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<\/a><\/p>\nIn addition to our shorter Greece<\/a> cruises this summer, we will have five 12-day Mediterranean<\/a> itineraries starting in September 2021, including one trans-Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale. Some legendary ports we\u2019ll visit are Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Piraeus, Greece; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal … just to name a few. Of course, Holland America Line has many ways to assist in making sure you get the most during your time in port, as there is so much to experience. But let me point out some hidden gems that I\u2019ve found during my previous visits.<\/p>\n VENICE, ITALY<\/strong> They have a beautiful terrace directly on the Grand Canal where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch or a cool beverage while watching pristine water crafts pass by. Another way to get there is by gondola from the Rialto Fish Market, which is directly across the Grand Canal from the Ca\u2019 Sagredo. Better yet, spend a night or two before or after your cruise on board Eurodam.<\/p>\n LISBON, PORTUGAL<\/strong> For you foodies there\u2019s no better place to go and sample exceptional Portuguese cuisine than to Mercado Da Ribeira, otherwise known as the Time Out Market. It\u2019s a food market filled with vendor stalls cooking up local delicacies. It’s also a great stop to sample Portuguese wines, ports and browse through shops. One CANNOT leave the market without trying the national pastry of Portugal, Past\u00e9is de nata, which was created in the 17th century by Catholic monks at the Hieronymites Monastery. Always fresh out of the oven at Manteigaria Bakery. It\u2019s made with a flaky filo crust filled with a buttery custard. One is delightful … but two is perfect!<\/p>\n DUBROVNIK, CROATIA<\/strong> In my opinion there is only one place to have lunch at, and that is Panorama Restaurant. It\u2019s an excursion in itself, really a \u201ctwo-for.\u201d First a funicular ride up the mountain, then a delectable lunch from the bounty of the Adriatic Sea below. Their marinated sea bass medallions is amazing and an easy dish to share as an appetizer.<\/p>\n
\nLet\u2019s start in Venice<\/a>, the birthplace of every ship in our fleet. If you\u2019ve never been there before, a stroll through Piazza San Marco, crossing the Rialto bridge, visiting St. Mark\u2019s Basilica, marveling the interior of the Doge\u2019s Palace or walking through the Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Fish Market) – which dates back to 1097 – are all a must. But do yourself a favor and once you get to the Rialto Bridge, keep walking to the backside and there is a neighborhood that is both charming and, best of all, not crowded. About 10 minutes from the Rialto Bridge is the exquisite boutique Ca\u2019 Sagredo Hotel. It dates back to the 14th century and was the private palace of Nicol\u00f2 Sagredo, who became the ruling Doge of Venice in 1675.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOne of my other favorite cities in the world is Lisbon<\/a>! Stroll down the city\u2019s main street, Rua Augusta. It starts at the waters edge in front of the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch. To get a broad overview of the city I recommend taking one of the local double-decker bus lines and tour the city, which you can pick up right at the arch. From there you can hop off and on at your leisure and see the sights of any area of Lisbon. Rua Augusta\u2019s street is made up of stunning mosaic patterns and peppered with shops, restaurants and boutiques.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOne of the Mediterranean marquee ports is Dubrovnik<\/a>. The walled city of Old Town has its own well-defined charm. Upon the ship\u2019s arrival, I recommend taking one of the first transfers to Old Town which is about 25 minutes away. A walk around the upper wall gives you a bird\u2019s eye view of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the town below. Always best to walk the wall in the morning before the heat of the day arrives.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n