at your leisure exploring Spain’s thriving capital. Stroll elegant boulevards and manicured parks, then live the Spanish life and step into one of many vibrant bars for ‘la hora del vermut’ or Vermouth Hour.

At 7pm, meet your tour director and fellow travellers at your hotel for a briefing on the exciting adventures to come.

Accommodation: Barceló Torre de Madrid (Deluxe Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Madrid

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then set out for a morning tour of this thriving city. From the busy squares of Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa to the storied streets of Barrio de Moreria and the Habsburg neighbourhood, discover the living history of this bustling metropolis with the direction of your expert local guide. After a morning of cultural immersion, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. This evening, come together as a group for a welcome dinner at a local tapas restaurant and sample the fragrant flavours and piquant spices of Spanish cuisine.

Accommodation: Barceló Torre de Madrid (Deluxe Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16: Madrid – Merida – Seville

Savour a filling breakfast before heading south in your private coach to Merida. Capital of the western Spanish region of Extremadura, Merida’s famed Roman ruins date back to the 1st century BCE. Spend time exploring the historic remains of this ancient colony and stand at the centre of the miraculously preserved Roman Theatre. Continue onward to Seville, the vibrant Andalusian capital, to enjoy the evening at your leisure. Walk the city’s storied streets and soak up extraordinary architecture and the vibrant Spanish soul.

Optional Activity:

• Las Setas de Sevilla evening city tour (surcharges apply).

Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Sevilla (Superior Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Seville

Let your expert guide unlock the wonders of romantic Seville as you navigate the maze of narrow, tree-lined streets and blooming courtyards of Santa Cruz – the city’s picture-perfect Jewish Quarter. Lose yourself in the complex blend of Christian and Moorish architecture, epitomised by the Mudejar style of the grand palace of Real Alcazar. Spend your afternoon meandering through the bright barrio or opt to join a trip to the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera. Built around an 11th-century Moorish fortress, this sun-kissed spot is known globally as the namesake of sherry wine or ‘jerez’ as well as its centuries-old equestrian tradition (surcharges apply).

Optional Activity:

• Jerez de la Frontera excursion with sherry tasting (surcharges apply).

Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Sevilla (Superior Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Seville – Cordoba – Granada

Fill up with a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then hit the road on your way to Cordoba. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, this historically Roman city has a fascinating history of diverse influences, converging in a cosmopolitan blend of architecture and culture.

Visit the wonderfully unique Mezquita – a captivating mosque-turned-cathedral that stands as testament to the compounding innovations of Islamic and Christian architects dating back to the 8th century. Over the next millennium, the complex would grow and evolve in unexpected ways, tied to the particular cultural exchange of Spain’s southern reaches. The enormous mosque is an intricately constructed masterpiece of striped arches and wide halls, while the 16th-century cathedral at its heart tells the story of a changing Spain.

Depart for a scenic journey through Spanish olive groves, then check-in to your hotel in Granada upon arrival. In the evening, convene with your fellow adventurers for an unforgettable traditional flamenco show over a delicious Spanish dinner.

Accommodation: Occidental Granada (Double Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19: Granada

Prepare for the day with a hearty breakfast, then make your way to the jaw-dropping Alhambra. This expansive hilltop fortress complex remains one of the most renowned examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Listen as your guide highlights the intricately carved Moorish architecture, punctuated by signs of the Spanish Renaissance in its layered distillation of a history shrouded in mystery.

Spend your afternoon at leisure, or choose to join an optional walking tour through the Albaicin district and chart the transition of Moorish design to Christian construction as you marvel at the beautiful mosques, churches and artisan shops and visit a celebrated pastry and teashop (surcharges apply).

Optional Activity:

• Albaicin neighbourhood walk (surcharges apply).

Accommodation: Occidental Granada (Double Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Granada – Toledo – Madrid

Depart glorious Granada and travel back to Madrid, stopping along the way at Toledo. Spectacularly poised overlooking the Rio Tajo, Toledo’s reputation as the ‘city of three cultures’ – Christian, Muslim and Jewish – dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, let your guide dig up the past on a tour of the historic narrow streets, where you can spot countless mosques, Gothic cathedrals and Sephardic synagogues.

Continue to Madrid and check-in at your hotel, then spend an evening of cultural exchange with your group over a final sumptuous meal.

Accommodation: Barceló Torre de Madrid (Deluxe Room) or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 21: Depart Madrid

After a whirlwind adventure, it’s time for one last breakfast before taking your private transfer to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) where your journey comes to a close.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note: Guests on the 1 June departure will have one additional night in Barcelona, and all subsequent days will be pushed out by one.