21-Day Ancient Seas: Adriatic, Greek Isles & Istanbul – Oosterdam – Holland America Line

HomeSearch21-Day Ancient Seas: Adriatic, Greek Isles & Istanbul – Oosterdam – Holland America Line – 2027-09-21

Earn & redeem points on all travel* with World360 Rewards – join free today!

Your itinerary

Trieste
Split, Croatia
Dubrovnik
Thira (Santorini), Greece
Greek Isles
Kos
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Istanbul
Istanbul
Cruising The Dardanelles
Athens
Greek Isles
Istanbul
Istanbul
Thira (Santorini), Greece
Souda (Chania)
Messina
Rome (tours from Civitavecchia)

Day 1

21st Sep '27

Trieste

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. A port city, it occupies a thin strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia’s border on the limestone-dominated Karst Plateau. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter. More

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

17:00

Day 2

22nd Sep '27

Split, Croatia

In Croatia, the Old Town of Split wraps around the luxurious palace where the Roman emperor Diocletian lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305. Today, this remarkable white limestone palace, a UNESCO Site, awaits your discovery. Part luxurious villa, part military camp, the palace is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within: an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments. More

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 3

23rd Sep '27

Dubrovnik

On the southern end of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik staked its claim to glory during the 450 years it existed as the independent Ragusan Republic, shoulder to shoulder with mighty forces like Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Once a renowned seafaring, shipbuilding and trading center, today it’s an enchanting tourist destination. Dubrovnik seduces sightseeing visitors with its polished (and very clean!) limestone streets, theatrical architecture, charming café, welcoming restaurants and distinctive shops along scenic side streets. The natural backdrop, much of which is protected, consists of pine and cypress forests and the shimmering Adriatic, dotted with uninhabited islands. Visitors quickly discover that the wider Dubrovnik area is just as striking as its main attraction—the Old Town. A wander around the historic heart of Dubrovnik can hit the main sights, but take it a step further (or a staircase further, really), and you’ll see that people do still live in the historic quarter, even though its polished streets make it look like a museum. You may catch the sound of a piano from the High School of Music and Arts, or hear the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra rehearsing in the Revelin Fortress, or encounter school kids on a break. Life unrolls as you stroll past. More

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 4

24th Sep '27

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 5

25th Sep '27

Thira (Santorini), Greece

Your harbor on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 BC., and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise from sea level, cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun. Sample shore excursion: Panoramic Santor ni. More

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

19:00

Day 6

26th Sep '27

Greek Isles

Informality rules on this sunny isle where pleasure-seekers from around the world come to play. Ramble along narrow streets past white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, bouganvillea-covered walls and thread-like, step-laden footpaths leading everywhere. More

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

18:00

Day 7

27th Sep '27

Kos

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 8

28th Sep '27

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity’s greatest figures. More

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

16:00

Day 9

29th Sep '27

Istanbul

Blurring the line between east and west, Istanbul stands at the crossroads of two continents. The city’s architecture is rivalled only by its spectacular natural setting on the Bosphorus Strait. See the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Byzantine Church of St Sophia. Take time to wander through the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Market and sample baklava and shish kebabs. More

Less

Arrive

12:00

Depart

0:00

Day 10

30th Sep '27

Istanbul

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

19:00

Day 10

30th Sep '27

Cruising The Dardanelles

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 11

1st Oct '27

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 12

2nd Oct '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

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

17:00

Day 13

3rd Oct '27

Greek Isles

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

20:00

Day 14

4th Oct '27

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 15

5th Oct '27

Istanbul

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

0:00

Day 16

6th Oct '27

Istanbul

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

17:00

Day 17

7th Oct '27

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 18

8th Oct '27

Thira (Santorini), Greece

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

17:00

Day 19

9th Oct '27

Souda (Chania)

The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale. More

Less

Arrive

8:00

Depart

18:00

Day 20

10th Oct '27

At Sea

Less

Arrive

0:00

Depart

0:00

Day 21

11th Oct '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

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

13:00

Day 22

12th Oct '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

Less

Arrive

7:00

Depart

0:00

Your ship - The Oosterdam

Oosterdam

crows-nest-bar

explorer-lounge

Morimoto

pinnacle-grill-restaurant

grand-dutch-cafe

The

Kids

Cocktail

Beer

Carefully

Cellar

The

Library

Pool

Shops

Fitness

Relaxation

Hydrotherapy

Thermal

MedSpa

Salon

Massages

Activities

Deal

Table

Slot

Complimentary

fitness-center

Tai

Sports

Pickleball

Fitness

Party

Mahjong

Board

Bingo

Game

Trivia

entertainment-shows

piano-bar

Description Food and Drink Entertainment Relaxation Fitness Recreational Technology Other

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, wi...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. More Less

24-hour room service
More
canaletto
More
dive in
More
lido market
More
morimoto by sea (pop-up)
More
pinnacle grill
More
the dining room
More

billboard onboard
More
casino action
More
rolling stone lounge
More

thermal suite
More

fitness center
More

pickleball at sea
More

holland america line navigator
More

high score
More
kids club
More
onboard shopping
More

Staterooms

outside

Approximately 174-180 sq. ft. These large staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one que ... en-size bed—our Signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities. The view is fully obstructed. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

inside

Approximately 151-233 sq. ft. Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Marin ... er’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

suite

Approximately 372-384 sq. ft. including verandah These large, comfortable suites feature a spaciou ... s sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 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 sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

balcony

Approximately 212-359 sq. ft. including verandah Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows o ... verlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include 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. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.