Luxury Med Cruise, Italian Lakes & Swiss Rail

Overview

This unforgettable holiday begins with a five-night Lake Maggiore escape, where you’ll enjoy a full-day Lake Como tour and a scenic Centovalli rail journey offering stunning views of valleys, forests and charming villages. Next, you’ll fly to Athens for a two-night stay, soaking in its rich history.

You’ll then embark on a luxurious 21-night cruise on board Oosterdam, visiting iconic Mediterranean ports. Highlights include Kerkira, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik and charming Split. Enjoy scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past the Stromboli Volcano. After sailing through the Bonifacio Strait, you’ll savour a two-night stay in Barcelona, celebrated for its unique architecture and urban beaches.

*Advertised price based on 4 October 2025 departure, correct as of 4 October 2024.

Inclusions

Full-Board Cruise

• 21 night full-board cruise on board Oosterdam

Hotel Stays

• 5 night four-star stay in Lake Maggiore at the Zacchera Hotels Collection
• 2 night four-star hotel stay in Athens at the Meliá Athens
• 2 night four-star hotel stay in Barcelona at the H10 Casanova
• All hotels include breakfast

Rail Journey

• Scenic rail journey on board the Centovalli Railway

Fully Escorted Tours

• Lake Como tour

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

• Overnight flights

*Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change. Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly Overnight to Milan

Your holiday begins as you fly from Australia to your destination.

Days 2-3  - Lake Maggiore: Hotel Stay

Lake Maggiore sits in the foothills of the Italian and Swiss Alps. During a five-night hotel stay, explore the Borromean Islands with their magnificent palaces and enchanting gardens, or take a leisurely boat ride to discover charming lakeside villages. 

Day 4 - Lake Maggiore: Hotel Stay and Tour

Ride the Centovalli Train through the picturesque “One Hundred Valleys”. Pass deep gorges and crevices with glittering cascading waterfalls. Glide across colourful alpine meadows, over numerous bridges, and through vineyards and forests of chestnut trees.

Day 5 - Lake Maggiore: Hotel Stay

During a leisurely day on the shores of Lake Maggiore, you could wander through Stresa’s cobbled streets, indulge in local cuisine at a lakeside café, or take a scenic cable car ride up Mottarone for breathtaking panoramic views.

Day 6- Lake Maggiore: Hotel Stay & Lake Como Tour

Today you’ll experience a tour of beautiful Lake Como. This stunning lake, nestled amid the Rhaetian Alps, boasts charming ancient villages, historic gardens and mesmerising lakeside villas.

Days 7 – 8 - Athens: Hotel Stay

Soaring mountains, UNESCO World Heritage sites, unspoilt green spaces and byzantine churches – Athens is a beguiling destination of beauty, mythology and history. The iconic Acropolis gazes out on urban sprawl from the heart of the city.

Day 9- Athens: Embark Ship

Step on board Holland America Line’s Oosterdam for a remarkable voyage to cherish. With its elegant design and sophisticated amenities, Oosterdam provides a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Day 10 - Relax At Sea 

Day 11 - Corfu

A captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Wander through Venetian streets, bask in golden sunsets, and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine. Immerse yourself in the island’s allure and create lifelong memories.

Day 12 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia’s “Pearl of the Adriatic,” enchants with medieval charm and coastal beauty. Historic city walls, cobblestone streets, and stunning views make it a captivating blend of history and scenery.

Day 13- Split

Embrace the Mediterranean allure of Split, Croatia. With its historic Diocletian’s Palace, stunning coastal views, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a city that invites you to explore the crossroads of history and modernity along the Dalmatian coast.

Day 14 - Trieste

Uncover Trieste’s allure: a city where history, literature, and grand architecture converge. Wander its streets, adorned with neoclassical and art-nouveau marvels, and feel the vibrant pulse that links past and present.

Day 15 - Relax At Sea

Day 16 - Sarandë

Sarandë is a coastal gem nestled in Albania’s embrace. Discover its turquoise waters, ancient ruins and warm hospitality. Let the Mediterranean charm and breathtaking vistas awaken your wanderlust and ignite your soul’s longing for adventure. 

Day 17 - Katakolon

Embark on a voyage to Katakolon, Greece’s coastal gem. Immerse yourself in its rich history, stroll along picturesque streets, and indulge in delectable cuisine. Let Katakolon awaken your passion for exploration and cultural immersion. 

Day 18 - Souda

Discover the maritime charm of Souda, Crete. With its tranquil bay, historic fortresses, and Mediterranean ambiance, it’s a place that invites you to explore the island’s rich history and savor the beauty of coastal Greece.

Day 19 - Athens

Soaring mountains, UNESCO World Heritage sites, unspoilt green spaces and byzantine churches – Wander through the lively streets of Plaka, adorned with quaint shops and charming tavernas, savouring the tantalising flavours of Greek cuisine.

Day 20 - Katakolon

Katakolon is a charming coastal village in Greece, located in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It’s best known as a gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, where the original Olympic Games were held. 

Day 21 - Sarandë

Sarandë’s ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals layers of history through its Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins, while Lekursi Castle crowning a nearby hill provides panoramic views of sea and city. 

Day 22 - Relax At Sea

Day 23 - Valletta

Discover Valletta, Malta’s captivating capital, where ornate palaces, museums, and historic fortifications await. Stroll the narrow streets with overhanging balconies, immerse in its rich heritage, and let Valletta’s charm inspire your every step.

Day 24 - Taormina

Explore Italy’s charming town of Taormina, with its ancient ruins and stunning views. Afterward, cruise through the scenic Strait of Messina and conclude your day with an evening sail past the dramatic Stromboli Volcano.

Day 25 - Naples

Unleash your wanderlust in Naples, Italy’s vibrant gem. With its stunning bay, Mount Vesuvius, and captivating attractions like the Royal Palace and Pompeii, Naples promises an enriching journey through history and natural beauty.

Day 26 - Civitavecchia

Embrace the allure of Civitavecchia, Italy—a gateway to timeless wonders. From its ancient Roman origins to its picturesque waterfront, let Civitavecchia transport you to a world of history, beauty, and unforgettable adventures 

Day 27 - Corsica

Ajaccio, nestled in Corsica’s embrace, captivates with Mediterranean beauty. Birthplace of Napoleon, this port city offers history, scenic landscapes, and a blend of French and island culture that enchants visitors.

Day 28 - Nice

Embrace the elegance of Nice, France’s glamorous jewel. With its sun-kissed beaches, charming old town, and vibrant promenade, this Mediterranean haven captivates with its timeless beauty, artistic flair, and delectable cuisine.

Day 29 - Relax At Sea

Days 30 – 31 - Barcelona: Disembark Ship & Hotel Stay

Today you’ll disembark Oosterdam in Barcelona, where you’ll delight in an overnight hotel stay. Marvel at artistic visionary Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Days 32 – 33 - Barcelona: Fly Home

Your holiday is complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.

Dates/Prices

*Pricing is per peson, twin share and is subject to changes and availability. Advertised price based on Adelaide departure. Departures from other capital cities available. Pricing correct as of 8 October 2024.