Explore and book Holland America Line 10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Oosterdam departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on May 29, 2025 and ending in Chania, Greece on Jun 8, 2025 Sail to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Nafplion, Greece, Argostoli, Kephalonia, Taormina, Sicily, Italy, Kotor, Montenegro, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Valletta, Malta, Kefalonia, Greece, Chania, Greece

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Group Rate

Civitavecchia (rome), Italy Boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some

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 (pompeii/amalfi), Italy Visa Req For Some

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.

Taormina, Italy Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With its Greco-Roman theater, bustling main street, and Sicilian cuisine, it's a highlight of Mediterranean cruises.

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

Kotor, Montenegro Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Times Subject To Weather Cond

Kotor, Montenegro

Scenic Cruising Bay Of Kotor (cruising Only)

Kerkira, Nisos Kerkira (corfu), Gre (visa Req For Some)

Kefalonia, Greece

Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Argostoli, Kephalonia

Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia
Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Rhodes

Chania, Greece

Private Vehicle with Guide - Half Day
Cretan Cooking Class
Jeep Tour in the White Mountains
Knossos Palace of Minos and Heraklion
The Treasures of Cretan Cuisine
The Treasures of Cretan Culture
Taste of Crete
Chania Botanical Park & Chania Town
Panoramic Drive and Chania Old Town
Real Crete Cultural Tour

Nafplion, Greece Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Nafplion, Greece

Nafplion, tour to Ancient Mycenae
Nafplion, tour to Palamidi Castle, Epidaurus & Mycenae
Nafplion, tour to Epidaurus
Nafplio, tour to Epidaurus & Mycenae
Nafplion, tour to Ancient MYCENAE and WINERY

Piraeus (athens), Greece Visa Req For Some

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Mediterranean

Africa

Europe

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B.B. King's Blues Club

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

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.

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

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.

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

Holland America Line

Oosterdam

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.

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.

Excavations reveal that the ancient city of Corinth was both huge and wealthy -- a stalwart survivor of numerous sackings but leveled in the end by an earthquake. St Paul lived and worked in Corinth for 18 months, making converts wherever he could. The bema (platform) where the Roman governor tried him is still visible.

Nemea claims a famous place in Greek mythology. It was the home of the Nemean Lion which was killed by the hero Heracles, and was the place where the infant Opheltes, lying on a bed of parsley, was killed by a serpent while his nurse fetched water. The Nemean Games were held here from 573 BC, or earlier, at the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea. Three columns of the 4th-century BC temple still stand intact here, and two more were reconstructed in 2002, with four more currently being rebuilt.

Journey along a picturesque, winding road, passing typical Greek villages on your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus. Known throughout the Hellenistic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments, Epidaurus was dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing who restored health to the sick, and reputedly, sometimes even life to the dead. The city was filled with curative spas and baths, but only priests had access to some of the healing rites.

Take winding roads through typical Greek villages on your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus -- site of medical facilities and healing treatments in the ancient Greek world. Known throughout the Hellenistic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments, Epidaurus was dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing who restored health to the sick and, reputedly, sometimes even life to the dead. The city was filled with curative spas and baths, but only priests had access to some of the healing rites.

Drive inland across the Argive Plain through orange and lemon groves, past the ancient cities of Tiryns and Argos, to reach Mycenae -- "well-built [and] rich of gold," according to Homer in The Odyssey. Tucked into a fold in the hills and lost to time for centuries, this is Agamemnon's citadel. Although excavations began here in 1841, it wasn't until 33 years later that Heinrich Schliemann, an entrepreneur-turned-self-styled-archaeologist, unearthed Mycenae's treasures. A controversial figure, Schliemann believed in the accuracy of Homer's epic poems, and to the amazement and dismay of scholars, governments, and the world, he was right.

Visit the famous Corinth Canal, which is four miles long, 70 feet wide and has sloping sides 170 feet tall. It provides a short cut connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Board the Canal Vista for a boat ride through the canal and listen to the interesting narration on the history and infrastructure of the canal, which dates back to 600 BC. Refreshments will be offered.

Taormina, perched 700 feet above the Bay of Naxos, was a famed resort even in Roman times. The poor Romans had to climb the hill, but you can take the elevator from your motor coach to the city gates, where your walking tour begins.

See some of the legendary beauty of Sicily as you visit Mt Etna, driving south on the highway through vineyards, citrus groves, and villages. You will learn that Etna is a very active volcano -- the largest in Europe at 10,723 feet high. It has erupted more than 130 times.

Your journey begins as your driver guide collects you from the quayside for your 4x4 adventure. You'll take a brief motorway drive before making your way up the slopes of mighty Mt Etna. En route. You'll stop to see the vast lava flows and the more recent paths eroded by the 2002 eruptions. The lava has carved its way through hillside forests and bushland, leaving a scar that can be seen from miles around.

For fans of The Godfather movie series, many of the places visited on this tour will seem familiar. Begin with a brief drive along the freeway to Roccalumera. From there, the coastal road, bordered by villas, flowering gardens, and picturesque villages, leads to the historical artist town of Savoca.

See some of Sicily's legendary beauty with this visit to Mt Etna. You'll begin with a drive south, via a highway that leads through a tapestry of vineyards, citrus groves and villages. You will learn that Etna is a very active volcano -- the largest in Europe at 10,723 feet tall. It has erupted more than 130 times. From the flanks of the volcano, take in a panoramic view over the city of Catania. Three hundred years ago, this large city was decimated by an eruption.

Departing from Taormina, you'll board a motorcoach for a panoramic drive along Sicily's mountainous eastern coastline. You're headed to the Crateri Silvestri and Mt Etna. Along the way you'll pass through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea and enjoy some dramatic coastal views.

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.

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.

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.

Cruisebound

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise