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Legendary Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage

Holland America Line

Join Holland America Line for a 45-night cruise departing from New York, visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Spain, Barcelona, Nice (Villefranche), Livorno, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Italy, Iraklion, Ashdod, Israel, Haifa, Alexandria, Egypt, Kusadasi, Dardanelles and Bosporus, Istanbul, Athens (Piraeus), Greece, Valletta, Malta, La Goulette, Seville and Funchal. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.

Departure date

08 October 2026

Cabins

Inside from

11,251pp

Outside from

11,631pp

Suite from

20,481pp

Prices do not include flights.
Call us to add flights, hotels and transfers.

Quote Reference number: 371378-2213505

All prices are subject to availability

Your Holiday Summary

Departure - Arrival
08 Oct 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
Duration
46 days, 45 nights
Sailing
21 sea days
Departure Port
New York
Call us to quote and add flights

Travelling Itinerary

Day 1
New York

Departure: at 16:30

Welcome aboard! Today marks the beginning of your unforgettable cruise holiday. Take time to explore the ship, unwind, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. Your holiday starts now.

Day 2
At Sea

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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
Ponta Delgada

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

You'll be astonished to see, in the depths of the huge crater at the center of the island, two lakes--one emerald green, the other sky-blue. Your guide will explain. More astonishments: a cluster of hot springs bubbling in the mist.

Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
Lisbon

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes.

Day 11
Strait Of Gibraltar

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Day 12
Cartagena, Spain

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 14:30

There are more than two millennia of history to embrace in this port city in Spain's southeastern Murcia region. While Cartagena is famously home to the second-largest Roman amphitheater on the Iberian Peninsula, the city is much more than just spectacular ancient ruins. In addition to Cartagena’s architecture—along with that amphitheater, there are striking Art Nouveau buildings, neoclassical churches and ultramodern edifices throughout the city—you’ll find many opportunities to shop for local and regional artisan wares. In the city, investigate the restored medieval fortress looking out on the bay from the city’s highest point. Or take a short trip by car or bus to the historic Agrupa Vicenta Mines, the remarkable palm forest at Elche and the holy city of Caravaca. And the food of sunny Murcia! Friendly tapas bars with breezy terraces invite lingering over drinks, coffee or snacks. The local restaurants offer more than typical Spanish tapas on the menu—michirones (a spicy Murcian bean stew) and local spins on paella are widely available and worth a try. Grilled octopus, fried calamari, mussels and the freshest fish are some of the tasty benefits of the city’s perch beside the sea.

Day 13
Barcelona

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

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.

Day 14
Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Arrival: at 11:00
Departure: at 21:00

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and is located south-west of the Principality of Monaco, which is just west of the French-Italian border.

Day 15
Livorno (Florence)

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 19:00

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.

Day 16
Civitavecchia (Rome)

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 22:00

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.

Day 17
Naples (Pompeii)

Arrival: at 10:00
Departure: at 18:00

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.

Day 18
At Sea

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Day 19
Iraklion

Arrival: at 12:00
Departure: at 20:00

Iraklion is Crete's largest city, modern and busy with remnants of Byzantine and Venetian architecture. It is also the stepping off point for those who come to Crete to learn more about the fascinating and technologically advanced Minoan culture. The local museum boasts displays that span thousands of years, and the Palace of Knossos offers a window into the mysterious Minoan world

Day 20
At Sea

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Day 21
Ashdod (Jerusalem)

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 20:00

Jerusalem is one of the world’s most fabled cities, with an extraordinary history. Travelers today can’t help but be struck by the overwhelming sense of antiquity and the powerful feeling of being in the midst of more than 26 centuries of civilization. At countless sites, the city’s layers are peeled away and exposed. The spiritual heart of Judaism, the Western Wall is the last remnant of the Temple of Jerusalem. For Christian travelers—or those interested in the early days of Christianity—visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Garden of Gethsemane are unforgettable experiences. For the third great monotheistic religion, Islam, Jerusalem is also a holy city. The Al Aqsa Mosque, the third most important holy site of that faith, is located on the Temple Mount, the holiest site of Judaism. Much of the magic of Jerusalem, however, is that it’s also a living vibrant city. As you make your way to its landmarks, you’ll pass through neighborhoods bustling with Israelis, Palestinians and travelers and pilgrims from every corner of the globe. William Faulkner’s famous phrase, “The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past,” describes the experience of Jerusalem perfectly as it continues its role as a unique cultural crossroads to this day.

Day 22
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 21:00

From this port on the slopes of Mt. Carmel travel to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. And visit the land of miracles--Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha.

Day 23
At Sea

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Day 24
Alexandria

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Haggle for handcrafted jewelry in Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s giant souk. Hear the call to prayer. Venture out to Giza, where the iconic pyramids and sphynx testify to the glory that was ancient Egypt.

Day 25
Alexandria

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Haggle for handcrafted jewelry in Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s giant souk. Hear the call to prayer. Venture out to Giza, where the iconic pyramids and sphynx testify to the glory that was ancient Egypt.

Day 26
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Day 27
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 18:00

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.

Day 28
The Dardanelles

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Day 28
Istanbul

Arrival: at 16:00
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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.

Day 29
Istanbul

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Departure: at 23:00

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.

Day 30
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Day 31
Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

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.

Day 32
At Sea

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Day 33
Valletta

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

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.

Day 34
La Goulette

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 16:30

Stroll Tunis' spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it's anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

Day 35
At Sea

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Day 36
Gibraltar

Arrival: at 14:00
Departure: at 23:00

This strategic link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean has been ruled by the Spanish, British and Moors. As long as the Barbary Apes remain, the British will rule Gibraltar this is the tradition that has held for 350 years. These pesky primates are a favorite with visitors despite their incessant chatter and light-fingered ways. Ride to the top of the Rock for great views over the Strait of Gibraltar-on a clear day you'll see Africa.

Day 36
Strait Of Gibraltar

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Day 37
Cadiz (Seville)

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 18:00

Hanging off the southwestern edge of Spain, Cádiz is one of Andalucía’s regional capitals and a place bursting with personality. Europe’s oldest continually inhabited city, with a history stretching back 3,000 years, has fallen on hard times in recent years, but a combination of pride, good humor and stoicism keeps it on an even keel. The famous Carnival, one of Spain’s most important in the genre, is a thrilling fiesta into which Cádiz pours all its energy and ingenuity. The city’s fond nickname, la tacita de plata ("little silver cup"), alludes to its curious geography—it juts out on a long peninsula into a sheltered bay. Old town Cádiz is a warren of cobbled streets where the houses, painted white or dusty ochre, have the weather-beaten look of a place subjected to centuries of wind and salt. This ancient city has one good example of everything that matters: a great food market, a theater (the Teatro Falla, a grand Art Nouveau Moorish gem), a gorgeous cathedral, impressive fortifications and a beach—the picturesque and famous La Caleta.

Day 38
At Sea

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Day 39
Funchal, Madeira

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Glide down a mountainside in a giant wicker sleigh; sip a glass of Madeira wine; browse the shops for lace and colorful flowers. Funchal is anything but ordinary.

Day 40
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Day 41
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Day 42
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Day 43
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Day 44
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Day 45
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Day 46
New York

Arrival: at 07:00

As your cruise comes to an end, why not extend the magic? Our team can arrange extra hotel nights for you so you can continue exploring and make even more unforgettable memories before heading home.

Volendam

Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants.

General characteristics

Ship name: Volendam
Length: 238.05 m (781 ft)
Capacity: 1,432 passengers
Total cabins: 716
Tonnage: 61,214 GT

Volendam

What’s on Board

Recreational
Food and Drink
Relaxation
Fitness
Entertainment
Other
Decks
recreational

Recreational

  • Card Room
  • Club HAL
  • Indoor Pool
  • Library
  • Outdoor Pool
  • The Loft
  • The Loft and The Oasis
food-and-drink

Food and Drink

  • Canaletto Restaurant
  • Explorations Cafe
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Casual Restaurant
  • Piano Bar
  • Pinnacle Grill
  • Queens Room
  • Rotterdam Dining Room
  • Terrace Grill
  • The Verandah
relaxation

Relaxation

  • Beauty Salon
  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Lido Pool
  • Massage
  • Sauna
  • Spa
  • Thermal Suite
  • Whirlpool
fitness

Fitness

  • Aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Gym
  • Tennis Court
entertainment

Entertainment

  • Crow's Nest
  • Dance Floor
  • Explorers Lounge
  • Frans Hals Show Lounge
  • Neptune Lounge
  • Photo Gallery
  • Theatre

Decks

Dolphin Deck Dolphin Deck
Main Deck Main Deck
Lower Promenade Deck Lower Promenade Deck
Promenade Deck Promenade Deck
Upper Promenade Deck Upper Promenade
Verandah Deck Verandah Deck
Navigation Deck Navigation Deck
Lido Deck Lido Deck
Sports Deck Sports Deck
Sky Deck Sky Deck
entertainment

Other

  • Art Gallery
  • Atrium
  • Boutique
  • Culinary Arts Center
  • Future Cruise Sales
  • Laundry Service
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reception
  • Shopping Gallery
  • Shore Excursion Office