Holland America Line Mediterranean: 21 nights from Athens with Oosterdam
Jun 28, 2026

Alexandria

Alexandria

Rhodes

Mykonos

Athens

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Kotor

Korfu

Corfù is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located off the northwestern coast of Greece and south of Albania. The Greek island is a natural paradise. It is the second largest island of Greece, with 220 km of coastline. Its geography is dominated by mountain ranges and reaching 1000 meters above sea level, you will find Mont Pantokrator.

This mountain divides the island into three different areas. The northern area, abundant in olive groves, features green valleys and coastlines that form both small and large bays. The central part, the most populous and important, is covered by dense vegetation and lush hills.

 

 

The southern area consists of a large plain with less vegetation than the other regions but is decidedly more fertile. The most lively part of the city is found at Liston, similar to Paris’ Rue de Rivoli- a grand avenue lined with beautiful cafes and excellent restaurants. On the other hand, the island also has beautiful beaches washed by the Ionian Sea.

One of the most beautiful walks in the capital is along the harbor promenade, next to the city walls, where you can contemplate the view of the city. Corfù was the first Greek Island to open its doors to tourism, becoming an important international tourist centre that attracts many visitors every year. Even if tourism is evident in the coastal areas, the island has managed to preserve its authenticity.

Messina

Messina has a very lively passengers port, discover all the cruises that set sail from Messina on Taoticket. Thanks to a cruise from Messina, you can visit lots of localities in Italy, France, Spain and Malta. Departures from Messina often has very convenient prices. Compare the itineraries and the prices and depart for your cruise. Messina is located in the north east Sicily, about 90km from Catania and 230 km from Palermo. A lively
and chaotic city, Messina is a real highway of maritime traffic.

In ancient time, the Greeks mythologised the conflicting currents of the Strait of Messina as the twin monsters of Charybdis and Scylla (the six-headed monster). The history of this place is filled with many myths and legends, transforming Messina into a town with a fairy-tale and enigmatic atmosphere. The climate in Messina is Mediterranean: very hot and dry environment but mild in summer and with heavy rainfall in winter.

Messina can be a starting point for excursions to discover Sicily: do not miss Taormina and Giardini-Naxos, two ancient small towns founded by the Greeks rich in charm, history and typical gastronomic and handicrafts products. Here you can do shopping and buy souvenirs for your friends and family. If you are nature and trekking lovers, do not miss the excursions to Mount Etna, one of the largest still active volcanoes in Europe. You will pass through cool forests until you reach the barren peak covered with lava stones from the latest eruptions: a fascinating landscape all year round! In winter, Mount Etna opens its ski facilities while in summer it is a refuge from the heat of the city.

Have a snack with the typical Arancini di Riso (rice balls) or the Pidoni (calzones pizza stuffed with escarole, anchovies and scamorza cheese), and if you love dessert, do not miss the cassata Siciliana or the chocolate cannoli accompanied by a coffee granita with cream! Enjoy your meal and have a goodcruise from Messina.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca: discover spanish islands

Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and is an enchanting stop during a cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. La côte nord-ouest de l'île de Majorque, dominé par la chaîne montagneuse de la Serra de Tramuntana, est une belle région des oliveraies, forêts de pins et villages couleur ocre, avec un littoral spectaculaire. 

Best Of Palma

The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Do not miss the opportunity to visit one of its famous market where you can taste local cuisine such as "sobrassada" (a type of sausage), "ensaimada" (a sweet pastry), and "pa amb oli" (bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and toppings). Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and it is an amazing stop during your cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. This city has incredible energy, it attracts tourists from all over the world.

As soon as you arrive at the port, be prepared to be immediately surrounded by the beauty of the port; it’s a very cozy port. When you get off the ship, you are almost to the city center, where you see the Seu Cathedral. On your way to the center, grab prepared freshly churros and visit this cathedral. In the evening, this place offers beautiful views where you can enjoy the sunset. Nearby there are the incredible gardens of S'Ort del Rey, filled with fruit trees, olives and flowers. And nearby there is the Llotya de Palma building. But this is a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions.

The north-west coast of the island of Mallorca, dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a beautiful region of olive groves, pine forests and ochre-colored villages, with a spectacularly wild coastline. Palma de Mallorca, is on the south side of the island, on a bay famous for its brilliant sunsets. Most of the south coast is lined with rocky cliffs interrupted by beaches and picturesque coves, while the interior is largely made up of the fertile plain known as Es Pla. The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports.

If you have a little more time, then head to Soller, where you can taste the chocolate that is made there. You can reach this place on the legendary El tren de Soller train. Such trips will fill you with energy and strength, because you will see the beauty of cliffs, rocks and waves crashing against them. Just imagine how an old tram transports you across a mountain pass. In addition, we would advise you to go to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, where you will see the beauty of nature.

And if you have even more time, be sure to visit the Drak caves. There you will see one of the largest lakes in the world, head to the grottoes, you will reach an amphitheater right in the cave, where a classical music concert will take place right on the boats. Just imagine how you will feel the moment of this beauty. After such life experiences, miracles happen in life.

Palma de Mallorca is a wonderful place, and the best place to go there is on a cruise ship. Live now and follow your dreams, book your dream cruise now.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.

Valletta

Malta is one the smallest States in the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such a concentration of history, architecture and, beautiful beaches in such a small area. Malta is one of the most concentrated areas of historical interest anywhere in the world, for this reason it was called La Valletta when Unesco awarded it the title of World Heritage Site. The city is therefore the ideal city for art lovers and it is renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

Chania

Santorini

Kusadasi

Athens

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.