Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Spain, Portugal & the Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Monaco, Italy) 15 Days

Lisbon, Portugal
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

Lisbon, Portugal
Throughout Lisbon, fascinating monuments tell this proud city’s story. Along the riverfront, in Praça do Comércio, an equestrian statue at its center represents Portugal’s King José I, who capably rebuilt the city following the devastating 1755 earthquake. Among the most recognized of Lisbon’s monuments is the grand Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tagus River, displaying statues of more than 30 contributors to exploration, whose bravery and spirit still shape the culture of this vibrant European capital.

Shore Excursions -Lisbon City Drive
Duration: 4 hours
Witness the enduring legacy of the Age of Discovery in Portugal on this tour of Lisbon’s grandest landmarks. On the banks of the Tagus River, gaze up at the Monument to the Discoveries, inaugurated on the fifth centennial anniversary of explorer Henry the Navigator’s death. Nearby is Belém Tower, a UNESCO Site and a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the New World. Another UNESCO Site is the Jerónimos Monastery at the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. You can also see the 25th of April Bridge, named for the date of the revolution that restored democracy to Portugal. With your guide, view the riverside statue of Christ the King looking over the city, and pass beautifully landscaped Eduardo VII Park, named for England’s king, who visited here to improve Anglo-Portuguese relations. After your insightful tour, return to your ship.

Seville (Cádiz), Spain
Cádiz lies on Spain’s breathtaking province of Andalusia and gained incredible wealth during the 18th century; riches from the Americas were unloaded here after the Guadalquivir River to Seville silted up. This scenic southern region is the home of the matador and world-class equestrian art. Seville, city of polyamorous suitor Don Juan, boasts plenty of its own glories. Its grand cathedral, Alcázar Palace and Tower of Gold were built from the coffers of Spanish kings, but its fiery flamenco defines its true spirit. It is best to ponder it all while sipping sherry at a bodega.

Shore Excursions – Cádiz Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours 
Admire some of this historic city’s most ornate sites on a pleasant and enlightening stroll with a local guide. Cádiz is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Southern Europe. Situated on a narrow promontory of land surrounded by water on three sides, it is an easy city to get around. You will navigate passageways that connect elaborate plazas, stopping to explore Plaza de San Antonio de Padua, Plaza de España and Plaza de Mina. Pause also to admire the Torre Tavira. Merchants once looked out to sea from this tower in search of their returning ships. Visit the Catedral Nueva, or New Cathedral, with its elaborate baroque exterior. Its gold dome reflects the wealth that poured into this city from the New World after the river that led into nearby Seville silted up in the 18th century. If the cathedral is closed, you will instead visit the fascinating Diocesan Museum.

Tangier, Morocco
A pivotal port city linking Africa and Europe, Tangier lies just nineteen miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. Long coveted for its strategic location where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, numerous empires called it their own throughout history. The city’s vibrancy and multicultural air attracted all manner of artists in the late 20th century, including Henri Matisse and Paul Bowles. Tangier’s ancient, walled medina brims with the pleasures of Morocco, from intricate carpets and finely made slippers to fresh dates.

Shore Excursions -Snapshots of Tangier
Duration: 3 hours
Admire the culture and historic monuments of Tangier’s colorful medina. Start at the Casbah, the former fortress that dominates the northern section of the medina. Inside, tour the Casbah Museum. Its exhibits showcase artifacts spanning Morocco’s history from the Romans through the Islamic dynasties and include textiles, manuscripts and antique ceramics. Then, walk through a fruit and vegetable market while perusing stalls displaying local produce. You will pass through the medina’s main gate and into the Grand Socco. Once the city’s main market, today its plaza, lined with palm trees, is more of a meeting place and transportation hub. Mingle with the local vendors, sip a coffee in a nearby café or escape the noise and relax in the Mendoubia Gardens—a quiet sanctuary that is home to a reportedly 800-year-old banyan tree. Afterward, you will have time to shop before returning 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.

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.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Visitors flock to this spectacular haven for sun, relaxation and Mediterranean breezes. Remnants of past civilizations abound: the massive La Seu Cathedral in Palma was built over a mosque, and the Almudaina Palace was originally constructed as an Arabian fort. The picturesque village of Valldemossa invites long strolls and samplings of the island’s jellied breadsticks. Here, at the foot of forested mountains, a Carthusian monastery housed devout monks for 436 years. Composer Frédéric Chopin spent the winter of 1838 writing some of his best work in this tranquil setting.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Mallorca
Duration: 4 hours
See an excellent overview of Palma de Mallorca, from its capital to its most beautiful mountain-ringed village. Join your local guide for a panoramic drive around Palma. Along the stunning seafront, pass the honey-colored La Seu Cathedral and Almudaina Palace. Inside the city walls, you will see the Paseo del Born, Gran Hotel, Teatro Principal as well as the tree-lined Rambla with its colorful flower market. A drive through pine forests and almond groves delivers you to Valldemossa, a mountain village overflowing with charm and beauty. You will have time here to explore at your leisure. At the monastery-museum of La Cartuja, visit the church and pharmacy and see the monks’ cells. You will also ascend to circular Bellver Castle for spectacular views of Palma and the seafront. Please note: on Sundays the church is closed to visitors.

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.

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.

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.

Shore Excursions – Aix-en-Provence at Your Leisure
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Stroll Aix-en-Provence at your own pace, a historic fortified town full of ancient fountains and architecture. Take a scenic drive by motor coach from Marseille to Provence’s most elegant town, Aix-en-Provence. Upon arrival, take a guided orientation walk with your guide, who will introduce you to the town and offer insight into points of interest. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Perhaps pass through the Cours Mirabeau, a wide and lively avenue shaded by trees built during the 17th century. Here, admire the aristocratic facades of the old hotels, with their finely carved doorways and wrought-iron balconies. You may also visit one of Aix’s numerous fountains, the most famous of which was built over natural hot springs in 1734. Alternatively, browse the shops or stop to savor a refreshing beverage at a café before meeting your guide and returning to Marseille.

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 – 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.

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.

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 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.

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