Name: 13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise
Brand: Holland America Line
SKU: 77093
Price: 2384 USD
Availability: InStock

Explore and book Holland America Line 13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Oosterdam departing from Lisbon, Portugal on Aug 9, 2026 and ending in Ajaccio, Corsica, France on Aug 22, 2026 Sail to Bari, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Lisbon, Portugal, Alicante, Spain, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Kotor, Montenegro, Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal (boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some)

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, is a city of hills, historic neighborhoods, and a stunning waterfront. Discover the rich maritime history at the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Alfama, listen to Fado music, and savor the delicious pastéis de nata. Lisbon's dynamic atmosphere, cultural richness, and beautiful vistas make it an unforgettable destination.

Alicante, Spain

Chef's Market Discoveries - Alicante's Regional Delicacies and Private Dinner
Alicante Tapas Tour
Alicante Segway
Medieval Alicante
Panoramic Alicante and Elche
Novelda and Wine Tasting
Guadalest
Benidorm On Your Own

Solar Eclipse (cruising Only)

Barcelona, Spain (overnight Visa Req For Some)

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

Ajaccio, Corsica, France (visa Req For Some)

Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio radiates Corsican culture and history. With its old-world charm, sandy beaches, and lively markets, the city provides a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Cruising to Ajaccio ensures a memorable Mediterranean experience.

Civitavecchia (rome), Italy (visa Req For Some)

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.

Bari, Italy

Situated on Italy's Adriatic coast, Bari boasts rich maritime traditions, historic basilicas, and a lively promenade. Cruising to Bari offers a genuine Southern Italian experience, from its cuisine to its folklore.

Scenic Cruising Bay Of Kotor (cruising Only)

Kotor, Montenegro (tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Times Subject To Weather Cond)

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 (visa Req For Some)

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

13 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

Unleash your competitive spirit at High Score!, our new family game room — on Oosterdam. By day, it’s a secret hideaway for kids and teens, where they can engage in a fast-paced flurry of four-person air hockey or contend for bragging rights in the video arcade. At night, the entire family is welcome to bond over board games, skee-ball, a tilting labyrinth and family activities.

High Score!

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 wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Onboard Shopping

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

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

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

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Explorer's Lounge

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

Ocean Bar

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu created in partnership with our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a James Beard “Who’s Who” inductee.

Gallery 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

Unwind at Pinnacle Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines set the tone for a sophisticated evening. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink before heading to Pinnacle Grill.



Pinnacle 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

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

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

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 Cafe

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

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.

Pinaccle Grill

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

We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.

BBC Earth in Concert

In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Center Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea.

Lincoln Center Stage

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

Billboard on Board

Experience world-class entertainment at World Stage, featuring captivating lectures by local experts and thrilling performances from top acts like Step One Dance Company and Cantaré. On select ships, a two-story LED screen enhances the immersive experience.

World Stage

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

Oosterdam, a Vista-class ship, recently emerged from dry dock with exciting updates—including completely refreshed suites and new lounge, dining and entertainment venues, such as Music Walk™, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests can choose from among delectable specialty restaurants, hone culinary skills with EXC Port to Table and thrill to BBC Earth Experiences.

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.

B.B. King's Blues Club

Watch music shows and other entertainment like you never have before at World Stage. Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level with a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen. A perfect panorama of sight and sound.

Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate. 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.

Holland America Line

Oosterdam

Watch for the Paseo de la Explanada de España -- a mosaic marble avenue reminiscent of sea waves -- and Luceros Square, where an impressive fountain dominates with series of horse sculptures.

You will cross the center of town en route to the Castle of Santa Barbara, an aging fortress built during the 16th century. Visit the best-preserved areas such as the Main Tower (Torre del Homenaje) and the Englishmen's bastions.

All about the archaeological aspect of Alicante, this tour begins with a panoramic drive to the MARQ Museum. Here, an expert curator guide leads you through the collections. The MARQ is an archaeology museum dedicated to displaying its collection in classified and catalogued order. It is also a brilliant introduction to the various methods and techniques of preservation and restoration in the field of archaeology. These are explained in three galleries -- Field Archaeology, Urban Archaeology and Underwater Archaeology. Dioramas, audio-visual presentations and interactive exhibits provide visitors with a detailed insight into how archaeologists unveil the past. The information is displayed in an attractive and didactic way.

The town of Elche with its palm tree forest boasts the highest concentration of palms in all of Europe. They number between 200,000 and 300,000, and the singular beauty of the Palmeral of Elche has earned the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Botanists believe that the Phoenicians planted this palm forest and that date palms have flourished in Elche for more than 2,000 years. The municipal park will introduce you to the world of palms and the flora of the area. Admire the abundant variety of Mediterranean species.

Cross the center of town to visit the Castle of Santa Barbara, standing on Mt Benacantil -- a rocky mass bordering the seashore. Inside the castle, admire some interesting Iberian archeological findings and visit the best-preserved areas such as the Main Tower (Torre del Homenaje) and the Englishmen's bastions.

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.

The intrigue begins as you board your air-conditioned coach at the pier and travel southeast through picturesque countryside and lively cities. You're headed to the village of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that closely resembles a movie set. Whitewashed buildings with grey roofs lend the village a magical atmosphere, and more than 1,400 cone-shaped buildings known as trulli dot the cobblestone streets and hillsides. Walk through the town and learn about its history, which began in the Bronze Age. Thousands of years ago, residents built their homes out of the only material available -- limestone. Made without mortar, they could easily be torn down and rebuilt. According to UNESCO, they're an "exceptional example of vernacular architecture," which "represents a remarkable survival of prehistoric building techniques." Although these beguiling structures are scattered around the Apulia region, it's Alberobello that's considered the 'trulli capital'. Many of the trulli boast roofs adorned with painted symbols, such as a cross or a heart pierced by an arrow, to bring luck to the house. The Old Town alone boasts about 1,000 dwellings lining the winding streets and climbing the hillside -- the views from the top are awe-inspiring.

In Bari you'll find bustling metropolis dotted with popular shops and restaurants. A prosperous port since antiquity, Bari has seen its share of history -- a who's who of conquerors have left an indelible imprint on the city. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Normans all took advantage of Bari's strategic location, and the Crusaders often sailed from Bari in the Middle Ages. Evidence of this illustrious past can be seen in the Old Town -- Bari Vecchia. Among its winding streets are a number of breathtaking medieval structures, including the Basilica of St Nicolas (1087), named for Bari's patron saint. Enjoy a walk through this lovely Romanesque church, whose treasures include the remains of the revered saint, carved stone doorways, an elaborate stone canopy over the altar, and a 900-year-old marble bishop's throne.

Discover a world of intriguing architecture with a visit to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Italy is best known for its amazing Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman architecture but, tucked between the hills and valleys of southern Italy, stands a reminder that some of its earliest occupants created their own type of dwellings with just the materials at hand.

Board an air-conditioned coach and take the scenic coastal route to the town of Trani, known as "the slow town" because of its laid-back charm and easy-going manner.

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.

Discover Lisbon by coach, funicular, elevator, tram and your own two feet on this tour that shows you what it's like to move about like a Lisboeta (a Lisbon native). It takes you all over, using a wide range of transportation options.

Approximately 90 minutes from Lisbon is Fatima, the so-called 'Lourdes of Portugal' which, according to Roman Catholicism, is the site of miracles. Your guide will explain the legends associate with Fatima as you explore the area around the imposing modern basilica.

From the pier, travel along the banks of the Tagus River to Baixa, the old business and shopping district with charming narrow streets and the famous squares of Comércio and Rossio. Drive along Liberty Avenue, a charming old boulevard lined with gardens and known for its unique black and white mosaic sidewalks.

The word Baroque comes from the Portuguese barroco, which means an imperfect pearl. Baroque is an architectural and decorative style which flourished all over Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries -- a time when Portugal enjoyed tremendous wealth from the discovery and exploitation of mines in Brazil.

A panoramic drive gives you a chance to enjoy Lisbon's highlights. Watch for Avenida da Liberdade, with its mosaic-lined sidewalks, Black Horse Square and the Park Edward VII viewpoint with a magnificent view of the city.

See from the outside some of the most important landmarks of Lisbon -- the Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Jeronimos Monastery.

A scenic 1½-hour drive through the beautiful Portuguese countryside leads to the medieval town of Obidos, dating back to 308 BC. Since King Diniz first gave the town to his young bride, Obidos has been a wedding gift to all of Portugal's queens.

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

13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Cruise highlights

Itinerary

Shore excursions

Amenities

About the ship

Oosterdam

Included in your fare

Add-ons

Flights & hotels

13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

13 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Cruise highlights

Itinerary

Shore excursions

Amenities

About the ship

Oosterdam

Included in your fare

Add-ons

Flights & hotels

Flights

Hotels

Departure info