It's hard to resist the passion, energy, art and architecture of Spain's trendsetter city. Come soak up the landmark sights of Barcelona - from the medieval Gothic Quarter to the modern Olympic Stadium - then explore the Catalan countryside.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - JUL 28; SEP 2; OCT 8
1 BARCELONA Arrive in this vibrant city and transfer to your hotel, where you'll have the day at leisure to stroll Las Ramblas, the city's pedestrian-only boulevard, buzzing with activity. Overnight Barcelona.
2 BARCELONA A half-day guided tour of the city begins with a walk through the old Gothic Quarter and a visit to the 600-year old Cathedral of Sta. Eulàlia. From there we'll continue along the Paseo de Gracia, lined with the city's most fashionable shops, en route to the crown jewel of Barcelona architecture - Antoni Gaudí's glorious unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia. Then it's on to panoramic city and harbor views from Montjuic, passing by the Olympic Rings and the Olympic Stadium along the way.
Overnight Barcelona.
3 CATALAN COUNTRYSIDE Today's all-day tour takes you to the heart of wine country and a visit to famed Torres vintners, makers of fine wine and brandy for more than three centuries. Enjoy a walk among barrels and smell the wine as it ages, then cap it off with a tasting of five typical Torres wines! Next: a drive to mountainous Montserrat and a visit to the monastery built in the 16th century. Inside: the Black Madonna of Montserrat. Her seated pose, serene expression and slender carved details all lend an air of perfect spirituality. After a taste of the area's typical liquor, ratafia, board the motor coach for the hour's return to Barcelona. Overnight Barcelona.
4 BARCELONA BON VOYAGE Transfer to the pier where your ship awaits.
Immerse yourself in Athens' classical glory, standing among the ruins where philosophers once walked. Journey to Delphi to consult the Oracle. Turn back time 25 centuries in three days.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - SEP 14, 26, 29; OCT 8, 22, 27
1 ATHENS Arrive in this dynamic city crowned by the ancient Acropolis and settle into the comforts of your hotel. Overnight Athens.
2 ATHENS SIGHTSEEING Marvel at the highlights of Athens on a comprehensive morning tour. Pass by Hadrian's Arch, the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Theatre of Dionysos. Explore the Acropolis with its elegant Parthenon and nearby museum housing classical treasures. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Athens.
3 DELPHI A full-day excursion to Delphi encompasses Thebes, Levadia and Arachova (famous for its carpets) en route to the breathtaking site of Delphi on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. A comprehensive tour of the site's Temple of Apollo, Theatre and Stadium is followed by lunch at a picturesque local restaurant. Overnight Athens.
4 ATHENS BON VOYAGE Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the pier in the early afternoon.
| 4-NIGHT PARIS, NORMANDY & AMSTERDAM |
|---|
Inviting sidewalk cafés, bistros à vin and high fashion await in Paris. On this tour are the historic beaches of Normandy and the Dutch masterpieces of Amsterdam.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - JUL 24; AUG 3, 17, 31
1 PARIS Arrive in the City of Light, your home for three brilliant nights. Overnight Paris.
2 PARIS SIGHTSEEING A half-day tour includes the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs-Elysees. Your afternoon is free to explore the arrondisements (neighborhoods) of Paris, stopping at local markets, boutiques and cafés. Overnight Paris.
3 NORMANDY BEACHES SIGHTSEEING A full-day tour to the beaches of D-Day fame — Omaha, Juno, Utah, Sword — and the Peace Memorial at Caen. Lunch included en route. Overnight Paris.
4 AMSTERDAM This morning step aboard the Thalys train for a quick ride to Amsterdam. Your afternoon is free to explore this charming city of tree-lined canals, gabled houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, and world-class Dutch art, including that of Vincent van Gogh. Overnight Amsterdam.
5 AMSTERDAM/BON VOYAGE A morning's tour begins with a cruise along Amsterdam's canals, followed by a visit to the astonishing Rijksmuseum, where masterworks by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh await. Then transfer to the pier for embarkation.
| 4-NIGHTROME, VATICAN & TUSCANY |
|---|
Make Rome your home for four nights and head off each day to explore some of Italy's best sights - Roman monuments, the luminous Vatican and charming Tuscan hill towns.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - JUL 22; AUG 1, 11, 21, 31; SEP 10, 14, 20, 30; OCT 12
1 ROME Relax, refresh and prepare for four glorious days in the Eternal City. Overnight Rome.
2 ROME AT LEISURE The entire day is yours to do as the Romans do. Pause for an icy gelato beside the Trevi Fountain, people-watch at the Spanish Steps, shop little boutiques of high fashion. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight Rome.
3 SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO Two of Tuscany's most striking hill towns await on this tour out to the countryside of legend. Pass landscapes immortalized by centuries of painters: gentle hills, slender cypress trees, golden light. Explore Siena's lovely Piazza del Campo, the medieval setting for the town's famous Palio race. Walk among the towers of San Gimignano, wandering its cobbled streets. Overnight Rome.
4 VATICAN Today: a half-day tour of the Vatican reveals St.Peter's Basilica, Christendom's largest church -
whose soaring spaces and works by Michelangelo and Bernini are breathtaking. Also in store is the Vatican Museum, where the Sistine Chapel and its famed painted ceiling awaits. Overnight Rome.
5 ROME/BON VOYAGE Time on your own for one last cappuccino before transferring to the Civitavecchia pier to board your Holland America ship.
| 7-NIGHT VENICE, FLORENCE & ROME |
|---|
The three bright stars of Italy in one sweeping package. Experience the waterways and art of Venice, Roman monuments, the magnificent Tuscan countryside and Florence's Renaissance beauty.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - JUL 29; AUG 5, 8, 17, 18, 28; SEP 7, 10, 17, 22, 27; OCT 9, 16
1 ARRIVE VENICE Transfer to your hotel, with the afternoon at leisure. Overnight Venice.
2 VENICE SIGHTSEEING Following breakfast (complimentary each day of this tour), enjoy a guided half-day tour of Venice's landmark sights. Evening at leisure. Overnight Venice.
3 VENICE/RAVENNA/SAN MARINO Romantic Italy unfolds by the mile on a motor coach tour from Venice to San Marino that includes a tour of Ravenna. Overnight San Marino.
4 SAN MARINO/FLORENCE From the tiny republic of San Marino travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Evening at leisure. Overnight Florence.
5 FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING This morning: a walking tour to see Michelangelo's David and Florence's soaring Duomo. Evening at leisure. Overnight Florence.
6 ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE Travel through Italy's luminous landscapes, stopping at the hill town of Orvieto. Overnight Rome.
7 ROME Marvel at Rome's ancient history and modern energy today on a city tour. Evening at leisure. Overnight Rome.
8 ROME/BON VOYAGE Transfer to the pier.
Triple not available — third person must book as a single occupancy.
| 2-NIGHT ROTTERDAM, THE HAGUE & DELFT |
|---|
Discover Holland America Line's birthplace on a specially designed pre-cruise tour that celebrates history and the scenic highlights of the Lowlands.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - JUL 26
1 ROTTERDAM/THE HAGUE Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer via motor coach to your hotel in Rotterdam or
The Hague, with the afternoon at leisure. Evening welcome reception. Overnight Rotterdam or The Hague.
2 THE HAGUE/DELFT Tour The Hague's stately palaces, embassies and Houses of Parliament with a local guide, then view artwork by Rembrandt and other Flemish masters in the Mauritshuis Museum. A scenic drive takes you to Delft in time for lunch in a local restaurant, followed by a guided tour of Delft's picturesque canals and the famous porcelain factory that makes Delft pottery. You'll have time for shopping before returning to the hotel. Overnight Rotterdam or The Hague.
3 ROTTERDAM/BON VOYAGE Following breakfast, a morning tour of Rotterdam includes Delfshaven, where the pilgrims set sail for the New World in 1620, and a visit to the Maritime Museum with a special exhibit honoring Holland America's historical role in the region. You'll also visit the site of Holland America's original head office, now the Hotel New York, before being transferred to the pier for embarkation.
| 3-NIGHT LISBON, SINTRA & SETUBAL |
|---|
The cosmopolitan elegance of Lisbon balances perfectly with fishing villages and vineyards in the countryside.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2008 - NOV 1
1 LISBON Arrive in the picturesque city of Lisbon and enjoy exploring the Alfama, Lisbon's casbah-like medieval quarter, or historic Rossio Square on your own. Overnight Lisbon.
2 LISBON/SINTRA The morning's tour takes you to Sintra, with its three fairy-tale castles, each evoking a different era. We'll tour the Palacio Nacional, once the summer residence of Moorish sultans. Then it's on to Cabo de Roca, continental Europe's westernmost point. Overnight Lisbon.
3 LISBON/SETUBAL A stop at Sesimbra Castle precedes a seaside luncheon. The afternoon promises a visit to the region's famed Fonseca vintners and a scenic drive to the quaint fishing village of Setubal. Overnight Lisbon.
4 SAN MARINO/FLORENCE From the tiny republic of San Marino travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Evening at leisure. Overnight Florence.
5 LISBON/BON VOYAGE Say farewell to lovely Lisbon, your "base camp" for the past three nights, and transfer to your ship.
| 3-NIGHT VENETIAN WINE COUNTRY |
|---|
From your base outside of Venice, set out
to explore Italy's Veneto region, one of the
world's foremost wine-producing areas.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: May 3, 15; Jun 8, 20; Jul 14, 26;
Aug 19, 31; Oct 1
1 VENICE Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the
afternoon at leisure before joining your Tour
Director for a special chef's dinner with wine.
Overnight Veneto region.
2 PINOT GRIGIO EXCURSION Following breakfast
(included each day), head out to the Friuli-Venezia
Giulia region for a day of Pinot Grigio tastings and
tours. Overnight Veneto region.
3 PROSECCO EXCURSION TThe Prosecco area, in the
province of Treviso, is renowned for dry sparkling
wine. Visit a distinguished local Prosecco winery for a
taste of its different styles. Overnight Veneto region.
4 GRAPPA EXCURSION Taste the celebrated "firewater
of the mountains" then travel on to the lovely town
of Asolo for lunch on your own. Afternoon tour of
historic Treviso. Overnight Veneto region.
4 VENICE/BON VOYAGE Transfer to your ship for
embarkation.
It's hard to resist the passion, energy, art and
architecture of Spain's trendsetter city. Come
soak up the landmark sights of Barcelona.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: Apr 22; May 28; Jul 3; Aug 8;
Sep 13, 20; Oct 14
1 BARCELONA Transfer to your hotel with the day
at leisure. Overnight Barcelona.
2 BARCELONA A half-day guided tour of the city
begins with a walk through the old Gothic Quarter.
Continuing along the Paseo de Gracia, lined with
the city's most fashionable shops, arrive at the crown
jewel of Barcelona architecture - Antoni Gaud's
glorious half-finished La Sagrada Familia. Finally,
panoramic city and harbor views await at Montjuic,
with the Olympic Ring with the Olympic Stadium
along the way. Overnight Barcelona.
3 CATALAN COUNTRYSIDE Today's all-day tour takes
you to the heart of wine country and a visit to famed
Torres vintners, capped off with a tasting of five
typical Torres wines! Next, in Montserrat, visit the
monastery where the Black Madonna of Montserrat
is found. After a taste of the area's typical liquor,
"ratafia," board the motor coach for the hour's return
to Barcelona. Overnight Barcelona.
4 BARCELONA BON VOYAGE Transfer to the pier where your ship awaits.
IImmerse yourself in Athens' classical glory.
Journey to Delphi to consult the Oracle. Turn
back time 25 centuries in four days.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: Sep 30; Oct 1, 14, 29
1 ATHENS Arrive in this dynamic city, crowned by
the ancient Acropolis, and settle into the comforts of
your hotel. Overnight Athens.
2 ATHENS Following breakfast, marvel at the
highlights of Athens on a morning tour. Pass by
Hadrian's Arch, the remaining columns of the
Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Theatre of
Dionyssos. Explore the Acropolis with its elegant
Parthenon. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Athens.
3 DELPHI A full-day excursion to Delphi encompasses
Thebes, Levadia and Arachova (famous for it's
carpets) en route to Delphi on the slopes of
Mt. Parnassos. Ancient wisdom seekers once traveled
here to consult the cryptic Oracle of Apollo for
advice. Your own enlightening tour reveals the site's
Temple of Apollo, Theatre and Stadium, capped off
with lunch at a picturesque local restaurant nearby.
Overnight Athens.
4 ATHENS BON VOYAGE Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the pier in the early afternoon.
| 3-NIGHT ROME/VATICAN/TIVOLI |
|---|
Make Rome your home for three nights and
head off each day to explore the region's best
sights - including a private visit to the Vatican.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: Apr 16, 26; May 6, 16, 17, 26;
Jun 2, 5, 15, 25; Jul 5, 15, 25; Aug 4, 14, 24;
Sep 3, 13, 17, 23; Oct 3, 13, 15, 28
1 ROME Transfer from the airport to Castelgandolfo,
the beautiful summer residence of the Popes, with
time free to stroll along the lake; or visit the pope's
residence and gardens. Overnight Castelgandolfo.
2 ROME/VATICAN Following a buffet breakfast
depart for a morning motor coach tour of Rome
that includes the Colosseum, Forum and the famed
Trevi Fountain. Then enjoy the privilege of bypassing
huge lines on a special private visit to the Vatican's
stunning museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's
Basilica. Overnight Castelgandolfo.
3 TIVOLI Head off after breakfast to discover Tivoli
and the beautiful Villa d'Este with its elaborately
decorated apartments and gracious gardens. Dinner
this evening is at the Moncada Estate, hosted
by the Count of Moncada himself. Overnight
Castelgandolfo.
4 ROME/BON VOYAGE Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
before transferring to the pier for embarkation.
| 4-NIGHT ROME, VATICAN & TUSCANY |
|---|
From Rome, explore some of Italy's best sights
- Roman monuments, the luminous Vatican
and charming Tuscan hill towns.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: Apr 15, 25; May 5, 15, 16, 25;
Jun 1, 4, 14, 24; Jul 4, 14, 24; Aug 3, 13, 23;
Sep 2, 12, 16, 22; Oct 2, 12, 14, 27
1 ROME Transfer to your hotel with the day at
leisure before a festive evening welcome dinner.
Rome overnight.
2 ROME AT LEISURE Pause for gelato beside
the Trevi Fountain, people-watch at the Spanish
Steps, shop. Overnight Rome.
3 VATICAN Today: a half-day tour of the Vatican
reveals St. Peter's Basilica, Christendom's largest
church with works by Michelangelo and Bernini.
Discover the Vatican Museum, where the Sistine
Chapel and its famed painted ceiling awaits.
Overnight Rome.
4 SIENA/SAN GIMIGNANO Pass through Tuscany's
celebrated landscapes and golden light. Explore
Siena's lovely Piazza del Campo, the medieval setting
for the town's famous Palio race. Stroll among the
ancient towers of San Gimignano. Overnight Rome.
5 ROME/BON VOYAGE Transfer to the pier for
embarkation.
| 5-NIGHT PRAGUE/BERLIN/COPENHAGEN |
|---|
The romance of Prague . . . historic Berlin . . .
Copenhagen's light-hearted charm. All in five
action-packed days.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: May 8, 18, 28; Jun 7, 17, 27;
Jul 1, 7, 17, 27; Aug 6, 30
1 PRAGUE Transfer to your hotel, with the day at
leisure. Overnight Prague..
2 PRAGUE Following breakfast (included each day),
head out for a morning sightseeing tour that
features the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle;
St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague's Old Town, and the
Jewish ghetto. Overnight Prague.
3 DRESDEN Travel via motor coach to Dresden, a
city badly damaged in WWII. Admire the restored
splendor of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera
before heading on to Berlin. Overnight Berlin.
4 BERLIN A morning's tour includes the restored
Reichstag, monumental Bradenburg Gate,
Charlottenburg Palace and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial
Church. Afternoon free. Overnight Berlin.
5 COPENHAGEN Cross via ferry to Denmark, then
tour Copenhagen, visiting the Christianborg Palace,
Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue.
6 COPENHAGEN/BON VOYAGE Transfer to the pier
for early afternoon embarkation.
Discover Holland America Line's birthplace
on a specially designed pre-cruise tour that
celebrates history and scenic highlights.
PRE-CRUISE TOUR:
2009: May 29; Jun 17, 22; Jul 16, 28;
Aug 5, 9, 21; Sep 14
1 ROTTERDAM Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer
to your hotel in Rotterdam, with the afternoon
at leisure. Evening welcome reception. Overnight
Rotterdam.
2 THE HAGUE/DELFT Tour The Hague's stately
palaces, embassies and Houses of Parliament with
a local guide, then view artwork by Rembrandt and
other Flemish masters in the Mauritshuis Museum.
Then, it's a scenic drive to Delft for lunch and a
guided tour of the city's picturesque canals and
famous Delft porcelain factory. You'll have time for
shopping before returning. Overnight Rotterdam.
3 ROTTERDAM/BON VOYAGE Following breakfast,
a morning tour of Rotterdam includes Delfshaven,
where the pilgrims set sail for the New World in 1620,
and a visit to the Maritime Museum with a special
exhibit honoring Holland America's historical role in
the region. You'll also visit the site of
Holland America's original head office, now the
Hotel New York, before being transferred to the
pier for embarkation.
Optional Tour Inclusions: Holland America Line may
substitute hotels of equal standard where
necessary. Components of a tour itinerary
may be operated in a different order than
shown.
Some Triple Occupancy fares available upon
request. Triple rooms when available, may
contain either two beds and a rollaway,
or two double beds. If triple is not available - third person must
book as a single occupancy.
Guests must have a valid passport,
necessary visas and any required
immunizations prior to participation in
a pre- or post-cruise tour. Guests are
responsible for incidentals and meals
unless noted otherwise.
A minimum number of guests may be
required for a tour to operate.
2008 HOTEL PACKAGES
Amsterdam
Renaissance Amsterdam
Athens
Athens Intercontinental
Barcelona
Sol Melia Barcelona
Boston
Sheraton Boston
Copenhagen
Scandic Hotel Copenhagen
Ft. Lauderdale
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
Marriott Hollywood Beach
Lisbon
Le Meridian Park Atlantic
London
Renaissance London Chancery Court
New York
St. Regis New York
-Deluxe Accomodation
Crowne Plaza Times Square
Hilton New York
Rio deJaneiro
Intercontinental Rio
Rome
Grand Parco dei Principi
-Deluxe
Visconti Palace
-First Class
Rotterdam*
Westin Rotterdam
Venice*
Bauer Hotel
-Deluxe
Splendid Suisse
-First Class
* Hotels of equal standard may be substituted when necessary.
For post-cruise guests, rooms will be reserved until 6:00pm the day of departure.
Rates are in U.S. dollars, per person, and include bellman gratuities, applicable room taxes and airport/hotel/ship transfers, where applicable. Rates are determined by date of travel. Third-person rates are available upon request, except where noted.
Guests must have a valid passport, necessary visas and any required immunizations prior to participation in a pre- or post-cruise tour. Guests are responsible for incidentals and meals unless noted otherwise.
2009 HOTEL PACKAGES
Amsterdam
Renaissance Amsterdam
Athens
Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel
Barcelona
Sol Melia Barcelona
Boston
Sheraton Boston
Copenhagen
Scandic Hotel Copenhagen
New York
Grand Hyatt New York
London
Crown Plaza St. James
Ft.Lauderdale
Mariott Hollywood Beach
Rome
Deluxe:
Grand Parco dei Principi
First-class:
Visconti Palace
Airport:
Sheraton Golf
Rotterdam*
Westin Rotterdam
Venice*
Deluxe:
Bauer Hotel
First-Class:
Monaco and Grand Hotel
Airport:
Laguna Palace
Hotels of equal standard may be substituted
when necessary.
*Triple not available, third person must book as a single
occupancy.
Triple rooms, when available, may contain either two
beds and a rollaway or two double beds.
Guests must have a valid passport, necessary visas and
any required immunizations prior to participation in a preor
post-cruise tour. Guests are responsible for incidentals
Amsterdam, The Netherlands and meals unless noted otherwise.
