Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey (Italy, Croatia, 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.

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 (Syracuse), Italy
Syracuse, set on the shores of the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its ancient ruins as well as the later Gothic, Renaissance and baroque stylings that grace the facades on the island of Ortigia, the oldest inhabited part of the city. Founded in 734 BC, the city became a political and military power in the Mediterranean region by the 5th century BC. Its ancient glory can still be seen today at the expansive Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, Greek theater, the acoustically stunning Orecchio di Dionisio (or “Ear of Dionysius”) and more.

Shore Excursions – Ancient Ortigia by Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Immerse yourself in the history of Syracuse during a walking excursion through the ancient island of Ortigia. Jutting out into the Grand Harbor and connected to the mainland by three bridges, Ortigia is the oldest part of Syracuse, continuously inhabited since its founding by the Corinthians in 734 BC and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your guide into the labyrinth of medieval streets full of more than two centuries of history. See the remnants of the Temple of Apollo, the oldest surviving Doric temple in Sicily dating back to the 6th century BC, and visit the Temple of Athena, built during the 5th century and now part of a looming cathedral. After viewing the cathedral’s baroque interior, continue to the Fontana Aretusa, a freshwater spring that bubbles up from an idyllic grotto and is steeped in mythology. Afterward, you will return 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. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Bari, Italy
Located at the heel of Italy’s boot, Bari boasts a sunny, palm-lined promenade, romantic honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards, and Romanesque and baroque churches. It is pure pleasure to take in the distinct Mediterranean atmosphere of this picturesque port, with colorful fishing boats bobbing on the turquoise harbor. History and culture take center stage at the splendid Norman-Swabian Castle; the Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas, named for the city’s patron saint; and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italy’s most important opera houses.

Shore Excursions – Bari Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Set out on foot to discover Bari, a hidden gem along the Puglian coast. Board your motor coach and enjoy a scenic drive toward Bari, with views of the Adriatic Sea. As you pass through the city, you will see landmarks, including Teatro Margherita and the Fortino di Sant’Antonio. Alight your coach and explore more of the city on foot, beginning at the most beloved of Bari’s churches, the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Also known as Santa Claus, St. Nicholas is the city’s patron. When his remains were brought to Bari in 1087, they inspired an influx of pilgrims that infused the city with wealth. See the saint’s relics, then head to the old town’s two main squares, Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile. Enjoy a tasting of traditional orecchiette, an ear-shaped pasta, accompanied by cacioricotta cheese and tomatoes, before returning 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.

Zadar, Croatia
Zadar, once an island separated from the mainland by a deep moat, boasts one of the region’s richest histories. For over a millennium, it was the capital of independent Dalmatia and so held great sway with Rome, Venice and other empires. Its impressive city walls attest to its might, and the bold Romanesque architecture of its three churches embodies its religious influence. A maze of cobblestone streets winds through its magnificent Old Town, a remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses.

Shore Excursions – Walking Tour of Zadar
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the former capital of Dalmatia by foot, visiting two of its most revered churches. Meet your host at the pier and set out on a walk into the magnificent Old Town. Narrow lanes and old red-roofed stone buildings lead you to the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, completed in the 13th century and Zadar’s finest example of Romanesque architecture. Admire the rose window adorning its symmetrical facade and step inside to view St. Anastasia’s stone sarcophagus. Continue to the Church of St. Donatus, built on Roman foundations in the 9th century. The most monumental church in the eastern Adriatic and Croatia’s largest pre-Romanesque building, it is uniquely circular in its design. Next, visit the 16th-century St. Mary’s Church with its Romanesque campanile from 1105. After your tour, 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.

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.