Viking Oceans Cruises – Cities of Antiquity (Italy, Malta, Greece) 15 Days

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Rome is brimming with graceful piazzas and historic enclaves. Across which, some 2,000 fountains feature and some stand out as sculptural masterpieces. The most famous is the baroque Trevi Fountain, whose coin-toss legend may secure a return trip to the “Eternal City.” In Piazza Navona, Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers stands, while in front of the Pantheon, the Fontana del Pantheon features an obelisk from the period of Ramses II (the 13th century BC) reaching skyward from a base adorned by four dolphins.

Shore Excursions – Snapshots of Rome
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Relax and take in the sights of Rome, admiring historic monuments and glorious architecture on a leisurely drive. Travel along some of the city’s most scenic routes. See ancient Roman sites, including the Aurelian Walls, Baths of Caracalla, Pyramid of Cestius, Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Admire the Arch of Constantine, the best triumphal arch in the city, built in 315 AD to celebrate Constantine’s victory at the battle of the Milvian Bridge. Drive along the elegant Via Veneto, enjoying views of Villa Borghese Park. At Piazza della Repubblica, admire the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Fountain of the Naiads. Afterward, you will head to central Rome where you will enjoy free time to explore on your own, before returning to your motor coach for the scenic drive back to your ship, with the great facade of iconic St. Peter’s Basilica in view.

Shore Excursions – The Etruscan Necropolises of Tarquinia
Duration: 4 hours
Seek a deeper understanding of Italy’s history on this outing, ideal for lovers of archaeology. Journey with a local guide to the ancient city of Tarquinia, founded in 449 BC. This was the principal metropolis of the 12 cities of the Etruscan League that thrived here long before the rise of the Roman Empire. Explore the fascinating Etruscan Necropolises, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 7th to the 2nd centuries BC, the numerous tombs, with their decorative frescoes, chronicle the development of Etruscan culture. Outside the city’s ancient quarters, visit the 15th-century Palazzo Vitelleschi, whose galleries and cloistered courtyard display an extensive collection recovered from the tombs, including fine examples of Etruscan sarcophagi. Its golden terra-cotta horses hint at the high degree of artistry that was prevalent in Etruscan society.

Naples, Italy
Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and has long been a major center of Italian culture. The city was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region’s finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Naples
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the highlights of Naples, a major center of Italian culture, during a scenic drive. Naples was the location of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years, luring the region’s finest architects and artists, yet its history stretches back thousands of years. See evidence of its rich past, from Greek and Roman monuments to Renaissance splendors. Embark on a coastal drive to Mergellina, a residential area that has long offered Neapolitans a respite from city life. Admire the many beautiful villas and enjoy photo stops that offer stunning views of the gulf and the city. Return to the city center to explore Piazza del Plebiscito on your own, perhaps the grandest public square in the city with the former Royal Palace of Naples overlooking its bustling square. You will also see the imposing medieval fortresses of Egg Castle and New Castle, before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Naples on Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the history of one of the world’s oldest cities during a guided walk. Set off on foot, passing historic monuments and through bustling squares. View Castel Nuovo, an imposing fortress that served as a residence for the kings of Anjou and Aragon, and the Spanish Viceroys of Naples. Step inside the 19th-century Galleria Umberto, a popular stop for Neapolitans to while away an afternoon as they linger over coffee. Head toward the Piazza Trieste and Trento and see the San Carlo Theater. Stroll through the pedestrian Piazza del Plebiscito, flanked by the Royal Palace of Naples and the Church of St. Francis. Along the way, pause for refreshments at a sidewalk café, so you can enjoy a Neapolitan pastry and espresso while soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Cap your tour with free time to explore on your own, before returning to your ship.

Sicily (Messina), Italy
Sicily has been shaped by countless civilizations, from Greek to Byzantine to Roman. When it fell under Spain’s purview in the 17th century, it was celebrated as one of Europe’s ten great cities. Surrounded by undulating mountains, orange and olive groves and vineyards are plentiful. During World War II, Messina was the destination of the unofficial “Race to Messina” between US General Patton and British Field Marshall Montgomery. In the end, Patton arrived just hours before his British comrade, receiving credit for securing Sicily.

Shore Excursions – Messina & Its Treasures
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Marvel at the architectural and artistic treasures held dear by the Sicilians of Messina. Meet your local guide for a short drive to the heart of Messina’s historic center. See the expansive Piazza Municipio, the Via Garibaldi and the Piazza Cairoli, the heart of Old Town. Drive along the Via Cannizzaro to view the university, court of law, and picturesque Corso Cavour. Continue along the north coast of Messina, which offers stunning vistas over Ganzirri Lake and the Capo Peloro. The saltwater lakes are used by fishermen to breed clams and mussels, which feature heavily in the local cuisine. Next, return to the pier to begin your guided walk. You will stroll to Cathedral Square and view the astronomical clock; it features one of the most extraordinary mechanical marvels in the world. After you will walk back to your ship.

Valletta, Malta
The Island of Malta has been shaped by countless civilizations. But it was the Knights of St. John who built Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This baroque wonder is one of Europe’s first cities planned and constructed from scratch, cut from local honey-colored limestone. The humble facades of its churches and palaces hide extravagant interiors of marble, tapestries and paintings. A stroll around the massive walls and bastions affords a striking bird’s-eye view of the cityscape and the spectacular Grand Harbor.

Shore Excursions – Malta’s Harbor by Boat
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy a cruise along Malta’s coastline, viewing natural harbors and historic battle sites. Board your motor coach and transfer to Sliema, where you will meet your skipper and take your seat for a leisurely cruise. As you sail, learn more about the island’s history. In Marsamxett Harbour, view Manoel Island, famous for the ruins of the Lazzaretto, a former quarantine hospital used to isolate seafarers entering the island during the 16th century. Continue to the Grand Harbour, sailing past the breakwater, built under British rule during the 20th century. You will cruise into small creeks, allowing you to take full advantage of the photo opportunities along the coast. Discover the legacies of the Knights of Malta as you view Fort Ricasoli, and see Fort Angelo, which withstood the Turks during the Great Siege of Malta. After your cruise, return to your awaiting ship.

Valletta, Malta
Valletta’s green space is at a premium in this tiny city. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, created in 1661 upon the St. Peter & Paul Bastion, are perched at the highest point of the city walls. The Knights of Malta once escaped the demands of court in this splendid and shady haven; its terraces offer sweeping views of the Grand Harbor and medieval warrens below. The centerpiece is a pair of arched walls surrounding a tranquil stone courtyard. Among the garden’s palm-lined lanes is a memorial to Winston Churchill.

Shore Excursions – Malta’s Harbor by Boat
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy a cruise along Malta’s coastline, viewing natural harbors and historic battle sites. Board your motor coach and transfer to Sliema, where you will meet your skipper and take your seat for a leisurely cruise. As you sail, learn more about the island’s history. In Marsamxett Harbour, view Manoel Island, famous for the ruins of the Lazzaretto, a former quarantine hospital used to isolate seafarers entering the island during the 16th century. Continue to the Grand Harbour, sailing past the breakwater, built under British rule during the 20th century. You will cruise into small creeks, allowing you to take full advantage of the photo opportunities along the coast. Discover the legacies of the Knights of Malta as you view Fort Ricasoli, and see Fort Angelo, which withstood the Turks during the Great Siege of Malta. After your cruise, return to your awaiting ship.

Sail the Ionian Sea
Sail the gateway to the Adriatic, marked by the sole of Italy’s boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

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.

Kalamáta, Greece
Kalamáta lies on the southern coast of Greece’s mainland and is the perfect base to see some of the country’s most impressive ancient sites. The Palace of Nestor is one of the best-preserved structures of the Mycenaean civilization, while the ancient capital of Messene showcases the ambitious planning of urban architecture of its time, with its impressive fortified city walls, amphitheater and temple dedicated Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. The Byzantine City of Mystras was second only to Constantinople at the height of its power and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shore Excursions – Palace of Nestor
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Discover the ruins of the Palace of Nestor, one of the best-preserved sites of the Mycenaean civilization. Begin your journey with a drive by motor coach to Navarino Bay, a deep natural harbor set on the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese. Here, you will visit the remains of the Palace of Nestor at Pylos. Built during the 13th century BC by the legendary king of the Homeric epics, the palace was almost completely destroyed by fire a century later. Extensive excavations viewed from an elevated platform offer a glimpse into what the palace once looked like; see the sprawling floorplan, including the throne room with its circular clay heath, discover various workshops and the wine cellar, and view the frescoes that adorn the palace walls. Take in the sweeping views of the bay and surrounding countryside before returning to your ship.

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.

Santorini (Thíra), Greece
Santorini is one of the most visually arresting islands in the Aegean. Its whitewashed capital of Thíra perches on a cliff 1,300 feet above the sea, offering spectacular views of this magnificent city and surrounding turquoise waters. Thíra’s winding streets are a delight to explore and its charming cafés invite lingering respites in the Cyclades sun. Not to be upstaged, the island and its surrounding islets also offer opportunities to experience fully the natural volcanic splendor, from thermal spring soaks to caldera hikes.

Shore Excursions – Summits & Countryside
Duration: 3 hours
Journey to Santorini’s northernmost peak to explore one of its prettiest towns. From our anchorage, you will tender to the island’s main port at Athinios. Meet your local guide here for a scenic drive to the cliffside village of Oia, where you will have an opportunity to stroll its narrow, cobblestone streets. Renowned for its whitewashed houses hugging the hills, azure-blue domes and triple bell towers, Oia is a remarkable sight. On a clear day, you may see spectacular views of the volcano of Palea and the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasía. Following your tour, enjoy free time to further explore the village on your own, perhaps browsing the small shops and boutiques for the perfect memento. Later, return to Thíra, where you will descend via cable car down to the tender pier for the transfer to your awaiting 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.

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.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.