Explore and book Holland America Line 14 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Nieuw Statendam departing from Barcelona, Spain on Sep 20, 2025 and ending in Valletta, Malta on Oct 4, 2025 Sail to Alexandria, Egypt, Rhodes, Greece, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Barcelona, Spain, Istanbul, Turkey, Limassol, Cyprus, Valletta, Malta

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain Boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some

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

Valletta, Malta

See All of Malta’s Highlights in a Single Day
See Malta’s Top 10 Sights
Take a Jeep Safari for a Half a Day
See 3 Breathtaking Historic Sites
Go Underground at the Catacombs
Indulge in Luxury at Palaces of Malta’s Nobility
Hop a Ride on a Dghajsa Boat
Take a Relaxed Tour of Valletta
Gaze at Malta from the Water

Alexandria (cairo), Egypt Overnight Visa Required

Alexandria, Egypt

Best of Alexandria
A Day in Alexandria
Private Best of Alexandria
Private Roman Alexandria
Private Panoramic Alexandria
Private Alexandria Library and Museum
Private Alexandria National Museum and Gardens
Private Peterhof & Alexandria Parks by Train and Hydrofoil (Visas Included)

Limassol, Cyprus

As Cyprus's cosmopolitan hub, Limassol is a mix of ancient ruins, modern high-rises, and sun-soaked beaches. With its lively marina, medieval castle, and local vineyards, cruisers can enjoy the best of Mediterranean history and relaxation.

Rhodes, Greece

See the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Speculate About the Ruins of the Colossus
Hike the Acropolis in Lindos
Visit Rhodes’ First Mosque
Walk Peacefully Through the Valley of Butterflie

Bodrum, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture. From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, cruisers can experience a blend of ancient wonders and modern charm.

Piraeus (athens), Greece Visa Req For Some

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

14 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Black Sea

Egypt & Red Sea

Iberian Peninsula

Africa

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. 

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.

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.

Club HAL

Holland America Line

Nieuw Statendam

Drive across the desert from Alexandria to Cairo, learning about Egypt as you travel. It is approximately three hours to the capital city and, when you arrive, you will proceed to the Pyramids of Giza. The Cheops Pyramid is the sole survivor among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Step inside one of the pyramids for an interior view of these colossal monuments. Your Egyptologist guide will share with you the history of these engineering marvels as you discover the inner passageways.

It is approximately a three-hour ride along the desert road to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Upon arrival in this vast city, you will first visit the great Pyramids of Giza. The largest of these, Cheops, is the only remaining one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stand beside these incredible Egyptian monuments and marvel at their size. View the Sphinx—part lion, part man, carved from a natural rock—190 feet long and 66 feet tall at its highest point. Its face, which is 16 feet above the ground, looks towards the rising sun in the east.

An approximately 3½-hour motor coach ride along the desert road leads from Alexandria to Sakkara—the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. The pyramids here include the distinctive Step Pyramid, dating back to 2686 BC and believed to be the oldest stone structure on earth. It was built at the decree of King Zoser and thus began the tradition of pyramid building.

Depart the ship for an approximately two-hour drive to the small coastal village of El Alamein. Upon arrival, proceed to the El Alamein War Museum, containing a collection of uniforms, memorabilia and photographs relating to the Battle of El Alamein and the North Africa campaigns in general. There is also a diorama display that shows the main paths of advance and retreat until the Axis forces surrendered to the Allies in Tunis in 1943. Outside the museum, there is a collection of tanks, artillery and hardware.

The history and archeological significance of Alexandria is highlighted on this guided tour celebrating the city’s iconic monuments and treasured artifacts.

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 Mediterranean isle of Cyprus has a curiously divided personality. Located 174 miles east of Greece and 47 miles south of Turkey Cyprus has long been shaped by both ancient cultures. Nowhere are these influences seen more clearly than in Cyprus’s delicious cuisine.

Drive through Phassouri citrus groves and vineyards to the ancient city of Kourion, a beautiful and unspoiled spot perched high on a cliff. Take in the dazzling views of the ruins and the sea below. Kourion, one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, is situated in a conspicuous topographic position. It is built on a rise with three steep, almost vertical, sides. In his writings, Herodotus referred to the widely accepted notion that Greeks from Argos founded Kourion. During the 4th century AD, Kourion was destroyed by earthquakes.

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the vineyards and orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves. The day begins with a visit to the main historical attraction of this area -- the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion. This impressive Greco-Roman site features remnants of pavement mosaics, including the fine four-panel design in the central room at the House of Eustolios.

The last divided capital city in the world, after the fall of Berlin Wall, is the city of Nicosia -- right here in Cyprus. The Green Line has divided north from south since 1974. Nicosia is the largest town on Cyprus and has been the capital of the island since medieval times (11th century AD). The history of the city is interesting and adventurous and the place itself is of great character, circled by old city walls and criss-crossed by winding streets.

Travel through Phassouri's citrus groves and vineyards to reach Petra tou Romiou -- the symbol of Pafos city. Legend claims that this is where the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born out the foam of the sea and was carried by the waves to Pafos -- the sacred place where Aphrodite is most venerated. The religion of Cyprus emulated that of ancient Greece. Most of the Olympian gods were worshipped in Cyprus but the most important cult was indisputably that of Aphrodite -- the Cypriot goddess. She embodied fertility and love. Archaeological evidence and ancient inscriptions bear witness to the existence of numerous sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the goddess throughout Cyprus.

Walk up to the Acropolis that towers above the town, or hire a donkey (at your own expense) to take you part of the way up. At the top you will see the 4th-century BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia. The view from on high includes St Paul's Bay, where the Apostle landed in the year AD 51 to preach Christianity.

Leaving the pier, you'll pass by the city walls of the old medieval Rhodes Town -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch for the New Market Building and enjoy a photo stop at Mandraki, if parking for the motorcoach is available. You will see the aquarium and head to the top of Mount Smith for a view over the town of Rhodes, the castle, the coast of Turkey and the nearby islands.

Enjoy a panoramic drive past the impressive battlements of the medieval town of Rhodes. Leave the coach at the D'Amboise Gate. Set out on a walking tour through the medieval town, discovering the places of worship that influenced the island's history. Navigate through the various quarters and visit the Suleiman Mosque. Step inside Kahal Shalom -- the oldest Jewish synagogue in Greece. St Francis & the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the Orthodox Churches of St Fanourios and St Dimitrios are also on your agenda.

Departing from the quayside in Rhodes, proceed to Mount Smith -- the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. From the massive toppled pillars of the temple of Athena, the view encompasses the Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port

En route to Mount Filerimos, enjoy a drive through a densely wooded area of cypress trees, maritime pines and evergreen oaks. Turning inland, the winding road leads to the Plateau of Filerimos -- 1,000 feet above sea level.

Head to the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes for panoramic vistas of the Temple of Apollo, the stadium of Diagoras and the port. From the Amboise Gate -- the entrance to the Old Town of Rhodes -- walk to the Palace of the Grand Masters. This beautiful, elegant, timeless building is paved with colorful marble and superb mosaics.

A stupendous acropolis dominates Lindos town and the curved bay below. Walk up to the Acropolis or hire a donkey (at your own expense) to take you part of the way up. At the top, the remains of many ancient civilizations are found -- the 4th-century BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and a double-winged portico, a Byzantine church, and the fortifications of the Knights. At the foot of the Acropolis is St Paul's Bay, where the Apostle Paul landed in AD 51. Far below, whitewashed houses cluster around the narrow streets.

Board a coach for the drive southeast to Marsaxlokk fishing village, where startlingly colorful luzzu fishing boats bob about on a dark blue sea. Marsaxlokk Harbour was where the Turks arrived in 1565 at the start of the Great Siege, and where Napoleon and his troops landed in 1798 to end the Knights' rule on the island. Enjoy some free time to have purchase a coffee (at your own expense) and explore this village by the sea.

The Knights of St John came to Malta in 1530 and stayed for 268 years, transforming what they called 'merely a rock of soft sandstone' into a flourishing island with mighty defenses and a capital city coveted by the great powers of Europe. They settled in Vittoriosa, across the harbor from Valletta.

Take the scenic route to Malta's former capital, Mdina, located on a hill with stunning views over the island. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient, walled city with a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. Stroll through the city's narrow streets and let your guide introduce you to Mdina's 4,000 years of history as (s)he provides an orientation to the town itself. From the bastions, enjoy the sweeping views stretching all the way to the coast.

Take the scenic route across the island with a stop to see a glass-blowing demonstration at Malta's crafts village which is located on the site of an abandoned World War II airfield. Mdina, known as the Silent City, is Malta's former capital and is more than 4,000 years old. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient, walled city with a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. Take time to visit the Mdina Cathedral, stroll through the city's streets and breathe in the history.

A Spanish-speaking guide leads this tour (or a guide with a Spanish interpreter). A limited number of Spanish guides and interpreters are available in this port; book early to avoid disappointment. This is not a bilingual tour; please see Malta's Capitals Old & New for the same tour guided in English.

Hypogeum literally means "underground". The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is the oldest underground temple and necropolis ever discovered. Visiting on your own requires purchasing tickets months in advance but, today, you have a chance to take advantage of pre-reserved tickets to discover what the Hypogeum is all about.

From the pier it's just a short walk to board a traditional Maltese boat called a dghajsa. Once aboard, you will cross the harbor that drew Carthaginians and Swabians, Hapsburgs and Aragonese, Romans and Britons to form the nation that Malta is today.

Visit the Spice Market, where you will smell the ancient spices such as frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, cumin and rice spice, and watch the trading as it has been done for centuries.

Leave the port by coach and travel a short distance to the pier to board a motorboat for a cruise along the shores of the stunning Bosphorus Strait. Take in the sights as you enjoy refreshments. On the European side, you will view many palaces, old mansions, and modern villas. Watch for the first intercontinental bridge that connects Europe and Asia. Spot Dolmabahce Palace, formerly an opulent 19th-century Rococo palace, and now a museum. The boat will turn around at Sariyer fishing village to cruise back along the Asian side. On your left is gorgeous Beylerbeyi Palace -- one of the finest summer palaces of the Sultans.

Your first stop is at the Chora Church Museum -- famous for its frescoes and mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Although the church is small, it has a most interesting character. Then, you'll pass along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to St Sophia -- the splendid Church of Divine Wisdom built in the 6th century. St Sophia's dome was, at the time, the largest in the world. After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as the centuries passed. The mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church was dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman museum.

A short drive will bring you to the pier to board your private boat for a panoramic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, one of the most beautiful waterways in the world.

Pass under the age-old Roman aqueduct on your way to the Spice Market. The Spice Market or Egyptian Bazaar was constructed in 1663 as a part of the adjacent Yeni Mosque complex, in order to generate funds for the upkeep of the mosque. This was an avant-garde concept at the time -- light years ahead of the not-for-profit fundraising game. Have a look around -- the Spice Market is the best place to purchase spices both familiar and exotic. Their pungent aromas often bear little resemblance to the supermarket variety. Fresh Turkish Delight is a hard-to-beat treat, and caviar and a fascinating array of teas can also be found here.

Your first stop on this fascinating tour will be at the Blue Mosque, named for its richly adorned interior of magnificent Iznik tiles.

Visit the impressive Blue Mosque, named for the vivid Iznik tiles which line its interior and take a short walk to the ancient Hippodrome -- once the largest chariot racetrack of the Byzantine Empire.

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.

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14 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise