Name: 10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise
Brand: Holland America Line
SKU: 128320
Price: 954 USD
Availability: InStock

Explore and book Holland America Line 10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Nieuw Statendam departing from Barcelona, Spain on Jan 16, 2028 and ending in Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Jan 26, 2028 Sail to Barcelona, Spain, Valencia, Spain, Marseille, France, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Kotor, Montenegro, Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Barcelona, Spain

Visit La Sagrada Família
Experience Park Güell
Relax on La Barceloneta Beach
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Tour the Cathedral of Barcelona
Take a Walk Down Las Ramblas
Discover Delicious Treats at La Boqueria
Tour One of the Largest Museums Dedicated to Picasso
See the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Stop by Casa Batlló
Enjoy a Game at a Famous Soccer Stadium
Climb Mount Tibidabo
Get Lost in Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Enjoy a Performance at Palau de la Musica Catalana
Have Fun Shopping at Mercat de Santa Caterina

Valencia, Spain

On Spain's eastern shores lies Valencia, a city where innovation meets tradition. Renowned for its City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is also the birthplace of paella. Meander through its ancient lanes, explore futuristic structures, and indulge in Mediterranean flavors during your sojourn.

Marseille, France

See the City Essentials
Taste Cheeses and Wines
Get Next to an Ancient Roman Aqueduct
Enjoy a French Lunch
See the Home Town of Nostradamus
Learn About Lavender
Catch a Fishing Village
Visit a Winery
Get the Best of Two Worlds
Familiarize Yourself with a French Fort
Revitalize Yourself at a 21st Century Park

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Florence Unlimited Attraction Pass
Florence Open Air Sightseeing & Walking Tour
Florence On Your Own
Highlights of Lucca
Food & Wine Trails:suvereto & Super Tuscan Estate, Tua Rita
Florence's Finest: Accademia and Uffizi
Florence On the Lighter Side
Explore Florence & Pisa On Your Own

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

This Italian seaport town is the essential gateway to the wonders of Rome, with excellent transportation links to the capital. While many will head straight to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia itself has charms to offer, including the Forte Michelangelo, the Terme Taurine (the ruins of Roman thermal baths), and a quaint historic center. Whether you're embarking on a Mediterranean exploration or returning from the marvels of Italy, Civitavecchia is a starting point that promises the romance and history of the country within easy reach.

Naples, Italy

The gateway to Italy's Amalfi Coast, Naples delights with its historic sites, world-renowned cuisine, and proximity to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. It embodies the spirit and flavors of Southern Italy.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a gem on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, nestled at the end of a fjord-like bay and surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. This UNESCO-listed town boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and ancient fortifications. Key attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the climb to the Fortress of San Giovanni, offering breathtaking views of the bay. A vibrant waterfront, bustling markets, and local eateries make Kotor an irresistible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Iberian Peninsula

Mediterranean

Europe

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Action

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful. Enjoy the programs listed below and visit our Explorations Central discovery center on board. *

Explorations Central

Enjoy a game of pickleball on top-deck courts with stunning ocean views. Play casually anytime or join a tournament, with beginner lessons available for newcomers. Complimentary equipment provided, weather permitting.



Pickleball At Sea

Direct from Beale Street, B.B. King's All Stars bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, enjoy dancing and try specialty cocktails like the Lucille and Rock Me Baby.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Crow's Nest

For aficionados, this is truly your whisk(e)y wonderland. At NOTES, a dedicated whisk(e)y bar guests can gaze in awe at the more than 120 labels on display — and sample some of the rarest whisk(e)y selections in the world. An interactive menu board and multiple tasting options are designed to identify uniquely personalized flavor profiles for every guest.

Notes

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Ocean Bar

Which is more delightful: the apple-pear saketini in your chilled glass or views of the sun going down in a crimson blaze? Enjoy both in this stylish hideaway – your destination for panoramic views and exotic cocktails, and just one of the wide selection of lounges and gathering places on board.

Tamarind Bar

Feel the rhythm at the Rolling Stone Lounge, where a live band delivers rock, pop, and country hits every night. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.



Rolling Stone Lounge

Enjoy a refreshing drink with a view at the Panorama Bar, overlooking the lively Lido Pool. It's the perfect spot to pair a cocktail with a poolside snack or movie under the stars.



Panorama Bar

Sip on a cool cocktail while basking in the sun and savoring stunning ocean views from the deck lounge chairs. A laid-back vibe with unbeatable scenery.



Sea View Bar

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell has also contributed signature pizza recipes to the menu. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza.

New York Pizza

Experience a new level of luxury on board your cruise with our exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Enjoy VIP access and elevated comforts

Club Orange

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

Dive-In

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Canaletto

At Explorations Café, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.

Explorations Café

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

Lido Market

Inspired by Culinary Council® member and world-renowned sushi master, Andy Matsuda, Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami,” Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is an homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea.

Nami Sushi

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

Pinnacle Grill

Praised by Condé Nast Traveler for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. And, try our specialty sushi created in collaboration with Culinary Council member and Master Sushi Chef, Andy Matsuda.

Tamarind

Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses. Meals at Sel de Mer are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Rudi's Sel De Mer

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

The Dining Room

From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-12)

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Club Hal

Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

Teens Programs (Ages 13-17)

Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

Port Day Activities

Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities based on their chronological age; our staff is trained to work with special needs children. Please let us know when booking your reservation.

Special Needs

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Fitness

Prepare for wonderful pampering as you enjoy a select combination of rejuvenating spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, along with other healthy amenities,

Signature Service

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Our serene Spa Staterooms and Suites (available on select ships) are spacious havens of peace and quiet, conveniently located steps away from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.

Spa Suites And Staterooms

Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials.

Treatment Rooms

Open your mind to the creativity of our international stylists and leave the salon today with a hairstyle that will put a bounce in your step and your locks!

Hair & Nail Services

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America Nieuw Statendam a modern beauty. The second in the line of Pinnacle-class cruise ships, its design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have a multitude of innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Rock Room, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage. 

Holland America Line

Nieuw Statendam

Enjoy a get-acquainted tour that introduces the highlights of Barcelona. Your guide will point out many landmarks. At the 13th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross & Saint Eulalia, located in the Gothic Quarter, you'll step inside to admire the interior.

This bike ride offers a different way to discover Barcelona's squares, monuments, beaches and people, in a city that has more than 60 miles of bicycle lanes and an extensive pedestrian-only Old Town

Head to the famous promenade of La Rambla to visit the La Boqueria and Santa Caterina markets. The original Boqueria building plan dates back to 1217, when the main selling activity was a street market for meat, vegetables and fruits. You can still see the original building, with its metal roof, built by Mas Vilà in the city's popular Modernist style. Today's structure was officially inaugurated in 1853.

Visitors to Barcelona discover a city of charming streetscapes, sidewalk cafés and squares bustling with people. It is full of life. This amazing city also features the world's largest collection of Modernist architecture among its many buildings and churches.

An exciting performance of Spanish Flamenco dance showcases an artform that originated in Andalusia and is comprised of three elements -- the song (el cante), the dance (el baile) and the guitar (el toque). Among the gypsies of Andalusia it was used as an expression of poverty, oppression and personal grief. Over time, Flamenco has also become a means of expressing happiness as it incorporates elements of Spanish music in lighter forms (alegrias, bulerias, fandangos).

Barcelona's modernist architecture, conceived and executed by architect Antonio Gaudí, has ensured Barcelona's place in the world today, on the map, and heading in the future. This tour offers an insight view to the modernism as its best.

Ride by coach to the Montserrat Mountain Ridge, six miles long, three miles wide and 4,050 feet tall. The irregular peaks of Catalonia's most famous mountain are visible from miles around. Montserrat is a cultural, religious and natural landmark. Legend says that shepherds found a statue of a black Virgin Mary on Montserrat. When they tried to move her, the cart got stuck, which they took as a sign to she should stay on the mountain. So this peculiar mountain range is now the site of the monastery where people come to worship La Moreneta -- the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia.

In the Eternal City, a panoramic drive takes you through the lovely Borghese Gardens and along Via Veneto -- Rome's famous, elegant and outrageously expensive shopping street. A slice of Roman life takes place among the fashionable sidewalk cafés, luxury shops and up-market hotels here.

Drive to the heart of Rome, passing St Paul's Basilica, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Circus Maximus and stopping at the Trevi Fountain.

In the Eternal City, enter the vast expanse of St Peter's Square through Bernini's Colonnade, and step into Christendom's largest church, St Peter's Basilica. In the apse is the splendid gilt and bronze throne, also designed by Bernini. Take time to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece in white marble.

Begin your tour with a drive to Tarquinia, founded in the 7th century BC, and now known as a magnificent Etruscan burial ground. You will see the Palazzo Vitelleschi -- an excellent example of early Renaissance architecture, whose Archeological Museum houses the remains of the mysterious Etruscan population. Visit the necropolis, containing thousands of tombs dating from the 6th to the 1st century BC, many of which have not yet been explored.

In Rome you will visit the Catacombs, a curious underground maze of tunnels where the early Christians were buried. This is essentially a vast underground cemetery -- a series of subterranean passageways that form real labyrinths that are several miles long.

Meet your coach nearby and head for the beautiful Palazzo Brancaccio -- the last Roman patrician palace built in 1880 in the heart of the Eternal City. It stands on Colle Oppio, the ancient Roman hill near Emperor Nero's Domus Aurea, between the Colosseum and the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Its grounds are a beautiful old park surrounding the Roman ruins, with centuries-old plants and fountains, pine trees, palms and laurels. Here you can admire the small but charming Hunting Lodge, full of rich decorations. Inside the palace you'll find enchanting banquet rooms where Princess Cruises Mary Elisabeth Brancaccio gave sumptuous parties. Roman Holiday was filmed inside the halls of the Palazzo Brancaccio.

A 45-minute drive will bring you to the walled city of Lucca for a walking tour to the beautiful Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Anfiteatro, the Church of San Frediano, Guinigi's Tower and the outside of the Church of San Michele. Browse on your own during some free time, then meet back up in the Piazzale Verdi to leave Lucca by coach.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a monument to determination and medieval architecture. Not to be outdone, other sites that dot the Piazza dei Miracoli, such as the Cathedral of Pisa and the baptistery, are beautiful examples of the religious and civil life of Pisa in the 12th century. Discover the wonder and majesty of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A coach ride brings you to Manarola, and you will have time to tour this quaint village.

Your full-day tour begins with independent exploration of the wonders of Florence. Travel by motorcoach on a 90-minute panoramic drive to Florence, one of Italy's most culturally significant cities and arguably the seat of the Renaissance. Here, you will enjoy three hours of sightseeing on your own and at your own pace. Take in all the key sights or simply sit at a corner café with a foamy cappuccino (at your own expense) and watch the locals go about their day.

Departing from Livorno, you will take a scenic 90-minute coach ride to Florence, one of Italy's most artistically significant cities and arguably the seat of the Renaissance.

A 45-minute drive from Livorno will bring you to this gorgeous walled city, where you will set out with your guide on a walking tour through its narrow, winding streets. Once you reach the Church of San Michele, you will be given the option of free time to explore on your own, or remaining with your guide. The guided tour continues to the Church of San Frediano, founded in the 6th century. You will also view the Piazza Anfiteatro -- built upon the remains of an ancient Roman Amphitheatre.

Your destination is Volterra, and you will travel through pretty Tuscan countryside to reach it. Head to the city's ancient Roman theatre -- among the better-preserved theatres in Europe. It's easy to imagine the roar of the Roman crowds that gathered here. You'll also visit the medieval Piazza dei Priori, located in the heart of town.

Only twenty thousand people inhabit the small Gothic city of Requena, located 30 miles inland from Valencia at 2,300 feet above the sea level. The economy of this region is based on Cava sparkling and still wines. In the town, you'll see San Salvador Church, the castle's Tower of Homage, and the perfectly preserved cellars.

Complement your visit to Valencia with a trip to the Lladró City of Porcelain. Having only recently opened its doors to visitors, Lladró now lets you explore behind the scenes of its incredible creations.

Enter the underground realm in a boat that drifts along calm waters. Inside the cavern you will contemplate the capricious formations of the rocks that the water has molded during thousands of years, and stalactites and stalagmites that have grown at the rate of an inch a century. Listen to the sound of silence in a place where it is possible to discern the murmur of the water and to hear the echo of a drop of water falling into an underground lagoon, discover a beautiful landscape that the nature keeps hidden from the light. The boat will take you through the Bat Cave, the Dog Kennel and Diana's Lake -- a relaxing experience.

Drive along the Avenida Baleares, past the bullring and central station to take in the main landmarks of Valencia. At the Square Central Market, commence your walking tour to admire the Gothic-style buildings that house the Silk Exchange exhibition pavilion.

Leaving the port, take a panoramic drive through Valencia -- Spain's third most important city. Valencia is known as the Flower City because of its vast number of parks and landscaped areas. Your guide will point out the main monuments on the way to the bike center, where you will pick up your bike and start your cycle tour.

Begin with a jetfoil ride to the island of Capri, taking in several lovely sights, including Capri Town and Anacapri.

Take a panoramic drive through Naples, after which you'll head to Posillipo Hill, Mergellina, and past the famous Maschio Angioino Castle.Stop at the Piazza Plebiscito to see the outside of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Head out by motorcoach to the excavated city of Herculaneum -- known to the Italians as Ercolano. The upper class Romans built their beautiful villas and maintained luxurious properties in Herculaneum -- most of them overlooking the sea. Explore on foot with your guide. (S)he will explain how, when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, hot ash charred or consumed all the wood of the structures in Pompeii (Herculaneum's more famous neighbor). Herculaneum's destruction was the result of a flood of hot mud that buried, sealed and protected entire buildings. This means that today there are still marvelous inlaid marble floors, mosaics, paintings, and carbonized wood exposed to visitors.

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll discover the archeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash when Mt Vesuvius violently erupted in AD 79. It was a monumental natural disaster that killed thousands and entombed the city under ash. Explore the grounds on a 90-minute guided walk through the excavated city. Your guide talks about the remarkably-preserved remains that hint at daily life of the Ancient Romans -- their buildings and cuisine, and how they entertained, decorated and lived. Pompeii was a resort town with a forum, amphitheatre, gymnasium, shops and an aqueduct that delivered water for irrigation, fountains and private baths. Elaborately-detailed mosaics and colorful frescoes decorate the interiors of wealthy homeowners' villas.

A German-speaking guide leads this tour (or a guide with a German interpreter). A limited number of German guides and interpreters are available in this port; book early to avoid disappointment. This is not a bilingual tour; please see The Ruins of Pompeii for the same tour guided in English.

Skirting the Bay of Naples, in the shadow of awesome Mt Vesuvius, you will drive to Sorrento -- a village that is brimming with character and overflowing with picturesque street scenes and charming people. Sorrento inspired the Greeks' and Romans' art and industry, and you will find an extraordinary collection of woodwork, mosaics, furniture, embroidery and porcelain here. Browse and shop on your own, making purchases that will become treasured mementos of your voyage.

Bring your appetite and your curiosity for this unforgettable culinary tour of one of the world's most foodie-friendly cities. Even in this dedicated, food-loving nation, no city is more famous for its cuisine than Naples. This is where pizza was invented, and coffee was perfected. Many of the other iconic Italian dishes that America loves started out right here in Naples too. You'll discover some of the city's most distinctive eateries, learn about the local culture, and take in some historic sites along the way on this "multi-tasking" tour that is, in fact, a multi-sensory immersion gourmet experience.

Experience the famous nightlife of Athens with an opportunity to encounter great Greek music, traditional folklore dances, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Start with a leisurely drive through the city en route to Zafiro, a traditional venue with sweeping wrap-around views of the city. This is your chance to get acquainted with Greek culture, eat, dance, enjoy typical Greek music and learn about some aspects of life in the past. This is much more than just food and music -- the Zafiro Experience is an interactive event where guests can participate in every step.

Board a motorcoach for a 30- to 40-minute scenic ride into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass a host of major sites, including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy, and the University Library. Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, which extends 150 feet across its western side. From here, the views of the city of Athens below are incredible. Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. The Erectheum is situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. Here you will find the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. The originals can be seen at the Acropolis Museum.

The ancient agora, or marketplace, in Athens was once an eclectic mix of private housing and public spaces, until it was thoroughly re-organized by Peisistratus in the 6th century BC. As one did in the ancient world, Peisistratus pulled rank and continued to live on the agora, but he wasted no time evicting the other residents turning the area into the epicenter of Athenian government. He also built a drainage system, fountains and a temple to the Olympian gods. Cimon later improved the agora with new buildings, trees, and temples to Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo. The law courts were located here as well, and ancient custom dictated that when a court case was being heard, any citizen who happened to be passing by could be forced to serve as a juror. The Scythian Archers -- an early version of a mercenary police force -- often wandered through the agora specifically looking for jurors. Needless to say, the area was given a wide berth by those who were at all gainfully employed. Because history repeats itself, during Byzantine times, Athens' agora once again became a residential area and now is one of the city's most visited landmarks.

Visit the famous Corinth Canal, which is four miles long, 70 feet wide and has sloping sides 170 feet in height. It connects the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a maritime shortcut. Your next stop will be at Ancient Corinth. The ruins that lie in this area are a surprising mix of an ancient 6th-century BC Greek city and a 44 BC Roman city -- the latter was built after Julius Caesar placed a colony on this desolate site. See the ruins and excavations of both, including where the Christian Basilica, the starting lines of a Greek racetrack, a sacred spring with its bronze lion's-head spouts, and the elaborate Roman fountain of Peirene were located.

Milton wrote that Athens was "the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence." Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City -- the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. Reinforced by the hand of man, the natural fortress of the Acropolis stands 230 feet above the city. You cannot help but be in awe of the view below.

Begin your tour with a drive past marinas and resort towns en route to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, built in the 5th century BC. The temple's location, 180 feet above the sea, affords a magnificent view of the blue Aegean and distant islands. Even today, many cruise ships passing Sounion still pay their respects to Poseidon by lowering the ensign, blasting the ship's whistle, and pouring a libation over the side of the ship. On your way to Athens, you will stop at a leading Greek taverna for lunch. Then, continue to the natural fortress of the Acropolis, which rises from the city. Its symbolic ruins have survived for 25 centuries and have remained a part of the Greek culture for the entire world to appreciate. Pass Hadrian's Arch, indicating the border between the Greek and the Roman cities in ancient times. You will pass the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to complete, Constitution Square, the Presidential Palace and the all-marble Olympic stadium built in 1896.

Visit the Acropolis of Athens, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. History opens before you as you reach the Propylaea, one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of buildings. You'll see the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of the Caryatids. Stand in awe of what is considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world -- the Parthenon -- designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.

Non-alcoholic beverage package	$8 - $17.95
Alcoholic beverage package	$54.95 - $59.95
Gratuities	$15.50 - $17
Wi-fi internet access	$10 - $20
Specialty dining	Varies
Spa packages & shore excursions	Varies

Cruisebound

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Cruise highlights

Itinerary

Shore excursions

Amenities

About the ship

Nieuw Statendam

Included in your fare

Add-ons

Flights & hotels

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Cruise highlights

Itinerary

Shore excursions

Amenities

About the ship

Nieuw Statendam

Included in your fare

Add-ons

Flights & hotels

Flights

Hotels

Departure info