Oosterdam: 11-Night Cruise from Piraeus (Athens) - May 4, 2027

With 12 hours hours in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. The bazaar area is lively and colorful, filled with spices, textiles, ceramics, and local souvenirs.

Your cruise ends in Istanbul, Turkey, where the Oosterdam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Taking a local ferry along the Bosphorus is one of the simplest and most rewarding experiences in Istanbul.

Your cruise departs from Istanbul, Turkey on the Oosterdam. We strongly recommend flying in the day before - flight delays and cancellations happen, and the ship won't wait. Use the extra time to explore Istanbul, Turkey and start your trip relaxed. Complete your online check-in before arrival. Carry small cash for markets, though cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops.

The Oosterdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Mykonos, Greece are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Mykonos Town is the island's heart, with narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful doors and shutters.

Your ship arrives in Souda Bay at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. A short drive from Souda Bay brings you to Chania's old town, a maze of narrow lanes, waterfront cafes, and historic buildings.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. One moment you are enjoying a coffee by the water and the next you are walking through the ruins where the Olympic Games began.

The Oosterdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Sarande, Albania are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Perched above the town, Lekuresi Castle offers panoramic views of Sarande and the Ionian coast.

Your ship arrives in Dubrovnik, Croatia at 8:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. A full loop around the historic walls offers unforgettable views over red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea.

Your cruise ends in Trieste, Italy, where the Oosterdam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Visit the stunning Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic.