Western Mediterranean: Idyllic Isles & Hidden Gems

Pricing is based on departure date: 24 May 2026

Depart Rome and drift south to Salerno, gateway to Amalfi’s dramatic cliffs, then onward to the rich colours of Palermo and the laid-back beauty of Sardinia’s Cagliari. After a gentle sea day, explore the island glamour of Palma de Mallorca and linger late in vibrant Alicante. Sail past the mighty Rock of Gibraltar, step into Andalusian charm in Cádiz, and arrive in graceful Lisbon, where tiled streets and river light offer a poetic finale. This journey blends history, sunshine, and coastal romance at every turn.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary highlights

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

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.

Salerno, Italy

Charming Salerno, on Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, brims with pleasures. Stroll the quiet narrow streets of the old city to discover hidden architectural gems, small shops, interesting churches, and restaurants serving excellent regional cuisine. Marvel at the marble and mosaic wonders of the 11thcentury Duomo dedicated to Saint Matthew, whose tomb is in the crypt.

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a marvelously jumbled, crumbling blend of old and new—a canvas upon which the region's complex and ever-shifting history has been painted. Over the centuries, the port of Palermo was controlled by forces from the far corners—from Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, to Arabs from North Africa, and then Normans from France, who oversaw a renaissance during which many of Palermo's iconic landmarks and modern tourist attractions were built.

To see some of the vestiges of ancient empires, take a day trip from Palermo to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Greek and Roman ruins, including the Temple of Concordia, remain wonderfully intact. Within the city itself, explore the attractions in historic neighborhoods such as the Arab district of La Kalsa, home to the finery-filled Palazzo Mirto. The Quattro Canti (Four Corners) lies in the heart of the old city, with Piazza Pretoria on the corner. From there it's only a short distance to Palermo's Norman Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Palermo's star attractions, which houses the Palatine Chapel, famous for its intricate mosaics.

Palermo is also a perfect jumping-off point for sightseeing excursions to the idyllic beaches of Mondello, the medieval coastal town of Cefalù and the mountain village of Monreale, which is known for its exceptional Norman cathedral.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

"And suddenly there is Cagliari: a naked town rising steep, steep, golden-looking, piled naked to the sky," wrote D.H. Lawrence in 1921 when he traveled to Sardinia. Nearly 100 years later, the city that made the writer "think of Jerusalem" is just as impressive, sitting between a blue sea and an azure sky. According to Greek mythology, "Caralis" was founded by Aristeus, son of Apollo, though historians date it to the 8th century B.C.E., when the Phoenicians established a trading port here. Sardinia's capital was later fought over by Carthaginians, Romans, Pisans, Spanish and Piedmontese—all of whom shaped its development.

Most sights are in Castello, the old town that climbs the hill behind Saint Remy's rampart. It's a rough grid of narrow streets and small squares with breathtaking views of sea, city and mountains. And while the old stones of Castello reflect millennia of history, Cagliari also has natural riches, with white beaches and flamingo-dotted blue lagoons nearby.

Sardinia has one UNESCO-listed site: a megalithic nuraghe complex 60 kilometers north of Cagliari (though some would argue that the town’s Roman amphitheater and Tuvixeddu necropolis could also be candidates for UNESCO recognition). Whether you are a history buff or drawn more to culinary or natural wonders, you’ll find much to delight in this lively, fascinating city.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and capital of its own island as well as the entire Balearic archipelago, is one of Spain’s most delightful towns. Despite its proximity to tourist beaches where millions of Europeans take summer vacation, Palma maintains the traditional rhythm of a Mediterranean city: busy food markets, open-air terrazas for lazing and grazing and the Passeig del Born, perfect for an evening paseo (stroll) under its canopy of trees. But the city is also, increasingly, a hub of contemporary culture and cuisine—witness the old town’s buzzing gallery scene, and cutting-edge restaurants like Simply Fosh and Aromata.

If location is all, Palma’s peerless setting, at the center of a glorious sweeping bay, counts for a great deal. The city has its own beaches and a working harbor where a state-of-the-art new marina, Moll Vell, has brought back locals to stroll and gawk at the giant yachts.

From down here the Casco Viejo’s jumble of golden stone, the churches and palaces jostling as if for a better view, is crowned by the magnificence of Palma’s 14th-century cathedral in a commanding position on the old sea wall, its soaring beauty making it one of Spain’s most spectacular buildings.

Alicante, Spain

Fresh sea breezes, mountain backdrops and vibrant locals have made this magical city a must-see for both international tourists and residents of Spain alike.

It's easy to slip into the local rhythm. Spend your day exploring everything from the Old Town and Santa Bárbara Castle to the trendiest of Spanish stores. Promenade down the marble Explanada de España, an iconic and bustling boulevard dotted with palm trees. Enjoy a proper Spanish lunch that spans several courses and hours, prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. Take advantage of the proximity to the sea to dine on the freshest seafood, or try one of Alicante's many traditional rice dishes. And don’t forget to sample the outstanding regional wines, which are also very tasty souvenirs.

Even just a day here will open your eyes to the natural beauty and subtle charms that make proud and elegant Alicante a gem of the Costa Blanca.

Gibraltar

Strategically located at the southern tip of Europe, facing Africa, Gibraltar offers a fascinating mix of cultures. With a history that includes Moorish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English influences (among others), this tiny, 6.7-square-kilometer British Overseas Territory is most famous for the giant Jurassic limestone rock soaring above the territory’s main commercial and residential areas. The Rock contains an abundance of history (military and otherwise), not to mention significant flora and fauna, and a labyrinth of caves and tunnels.

Venture into Gibraltar’s densely populated streets for Spanish, British, Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine, as well as tax-free shopping on everything from luxury brands to handmade arts and crafts and artisanal edibles. Browsing and snacking around town is the perfect chance to hear Yanito, the singsong Spanish-English hybrid spoken here. There are also historic and holy places in Europa Point, and the Museum of Gibraltar provides an opportunity to learn about the region’s history and prehistory, as well as the migration habits of its birds and marine life.

Cadiz (Seville), Spain

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.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a wealth of sights, tastes and sounds. An ensemble of neighborhoods both old and new, it’s a city full of history, culture and tradition. After the devastating earthquake that struck in 1755, reconstruction began and the rebuilt Baixa area quickly became one of the city's busiest districts. From there, you can glance up at São Jorge Castle on one hill while in another direction you'll find Chiado, one of the trendiest and most elegant neighborhoods.

The spirit of Lisbon can be encapsulated by the soulful musical genre, fado, which can best be enjoyed in the Alfama, the city's oldest neighborhood. Enter one of the area's old-school taverns and listen to passionate renditions of Fado Vadio, sung by amateurs, often after a round of aguardiente, an anise-flavored liquor.

Visiting Lisbon, also known as the City of Seven Hills, requires some huffing and puffing but you can opt for touring around in a tuk tuk. Another fun option is to take one of the four elevators to access hilly neighborhoods: The Santa Justa vertical lift, an iron tower, can whisk you from downtown to Carmo for a visit to the historic Convento do Carmo or try the ultrasteep streetcar-type Elevador da Glória to get up to the botanical garden in no time.

Your Ship: Oosterdam

Oosterdam, our second Vista Class ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork. Guests will have plenty to do on board when not taking in expansive views or stretching out in spacious staterooms. Begin with an exquisite breakfast in the Dining Room. Unwind with a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®, indulge in pre-dinner craft cocktails at Ocean Bar, followed by delectable Italian fare at Canaletto. Top off the night with chart-topping hits at Billboard Onboard.

What’s included with your vacation
Your vacation essentials are always included. Savor a variety of delectable complimentary dining options. Enjoy captivating entertainment, from live shows and music to themed dance parties and more.

• Standard beverages like water and coffee
• Complimentary meals and snacks available in a variety of restaurants
• Live shows and entertainment
• Most onboard activities and games

Civitavecchia (Rome) → Salerno → Palermo → Cagliari → At Sea → Palma de Mallorca → Alicante → At Sea → Gibraltar → Cádiz (Seville) → Lisbon

All fares are displayed in NZD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.