Viking Oceans Cruises – Ancient Adriatic Treasures (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey) 15 Days

Venice (Chioggia), Italy
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Chioggia is a charming fishing community located at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon and steeped in age-old seafaring traditions. Its combination of canals, bridges and fishing boats have lent it the nickname “Little Venice.” Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, the main pedestrian street of Corso del Popolo exudes a lively atmosphere amid the aroma of delicious fresh seafood dishes. Chioggia shares a long history of cultural and economic ties with Venice, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is a scenic journey by water taxi from the capital of the Veneto region.

Venice (Chioggia), Italy
The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon’s canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice’s powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice’s transport network.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Chioggia by Foot
Duration: 1 hour
Explore lively Chioggia, set at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, during a brief walking excursion. One of Italy’s largest fishing communities and known as “Little Venice,” Chioggia exudes Italian charm, from its intriguing layout to its elegant palaces and colorful houses overlooking the canals. Transfer by boat to the Ponte di Vigo, where you will begin your tour admiring the views overlooking the lagoon. Set out with your guide through the narrow, cobblestone calli (“streets”) and learn about Chioggia’s history. See the 14th-century church of Saint Domenico and the fishing boats that line the nearby canal; the Gothic-style Palazzo Grassi, the Goldoni Palace and the St. Andrew Tower Clock—the second-oldest clock in the world. Cap your journey at the impressive Chioggia Cathedral, the most sacred building in the village, before returning to your ship at your leisure.

Shore Excursions – Venice On Your Own
Duration: 8 hours
Discover the fabled city of Venice, from its lagoon to famous St. Mark’s Square, during an independent exploration. From your berth in Chioggia, set off on a leisurely panoramic cruise, passing magnificent waterside palazzos and piazzas and peering down the lapping, narrow canals that weave their way into this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s medieval corridors. Disembark at the landing pontoon next to Palazzo Cornoldi, then begin your exploration of Venice. You may decide to take a short walk to beautiful St. Mark’s Square, crossing the four elegant bridges that link the waterfront. Enjoy free time to visit the splendid Gothic-Byzantine St. Mark’s Basilica and its grand Campanile bell tower and admire the Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco and other nearby attractions. At the end of your stay in Venice, you will return to Palazzo Cornoldi and begin the transfer back to your ship.

Split, Croatia
Built around the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian, Split is one of Croatia’s oldest cities. Its promenade commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. Despite evidence of Split’s origins in the 6th century BC, the city is traditionally considered over 1,700 years old—counting from the construction of the palace. Its well-preserved remains have been seamlessly assimilated into the modern city. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace’s heart and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian’s ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral.

Shore Excursions -Split Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Walk through Split’s 17 centuries of architecture on this included walking tour. Because we are berthed close to the historic city center, you will stroll with your guide to the old quarter. Split is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic, built around the 4th-century palace erected for Roman Emperor Diocletian as a retirement haven. What is left of his sprawling home has been seamlessly incorporated into modern Split. Explore the city center around the palace and make your way along its charming cobblestone streets, passing beautiful pre-Romanesque churches and Gothic chapels. In the palace complex, you will descend into the well-preserved cellars. Stop to admire the stunning bell tower at the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the patron saint of Split. At the end of the tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth.” It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city’s Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary, housing the world’s oldest working pharmacy and a fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Shore Excursions – Dubrovnik on Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Explore one of the world’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities during a guided walk through Dubrovnik. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik was once a major maritime republic and trading power. Meet your guide and transfer by motor coach to the heart of the city to begin your exploration; see its beauty up close as you enter the cobblestoned Old Town on foot through the historic Pile Gate. Follow the Stradun—the marbled main pedestrian way that gleams from centuries of footsteps—to the Dominican Monastery, where you can view a fine collection of Renaissance paintings. You will also pass the Sponza Palace, the Baroque Church of St. Blaise and the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain, a marvel of medieval engineering that transports water from the Rijeka Dubrovačka spring to the city. After, enjoy free time to explore more on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is Montenegro’s picturesque capital set amid glorious mountains and dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs soar above the narrow Kotor ria—a submerged river canyon often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Kotor is also home to one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved medieval Old Towns. The charms of this red-roofed city are endless, from the mismatched towers of its Romanesque cathedral to its narrow streets. Its stunning Venetian walls were built in 1420, remnants from Kotor’s nearly 300 years as a province of the Venetian Republic.

Shore Excursions – Kotor on Foot
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Discover the charms of this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between limestone cliffs and a bay. From your ship, take the short walk with your guide to Kotor’s network of cobblestone streets. In the main square, you will see the Venetian walls that surround the city. Constructed in 1420, they have been reinforced through the centuries and stand well-preserved today. You will also visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a remarkable repository of 14th-century frescoes and valuable artifacts. Over the centuries, the building has suffered earthquake damage—as evidenced by its mismatched towers, one of which was rebuilt with meager funds after a tremor. At the maritime museum, set in a historic building, browse an engaging exhibit depicting the seafaring heritage of Kotor. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece
Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu’s Old Town and Fortress—fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic—constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe’s largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Corfu & Old Town Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Take in the highlights of Corfu during a scenic drive and a guided walk of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board your motor coach and set out for Kanoni with your guide—this historic peninsula offers sweeping views of tiny Pontikonisi Island, or Mouse Island, and the Vlacherna Monastery. Pause for photographs before continuing past the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the gates of the late Georgian Mon Repos Villa, once a residence of the Greek Royal Family and the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Past Garitsa Bay, you will reach Corfu’s Old Town. Enjoy a guided stroll down the famous Esplanade, one of Europe’s largest public squares; elegant Liston promenade, once reserved for aristocracy; the Old Fortress; Durrell Gardens; and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, former residence of the British High Commissioner. Later, return to your awaiting ship.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
Katakolon is huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. Nearby, the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese are a bounty of olive groves, vineyards and orchards, and lead to the legendary city of Olympia. The well-kept ruins here transport visitors back to the days of the earliest athletes who competed for nothing less than the favor of the gods. The remains evoke the glory of the Games, and the Olympia Archaeological Museum features statues that once overlooked the site.

Shore Excursions – Ancient Olympia
Duration: 4 hours
Step back in time to the first Olympic Games on an excursion to the magnificent setting in which they began. Drive with your guide into the breathtaking fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese, passing olive groves, vineyards and orchards. On a spectacular mountain plain in the shadow of Mt. Kronos, walk among the remains of the first Olympic Park, established in 776 BC. See the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and once home to a gold-and-ivory statue of the Greek god. Admire the Temple of Hera and circular Philippeion temple. Marvel at the stadium, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore more. You may choose to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum and its remarkable collection, including the stone head of Hera; or explore Modern Olympia on your own before returning to your ship.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—built more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece
For a more intimate experience of Athens, the charming Plaka District invites guests with its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes. Neoclassical architecture lines the narrow streets of the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” so named for its location. Browsing its shops or simply perusing its nooks and crannies are pastimes favored by visitors and locals alike. This historic area is the ideal setting in which to enjoy traditional small plates of meze and a sip of ouzo.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Athens & Archaeological Museum
Duration: 4 hours
See the highlights of Athens by motor coach and visit the National Archaeological Museum. From the port of Piraeus, journey with your guide into ancient Athens. You will pass the small harbor of Zea, whose 5th-century BC dock still survives, and the elegant promenade at Mikrolimano. In the center of historic Athens, you will see the Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma (Constitution) Square, as well as the distinctively uniformed Presidential Guard, or “Evzones,” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Your scenic drive also includes views of Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Following the panoramic tour, you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s great museums. Its vast array of exhibits provides a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of prehistory to Late Antiquity.

Crete (Heraklion), Greece
Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s earliest recorded civilization. Its capital, Heraklion, grew from the riches of the Venetian Empire, which ruled here for four centuries. Crete enjoyed a Renaissance building boom that helped bolster Heraklion as the region’s most strongly fortified city. The island is blessed with generous beaches, soaring mountains and coursing rivers. It is also where the distinct mantinades—couplets of love accompanied by Cretan instruments—could break out at any number of cafés where patrons sip tsikoudia, a grape-based brandy distilled in the hills.

Shore Excursions – Heraklion & Archaeological Museum
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the Venetian influences of the Cretan capital during visits to some of its key landmarks. Join your guide for a short drive to Heraklion’s Old Town, passing the city’s remarkably preserved walls and Old Venetian Harbor; visit the renovated Heraklion Archaeological Museum and learn the history of the Minoan Civilization. Next, take a short stroll to Dimokratias Square (Liberty Square), following the inviting Dedalou pedestrian way toward the city center. At Lions Square, you will have free time to explore on your own, perhaps at the Venetian-era Lions Fountain. You can also stop at the St. Titus mosque-turned-basilica, or at the city’s famed Loggia, a 16th-century Venetian masterwork of arched arcades in the Piazza dei Signori, one of Europe’s best-renovated and best-preserved monuments. After, perhaps linger a while at a café before returning to your ship.

Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is home to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a remarkable fortification. Its historic quarter is Europe’s largest active medieval town. Outside the city, forests of pine and cypress blanket mountain slopes; vineyards and groves of citrus and olives soak up the Aegean sun. The Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered the island in the 14th century, bringing great wealth from the Holy Land. Under their rule, the city was reconstructed to mirror the medieval ideal. Many of the buildings from this era remain and make for rewarding strolls.

Shore Excursions – Rhodes Town Walk & Palace of the Grand Master
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Get an excellent overview of the Old Town of Rhodes, Europe’s largest active medieval town. Set out on foot to discover the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide at our berth and walk the short distance to the city walls, passing through the imposing gate to explore the cobblestone streets. First, head to the Street of the Knights, a narrow byway with medieval structures rising on either side. You will pass colorful shops and the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, now home to an archaeological museum. This historic lane ends at the most colossal building of medieval Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master. Built during the 14th century, its exterior features crenellated walls, massive towers and an unmistakable medieval aura. Step inside to glimpse its mosaic floors and collection of medieval furniture, before returning to your ship.

Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey
One of antiquity’s best-preserved cities, Ephesus offers an unparalleled look into the lives of the ancients. Many of its ruins have endured from the time Ephesus was one of the largest metropolises of the ancient world. Excavations reach back to the 10th century BC, when this city hosted one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. Today, Ephesus is still full of wonders: the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the massive amphitheater that once sat 25,000 spectators and residences adorned with frescoes.

Shore Excursions – Ancient Ephesus
Duration: 3 hours
Explore one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world as you walk the length of ancient Kuretes Street. Stroll from Ephesus’s upper gate to its lower gate. Join your guide on a scenic drive through the stunning countryside of Selçuk to the Magnesian Gate, the ancient city entrance at the top of Kuretes Street. Then follow a gently descending route through one of the Roman Empire’s most powerful outposts. Navigate some steps along the way, passing the finely crafted 2nd-century Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Great Theater, able to host 25,000 spectators. Marvel at the most recognizable building in the city, the Library of Celsus, built to house 12,000 scrolls. Its colonnaded facade is an outstanding example of a typical Roman public building. You will have free time to browse the craft stalls at the lower gate before returning to your ship.

Troy (Çanakkale), Turkey
Çanakkale was an object of desire dating back to the ancient Greeks. Today, the nearby ruins of Troy, once a powerhouse of Asia Minor, provide a glimpse of the region’s former glory. The remarkably preserved structures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offer hints of life here in the days of Alexander the Great and the later Roman Emperor Augustus. But it is the fabled Trojan Horse that is most prominent here. In Homer’s Iliad, the wooden steed gave ancient Greeks entry to the city during the Trojan War, and its legend is still very much alive today.

Shore Excursions – Çanakkale & Troy
Duration: 4 hours
Explore legendary Troy with an expert guide and take in the sights of Çanakkale. You will meet your guide and drive into Anatolia to view the incredibly preserved city of Troy—once a thriving ancient city of Asia Minor, today this archaeological site shows evidence that as many as nine settlements existed on this spot over millennia. It is most remembered as the setting of the Trojan War, described by Homer in the Iliad. Troy saw its peak as part of the Roman Empire under Augustus, but lost its sway as Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire rose to prominence. Hear the story of Helen of Troy and see the walls that were besieged during the famous war. As you explore, your guide will share insights that bring the city’s rich history to life. Later, return to Çanakkale for an orientation tour and time to explore on your own before returning to your ship.

Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul exudes a fascinating mix of Western and Eastern cultures. Its strategic locale led to its role as a significant center of trade—eventually becoming a cultural crossroads along the world-famous Silk Road. One of the city’s stunning centerpieces is Hagia Sophia, founded as a basilica, converted to a mosque, then a museum; it is now a mosque again and features exquisite mosaics and frescoes. The city’s Grand Bazaar offers a rich taste of Turkish culture, from a vast selection of carpets and fabric to luscious dates and the local sweet favorite, Turkish Delight.

Shore Excursions – Istanbul Cityscape
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Journey into the heart of Istanbul, visiting a beautifully tiled, seldom-seen mosque and the bustling Spice Bazaar. Join your guide for a scenic drive along the ancient Walls of Constantinople, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing portions that date from the 4th century. You will stop at the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, built in 1561. This is one of the city’s hidden treasures, often ignored in favor of the “Blue Mosque” that towers beside it. Inside, you will find exquisitely colored İznik tiles of blue, red, green and purple covering the entrance, the pulpit and its columns—considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman ceramic art. Next, travel to the famous Spice Bazaar for a sensory experience that reflects Istanbul’s role as a crossroads of trade between East and West. Its mix of colors and scents will enchant your senses as you browse the vendor stalls. After, return to your ship.

Istanbul, Turkey
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.