Viking Oceans Cruises – Greek Odyssey (Greece, Turkey) 11 Days

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.

Volos, Greece
Volos was built in a region once occupied by ancient Greek cities—including Iolcos, home of the fabled Jason, seeker of the Golden Fleece. It is the gateway to Meteora, where spectacular monasteries perch upon towering pinnacles of rock. Hermit monks lived in caves at the bases of these pillars as early as the 9th century. As the Ottomans encroached, the monks looked heavenward to build these fortress-like sanctuaries as safe havens. Today, some are accessible by stairway, footpath or road.

Shore Excursions – Traditional Greek Villages & Archaeological Museum
Duration: 4 hours
Visit the picturesque villages of beautiful Mt. Pelion and learn about Greece’s earliest civilizations. Take a short drive to the Archaeological Museum of Volos. See exhibitions of artifacts from the Sesklo culture, developed circa 6000 BC, including jewelry, household utensils and clay figurines. After this interesting visit, board your motor coach for a drive through the scenic Mt. Pelion region. This was the homeland of Chiron the Centaur, tutor of mythological heroes such as Achilles and Hercules. The diverse landscape is a mix of mountains falling precipitously toward the Aegean Sea and lush valleys covered with fruit trees, dense forests and abundant streams. Just outside Volos, you will pass by picturesque Anakasia, Katochori and Portaria. Perched on mountain slopes, these traditional villages feature many whitewashed, half-timbered stone houses. Arrive in beautiful Makrinitsa, where you will have free time to explore the traditional residences, small churches, cafés and scenic vistas at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Thessaloníki, Greece
Thessaloníki is the capital of Greek Macedonia. This splendid metropolis on the Thermaic Gulf was founded around 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon, who named it for his wife, a half sister of Alexander the Great. Centuries later, it rivaled Constantinople in its importance as an administrative and power center of the Byzantine Empire. During the Middle Ages, impressive buildings were built here as monuments to Christianity. Today, 15 of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the imposing city walls and the 8th-century Church of Hagia Sophia.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Thessaloníki
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the blend of ancient history and exciting modern life in Thessaloníki. Drive by motor coach to the iconic White Tower and head on foot to the Archaeological Museum, where you will learn about the city’s past through exhibitions that explore the prehistoric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. After, continue by coach to the International Trade Fair and Aristotle University of Thessaloníki, the largest in Greece, and onward to the ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf. Next, head to the Church of St. Demetrios—this imposing 5th-century Byzantine structure was built to honor the Christian martyr and patron saint of Thessaloníki. Gaze upon its beautifully restored frescoes and visit the crypt where, according to legend, Demetrios was imprisoned, then return to your ship along the bustling Egnatia Road.

Scenic Sailing: Mt. Athos
Mt. Athos is a finger-like peninsula pointing into the Aegean Sea. Its namesake summit rises to 6,670 feet from steep slopes dense with forests. This rugged coast may appear uninhabitable, but nestled among its soaring peaks are 20 Orthodox Christian monasteries. Monks from throughout the Balkans and Russia have lived austere lives here since as early as 800 AD. So sacred is this land that the monastic residents forbid the free movement of people and goods without permission from the Monastic State’s officials.

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.

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.

Crete (Souda Bay), Greece
Souda Bay enjoys a picturesque setting between Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula and Cape Drapano. Historic fortifications, vestiges from the island’s days under the Venetian Empire, greet ships at the mouth of the long bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. Beyond, the island of Crete 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 – Scenic Chania by Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Explore vibrant Chania, one of the oldest cities in Europe, during a guided walk through its Old Town. Meet your guide and set out on foot through the winding streets of Chania’s Old Town. Once a major city-state of the mysterious Minoan Kingdom, modern Chania was built upon the foundations of the Greek city of Kydonia. Its importance led to several waves of occupation over the centuries, remnants of which can be seen in the mix of eastern and western influences that permeate the city today—as you explore, you will see Ottoman mosques, Minoan ruins and Byzantine churches, reflecting this vibrant cultural and architectural blend. Continue your stroll, passing by old dockyards and viewing a 15th-century lighthouse. At the end of your excursion, you will have free time to explore further on your own, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio is a remarkably preserved coastal gem on the Peloponnese peninsula. Its richly historic neighborhoods are tucked between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos, which is home to the diminutive 15th-century Bourtzi island fortress. Nearby on a hillside stands the magnificent ancient site of Mycenae. From this rock-carved city, the Mycenaean civilization held sway over much of the Mediterranean between approximately 1500 and 1100 BC, and was most notable for being the home of the mythological conqueror of Troy, King Agamemnon.

Shore Excursions – Old Town Nafplio On Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the charming seaside city of Nafplio and visit the local archaeological museum. Meet your guide at the pier and set out on foot to explore the Old Town. Gaze upon the elegant neoclassical buildings that line the harbor, then proceed to Kapodistriou Park to see the statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a Greek independence leader who led the siege of the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress that towers over the city. Walk the narrow streets and see a succession of elegant Venetian houses before heading to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio to learn about the earliest inhabitants of the Argos province, from hunter-gatherers to the sophisticated Bronze Age Mycenaeans. After, you may choose to walk back to your ship or explore the Old Town further on your own, perhaps calling at one of its many cafés or seeking out a memento of your trip in the local shops.

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