Join us for Cruising Mediterranean Shores, an exploration of some of the most culturally rich, historically fascinating and scenically beautiful countries on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend two nights in Rome discovering the many charms of the “Eternal City” before setting sail on Holland America Line’s lovely Vista-Class vessel, ms Noordam, bound for Mediterranean Sea ports of call in Italy, Sicily, Tunisia, Spain and Monaco. Tour Monaco’s glittering capital, Monte-Carlo, and discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. Italy beckons with visits to Tuscany, Naples and Pompeii. Savour a day in Sicily and sample Spain in fabulous Barcelona and lovely Palma de Majorca. Visit Tunisia and explore the ruins of ancient Carthage. Magical ports of call in the Mediterranean Sea await your pleasure on Mediterranean tours on this cruise!
If you’d like to make your European vacation last a little longer, consider a Sicily Extension after your cruise ends.
Day 1: Benvenuto a Roma!
Welcome to Rome! Your Mediterranean cruise begins at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton at 6:30 p.m. A transfer from the airport to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton is included. Please join us this evening to meet your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner.Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Roman holiday before your Mediterranean Sea voyage
Ancient Rome unfolds before you as you view the Circus Maximum, Piazza Barberini and Bernini’s famous fountain, the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum during a morning sightseeing tour. The remainder of the day is yours to spend exploring Rome as you choose.
Meals: Breakfast
• Day 3: Views of the Vatican
A guided visit of the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the famed Sistine Chapel, precedes your travels to the port of Civitavecchia to board ms Noordam. This evening, ms Noordam sets sail across the blue Mediterranean Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 4: Treasures under the Tuscan sun
ms Noordam arrives in Tuscany for a full day of exploration. View the Romanesque churches and Roman amphitheatre enclosed by the medieval walls of Lucca, before traveling to Pisa for a walking tour of the "Square of Miracles." Anchored at each corner are outstanding examples of medieval architecture – of which the famous Leaning Tower is just one.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 5: Monte-Carlo and the French Riviera
Your day begins with a guided tour of glamorous Monte-Carlo, followed by time to explore a bit on your own. Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the fabled French Riviera to tour the magnificent mansion of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothchild and enjoy her seven beautifully fragrant gardens, each one inspired by a place to which she traveled – this is one of the most delightful spots along the Mediterranean Sea!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 6: Sailing the Mediterranean Sea to Barcelona
Today is yours to enjoy aboard the ms Noordam as you choose, and there is so much from which to choose! Sample the pampering services of the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or enjoy a workout in the fully equipped Fitness Center. Enjoy a gourmet demonstration in the new Culinary Arts Center or participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration. Try your luck at the on-board Casino, go to a movie, or check your e-mail in the Explorations Café. Enjoy a soak in the whirlpool or laze by the swimming pools. A day as you please as you cruise to Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 7: Best of Barcelona – Gaudi and Picasso
Arrive in Barcelona where sightseeing includes the Gothic quarter, Las Ramblas and El Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi I Cornet’s famous unfinished cathedral. Following a special lunch, you can spend the remainder of the day discovering the charms of Barcelona in your own way; admission is included for a visit to the Picasso Museum. For our guests only - private shuttle bus transfers between the ship and the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 8: Magic of Majorca
There are few islands in the Mediterranean Sea more lovely than Majorca in the Balearic Islands. The summer home of Spanish royals since the days of Prince Juan Carlos I of Spain, the island has had a turbulent history, having once occupied by the Romans and the Moors, to name but two conquerors, and was frequently sacked by the Vikings. Explore the capital city of Palma de Majorca and the 14th-century village of Valldemossa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 9: A day at sea en route to Tunisia
A day at sea brings another opportunity to enjoy the many amenities of Holland America Line's Vista-Class ship as she heads south on a full day’s sail to the North African coast. Dining is a pleasure as the culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of the freshest produce and the highest quality choice cut meats and seafood available. From a quick bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in the elegant Vista Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 10: Treasures in Tunis and Carthage
Discover the magnificent Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum and take a walk through the streets of Mdina with a local guide. After exploring the spectacular ruins of ancient Carthage, visit Sidi Bou Said, a charming artists’ community on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 11: A look at Sicilian antiquities
An array of multi-cultural influences shaped the character of Palermo, from architecture to cuisine. Admire the beauty of the Palazzo dei Normani, the grace of the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria, the magnitude of the Teatro Massimo and the eccentric decorations of the Porto Nuovo. Sample an authentic taste of Palermo at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties and enjoy free time to spend as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 12: Remnants of Pompeii
Visit the poignant site of ancient Pompeii, where you'll explore remnants of the city unearthed after the massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried the city in volcanic ash. Take a guided tour of Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples and view one of the world's greatest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities; alternatively, spend the afternoon seeing Naples on your own or relaxing back aboard ms Noordam.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13: Journey Home
Your Mediterranean Sea cruise ends in Rome. After disembarking ms Noordam this morning, a transfer is included from the ship to catch your flight home. Your Mediterranean Sea cruise ends at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport 2 ˝ hours prior to the departure of our selected flights(s).
Meals: Breakfast
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
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