Join us for Cruising Mediterranean Shores, an exploration of some of the most culturally rich, historically fascinating and scenically beautiful countries on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend two nights in Rome discovering the many charms of the “Eternal City” before setting sail on Holland America Line’s lovely Vista-Class vessel, ms Westerdam, bound for Mediterranean Sea ports of call in France, Italy, Sicily, Tunisia, Spain and Monaco. Tour Monaco’s glittering capital, Monte-Carlo, and discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. Italy beckons with visits to Tuscany, Naples and Pompeii. Savour a day in Sicily and sample Spain in fabulous Barcelona and lovely Palma de Majorca. Visit Tunisia and explore the ruins of ancient Carthage. Magical ports of the Mediterranean Sea await your pleasure!

2008 Itinerary

• Indicates day of cruising

Day 1: Benvenuto a Roma!
Welcome to Rome! Your Mediterranean cruise begins at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton at 6:30 p.m. A transfer from the airport to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton is included. Please join us this evening to meet your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Rome Cavalieri Hilton, Rome, Italy

Day 2: Roman holiday
Ancient Rome unfolds before you as you view the Circus Maximum, Piazza Barberini and Bernini’s famous fountain, the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum during a morning sightseeing tour. The remainder of the day is yours to spend exploring Rome as you choose.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Rome Cavalieri Hilton, Rome, Italy

• Day 3: Views of the Vatican
A guided visit of the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the famed Sistine Chapel, precedes your travels to the port of Civitavecchia to board ms Noordam. This evening, ms Noordam sets sail across the blue Mediterranean Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 4: Treasures of the Tuscan countryside
ms Noordam arrives in Tuscany for a full day of exploration. View the Romanesque churches and Roman amphitheatre enclosed by the medieval walls of Lucca, before traveling to Pisa for a walking tour of the "Square of Miracles." Anchored at each corner are outstanding examples of medieval architecture – of which the famous Leaning Tower is just one.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 5: Monte-Carlo and the French Riviera
Your day begins with a guided tour of glamorous Monte-Carlo, followed by time to explore a bit on your own. Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the fabled French Riviera to tour the magnificent mansion of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothchild and enjoy her seven beautifully fragrant gardens, each one inspired by a place to which she traveled – this is one of the most delightful spots on the Mediterranean Sea!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 6: Sailing the Mediterranean Sea to Barcelona
Today is yours to enjoy aboard the ms Noordam as you choose, and there is so much from which to choose! Sample the pampering services of the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or enjoy a workout in the fully equipped Fitness Center. Enjoy a gourmet demonstration in the new Culinary Arts Center or participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration. Try your luck at the on-board Casino, go to a movie, or check your e-mail in the Explorations Café. Enjoy a soak in the whirlpool or laze by the swimming pools. A day as you please as you cruise to Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 7: Best of Barcelona – Gaudi and Picasso
See El Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi I Cornet’s famous unfinished cathedral, stroll along Las Ramblas and tour the Gothic quarter of this spectacular city. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the charms of Barcelona in your own way; admission is included for a visit to the Picasso Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 8: Magic of Majorca
There are few islands in the Mediterranean Sea more lovely than Majorca in the Balearic Islands. The summer home of Spanish royals since the days of Prince Juan Carlos 1 of Spain, the island has had a turbulent history, having once occupied by the Romans and the Moors, to name but two conquerors, and was frequently sacked by the Vikings. Explore the capital city of Palma de Majorca and the village of Valldemossa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 9: A day at sea en route to Tunisia
A day at sea brings another opportunity to enjoy the many amenities of Holland America Line's Vista-Class ship as she heads south on a full day’s sail to the North African coast. Dining is a pleasure as the culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of the freshest produce and the highest quality choice cut meats and seafood available. From a quick bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in the elegant Vista Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 10: Treasures in Tunis and Carthage
Discover the magnificent Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum and take a walk through the streets of Mdina with a local guide. After exploring the spectacular ruins of ancient Carthage, visit Sidi Bou Said, a charming artists’ community on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 11: A look at Sicilian antiquities
An array of multi-cultural influences shaped the character of Palermo, from architecture to cuisine. Admire the beauty of the Palazzo dei Normani, the grace of the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria, the magnitude of the Teatro Massimo and the eccentric decorations of the Porto Nuovo. Sample an authentic taste of Palermo at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties and enjoy free time to spend as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

• Day 12: Remnants of Pompeii
Visit the poignant site of ancient Pompeii, where you'll explore remnants of the city unearthed after the massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried the city in volcanic ash. Take a guided tour of Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples and view one of the world's greatest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities; alternatively, spend the afternoon seeing Naples on your own or relaxing back aboard ms Noordam.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam

Day 13: Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome. After disembarking ms Noordam this morning, a transfer is included from the ship to catch your flight home. Your Tauck Mediterranean Sea cruise ends at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport 2 ½ hours prior to the departure of our selected flights(s).
Meals: Breakfast

Dates & Prices

May 7, 27
Jul 14
Aug 3, 23
Sep 12

13 Days from $5,590

33 meals included.

Note: Due to the popularity of this journey, you may be traveling with a group of up to 80 Tauck guests. Larger group departures will be hosted by two Tauck Directors.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.