Explore and book Holland America Line 10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Oosterdam departing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Aug 20, 2025 and ending in Istanbul, Turkey on Aug 30, 2025 Sail to Trieste, Italy, Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, Korcula, Croatia, Kefalonia, Greece, Mykonos, Greece, Chania, Greece, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Istanbul, Turkey

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Piraeus (athens), Greece (boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some)

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

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

Mykonos, Greece (tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited)

Mykonos, Greece

One of Greece's most iconic islands, Mykonos is famed for its white-washed buildings, labyrinthine streets, and lively nightlife. Its beaches and crystal-clear waters are Mediterranean highlights, making it a top stop on Aegean cruises.

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.

Katakolon (olympia), Greece Visa Req For Some

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

A gateway to Ancient Olympia, Katakolon in Greece is a destination for those passionate about classical history. Its quaint harbor and Mediterranean charm make it a delightful stopover.

Kefalonia, Greece

Korcula, Croatia (tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited)

Korcula, Croatia

Often dubbed "Little Dubrovnik," Korcula in Croatia boasts medieval walls, Gothic cathedrals, and Marco Polo's alleged birthplace. Its vineyards and clear waters add to its Adriatic allure.

Trieste (venice), Italy Visa Req For Some

Trieste, Italy

Perched at the crossroads of Italy and Central Europe, Trieste is a port city known for its Habsburg architecture, historic coffeehouses, and seafront squares. It's a melting pot of cultures with a distinct Adriatic flair.

10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Mediterranean

Africa

Black Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

As you step back 2,000 years into the past at the sanctuary of Olympia, picture the area crowded with athletes, orators, merchants, and philosophers. At the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it's easy to imagine the roar of the spectators as the athletes took their marks on the marble starting blocks, and to picture the temples, treasuries, porticoes, and statues of the day. The scene was dominated by the Temple of Zeus, with its 40-foot statue of the god, the ruins of which you will see today.

The park-like grounds of the sanctuary of Olympia will take you back 2,000 years to a time when this very area was crowded with athletes, orators, merchants and philosophers. The backdrop was the Temple of Zeus -- famous for its forty-foot statue of the god himself, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple lies in ruins today. As you explore, it is quite easy to imagine the roar of the spectators as the athletes pitted their own abilities against those of worthy rivals. With some help from your guide, the remains of temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues help to bring the site to life.

At Ancient Olympia, 25 miles east of the small fishing village of Katákolon, you will step back 2,000 years into the past, to the days of the original Olympic games. Imagine the area crowded with athletes, orators, merchants and philosophers. Picture the Temple of Zeus and its forty-foot statue of the god, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins of the temple are still visible today. Deep in the past lies the roar of the spectators as the athletes took their marks on the marble starting blocks that are still in place. Spectators looked on, surrounded by temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues that today are reduced to ruins.

Two thousand years ago, Olympia was the birthplace of a sporting tradition that, millennia later, has found its renaissance in the modern Olympics. The very first Olympic games were held right here, and as you visit Olympia today you can almost hear the roar of the spectators, cheering on the athletes as they took their marks on the marble starting blocks. Temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues, as well as the Temple of Zeus with its forty-foot statue of the god, all stood here.

Two thousand years ago, Olympia was the birthplace of a sporting tradition that, millennia later, has found its renaissance in the modern Olympics. The very first Olympic games were held right here and, as you visit Olympia today you can almost hear the roar of the spectators, cheering on the athletes as they took their marks on the marble starting blocks. Temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues all stood here, including the Temple of Zeus with its the 40-foot-tall statue of the god. The Temple of Zeus at Olympia was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

A panoramic drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery brings you to the fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated Magna Grecia Farm. Focusing on small-scale farming, the family prides itself in maintaining great agricultural traditions. Magna Grecia Farm sprawls across the heart the agricultural region of Olympia. You'll visit the olive grove, learn the history of the olive tree, and taste the peppery olives produced on the property. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals, as well.

One hundred acres of vineyard, set in a beautiful and verdant valley in the Olympia region, enjoy a special, moderate microclimate. This is where you'll find the Olympia Gi Winery, known for its magnificent location. Tour the vineyards and learn about the different varieties and cultivation methods inspired by the traditions of the ancient Greeks. This modern family-run winery produces quality vintages. Take in the beauty and charm of the vineyards while enjoying a taste of Olympia Gi wine.

Discover the stunning Peljesac and Korčula archipelago as you travel by mini-bus to the buggy pick-up point. One of the best ways to experience Korcula Island is on an off-road adventure. Get acquainted with your self-drive buggy during a safety briefing; then, start your engine and set off to explore Korcula as you discover hidden bays and beautiful coves from your two-seater convertible buggy.

Korčula is an island of impressive landmarks, quaint villages and lush vineyards. You'll discover numerous maritime villages built around inviting coves and along steep hillsides, with exotic names like Smokvica, Pupnat and Blato. The largest settlement on the island, Blato, is located virtually in the middle, uphill and inland from Korčula Town. From there, continue to the western end of the island, to Vela Luka (Old Port) where you'll stop to explore. Vela Luka is a lovely seaside resort town -- take advantage of some free time here to enjoy a walk along the seafront promenade or buy a cup of coffee in one of the many cafés (at your own expense).

From Korčula, you'll set out by boat to weave through the 20-island Korčula Archipelago. Head through the Peljesac Channel passing Majsan Island, which is best known for the pre-historic ruins still situated on it, all the way to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula.

Calling all wine connoisseurs for a half day among the vineyards of Peljesac -- home of Croatia's premium wines. The Dalmatian Coast, a winemaking region for more than 2,000 years, is dotted with numerous inlets and peninsulas and is known for its dry white varietals and rustic, full-bodied reds.

Don't miss this half-day tour that offers a great way to explore by kayak the scenic treasures of Korčula and some of the other 19 islets, beautiful bays and mystical reefs that make up the Korčula Archipelago.

Travel an hour by coach to reach the city of Aquileia. Since its foundation in 181 BC, Aquileia has always been a key port due to its strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the hinterland to the north. Art and handicrafts were its own primary industries.

Upon arrival in Ljubljana, you'll set out on a walking tour through the political, social and cultural capital of Slovenia. In 1511 and 1895, massive earthquakes struck the city causing a flurry of building activity. Today, this historic city center boasts an eclectic blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. It is utterly charming.

Perched on a rock high above the Gulf of Trieste, Duino Castle was the private residence of the Princes della Torre e Tasso Duino. It is without a doubt among the most attractive castles in Europe. The castle is dominated by a 16th-century tower. Explore this beautiful castle with your guide and admire the memorabilia collected over the centuries. From the clifftop location, the gardens overlook a small fishing village and out to sea. Romantic avenues of trees are embellished with period statues and panoramic terraces.

You'll head straight to Piazza Unitá d'Italia -- the main square of Trieste and one of the largest in Europe -- to take photos of it most important buildings. Beautiful architecture evokes several bygone eras, so that the various façades essentially chronicle the story of Trieste.

Travel from Trieste to Tronchetto, Venice. Here, you will board a privately-chartered boat to reach the heart of Venice. Meet your local guide and set out to discover the magnificent architectural treasures of this legendary city. You will visit the Doges' Palace -- a symbol of the republic and a stunning example of fine Venetian-Gothic architecture. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and enter the prestigious palace whose sumptuous rooms contrast sharply with the damp prison cells on the other side of the bridge.

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.

According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this tiny island in the Cyclades. Apollo's sanctuary attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and Delos was a prosperous trading port. The island bears traces of the succeeding civilizations in the Aegean world, from the 3rd millennium BC to the paleo-Christian era. The archaeological site is exceptionally extensive and rich.

Use this opportunity to spend some relaxing time at one of the finest beaches on Mykonos. Elia Beach is quite gorgeous. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent (at your own expense).

Board a shuttle and then a ferry to cross from the tender pier in Mykonos to the ancient site of Delos. Delos was the mythical birthplace of Apollo -- god of light and music -- and his twin sister Artemis. These were the children of Zeus and Leto. The sacred island is uninhabited, but its earliest settlements date to the 3rd millennium BC.

Mykonos is perhaps the most famous of all the Greek islands, renowned today for its nightlife and beautiful beaches. Mykonos had substantial influence during the Greek War of Independence, before it was re-discovered as a picturesque location for filming.

Mykonos is perhaps the best-known and the most talked-about of all the Greek islands. Renowned today for its jet set, nightlife and wild beaches, Mykonos was once subject to the various occupations typical of Greek history. However, it made a substantial impact during the Greek War of Independence, after which the island settled into a quiet post-war existence. A new lease on life came with Mykonos' re-discovery as a beautiful location for filming. Actors, artists and movie stars have become the latest and greatest inhabitants.

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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10 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise