Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Amalfi Coast, Africa & Iberia(Italy, Tunisia, Spain) 8 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.

Salerno, Italy
Best known as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts a rich history and its founding dates back more than 2,500 years. Its heyday came under Norman rule, when its medical school became the foremost institution of its kind in Europe. During World War II, the late summer of 1943 saw heavy fighting in Salerno during Operation Avalanche, the landing of Allied troops on Italian shores. Miraculously, much of the ancient city survived the heavy fighting. Today, its winding, narrow streets are an invitation for further exploration beyond the newly renovated shoreside boulevard.

Shore Excursions – Explore Amalfi
Duration: 4 hours
Sail along one of the world’s most magnificent coasts en route to exploring the stunning seaside village of Amalfi. Board a motorboat and meet your skipper, who will offer tips on how to spend your time in Amalfi as you cruise across the Gulf of Salerno. Surrounded by steep cliffs and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a maritime trading power. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Visit its historic center, strolling along the narrow lanes winding their way through the village. Or stop in the main square to admire the facade of the 11th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew, a beautiful mix of Italian Gothic and arabesque architectural elements. Alternatively, investigate the popular shops in search of the perfect memento, or sip on a refreshing beverage in a café. Cap your excursion by boarding your boat and returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Explore Sorrento
Duration: 5 hours
Set out to explore Sorrento, famed for its breathtaking views, quaint atmosphere and historic charm. Begin your excursion with a panoramic drive with views over the coastline. Upon arrival in Sorrento you will join a guided walk around the Villa Comunale di Sorrento, a serene park in the heart of the town. Perched on a cliffside, the park offers vistas over the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius and the islands of Capri and Ischia. Stroll amid the manicured gardens and centuries old olive trees, then visit the nearby Cloister of the Church of San Francesco D’Assisi; it was built during the 14th century on the ruins of a 7th-century monastery. After time for photos, return to the main square for a woodwork demonstration and enjoy free time to explore independently. Perhaps browse the stores or sip a refreshing limoncello at a local bar. After, return to your ship.

Sicily (Palermo), Italy
Palermo, the Sicilian capital, is noted for its culture and culinary scene. Bustling open markets can be found across the city offering seasonal fresh produce as well as traditional tasty morsels, such as arancini (fried rice balls) and sfincione (focaccia topped with sweet tomato sauce). The city is also filled with historic gems, such as the stunning Royal Palace of Palermo—a fine example of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this lavish palace is one of Europe’s oldest private residence.

Shore Excursions -Panoramic Palermo & Surroundings
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
See Palermo and its surroundings; visit an important religious site. Embark by motor coach via elegant Libertà, a wide, tree-lined avenue full of high-end shops. See the neoclassical-styled Palermo Opera House, the Muslim-influenced Palermo Cathedral and the Quattro Canti with its statues symbolizing the four seasons, four historically important Spanish kings and the city’s four patron saints. Admire the Palazzo Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Marina on your way to Santa Rosalia Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided exploration of this sacred pilgrimage site and its precious relics before passing Mount Pellegrino, which provides a looming backdrop to Palermo. Continue to Mondello, a former fishing village that has been transformed into a beautiful seaside resort with opulent villas and quaint houses, for a guided tour of this charming locale.

Tunis (La Goulette), Tunisia
Tunis is a vibrant mix of North African tradition and French influences. The modern city revolves around Avenue Habib Bourguiba, affectionately called the “Champs-Élysées” for its colonial buildings, shops and cafés. A drive along this lively tree-lined boulevard and a walk through the passageways of the city’s souks reveal contrasting views of ancient and modern Tunisia. The nearby ancient city of Carthage was the capital of the Carthaginian Republic, a powerhouse in the Mediterranean for centuries. A stroll around this UNESCO site opens a window to antiquity.

Shore Excursions – Tunis Highlights & Souk Visit
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover modern-day Tunis on this panoramic tour. Accompany your guide to Tunisia’s vibrant capital of Tunis, where you will drive along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, known as the “Tunisian Champs-Élysées” and the center of activity. Amid the bustling tree-lined promenade stand numerous world-class hotels, monuments and cafés where the locals gather to drink tea. Explore a living museum in the Tunis medina, an entrancing maze-like district of shops, mosques, palaces and residences. Enjoy a brief walking tour with your guide, then have free time to explore the variety of the souk’s handicraft stalls, selling everything from produce to brassware to carpets.

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy
About one-fifth of Sardinia’s land is used for agriculture, earning it a reputation as Italy’s other farmland. Tomatoes, artichokes, citrus fruits and olives are some of its primary crops. And because Sardinia cannot call itself Italian without producing wine, lush vineyards blanket its hillsides. Here, the Castello District is home to a Roman amphitheater and the subterranean Cathedral of St. Mary, a Pisan relic. Cagliari gleams in the Sardinian sun, inspiring D.H. Lawrence to call it the “white Jerusalem.”

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Cagliari
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 
Enjoy a walking tour of this charming Sardinian city set on the lovely Golfo degli Angeli, or Gulf of Angels. Several empires left their mark at this Mediterranean crossroads, and you will see evidence of their thriving cultures. Join your guide for a scenic drive past the city’s coastal lagoons that host a variety of birdlife. In Cagliari’s Castello District, or Old Town, you will see the magnificent Roman amphitheater carved into the bedrock; it is still a performance space today. Pass the imposing 14th-century Elephant Tower, named for the sculpted elephant by its gate, and the Tower of St. Pancras, both remnants of the Pisano period. These two towers once comprised the cityʹs fortifications, along with ramparts from the Aragonese and Spanish periods. Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria del Castello before returning to your ship.

Sail the Mediterranean Sea
Sail the ocean stage on which civilizations have risen and fallen, where empires ventured forth in their great armadas to control these strategic waters. Linger on the Sun Deck of your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps you will take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck.

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