Visit Tauck's online message board, Ask & Share to start a discussion or ask other travelers a question about Tauck's Mediterranean Sea cruise, Cruising Mediterranean Shores
It's great to know that someone else has signed up for this tour. We're from the Louisville, Ky area and will be traveling with friends from Dallas, TX. I'm sure you will love traveling with Tauck. This will be our 11th tour and we have had...
Request a Brochure -
Join our mailing list to
receive our free full-color
brochures by mail.
E-Newsletter - Register
for our e-newsletter and
get the latest news and
offers from Tauck delivered
by e-mail.
Share your favorite travel photos taken while traveling on a Tauck vacation, and enter them in our photo contest for a chance to win travel vouchers for Tauck World Discovery.
Join us for Cruising Mediterranean Shores, an exploration of some of the most culturally rich, historically fascinating and scenically beautiful countries on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend two nights in Rome discovering the many charms of the “Eternal City” before setting sail on Holland America Line’s lovely Vista-Class vessel, ms Noordam, bound for Mediterranean Sea ports of call in Italy, Sicily, Tunisia, Spain and Monaco. Tour Monaco’s glittering capital, Monte-Carlo, and discover Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. Italy beckons with visits to Tuscany, Naples and Pompeii. Savour a day in Sicily and sample Spain in fabulous Barcelona and lovely Palma de Majorca. Visit Tunisia and explore the ruins of ancient Carthage. Magical ports of call in the Mediterranean Sea await your pleasure on Mediterranean tours on this cruise with Tauck!
If you’d like to make your European vacation last a little longer, consider a Sicily Extension after your cruise ends.
Welcome to Rome! Your Mediterranean cruise begins at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton at 6:30 p.m. A transfer from the airport to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton is included. Please join us this evening to meet your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner. Meals: Dinner Lodging: Rome Cavalieri Hilton, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, Rome, Italy
Day 2: Roman holiday before your Mediterranean Sea voyage
Ancient Rome unfolds before you as you view the Circus Maximum, Piazza Barberini and Bernini’s famous fountain, the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum during a morning sightseeing tour. The remainder of the day is yours to spend exploring Rome as you choose. Meals: Breakfast Lodging: Rome Cavalieri Hilton, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, Rome, Italy
• Day 3: Views of the Vatican
A guided visit of the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the famed Sistine Chapel, precedes your travels to the port of Civitavecchia to board ms Noordam. This evening, ms Noordam sets sail across the blue Mediterranean Sea. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 4: Treasures under the Tuscan sun ms Noordam arrives in Tuscany for a full day of exploration. View the Romanesque churches and Roman amphitheatre enclosed by the medieval walls of Lucca, before traveling to Pisa for a walking tour of the "Square of Miracles." Anchored at each corner are outstanding examples of medieval architecture – of which the famous Leaning Tower is just one. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 5: Monte-Carlo and the French Riviera Your day begins with a guided tour of glamorous Monte-Carlo, followed by time to explore a bit on your own. Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the fabled French Riviera to tour the magnificent mansion of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothchild and enjoy her seven beautifully fragrant gardens, each one inspired by a place to which she traveled – this is one of the most delightful spots along the Mediterranean Sea! Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 6: Sailing the Mediterranean Sea to Barcelona Today is yours to enjoy aboard the ms Noordam as you choose, and there is so much from which to choose! Sample the pampering services of the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or enjoy a workout in the fully equipped Fitness Center. Enjoy a gourmet demonstration in the new Culinary Arts Center or participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration. Try your luck at the on-board Casino, go to a movie, or check your e-mail in the Explorations Café. Enjoy a soak in the whirlpool or laze by the swimming pools. A day as you please as you cruise to Barcelona. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 7: Best of Barcelona – Gaudi and Picasso Arrive in Barcelona where sightseeing includes the Gothic quarter, Las Ramblas and El Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi I Cornet’s famous unfinished cathedral. Following a special lunch, you can spend the remainder of the day discovering the charms of Barcelona in your own way; admission is included for a visit to the Picasso Museum. For Tauck guests only - private shuttle bus transfers between the ship and the city. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 8: Magic of Majorca There are few islands in the Mediterranean Sea more lovely than Majorca in the Balearic Islands. The summer home of Spanish royals since the days of Prince Juan Carlos I of Spain, the island has had a turbulent history, having once occupied by the Romans and the Moors, to name but two conquerors, and was frequently sacked by the Vikings. Explore the capital city of Palma de Majorca and the 14th-century village of Valldemossa. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 9: A day at sea en route to Tunisia A day at sea brings another opportunity to enjoy the many amenities of Holland America Line's Vista-Class ship as she heads south on a full day’s sail to the North African coast. Dining is a pleasure as the culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of the freshest produce and the highest quality choice cut meats and seafood available. From a quick bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in the elegant Vista Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 10: Treasures in Tunis and Carthage Discover the magnificent Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum and take a walk through the streets of Mdina with a local guide. After exploring the spectacular ruins of ancient Carthage, visit Sidi Bou Said, a charming artists’ community on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 11: A look at Sicilian antiquities An array of multi-cultural influences shaped the character of Palermo, from architecture to cuisine. Admire the beauty of the Palazzo dei Normani, the grace of the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria, the magnitude of the Teatro Massimo and the eccentric decorations of the Porto Nuovo. Sample an authentic taste of Palermo at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties and enjoy free time to spend as you wish. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
• Day 12: Remnants of Pompeii Visit the poignant site of ancient Pompeii, where you'll explore remnants of the city unearthed after the massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried the city in volcanic ash. Take a guided tour of Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples and view one of the world's greatest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities; alternatively, spend the afternoon seeing Naples on your own or relaxing back aboard ms Noordam. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
Day 13: Journey Home Tauck's Mediterranean Sea cruise ends in Rome. After disembarking ms Noordam this morning, a transfer is included from the ship to catch your flight home. Your Tauck Mediterranean Sea cruise ends at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport 2 ½ hours prior to the departure of our selected flights(s). Meals: Breakfast
Michaelangelo and Picasso would agree –
Tauck's Mediterranean Sea voyage is worth booking now!
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and ship accommodations, motor coach and ship transportation, port charges, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, and the services of the Tauck Director and local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino. Transportation will be provided to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided we have your updated flight information at least two weeks before the start of the tour. On the last day of the tour, Tauck will provide one group transfer from the ms Noordam at 9:30 AM to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. We suggest that you allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Hotel and Ship Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and ship accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. Aboard the ms Noordam, triples consist of two lower twin beds and one sofa bed.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. You will receive a $200 USD shipboard voucher for wine with dinner aboard the ms Noordam.
Tauck Director –Each “CruisingMediterraneanShores” tour is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Double Groups – Due to the popularity of this journey, there may be a group of up to 80 Tauck guests. Larger group departures will be hosted by two Tauck Directors.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for Tauck Directors, restaurant, hotel and ship staffs, and local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Not included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the .
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journeysection on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer toTauck Travel Protectionfor more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the , you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the . By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to the cruise line prior to your embarkation. This information will be collected by Holland prior to boarding the ship in Civatavecchia.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking. The tour begins at 6:30 PM local time at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Your tour ends at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino at 9:30 AM.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning - The hotel, ship and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Most days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Breezy days at sea and cool evenings will require warmer, layered clothing.
Daily life aboard the ms Noordam and in ports of call is casual. For daytime we recommend shorts, slacks, sundresses, and short-sleeved shirts. For poolside, we suggest bringing several bathing outfits, cover-ups, deck shoes, and a sun hat. For onshore excursions it is very important to pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in. As weather is unpredictable, bring along a sweater, a water-proof windbreaker and a collapsible umbrella. Please note that tee shirts, jeans and shorts are not permitted n the ship’s dining room or public areas.
Each night, a daily program will be delivered to your stateroom announcing the suggested dress for the following evening. There are three types of attire required for evening wear:
Formal nights – there will be one to three of these nights on this cruise where a tuxedo or dark suit for men is preferred, but a jacket and tie is perfectly acceptable, and a gown, pantsuit or dress for women is in order
Informal nights – where blazers, but not ties, are required for men and cocktail dresses for women are appropriate
Casual nights - where khakis and polo shirts or resort wear are appropriate
Valet laundry and dry-cleaning service is available at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton and aboard the ms Noordam. For safety reasons, no ironing is permitted in any stateroom aboard the ms Noordam. Each stateroom is equipped with a hairdryer.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for cruising on the Mediterranean Sea:
Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks and short-sleeve shirts
Optional tuxedo or dark suit for men
Jacket and tie for men
Casually-elegant evening wear for ladies
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
Swimwear and cover-ups
A light sweater or jacket for the cooler days or a breezy night
Binoculars
Insect repellent
Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
Lightweight, comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
Deck shoes
Water-proof windbreaker and collapsible umbrella
Travel alarm clock
Daypack for camera equipment
Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room or stateroom while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,370 feet (411 meters) in Lucca and Pisa. Most time is spent at sea level.
Health - To fully enjoy this tour’s itinerary, you should be in good health, and able to walk reasonable distances often over uneven ground as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Many of the sites visited were built in antiquity and have many steps and inclines. It is important that you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in. The amount of walking that you choose to do, however, is at your discretion.
If you are unable to walk on your own, a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Holland America Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. In order to accommodate their guests, wheelchairs are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation situations. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you. Situations may occur in which mobility-impaired guests may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the captain shall make the final determination regarding the carrying of mobility-impaired guests and their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, the ship’s location, and the weight of the guest.
Although Tauck can accommodate wheelchairs on this tour, we regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for embarking or disembarking the cruise ship, walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you. We strongly advise against the use of wheelchair-scooters on this tour. If you routinely require oxygen, please notify Tauck so that special arrangements can be made.
A doctor and limited medical facilities are available on board. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you as they may not be available. Medical services and all medicines dispensed to you by the ship's doctor will be charged to your shipboard account. If you need to bring and use syringes on board, we request that you bring a ‘sharps box’ and that you contact the shipboard medical infirmary for disposal instructions.
The ms Noordam is registered in The Netherlands. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches. On board the ship, smoking is allowed in certain designated staterooms and some public rooms, but is not allowed in the show lounges, dining rooms and all food service areas.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to any of the countries on this itinerary. For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, , The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the ). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions:
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies on enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees and frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
As of June 2006, many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg), per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General:
Although oversized bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a citizen, you will need a passport to enter , , , and ; however, you will not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of each of the countries on this itinerary to determine what travel documentation is required.
Tauck strongly recommends that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, Tauck recommends that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and back sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children – Many countries have specific entry requirements for children less than 21 years of age who are traveling with or without both parents. Usually a notarized letter, signed by the parent or parents not traveling with the child and stating the name of the child, the adult guardian, the itinerary and dates of travel, and the flight number, is required. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires you to comply with the regulations of the country you are visiting. This information is available from each country’s consulate. Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, Tauck does offer for download a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, and when sightseeing or when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not impact others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for the destinations to which you are traveling.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in , , and is the Euro. In the currency is the Tunisian Dinar.
Money can be exchanged at exchange bureaus and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the most cost effective and convenient method of obtaining money.
When you board the ms Noordam, your shipboard account will be activated and you may make purchases by simply showing your guest identification card and signing a receipt. On embarkation day, you will need to register your credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) in order to use your account for shipboard purchases. Your card will be pre-authorized for 60 USD per person for each day of your cruise. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final statement, and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Please inform your credit or debit card issuer in advance that your card will be used on a Holland America ship. This will help prevent delays in obtaining pre-authorization on board. Some banks may keep the pre-authorization in place for up to 30 days. If you do not want to use a credit or debit card, the ship will collect a cash deposit from you at time of boarding in the same pre-authorization amount. Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Travelers’ checks may be cashed at the front office to make your deposit. Personal checks are not accepted on board.
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of your tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the alcohol and tobacco that can be a part of this exemption - one-liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at www.cbp.gov.
All the countries on this tour currently levy a Value Added Tax (VAT) of approximately 16 to 20% on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. If you bring electrical devices that are not compatible with this system, you may want to bring the appropriate adapters and converters. Aboard the ms Noordam, each stateroom is equipped with 110 V and 220 V, AC, electrical outlets.
Time Zones – All of the destinations on this tour share the same time zone; they are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – The western Mediterranean Sea is an area where the climate is temperate and unpredictable. As a general rule you can expect temperatures to range from 60 to 95°F (16 to 35°C) during the summer and from 45 to 75°F (7 to 24°C) during the spring and fall but be prepared for occasional extremes.
