ANCIENT WONDERS: GREECE, EGYPT & TURKEY

🚢 Ancient Wonders: Greece, Egypt & Turkey | Starts: 20th September 2026 | 25-Nights 

Discover the Ancient Civilisations of the Mediterranean

Embark on a 25-night immersive journey through the lands of pharaohs, gods, and emperors. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, explore the bustling bazaars and grand mosques of Istanbul, and wander the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos. Unravel the mysteries of ancient history as you cruise the Mediterranean, exploring world-famous archaeological sites, vibrant cities, and stunning coastlines.

This adventure offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation—all while enjoying the comfort of Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam.

Inclusions

2 nights 4★ hotel accommodation in Trieste with breakfast

Private transfer from hotel to port

21-night cruise on ms Oosterdam, sailing from Trieste (Italy) to Athens (Greece)

All meals and entertainment onboard*

2 nights 4★ hotel accommodation in Athens with breakfast

Port charges and government fees onboard

✔ Save up to $2,000 per cabin with our exclusive package

✈️ Exclusive Air Credit Offer!

Enjoy $2,000 per person in air credit^, included in the package price, making your flights even more affordable.

23Sep26 HAL Oosterdam Cruise

 

Itinerary

🏨 Pre-Cruise Stay in Trieste, Italy

📍 Day 1: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 – Arrive in Trieste, Italy

2 nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast

Enjoy free time to explore Piazza Unità d’Italia, the Roman Theatre, or the Grand Canal.

• Optional tours: Day trip to Venice or Slovenia’s Lake Bled.

📍 Day 2: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 – Explore Trieste at leisure

• Take a scenic walk along Miramare Castle’s seaside promenade.

Enjoy local Italian cuisine at one of Trieste’s historic cafes.

📍 Day 3: Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026 – Embark ms Oosterdam

Private transfer from hotel to port.

Board ms Oosterdam and set sail in the afternoon.

🛳 21-Night Cruise on ms Oosterdam

📍 Day 4: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 – Rijeka, Croatia

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Explore Trsat Castle, Korzo Promenade & the Maritime Museum.

📍 Day 5: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 – Split, Croatia

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Visit Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill & the Old Town.

🌊 Day 6: Saturday, 26 Sep 2026 – Day at Sea

🛳️ Relax onboard, enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and enrichment activities.

📍 Day 7: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 – Thira (Santorini), Greece (Tender Port)

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Admire cliffside villages, black-sand beaches & breathtaking caldera views.

📍 Day 8: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 – Mykonos, Greece (Tender Port)

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Wander through charming whitewashed streets, windmills & beaches.

📍 Day 9: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Walk through ancient Ephesus & the Temple of Artemis.

📍 Day 10: Wednesday, 30 Sep 2026 – Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive 12:00 PM | Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar.

📍 Day 11: Thursday, 1 Oct 2026 – Istanbul, Turkey

Depart 7:00 PM | Enjoy a second full day in Istanbul.

📍 Day 12: Thursday, 1 Oct 2026 – Cruising the Dardanelles

🛳️ Scenic cruising through this historic waterway connecting Europe and Asia.

🌊 Day 13: Friday, 2 Oct 2026 – Day at Sea

🛳️ Recharge onboard and indulge in luxury spa treatments, fine dining, and live entertainment.

📍 Day 14: Saturday, 3 Oct 2026 – Piraeus (Athens), Greece

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon & Plaka District.

🌊 Day 15: Sunday, 4 Oct 2026 – Day at Sea

🛳️ Another perfect day to relax and enjoy the ship’s pools, lounges, and culinary experiences.

📍 Day 16: Monday, 5 Oct 2026 – Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt

7:00 AM – 11:59 PM | Tour the Great Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum.

🌊 Day 17: Tuesday, 6 Oct 2026 – Day at Sea

🛳️ Reflect on your Egyptian adventure and enjoy ocean views.

📍 Day 18: Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 – Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel (Subject to Change)

📍 Day 19: Thursday, 8 Oct 2026 – Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel (Subject to Change)

📌 Note: Israel remains subject to change based on regional conditions. If needed, a replacement port will be arranged.

📍 Day 20: Friday, 9 Oct 2026 – Limassol, Cyprus

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Explore Roman ruins & Mediterranean beaches.

📍 Day 21: Saturday, 10 Oct 2026 – Antalya, Turkey

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Discover Aspendos Theatre & the Old Town of Kaleici.

📍 Day 22: Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 – Rhodes, Greece

8:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Walk through the Palace of the Grand Master & medieval Old Town.

🌊 Day 23: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 – Day at Sea

📍 Day 24: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Another chance to explore Ephesus & Turkish bazaars.

📍 Day 25: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 – Piraeus (Athens), Greece – Disembark

Arrive 7:00 AM | Disembark and transfer to your hotel.

🏨 Post-Cruise Stay in Athens, Greece

📍 Day 25: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 – Arrive in Athens

2 nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast

• Free time to explore Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Market & the Acropolis Museum.

📍 Day 26: Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 – Full Day in Athens

• Optional tours: Delphi, Cape Sounion or a Greek island-hopping day trip.

📍 Day 27: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 – Depart Athens

Package ends – Fly home or continue your European adventure.

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About the Oosterdam: Your Home at Sea for this Voyage

Oosterdam

Ship Highlights

  • Dine-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients
  • Unleash your competitive spirit at High Score!, new family game room — on Oosterdam
  • Spoil yourself with a massage or other treats at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®
  • Head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts

Oosterdam, a Vista Class cruise 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 or challenge the family to an air hockey game at High Score!

Dining

Explore a range of delicious onboard dining options, Enjoy everything from a burger and fries by the Lido Pool to the authentic Pan-Asian flavors of Tamarind to the ultimate in refined and luxurious dining at the Pinnacle Grill. Dining venues on Oosterdam: Pinnacle Grill, Master Chef's Table Pop Up (available on 8+ night cruises), Canaletto, Sel de Mer Pop Up, Vista Dining Room, Lido Market, Dive-In.

Bars & Lounges

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from the signature cocktail menu created in partnership with the Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a James Beard “Who’s Who” inductee.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Cantaré is back with two electrifying performances featuring decades of pop hits and amazing harmonies. Appearing on select ships in 2020, they’ll light up the stage with “I’m Your Man”, covering songs by iconic male artists; and “Classics,” a collection of your favorite songs from every era.

Casino

Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction and offering many engaging tournament options.

Onboard Activities

There's so much to see and do onboard. Attend an engaging lecture, go to a wine tasting or simply relax and unwind.

Kids & Teens

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff.

Wellness

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of the classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Shopping

Enjoy duty-free shopping in signature shops such as The Vault, Diamonds, and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

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Pricing

Package fares from:

Suite From AUD$15,374 per person
Balcony From AUD$11,563 per person
Oceanview From AUD$9,416 per person
Interior From AUD$8,664 per person

Cabins are limited at this price and our allocation will sell out. 

Secure Your Spot on This Unforgettable Voyage

Ready to experience the Mediterranean like never before? Our travel advisers are here to help tailor your trip and answer any questions. 

Don’t wait! With limited cabins available, now is the time to secure your spot on this cruise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the price of this package?

The package includes 4 nights of 4-star hotel stays (Trieste & Athens), private transfers, a 21-night cruise with all meals and entertainment, port charges, and a $2,000 air credit per person.

What’s not included?

The price does not include travel insurance, shore excursions, personal expenses, additional specialty dining beyond the included package, and onboard gratuities.

Should I get the ‘Have It All’ package?

Yes! On a cruise of this length, the Have It All package adds immense value by including drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits, making your trip even more enjoyable.

Can I customise this package?

Absolutely! You can add extra nights, sightseeing tours, or flights. Let us know what you’d like, and we’ll tailor it to you.

Is there a risk that the itinerary will change?

Yes. The cruise line regularly reviews safety conditions in all destinations, particularly Israel. If a port is deemed unsafe, a substitute will be arranged.

What are the payment and cancellation policies?

A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to secure your cabin. Final payment will be due in May 2026. Cancellations through 90 days before commencing travel: 100% refund. 89-83 days before commencing travel: 100% refund, less required deposit amount. 82-46 days before commencing travel: 50% refund of gross fare. 45 days or less before commencing travel: No refund available.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Cancellation fees depend on how close to departure you cancel. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected changes.

What are the hotels included in the package?

You’ll stay in 4-star centrally located hotels in Trieste and Athens, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Will I need a visa for this trip?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Australian passport holders may require visas for Turkey and Egypt—we can guide you on what’s needed.

How do I book?

Simply click the button below to send an enquiry, and we’ll handle everything! We’ll confirm availability, pricing, and customisations before finalising your booking.

How does the air credit work?

Your travel adviser will help identify the most suitable airfares tailored to your specific needs. The air credit will be applied against the total airfare to reduce the cost, e.g. if the airfare is $2,200 per person and the air-credit is $2,000, you will only need to pay the $200 difference to secure your preferred flights. You can read more about our air credit by visiting https://blog.swblack.com.au/air-credit

I have another question not listed here...

That's ok - we are here to help. Feel free to email us at hello@swblack.com.au and we will get back to you shortly. 

 
POLICIES
Prices are per person twin share, quoted in Australian dollars and is correct as of 22 February 2025. Pricing is inclusive of all cruise taxes, fees and port expenses which are subject to change with surcharges or currency fluctuations. A non-refundable deposit of $100pp (in addition to the supplier deposit) will be charged, this does not affect the package price as goes toward the final balance due. For this and all other featured packaged products booked online, the deposit will secure the cruise only portion of the package, all other components will be subject to confirmation by our cruise advisers. Exclusive Package Fare is available for all stateroom categories and is included in the advertised price. A limited number of staterooms per category have been set aside under this offer and once reached the promotion will no longer be available.
*There are specialty dining options that, if you choose to attend, will require an additional payment
^Air Credit of $2,000 per person is included in the package price. Air Credit may be used toward any wholesale airfare booked via your Travel Adviser with any amount above the value of the Air Credit to be applied to this booking. Airfare is subject to availability at the time of booking and may require immediate payment and ticketing in which case the full airfare value must be paid in full with the air credit coming off your final package balance due. Flights are available to book from 11 months prior to your departure date. The hotels are subject to availability and may be substituted with hotels of the same or similar standard. Hotels are available to be confirmed from approximately 11 months prior to departure. Early check-in and/or late checkout, and additional nights’ accommodation may be required at additional expense due to flight availability. Local government taxes and, or fees applicable to pre or post cruise arrangements are the responsibility of the client and should be paid directly. Package duration based on calendar dates and does not include flying time. This offer is not combinable with other in-market promotions. Other terms and conditions may apply. This promotion is capacity controlled, may be sold out, changed or withdrawn without prior notice.  Please click here for S.W. Black Travel bookings terms & conditions.