24-Day Mediterranean Cultural Crossing: Greece, Italy, Spain – Rotterdam – Holland America Line

HomeSearch24-Day Mediterranean Cultural Crossing: Greece, Italy, Spain – Rotterdam – Holland America Line – 2027-11-28

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Your itinerary

Athens
Kotor, Montenegro
Valletta
Messina
Cruising Strait Of Messina
Evening passing Stromboli Volcano
Naples (Pompeii)
Rome (tours from Civitavecchia)
Livorno, Italy
Barcelona, Spain
Valencia
Alicante
Malaga
Tangier
Fort Lauderdale

Day 1

28th Nov '27

Athens

No modern metropolis is more steeped in myth than Athens, Greece. From the gritty port of Piraeus—gateway to Greece’s fabled isles—to the Parthenon—eternal symbol of Western civilization—Athens has attracted adventurers and classicists for centuries. This heritage is still very much alive for modern visitors sightseeing in Athens: ancient stadiums and temples dwell alongside apartment blocks, modern performances are staged in the marble amphitheaters where Greek drama was born and millennia-old monuments are scattered in the archaeological park that circles the Acropolis. One of the world’s oldest maritime powers, Athens is blessed with a balmy climate and stunning coastline. The seaside suburbs of Athens are scalloped with sandy beaches, fancy yacht clubs and glamorous beach bars. While the Athenian lifestyle is known for late-night dinners and dancing until dawn, the city shines brightly by day in the bustling markets, lively cafés and fascinating museums that illuminate Greece’s past and present. Contemplate the magnitude of all that culture and ancient tourist attractions while marveling at the sun setting into the Aegean or rising over the Acropolis. More

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Day 2

29th Nov '27

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Day 3

30th Nov '27

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is located along one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays. First settled during the days of ancient Rome, the city today has a well preserved urban centre with a vibrant community. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.” More

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Day 4

1st Dec '27

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Day 5

2nd Dec '27

Valletta

Thick sandstone walls fortify Valletta, holding within its stone streets and glorious architecture. It fees like a travesty, walking over the detailed inlaid marble floors of the the cathedrals, but they are there to be seen and appreciated. The Silent City is Mdina, on the far side of the island, where no cars are permitted to disrupt the serene streets. Keep an eye out for the legendary, aged yellow buses of Malta which appear to be on their last legs, but are in fact a revered and flawlessly maintained piece of Maltese heritage. More

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Day 6

3rd Dec '27

Messina

Messina’s astrological clock is as much a man-made masterpiece as the road leading to Taormina, which canitlevers out of the rocky cliff face and stands on impossibly tall pylons. Leave it to the Italians to design a road that’s both a thrill-ride and a feat of engineering! Once you’re safely in Taormina, walk to the sublime Greco-Roman theatre that overlooks Naxos Bay and snow-capped Mt Etna, and spend some time on the Corso Umberto with a gelato firmly in hand. More

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Day 6

3rd Dec '27

Cruising Strait Of Messina

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Day 6

3rd Dec '27

Evening passing Stromboli Volcano

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Day 7

4th Dec '27

Naples (Pompeii)

Rising behind the wide curve of its bay with brooding Mount Vesuvius and the deep blue sea as a backdrop, Naples, Italy enjoys a magnificent natural setting. It is the third-largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan, and arguably the most colorful and seductive of them all: Splendor and squalor live side by side in 21st-century Naples, and the mix is intoxicating. Cruise to Naples, home to world-class museums and attractions. Naples has something for everyone – superb restaurants, eclectic shopping, a thriving contemporary art scene and an edgy and vibrant street life. But once you’ve had enough of the pounding traffic and jostling crowds while sightseeing in Naples, there are endless opportunities for exploration further afield. The celebrated Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both victims of Vesuvius’ devastating 79 C.E. eruption, lie just south of the city. Explore Naples’ history or take a short ride over to the island of Capri on a Naples shore excursion. The delightful town of Sorrento and the magnificent scenery of the Amalfi Coast are also within easy reach, and the dolce vita glamour of Capri—not to mention the healing thermal waters of Ischia—are a short hydrofoil hop from the mainland. Naples cruises offer a perfect mix of cultural and natural attractions. More

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Day 8

5th Dec '27

Rome (tours from Civitavecchia)

When you embark on a cruise to Rome with Holland America Line you experience its bustling modernism along with its rich history. You can walk in the footsteps of emperors, have coffee in Renaissance piazzas and see contemporary art all in one afternoon. Your sightseeing time in Rome begins at the nearby port of Civitavecchia, a seaside town with roots that stretch back to the Etruscan era. Take note of the Forte Michelangelo (both Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its design), and the lungomare, a lively stretch along the sea with beach clubs, bars and restaurants. Once in the Eternal City you can fill your day with museums, churches, archaeological sites, traditional trattorias, artisan shops and, of course, gelato. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are Rome’s superstar attractions, but there are plenty of quieter gems to explore. For food lovers there are the markets in Campo de’ Fiori or the slightly farther flung Testaccio. The hip neighborhood of Monti, next to the Colosseum, has a vibrant piazza scene and boutique shopping, while the Villa Borghese offers a green oasis with a view towards Saint Peter’s Basilica and the masterpiece-filled Galleria Borghese. Although Rome might not have been built in one day, you’ll certainly be able to see its highlights on our Rome cruises along with the top things to do there in 24 hours. More

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Day 9

6th Dec '27

Livorno, Italy

Access to the best of Tuscany: Florence, with its magnificent art and architecture and elegant shopping; Pisa’s Leaning Tower; and ancient Lucca. Sample shore excursions: Tuscan Countryside & Wine Tasting; Florence & the Academia. More

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Day 10

7th Dec '27

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Day 11

8th Dec '27

Barcelona, Spain

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital’s tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona’s attractions: There’s Gaudí’s mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d’Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await. More

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Day 12

9th Dec '27

Valencia

Famous for paella at Pepica’s, favorite of Ernest Hemingway when he came to Valencia for bullfight festivals. Overlooking the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands, this Spanish jewel blends ancient and new in its historic center, where the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood uses the old walls of the city in its more modern structures. Walk the cobblestone streets to the chic Colon Street, home to local boutiques-or take in the sublime views from Las Arenas beach or one of the many delightful plazas. Sample shore excursions: Valencia City Tour. More

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Day 13

10th Dec '27

Alicante

Fresh sea breezes, mountain backdrops and vibrant locals have made this magical city a must-see for both international tourists and residents of Spain alike. It’s easy to slip into the local rhythm. Spend your day exploring everything from the Old Town and Santa Bárbara Castle to the trendiest of Spanish stores. Promenade down the marble Explanada de España, an iconic and bustling boulevard dotted with palm trees. Enjoy a proper Spanish lunch that spans several courses and hours, prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. Take advantage of the proximity to the sea to dine on the freshest seafood, or try one of Alicante’s many traditional rice dishes. And don’t forget to sample the outstanding regional wines, which are also very tasty souvenirs. Even just a day here will open your eyes to the natural beauty and subtle charms that make proud and elegant Alicante a gem of the Costa Blanca. More

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Day 14

11th Dec '27

Malaga

Málaga is your chance to tour to the Moorish wonders of the Alhambra with its elaborate carvings, grand columns and delicate arches. Stalagmites and stalactites reach calcite fingers into the caverns of Nerja, near Malaga. 30,000 years ago, people lived in the shadowy recesses of these caves. In nearby Mijas, shop tables are laden with hand-made ceramics, and the people live in shuttered, whitewashed cottages. More

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Day 15

12th Dec '27

Tangier

Tangier is Africa’s whitewashed gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean. Wide palm-lined boulevards and humming souks are Tangier’s distinctively Moroccan features, but Spanish, French and Berber characteristics are found everywhere: arched wooden doors, hefty silver ornamentations, tightly-woven carpets that tell tribal legends. More

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Day 16

13th Dec '27

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Day 17

14th Dec '27

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Day 18

15th Dec '27

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Day 19

16th Dec '27

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Day 20

17th Dec '27

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Day 21

18th Dec '27

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Day 22

19th Dec '27

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Day 23

20th Dec '27

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Day 24

21st Dec '27

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Day 25

22nd Dec '27

Fort Lauderdale

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion. More

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Your ship - The Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Trivia

Game

Bingo

Board

Mahjong

Party

Fitness

Pickleball

Sports

Tai

fitness-center

Complimentary

Slot

Table

Deal

Activities

Massages

Salon

MedSpa

Thermal

Hydrotherapy

Relaxation

Fitness

Shops

Pool

Library

The

Cellar

Carefully

Beer

Cocktail

Kids

The

grand-dutch-cafe

pinnacle-grill-restaurant

Morimoto

explorer-s-lounge

crows-nest-bar

piano-bar

Billboard

entertainment-shows

Description Food and Drink Entertainment Relaxation Fitness Recreational Technology Other

In honor of some of the most memorable ships in Holland America Line’s history, our third Pinnacle-class ship (and new flagship) will be named Rotterdam. This new addition to our fleet will fill...ur journey with a rhythm all its own, putting music front and center, creating the soundtrack to the discoveries you make every day. At the heart of it all is Music Walk: an exclusive collection of five venues featuring live music and electrifying performances from accomplished musicians, dancers and artists every night. Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining experiences, enhanced staterooms and suites, the finest service at sea and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise. The result is a ship that moves you — from the start of your first day to the end of each perfect night. More Less

24-hour room service
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canaletto
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dive in
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gelato
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lido market
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morimoto by sea (pop-up)
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nami sushi
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new york pizza
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pinnacle grill
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rudi’s sel de mer
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tamarind
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the dining room
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b.b. king’s blues club
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billboard onboard
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casino action
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movies on board
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rolling stone lounge
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world stage
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thermal suite
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fitness center
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onboard shopping
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pickleball at sea
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holland america line navigator
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club orange program benefits
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kids club
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Staterooms

suite

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overl ... ooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

outside

Perfect for guests traveling solo, these staterooms feature one queen-size Signature Mariner’ ... s Dream bed with plush Euro-top mattress, plus a shower with premium massage head an array of modern amenities.

inside

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plus ... h Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. Amenities Daily housekeeping Complimentary 24-hour room service Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo Luxurious bathrobes Generous storage Fresh fruit upon request Safe Shoeshine TV with On Demand movies, programming

balcony

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms in ... clude a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.