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Greek Enchantment

4.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
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 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Venice
 Cruise Finishes
Athens
8 Day  Greek Enchantment Itinerary (Holland America)
Countries Explored: Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey
Ship
Ship Class
Vista Class
Passengers
1964
Crew
812
Launched
2003
Refurbished
2018
Cruise Code
E1M07A

Overview

Begin your journey in Venice and cruise through to Athens onboard the Oosterdam and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with Holland America and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 17:00

Venice, a city built on a network of canals, offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and history. Glide through the Grand Canal to see iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Wander through narrow alleys to discover hidden gems such as the enchanting Piazza San Marco, bustling with cafes and shops. The Doge’s Palace, with its opulent rooms and secret passages, provides a glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Don't miss the colorful markets, where you can sample local delicacies like cicchetti and fresh seafood.

Arrives: 10:00 Departs: 23:00

Lying on the Adriatic Sea's eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewashed buildings, palm-tree-lined promenade and azure waters. A city of romantic beauty, it was built around the historic Diocletian’s Palace. Ships will dock or anchor at this port.

Top Things to Do in Split:

  • explore Krka National Park
  • visit the city-island of Trogir
  • admire the Diocletian's Palace
  • swim in the warm water at Bačvice Beach
  • go white water rafting on Cetina River
  • explore Vranjaca Cave

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 16:00

The city of Korcula is decorated with beautiful medieval fortifications, time stands still as you stroll its narrow paths that cut between stone facades of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the city is home to the Marco Polo Museum and Marco Polo Tower.

Top Things to Do in Korcula:

  • stroll the cobbled streets of Old Town
  • taste some wine at a local winery
  • enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Ston
  • take a water taxi to Badija Island
  • visit the small fishing village of Lumbarda

A day cruising at sea offers you the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. Start your morning on the top-level decks with a game of pickleball, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and expansive ocean views. Or, head to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon® to rejuvenate with a therapeutic spa treatment. The Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained with a variety of fun events and activities, while you can unwind by the pool or enjoy a Pilates class at the Fitness Center.

In the evening, delight in a tantalizing meal at one of the ship's restaurants, and afterward, enjoy a world-class performance at the stunning World Stage, adding a touch of culture to your night. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, a day at sea will be full of unforgettable experiences.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 17:00

Santorini, a jewel of the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and distinctive white-washed buildings with blue domes. Begin your exploration in Fira, the island's bustling capital, where narrow streets are lined with charming shops, cafes, and stunning views of the caldera. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum of Thera to glimpse into the island's ancient past.

A short journey from Fira, the village of Oia awaits with its iconic sunset views and picturesque architecture. Wander through its winding alleys, and discover unique art galleries and boutiques. For a taste of local flavors, indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes at a cliffside taverna. End your visit with a relaxing afternoon on one of Santorini's famous black sand beaches.

Arrives: 8:00 Departs: 18:00

Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands, offers a blend of medieval history and sun-kissed beaches. Start your exploration at the Palace of the Grand Master, a stunning medieval fortress in the heart of the Old Town. Wander through the cobbled streets, where the mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Ottoman architecture tells tales of the island's storied past.

For a relaxing afternoon, head to Elli Beach, just a short walk from the port. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and perhaps try some water sports. Don’t miss the Acropolis of Rhodes, offering panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Savor local delicacies like fresh seafood at a seaside taverna to complete your day.

Arrives: 7:00 Departs: 19:00

Ephesus, a marvel of ancient architecture, invites visitors to explore its well-preserved ruins and relive the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Key highlights include the Library of Celsus, a stunning facade that once housed over 12,000 scrolls, and the Great Theatre, which could seat 25,000 spectators for dramatic performances.

Travellers can also wander the streets of this historic city to uncover the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only foundations and a single column remain, the site's past significance as a major religious and commercial center is palpable. A morning visit is recommended to avoid the crowds and heat.

Port:Kusadasi

Kusadasi's main cruise terminal is Ege Port, conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the city center, a quick 5-minute walk. Its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus makes it a prime spot for history enthusiasts.

In the town itself, explore the bustling bazaar, where you can find traditional Turkish crafts and spices. Take a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade, enjoying views of the azure waters and vibrant marina. For a taste of local cuisine, try a traditional Turkish breakfast or fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Arrives: 7:00

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and a historian’s delight. Uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Afterward, wander through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming tavernas. For lunch, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka or souvlaki. Head to the National Garden for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll amid lush greenery and historical statues.

Port:Piraeus

Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Oosterdam

Oosterdam
Oosterdam

With less than 2000 guests, Noordam offers a lively onboard program, comfortable accommodations and attentive service. Read more

Delicious Onboard Dining
Delicious Onboard Dining

The range of complimentary and specialty dining will delight the senses, prepared with regional flavours and culinary expertise. Read more

Explorations Central
Explorations Central

From expert presentations to cultural performances, culinary demonstrations to local artists, insider knowledge is yours to gain. Read more

Take the Music Walk
Take the Music Walk

Music lovers get into the rhythm of the night as live music swings from the classics to rock, the Memphis blues to the top of the pops. Read more

Family Games Room Fun
Family Games Room Fun

Spend a fun family night unleashing your competitive spirit in the family games room, where you can try to win over your kids! Read more

Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate
Refresh, Relax, Rejuvenate

Take in the fabulous views from your treatment room in the heavenly onboard spa where you can pamper and indulge your senses. Read more

Oosterdam Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Oosterdam' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
100%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Mediterranean Tapestry 2 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2024
Excellent Itinerary, each stop was well worth it, some cancellations to ports due to weather and labour strikes occurred, but new ports were added which turned out to be great and so glad we visited them. The Holland America Oosterdam is a smaller ship so whenever tenders were required there was no waiting or long queues as we have experienced on larger ...read more ships in the past. The cuisine was average/good and the entertainment was limited compared to larger ships, however they were excellent. The rooms were well serviced and the staff excellent. Overall we had a great holiday, very relaxing and stress free. We did back to back cruises and had to change rooms which was stress free, we only had to changed sides on the same floor so we got to experience sunrises and sunsets.
Visited some of the beautiful Port Cities on the Adriatic Sea   2 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2023
Wow, we enjoyed this beautiful cruise visiting some of the exciting cities that we wanted to go for a long time. Also, had the opportunity to do the Greek Island hoping and tasting some of their authentic food prepared by them. The belly dance came free along with the dinner menu. The disappointing part was the HAL Standard has declined. The cruise ...read more ship appeared to be tired, fine dinning at the main dinning room was extremely poor and the desserts were of bad taste. The after dinner entertainment at the Main Theater was not up to standard. Very cheap entertainment without any class. We had only one good show by a flute recital which we enjoyed on a 19 day cruise. Will we cruise again on HAL, good question, only if the standard of their cruise improves tremendously.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Holland America. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Holland America. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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