Holland America Line Mediterranean: 11 nights from Athens with Oosterdam
Oct 22, 2025

Katakolon

Katakolon is known as the 'gateway to Olympia' in fact it is located just east of the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Katakolon is a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Greece. It is located on a picturesque promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian Sea. It is 11 km west of the center of Pyrgos. The small village of Agios Andreas is located north-west of Katakolon. The port of Katakolon is a very popular stop for cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to visit the site of ancient Olympia. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. In 1865 the Katakolon lighthouse was built. One of the most important sites in Katakolon is the Museum of Ancient Greek technology.

Saranda

Located in the extreme south-west of Albania along the Ionian Sea, opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is a popular Albanian city, one of the most important tourist cities on the Ionian coast.

The most welcoming and tourist city in Albania, draped along a curved bay with a thin strip of beach. The city developed in antiquity, from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, archaeological excavations have revealed the remains in the center of the metropolis.
Despite its lack of popularity, it has a fascinating heritage: a promenade decorated with palm and eucalyptus trees, surrounded by numerous clubs.
The beaches also offer the opportunity to practice numerous water activities.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Kakome Bay north of Seranda: The beach is huge, absolutely stunning.
Blue Eye is a lagoon, so called thanks to its turquoise shades similar to the color of the iris of an eye. At 45 meters deep, the water is incredibly transparent.
Ksamil is a small village near Saranda (15 km) and also has a beautiful beach surrounded by small islands accessible by swimming.

Castle Lekures dating back to the 16th century is located on the hills of Saranda and offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. The dominant position of the castle was a strategic point for protecting the city from invasions: on one side the sea and on the other a large tray suitable for cultivation and breeding. The castle has a splendid terrace and a restaurant. It is reachable by car or on foot.
The Butrint National Heritage Park World Heritage by UNESCO, is a natural park, rich in wildlife such as foxes, reptiles, martens, seals, turtles and various birds. The climate is mild and sunny for most of the year. The economy of the city of Saranda is mainly based on agricultural products from the Valtos valley, on the cultivation of mussels from the salt lake of Vouthrotos (Butrint).
In addition to the slow and constant growth of tourism, fishing is another source of wealth.

Valletta

Malta is one the smallest States in the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such a concentration of history, architecture and, beautiful beaches in such a small area. Malta is one of the most concentrated areas of historical interest anywhere in the world, for this reason it was called La Valletta when Unesco awarded it the title of World Heritage Site. The city is therefore the ideal city for art lovers and it is renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

One of the most concentrated areas of historical interest elements in the world, so La Valletta was described when Unesco awarded it the title of world heritage site, the city is therefore a guarantee for art lovers and certainly renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

Messina

Messina has a very lively passengers port, discover all the cruises that set sail from Messina on Taoticket. Thanks to a cruise from Messina, you can visit lots of localities in Italy, France, Spain and Malta. Departures from Messina often has very convenient prices. Compare the itineraries and the prices and depart for your cruise. Messina is located in the north east Sicily, about 90km from Catania and 230 km from Palermo. A lively
and chaotic city, Messina is a real highway of maritime traffic.

In ancient time, the Greeks mythologised the conflicting currents of the Strait of Messina as the twin monsters of Charybdis and Scylla (the six-headed monster). The history of this place is filled with many myths and legends, transforming Messina into a town with a fairy-tale and enigmatic atmosphere. The climate in Messina is Mediterranean: very hot and dry environment but mild in summer and with heavy rainfall in winter.

Messina can be a starting point for excursions to discover Sicily: do not miss Taormina and Giardini-Naxos, two ancient small towns founded by the Greeks rich in charm, history and typical gastronomic and handicrafts products. Here you can do shopping and buy souvenirs for your friends and family. If you are nature and trekking lovers, do not miss the excursions to Mount Etna, one of the largest still active volcanoes in Europe. You will pass through cool forests until you reach the barren peak covered with lava stones from the latest eruptions: a fascinating landscape all year round! In winter, Mount Etna opens its ski facilities while in summer it is a refuge from the heat of the city.

Have a snack with the typical Arancini di Riso (rice balls) or the Pidoni (calzones pizza stuffed with escarole, anchovies and scamorza cheese), and if you love dessert, do not miss the cassata Siciliana or the chocolate cannoli accompanied by a coffee granita with cream! Enjoy your meal and have a goodcruise from Messina.

Messina: Sicily's Gateway to the Strait and Beyond

Set sail from Messina, a historic port city on the northeastern tip of Sicily, nestled on the stunning Strait of Messina. With its vibrant harbor, the iconic astronomical clock, and the beautiful Cathedral, Messina offers a captivating starting point for your Mediterranean cruise. Before embarking, explore its rich history, enjoy fresh Sicilian pastries, and take in the panoramic views of the strait. Messina provides a perfect blend of island charm and strategic location, making it an ideal gateway for your Italian and Mediterranean adventures.

Mediterranean Horizons from Messina

Cruises departing from Messina open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. Whether you dream of discovering the ancient ruins of Greece, the sun-drenched coasts of mainland Italy, or the exotic allure of other islands, Messina serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively Sicilian city to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days filled with relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Messina promises breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion, leaving you with cherished memories of the sea.

Naples

Set sail from Naples for a holiday in Mediterranean with a cruise from Naples. The port of Naples offers cruises that depart from April to November at extremely convenient prices. Discover all the itineraries and companies sailing from Naples.
A jewel set between a dormant volcano and the steaming Campi Flegrei, Naples is an eclectic metropolitan city, always active and full of contradictions. The romantic Naples, distant two hours in the south of Rome, is one of the largest and most beautiful art cities in the Mediterranean. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the city owes its well-deserved fame to the beautiful historic centre, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
Naples is rich in monuments and squares, for example the large and famous Piazza del Plebiscito. Do not miss the residential district of Posillipo or the characteristic small streets of the historic center. Naples is an ideal starting point for many excursions to discover Amalfi coast: visit Sorrento, Capri and Ischia, and you will be faschinated by the beauty of these lands! If you are history and archaeology lover you should visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, two great archaeological sites of worldwide importance preserved thanks to the ancient and devastating eruption of Vesuvius, the volcano on whose slopes the city of Campania was founded.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Reggia di Caserta, just a few kilometres away from Naples, where you will find yourself immersed in a magical atmosphere full of luxury, opulence and wealth. Handicrafts typical of the city are nativity scenes, which are very important all year round. The main street full of specialised workshops is Via San Gregorio Armeno, which can be reached by walking along the famous Spaccanapoli to an open space full of characteristic nativity scenes.

Before embarking on a cruise from Naples, soak up the city atmosphere without missing the Porta Nolana Market, where you will find fresh fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as all kinds of clothing, bags and furnishings. For art lovers there is the Capodimonte Museum and the unmissable Cloister of Santa Chiara, while for the more daring we recommend a visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and Underground Naples, a parallel city carved out of the tuff and full of mystery.

Naples: Your Historic Gateway to the Southern Mediterranean

Set sail from Naples, Italy's vibrant and historic city, nestled against the stunning backdrop of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Naples offers a rich tapestry of art, history, and culinary delights. Before embarking, explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, savor authentic Neapolitan pizza, or wander through the charming Spaccanapoli district. Naples provides a captivating and culturally immersive starting point for your Mediterranean cruise.

Mediterranean Treasures Await from Naples

Cruises departing from Naples open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. Whether you dream of discovering the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, the picturesque Greek Islands, the historical richness of Sicily, or the charming ports of the French Riviera, Naples serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Southern Italy to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days filled with relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Naples promises breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion, leaving you with cherished memories.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.

Ajaccio

The largest city in Corsica has all the attractions of a typical French Mediterranean resort, with beaches, palm trees, street cafés and a picturesque mountain range in the background.

If you didn't already know that Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, you will find out after just a few minutes of being here. With a glitzy marina, designer boutiques and trendy restaurants, Corsica's cosmopolitan capital honours its famous 'son' with street names, statues and various excellent museums.

Ajaccio is located in the most protected part of the Gulf of Ajaccio, an inlet of the Corsican Sea at the mouth of the Gravona and Prunelli rivers.

Its name comes from the Greek word 'Agation' (good port), due to its privileged position on the coast. The city has been occupied by the Romans, Pisans, and Genoese who built a fortifed citadel in 1492, and was populated by the Lunigiana families, including the Bonapartes. In 1769, one year after French occupation began, the city's most illustrious citizen was born: Napoleon.

Villefranche Sur Mer

Villafranca sul mare is a fourteenth-century village on the French Riviera that develops between the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the French hills behind it in a perfect combination.

Its distinctive features are its very narrow streets where the houses with very bright colors, the steep stairways and the porticoes, once a place of refuge from the bombings, are the masters. Thanks to its enchanting beaches, Villafranca sul mare is definitely an ideal destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the sea, sun and a good aperitif by the sea at sunset! If, on the other hand, you love unspoiled nature and immersing yourself in greenery, the hills behind the city are the ideal place for long walks.

Here it is possible to visit an ancient building, the Mont'Albano fort, which, as well as for its beauty, is also known for offering a magnificent view over the entire city! Thanks to its lively port, the city is the ideal place to start a cruise to discover the Mediterranean. Furthermore, by ship it is also the best way to reach the city and enjoy its breathtaking panorama which will undoubtedly leave you speechless!

Villafranca Sul Mare: French Riviera's Scenic Cruise Point

Embark on an idyllic cruise from Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming and picturesque town nestled on the stunning French Riviera, just moments from Nice. Known for its deep natural harbor, colorful old town, and breathtaking coastal views, Villefranche offers a truly serene and elegant departure point for your Mediterranean adventure. Before stepping aboard, stroll along its sun-drenched waterfront, explore the Citadel, and savor the exquisite local cuisine. Villefranche promises a sophisticated and tranquil beginning to your unforgettable voyage.

Mediterranean Serenity from Villefranche

Cruises departing from Villefranche-sur-Mer open up a world of possibilities across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. Whether you dream of discovering the glamorous coasts of Italy, the historical richness of Spain, the ancient allure of Greece, or the charming ports of other French Riviera towns, Villefranche serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the serene beauty of the French coast to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days filled with relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Each voyage from Villefranche promises breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion, leaving you with cherished memories.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.