Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Mediterranean Discoveries (Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, England) 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.

Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
Tuscany is known equally as the cradle of the Renaissance and a center of culinary delights and astounding wines. Throughout this emerald-green countryside dotted with cypress trees, endless delights unfold. Among them is Florence, a living museum of the Renaissance. Brunelleschi’s famous Duomo dominates the medieval cityscape—an architectural achievement. Another Tuscan treasure, the Square of Miracles, unfolds in Pisa. Here, a trinity of masterpieces—the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery—comprise some of Europe’s finest art and architecture.

Shore Excursions – From Tuscany to Pisa
Duration: 4 hours
See the famous Leaning Tower and its magnificent Square of Miracles on this included tour. You will join your guide for a scenic drive through Tuscany to Pisa. The origins of this ancient city are unclear, but the presence of an Etruscan necropolis points to a long history. Upon arrival, walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Pisa Cathedral, its marble-clad Romanesque facade decorated with Byzantine-inspired mosaics. It is said that Galileo formulated his theory of pendulums here by observing an incense burner swinging from the ceiling. Also in the square, you will see the grand circular Baptistery, the Leaning Tower, which took 177 years to build, and the walled Camposanto Monumentale, said to be the most beautiful cemetery in the world. After your tour, you will return to your ship.

Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
Tuscany is known for its scenic beauty and exudes a unique, rustic character. Vineyards, olive tree groves, wheat fields and endless expanses of farmland skirt the bases of medieval hill towns as they march across an undulating landscape of gentle hills. Fertile soils produce some of the world’s finest wines, including Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. More than this, many consider Tuscany the birthplace of the original farm-to-table movement. Simple, honest food graces the Tuscan table, from creamy cheeses to thick Florentine steak grilled over a wood fire.

Shore Excursions – From Tuscany to Pisa
Duration: 4 hours
See the famous Leaning Tower and its magnificent Square of Miracles on this included tour. You will join your guide for a scenic drive through Tuscany to Pisa. The origins of this ancient city are unclear, but the presence of an Etruscan necropolis points to a long history. Upon arrival, walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Pisa Cathedral, its marble-clad Romanesque facade decorated with Byzantine-inspired mosaics. It is said that Galileo formulated his theory of pendulums here by observing an incense burner swinging from the ceiling. Also in the square, you will see the grand circular Baptistery, the Leaning Tower, which took 177 years to build, and the walled Camposanto Monumentale, said to be the most beautiful cemetery in the world. After your tour, you will return to your ship.

Monte Carlo, Monaco
The chic city of Monte Carlo in the petite kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world’s most exclusive shopping and a beautiful old port. A fairy-tale aura has settled on this glittering city of the Grimaldi family, perhaps nowhere more elegantly than at the Prince’s Palace, where the late American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly presided with Prince Rainier III. Monte Carlo’s medieval quarter perches on “The Rock,” an escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps, and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the harbor lined with mega-yachts.

Shore Excursions – Walking Tour of Monaco
Duration: 3 hours
Set out on a walking tour through the heart of the medieval quarter of Monaco, known as The Rock. The Mediterranean will make a spectacular backdrop as you stroll to the foot of The Rock, then head uphill with your guide. In Monaco’s main square, the Place du Palais, see the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, home to the House of Grimaldi since 1297. Then pass St. Nicholas Cathedral. A young church by European standards, it was consecrated in 1875. This is the burial site of the royal family, including American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. Also admire the majestic Oceanographic Museum, soaring above the sea on a cliffside. Returning to the Place du Palais, depending on the time of your tour, you may have the opportunity to watch the daily changing of the guard outside the palace walls. Remain in town to shop or have lunch on your own before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Walking Tour of Monaco
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Take a relaxed, easy walking tour through The Rock, the heart of the medieval quarter of Monaco. The Mediterranean will make a spectacular backdrop as you walk to the foot of The Rock, then make your way uphill with your guide. In Monaco’s main square, the Place du Palais, see the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, home to the House of Grimaldi, before passing St. Nicholas Cathedral. This is the burial site of the royal family, including American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. Admire the majestic Oceanographic Museum, soaring above the sea on a cliff side. Upon returning to the Place du Palais, depending on the time of day, you may be able to watch the daily changing of the guard outside the palace walls. Remain in town to shop or have lunch on your own before returning to your ship. Note: This tour will progress at a speed suited to those who may experience difficulty walking.

Marseille, France
Marseille is rich in historic treasures, nestled between the Mediterranean and rocky hills of limestone. Two 17th-century fortresses dominate the charming Vieux Port, or Old Port, the natural harbor that hosts all manner of watercraft, from sleek elegant yachts to old style fishing vessels. Its picturesque quay is one of the world’s most romantic walks, lined with dozens of cafés and shops. Also worth exploring is the city center, graced by La Canebière boulevard. Linger in a café and sample the city’s signature bouillabaisse made from freshly caught fish.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Marseille
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Embark on a panoramic drive through Marseille and soak up the atmosphere of this historic port city. Board your motor coach and set out to view the Palais Longchamp—built during the mid-19th century to celebrate the construction of the Canal de Marseille, this monument is adorned with grand staircases, ornate sculptures and fountains. Your guide will share its history and you will have time for photos of its facade before continuing along the Corniche du Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy. From the comfort of your coach, glimpse the splendid Notre Dame de la Garde, the most magnificent building of its kind in southern France. Back in downtown Marseille, disembark your coach and enjoy free time to explore more on your own, perhaps calling at one of its lively cafés or restaurants, or taking a stroll along the quaint streets of this bustling port. After, return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Panier District on Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Marseille’s historic quarter during a guided walk through Le Panier, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Begin with a short stroll to La Major Cathedral, a 19th-century Neo-Byzantine masterpiece overlooking the Old Port. See its two bell towers, each rising almost 200 feet tall, and step inside to view its ornate mosaics and marble columns. Continue through narrow streets to see La Vieille Charité, a 17th-century almshouse built around a Baroque chapel, and pass the Hôtel-Dieu, once Marseille’s main hospital for over 800 years. Your route spans 1.5 miles and ends at the 17th-century city hall—built on the former site of La Maison de Ville, a meeting place for merchants and consuls, it was almost destroyed during the French revolution and World War II. After viewing this historic building, set out to explore more on your own or visit a local café before returning to your ship.

Sète, France
In a picturesque setting on France’s southern coast, Sète is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural charm. Known as the “Venice of Languedoc,” its network of canals offers an alluring ambience, with boats bobbing in the water and colorful buildings lining the banks. Due to its booming fishing industry, Sète features an array of delicious seafood, centered around the town’s bustling fish market, Les Halles de Sète. The best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle, where you can while away the time along the canals that link the Mediterranean to the Thau Lagoon.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sète by Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Set out on a guided walk to explore the historic port city of Sète, founded in 1666 by Louis XIV. Located on a thin strip of land, Sète received its name from the many canals that crisscross it, linking the Mediterranean to the enclosed saltwater lagoon of Ethang de Thau. A popular destination for seafood enthusiasts, Sète is home to the largest fishing port in the Mediterranean—it is famed for its fish auction, the first in Europe to be computerized in 1967.  The Old Port sits at the heart of the city, unique among others in the Mediterranean for its location within the town rather than on the open sea. Meet your guide and stroll along its streets, lined with colorful buildings and intersecting canals, gaining insight into Sète’s rich past as you explore. After, enjoy free time to experience more of the city at your leisure, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Barcelona, Spain
The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Shore Excursions – Iconic Barcelona
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Discover Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks during a relaxing drive and a walk around this impressive city. Begin with a journey by motor coach, which takes you past the Columbus Monument and Port Vell. See the Arc de Triomf, a stately remnant from the 1888 World’s Fair, and take in the views of the Parc de la Ciutadella, once home to the garrison that protected the city. After, head to the Sagrada Família, Antonio Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Gain insight into Gaudí’s work during a guided viewing of its intricate exterior, composed of three facades and soaring spires that have become enduring symbols of the city. After a short drive, continue on foot to the Gothic Quarter, built upon the remains of Barcino, a Roman colony established in 15 BC. Explore on foot—sections of Barcino’s walls and towers are still visible here, as well as the remains of an aqueduct and a necropolis.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is steeped in history, with stunning architecture and a rich culture. Mediterranean breezes grace the shore and Catalonia’s capital is a feast for the senses. Long strolls on wide boulevards—such as Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian way, and the Passeig de Gràcia, lined with some of Europe’s most elegant buildings—set the tone for a city that moves to its own tempo. Native son and famed architect Antoni Gaudí adorned his city with whimsy, whether along fantastical city blocks or with his colossal masterpiece, the towering La Sagrada Família cathedral.

Shore Excursions – Iconic Barcelona
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Discover Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks during a relaxing drive and a walk around this impressive city. Begin with a journey by motor coach, which takes you past the Columbus Monument and Port Vell. See the Arc de Triomf, a stately remnant from the 1888 World’s Fair, and take in the views of the Parc de la Ciutadella, once home to the garrison that protected the city. After, head to the Sagrada Família, Antonio Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Gain insight into Gaudí’s work during a guided viewing of its intricate exterior, composed of three facades and soaring spires that have become enduring symbols of the city. After a short drive, continue on foot to the Gothic Quarter, built upon the remains of Barcino, a Roman colony established in 15 BC. Explore on foot—sections of Barcino’s walls and towers are still visible here, as well as the remains of an aqueduct and a necropolis.  

Murcia (Cartagena), Spain
The charms of Murcia lie in its embrace of its rural pleasures. Surrounded by farmland and fertile huertas, Murcianos are never at a loss for produce freshly plucked from “Europe’s orchard.” They, in turn, live by the patient cycle of the harvest, going about their days at a leisurely pace. The Moors founded the city in 825 and introduced a vast irrigation network for crops and for city use. They were expelled by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1243. Murcia province remained a vassal kingdom until 1812 and became an autonomous region of Spain in 1982.

Shore Excursions – Ancient Roman City of Cartagena
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Palos, part of a small peninsula formed by long-ago volcanic activity. At the Mar Menor’s most southerly tip, the picturesque village is centered around a quaint marina, rocky coastline and wonderful array of restaurants and cafés. Stop for a photo, then continue your drive to Cartagena. Enjoy free time to explore the charming coastal city and its abundance of sights as you wander through the Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets. You will visit the fascinating Museum of the Roman Theater. Cartagena’s 6,000-seat Roman Theater, built as an entertainment venue in the 1st century BC, when Rome was at the height of its power, lay undiscovered for more than 2,000 years until its ruins were identified in 1990. The museum is ingeniously designed to take you on a journey through time, as you explore the exhibits and displays. After your guided tour, return to your ship.

Granada (Málaga), Spain
Granada is a splendid canvas of Moorish architecture, rich Andalusian tradition and remarkable history. It was the last stronghold of the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, whose 250-year reign ended during the 1492 reconquest of Spain by Catholic monarchs. The grand Granada Cathedral is a soaring celebration of that victory; its Royal Chapel holds the tombs of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand, the celebrated pair who oversaw the triumph. Their magnificent fortress-palace, the Alhambra, was long the stronghold of Moors, and so offers a magnificent blend of Islamic and Christian detail.

Shore Excursions – Málaga Overview & Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the seaside Andalusian city of Málaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, by motor coach and on foot. Your informative guide will explain the city’s rich history as you pass grand 19th-century buildings such as City Hall, the Old Justice Court and the Central Post Office. Witness the remnants of the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, a reminder of the legacy of the Moors. You will briefly stop here to take in superb views of the city below. Back in Málaga’s city center, you can take some photos of the birthplace of one of Málaga’s most famous native sons, Pablo Picasso. Continue on your walk past the ruins of a former Roman Theater and to the foot of the beautiful Alcazaba Palace, the best-preserved citadel in Spain. It was built during the 11th century and once served as a residence for Arabian caliphs. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth. 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.

Vigo, Spain
Vigo is steeped in a history that dates back to the Romans. Vikings once saw trade opportunities here and landed briefly on its shores. Soon, Vigo’s strategic importance was recognized throughout Europe, resulting in raids by English privateer Francis Drake. Today, Vigo is one of the largest cities in Galicia, Spain’s autonomous northwestern region that boasts a rich farming and fishing heritage. The city’s markets still overflow with seafood and all the ingredients locals need to prepare traditional caldo galego, a hearty potato soup made with grelo, or broccoli rabe.

Shore Excursions – Enchanting Vigo
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Witness the elegant city sights of Vigo and enjoy a stroll around the stunning French gardens of Castrelos Park. Vigo, known as the “Gateway to the Atlantic,” offers a combination of ancient history and scenic vistas. Board your motor coach and ascend Mt. Castro, where you will enjoy panoramic views over the bay. Continue through Vigo, admiring the beautiful architecture as you pass the Plaza de España and Plaza de América. You will glimpse some of the city’s famous monuments along the way, including the bronze fishermen and a sculpture of wild horses by self-taught local artist Manuel Oliveira. Arrive at Castrelos Park and enjoy free time to explore the gardens at leisure. This stunning 17th-century estate was recently restored and now features the Quiñones de León Municipal Museum. Admire its palatial facade before returning to your ship.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail legendary waters, where medieval Europeans believed “there be dragons” beyond the ocean’s horizon. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Portsmouth, England
Portsmouth has been a naval port for centuries and is home to such historic vessels as Henry VIII’s Mary Rose and Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory. The only island-city in the United Kingdom, Portsmouth has been settled since before the days of the Roman Empire. It grew into a medieval port town; more recently, this was an embarkation port for the D-Day landings and served as headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower. The stunning citadel walls of Napoleonic forts greet ships as they approach through the Solent Strait.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Portsmouth
Duration: 3 hours
Step back in time as you embark on a scenic drive through the historic city of Portsmouth and its nearby villages. Head to Portsdown Hill; weather permitting, you will enjoy one of the best views in Britain before continuing to Fort Nelson, a 19th-century stronghold built between 1860 and 1870 to guard against the threat of French invasion. Pause to enjoy the views across the Solent, then continue to Portsmouth, passing through Portsea, home of the Emirates Spinnaker observation tower—intended to symbolize the town’s maritime heritage, its design is inspired by a spinnaker sail. In the old town, view naval landmarks and glimpse Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII. Enroute back to your ship, hear stories about some famous previous residents: Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and Arthur Conan Doyle penned his first Sherlock Holmes story here.

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