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Cruising is a luxurious, leisurely style of travel no one does better than Holland America. Spend time looking at treasures, not hotels, while you travel effortlessly at night. Enjoy an overnight stay in both Barcelona and Venice and an opportunity to discover eight other beautiful ports of call in Italy, Monaco, Greece, and Croatia. Indulge in distinct and delicious cuisines. Shop for treasures in silver, gold, leather, and ceramic. Bask in the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean’s coastline and countryside. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans and Greeks.
Sunday-Monday, September 12-13 - Board Ship in Barcelona, Spain - Ship sails on September 13
Barcelona is considered to be a genuine open-air museum filled with charming streets and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While away the day exploring tree-shaded Las Ramblas, Spain’s version of the Champs-Elysees, shop for exquisite Lladro ceramics, or ponder the other-worldly architecture of the Church of the Sacred Family, Gaudi’s masterpiece. This is a sight not to be missed. It was started in 1882, but is still unfinished. Take a short ride to Figueres to enjoy the Dali Museum or to Sant Sadurni d’Anoia,
location of the Codorniu Champagne Cellars. Tour the Gothic Quarter and Santa Maria dei Mar Church, considered by many to be the best example of Gothic architecture in Cataluna. Then visit the Picasso Museum, situated in the two beautifully preserved Gothic palaces of Berenguer Aguilar and Baron de Castellet.
Tuesday, September 14 - Monte Carlo, Monaco
See the Casino if only to venture into the enchanting Salon Rose, with its nymphs on the ceiling. A drive along the scenic Corniche takes you to Nice, undisputed capital of the Riviera. Possible shore excursions are A Taste of the Riviera; Panoramic Riviera; Jewels of the Cote d’Azur: Nice, Eze, and Monaco; Stars of the Cote d’Azur: Cannes, Grasse, St. Paul de Vence; and St. Paul de Vence and Scenic Drive.
Wednesday, September 15 - Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
In Florence, view timeless treasures: the lofty Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte
Vecchio over the Arno. See the famous Tower of Pisa still standing crookedly after
650 years. Possible shore excursions are Tuscan Countryside and Wine Tasting, Tuscan Landmarks: Florence and Pisa, and Lucca and Pisa.
Thursday, September 16 - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Take in a little of the marvelous history of Rome. Plan your time here carefully, as the Eternal City’s sights are endless: the Colosseum, the Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican, Venice Square, Trajan Markets, Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and so much more. Countless museums and art galleries are also to be found. Additionally, some of Italy’s finest shopping incorporates entire streets: Via Nazionale, Via del Corso, Via Frattina, Piazza di Spagna, and Via del Tritone.
Friday, September 17 - Messina, Sicily, Italy
“Italy and Sicily couldn’t agree, so Italy kicked Sicily into the sea.” This age-old Italian children’s rhyme comes into its own when you sail the Strait of Messina between the two and see how close the island is to the “toe” of Italy’s boot. From one to the other it
seems like barely shouting distance. Messina’s astrological clock is as much a man-made masterpiece as the road leading to Taormina, which cantilevers out of the rocky cliff face and stands on impossibly tall pylons. Leave it to the Italians to design a road that’s both a thrill-ride and a feat of engineering! Once you’re safely in Taormina, walk to the sublime Greco-Roman theatre thatoverlooks Naxos Bay and snow-capped Mt. Etna. Then spend some time on the Corso Umberto with a gelato firmly in hand.
Saturday, September 18 - At Sea
Sunday, September 19 - Nafplion, Greece
Navplion is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. Two mountains toped by medieval fortresses overlook the town and another fortress, Bourtzi, watches over the harbor. Tour Greece’s most prized ruins: the Ascelpion in Epidaurus, sanctuary of the god of healing; the Grand Palace at Mycenae, once King Agamemnon’s domain; Athens and its stupendous Acropolis. Visit a local cafe, observe the beautiful old buildings, or hit the beach.
Monday, September 20 - Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
Katakolon is a small port on the Ionian Sea coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, close to Pyrgos. While Katakolon’s main street is just a five-minute walk from the pier, you will probably want to venture farther out to see the ancient site of Olympia, the storied
place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC. A look at the impressive monuments, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the famous stadium, along with a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum, offers a fascinating introduction to the Games and ancient mythology. Back in town stroll
the oceanfront walkway, relax over ouzo in an open-air café, or engage in a friendly round of haggling for jewelry and handcrafts, a modern-day sporting event that enjoys widespread popularity.
Tuesday, September 21 - Kerkira, Corfu, Greece
Head out into Corfu’s lush and verdant countryside of olive, orange, and lemon trees. Visit Achillion, the mansion built by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Its beautiful gardens and statues have been left intact for visitors to admire. Get behind the wheel of a four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive along the main coastal route and up a small country road through olive groves leading into one of the oldest villages of Corfu, Sokraki. Stretch your legs by taking a walk through the narrow winding streets of the village and enjoy a meze (traditional light snack) with a glass of local wine. Set off again along a country lane to admire the beautiful panoramic view of the island as well as the magnificent view of the Old Town of Corfu.
Wednesday, September 22 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
The massive city walls of Dubrovnik enclose an enchanting World Heritage site: tall medieval houses and marble-paved squares, meticulously repaired since the 1991 shelling. Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo, follows suit with palaces from the Middle Ages. Enter the 13th-century city via the Pile Gate. One of the main attractions in this
timeless part of Dalmatia is the Sponza Palace. Its elegant courtyard and elaborate stone carvings are truly impressive. See the Dominican church and monastery with its rich treasures, the Rectors Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the cloister of the 14th-century Franciscan monastery. Medieval ramparts encircle the city and the stone bridge is guarded by the city’s patron saint, Blaise. Explore the spectacular Adriatic coast, visit scenic vineyards, sample world class wines, and purchase local art.
Thursday-Friday, September 23-24 - Venice, Italy - overnight -
Disembark Friday, September 24
The “City of Light” stretches across an archipelago of 122 islands in
the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy and
is world-famous for its canals, of which there are about 150. The islands
on which the city is built are connected by about 400 bridges. The canals
serve the function of roads and the primary form of transport is on water
or on foot. Venice is Europe’s largest urban car-free area, unique in
Europe in remaining a sizable functioning city in the 21st century entirely
without motorcars or trucks. The classical Venetian boat is of course
the gondola, although it is now mostly used for tourists or for weddings,
funerals, and other ceremonies. Most Venetians now travel by motorized
waterbuses (“vaporetti”). St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s heart with palatial
arcades and charming cafés. Tour the exquisite Doge’s Palace, once home
to the dukes of Venice. Ply the canals in a gondola, shop for exquisite
Venetian glass, or sip a bicerin at timeless Caffé Florian.
See Holland
America's Europe Video
ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Delivering in 2010, the 86,000-ton brand new Nieuw Amsterdam's interior design
and art collection will reflect the glamour and history of New York City,
formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam. This ship joins the recently launched ms
Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand
with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and
Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse
and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium
wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area,
enhanced and reconfigured show lounge, and a new photographic and imaging
center.
Signature features of the ms Nieuw Amsterdam include:
- Canaletto Restaurant: new Italian restaurant
- Tamarind Restaurant and Silk Den Lounge: new Pan Asian Restaurant and
lounge with panoramic views of the ocean and Lido Pool area
- Cabanas: new private cabanas available to reserve by the day or by the
cruise. Available on two decks, they are tastefully decorated, filled with
amenities, and provide an exquisite poolside retreat.
- The Retreat: Your own private oasis located high above the rest. Exclusive
Retreat cabanas are the ultimate place to relax surrounded by healthy refreshments
and luxurious amenities.
- Spa Staterooms: located on the Panorama and Observation decks - include
special spa amenities
- The Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows: "show and tell"
your vacation memories - learn how to share all your digital memories through
email, blogging, and social networking with free workshops
- The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine: state-of-the-art
demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught
by Master Chefs or culinary guests
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals
- enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite, and have
your hair and nails done for a special evening
- Main Dining Room: features impeccable service and an extensive wine list
- five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb
options
- Pinnacle Grill: this intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant,
sophisticated dining experience - featuring premium Sterling Silver beef,
inspired seafood dishes, and many select wines rated "Excellent"
by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel®
stemware, and Frette® linens
- Lido Restaurant: offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features
a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties
- Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable,
coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library,
surf the Internet, check email, or simply read the morning paper.
- Show Lounge: features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians,
and variety acts
- Crow's Nest: offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and a hip,
fashionable nightclub each evening
- Club HAL® : our dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids
ages 3 to 12 - activities are supervised and age appropriate
- The Loft: designed exclusively for teens to have fun, socialize, and
hang out with people their own age
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
To receive these discounted cruise fares you must book your cruise through Northwest-Worldwide Travel.
Connie or
Lisa have all of the information regarding the cruise and seminar and can make your cruise reservations.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations will be secured and cabins assigned upon receipt of passenger deposit in the amount of $600 of the fare per person. Final payment as instructed by our travel agent.
DISCOUNTED FARES
We have been able to negotiate a
GREAT DISCOUNT for you on this luxurious cruise!! See reservation form for details. Discounted airfares are also available. Various promotional fares may also be available.
ALWAYS CALL CONNIE OR LISA BEFORE BOOKING ANYWHERE ELSE.
Register early
to reserve your cabin on this cruise!