-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise deals
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers -
Tours
All Tours
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a call with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant cultures of the Greek isles, Istanbul, and the Holy Land on this 21-night cruise
- Explore ancient ruins, mosques, and churches in Istanbul, the only city spanning two continents
- Discover the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis on the island of Delos near Mykonos
- Sail to historic ports like Ephesus, Rhodes, and Alexandria on this comprehensive itinerary
Trip Details
- Departs
- 7 November 2027
- Returns
- 28 November 2027
- Embarks
- Operator
- Holland America Line
21-night Europe cruise from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Athens (Piraeus), Greece aboard Rotterdam.
Calling at Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Kos, Rhodes, Alexandria, Haifa, Limassol and Antalya, with 6 days at sea.
Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line's history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America's signature dining line-up.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Verandah.
Departures & Pricing
- 07 Nov 2027 - 28 Nov 2027
from $5,609 pp twin share *
- Interior from $5,609 pp twin share
- Ocean View from $6,459 pp twin share
- Verandah from $6,889 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line's history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America's signature dining line-up.
- Guests
- 2,668
- Crew
- 1,053
- Gross tonnage
- 99,935
- Speed
- 18 knots
- Length
- 299.79 m
- Launched
- 2021
- Deck plans
- 12
Deck 12 — Observation Deck
Source: Holland America Line, captured 5 August 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Departs 05:00 pm.
The past maintains a vibrant presence in the cradle of Western civilization. Atop the Acropolis, the serene Parthenon sails above the commotion of the modern city. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were performed in the Theater of Dionysus at the foot of the Acropolis. On Pnyx Hill, citizens of a fledgling democracy gathered to cast their votes on Athens' destiny. Then there is the hustle and bustle of the modern city, a metropolis of 4.5 million that spreads out from the foot of Mt. Lycabettus and across the plain. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, modern Athens is a colorful counterpoint to classical Greece. Piraeus is the port city for Athens and has been Athens' port of entry for over two millennia.
- 2
Mykonos, Greece
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 08:00 pm.
Thanks to its proximity to the mainland, Mykonos was one of the first Greek islands to become an international travel destination. During the late '60s and early '70s, Mykonos was famed as a haunt for the rich. The island's nightlife - then and now - was a glittering whirl of colored lights, music, and parties. But there's another side to Mykonos - the neighboring island of Delos. In classical mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Travelers to Delos can stroll among the island's vast ruins, which include three temples consecrated to the Sun God and the famed Lions Walk.Mykonos town features hip boutiques, restaurants, jewelry stores, souvenirs, taverns and cafés. The island's famed windmills are found just south of the waterfront.
- 3
At Sea
- 4
Istanbul, Turkey
Arrives 07:00 am.
Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world's largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
- 5
Istanbul, Turkey
Departs 11:00 pm.
Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world's largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
- 6
At Sea
- 7
Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus)
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
From the port of Kusadasi on Turkey's Anatolian Coast, one travels into the past. Nearby stand the ruins of ancient Ephesus, a major site of archeological excavation. The city was once a Roman provincial capital and trading center. Ephesus is also home to several of Christendom's holiest sites. St. Paul preached at the Great Theater and the ruins of Ephesus' Basilica cover the tomb of Christ's most beloved disciple, St. John the Apostle.In Kusadasi, whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district. The palm-lined esplanade is the center of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
- 8
Kos, Greece
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
- 9
Rhodes, Greece
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
The largest and arguably the most beautiful of the 12 islands forming the Dodecanese, Rhodes has long played a major role in history. Lying just 12 miles off the coast of Turkey, the island straddles the sea-lanes linking Egypt, Southern Europe and the Holy Land. Rhodes Town bears witness to that long history. The ancient city features a classical stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The "old" city is a walled town with medieval buildings and streets harking back to the days of the Crusades. The new town is a Mecca of luxury resorts lining the island's picturesque Mandaraki Harbor.The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is reputed to have once stood guard over the harbor. Today, the bronze statues of a stag and doe top the two columns marking the harbor entrance.
- 10
At Sea
- 11
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
The past maintains a vibrant presence in the cradle of Western civilization. Atop the Acropolis, the serene Parthenon sails above the commotion of the modern city. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were performed in the Theater of Dionysus at the foot of the Acropolis. On Pnyx Hill, citizens of a fledgling democracy gathered to cast their votes on Athens' destiny. Then there is the hustle and bustle of the modern city, a metropolis of 4.5 million that spreads out from the foot of Mt. Lycabettus and across the plain. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, modern Athens is a colorful counterpoint to classical Greece. Piraeus is the port city for Athens and has been Athens' port of entry for over two millennia.
- 12
At Sea
- 13
Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
Arrives 06:00 am, departs 11:59 pm.
- 14
At Sea
- 15
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
Arrives 08:00 am.
- 16
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
Departs 09:00 pm.
- 17
Limassol, Cyprus
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
- 18
Antalya, Turkey
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
- 19
Rhodes, Greece
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
The largest and arguably the most beautiful of the 12 islands forming the Dodecanese, Rhodes has long played a major role in history. Lying just 12 miles off the coast of Turkey, the island straddles the sea-lanes linking Egypt, Southern Europe and the Holy Land. Rhodes Town bears witness to that long history. The ancient city features a classical stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The "old" city is a walled town with medieval buildings and streets harking back to the days of the Crusades. The new town is a Mecca of luxury resorts lining the island's picturesque Mandaraki Harbor.The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is reputed to have once stood guard over the harbor. Today, the bronze statues of a stag and doe top the two columns marking the harbor entrance.
- 20
At Sea
- 21
Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus)
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
From the port of Kusadasi on Turkey's Anatolian Coast, one travels into the past. Nearby stand the ruins of ancient Ephesus, a major site of archeological excavation. The city was once a Roman provincial capital and trading center. Ephesus is also home to several of Christendom's holiest sites. St. Paul preached at the Great Theater and the ruins of Ephesus' Basilica cover the tomb of Christ's most beloved disciple, St. John the Apostle.In Kusadasi, whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district. The palm-lined esplanade is the center of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
- 22
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arrives 07:00 am.
The past maintains a vibrant presence in the cradle of Western civilization. Atop the Acropolis, the serene Parthenon sails above the commotion of the modern city. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were performed in the Theater of Dionysus at the foot of the Acropolis. On Pnyx Hill, citizens of a fledgling democracy gathered to cast their votes on Athens' destiny. Then there is the hustle and bustle of the modern city, a metropolis of 4.5 million that spreads out from the foot of Mt. Lycabettus and across the plain. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, modern Athens is a colorful counterpoint to classical Greece. Piraeus is the port city for Athens and has been Athens' port of entry for over two millennia.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
- Live music venues and nightly entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pools
- Enrichment programme and port talks
Accommodation
Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line's history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America's signature dining line-up.
Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Verandah, Ocean View and Interior.
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
What is generally included?
What style of accommodation is used?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
21-day Greek isles with Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Italy & Spain
- Cruise aboard the mid-size Oosterdam with its refined dining and extensive art collection
- Enjoy live music, entertainment and enrichment programs throughout the voyage
- Access the fitness centre, swimming pools and teak promenade deck on board
21-day Greek isles & Italy with Istanbul & Malta overnights
- Sail to 10 destinations across 5 countries on a 21-night cruise
- Experience the rich history and culture of the Greek isles, Italy, and Turkey
- Enjoy the amenities and entertainment of the Nieuw Amsterdam ship
14-day Greek isles with Istanbul, Sicily & Naples
- Cruise aboard the modern Rotterdam ship with world-class entertainment
- Visit iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Istanbul
- Enjoy enrichment programmes and port talks throughout the journey