Viking Oceans Cruises – Empires of the Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia) 10 Days

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Chioggia is a charming fishing community steeped in its age-old seafaring traditions. It is also the gateway to Venice, famed for its wondrous patchwork of graceful piazzas, tranquil canals, artful footbridges and Gothic splendor. All things Venetian begin in St. Mark’s Square, where its elegant campanile, or bell tower, rings over the rooftops, and the Byzantine-Gothic St. Mark’s Basilica seems to preside over all. Beyond St. Mark’s and away from the crowds, Venice is a hushed and intriguing city to explore on foot, with medieval echoes marking every step.

Call on the Slovenian port of Koper, gateway to the unspoiled Istrian region. Your tour of this historic city reveals the rich architectural legacy of the Venetian Republic. In Tito Square, admire the Venetian-Gothic Praetorian Palace with its crenellated facade and the elegant Loggia where lively town debates once took place. Take the time to ascend the tower of the Cathedral of the Assumption for splendid views of the city and the Gulf of Trieste.

Explore remarkable Zadar, once an island separated from the mainland by a deep moat. The capital of independent Dalmatia for a millennium, Zadar’s impressive city walls attest to its might. A walking tour leads you along a maze of cobblestone streets through its magnificent Old Town, a remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses. During your tour, stop to admire its three stunning churches in bold Romanesque. Perhaps you’ll also stroll the Riva, the picturesque seafront promenade where acoustical tubes embedded beneath large marble steps sing the song of the city with every lashing wave.

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth.” It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city’s Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary, housing the world’s oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420 en route to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor’s heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

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—comprise 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.

Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city’s ancient ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You will gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Gliding toward a full day in Santorini, prepare for its spectacular caldera and looming cliffs. Once anchored, embark a local boat for the island’s main port of Athinios. On your included excursion, drive with a local guide to the top of Mt. Profitis, where you can take in spectacular views of the island, the Aegean Sea and the summit’s monastery. En route to clifftop Oia, take in the beauty and charm of the countryside and traditional villages. Then enjoy free time in the capital of Thíra. Alternatively, visit the hot thermal springs of Palea Kameni island and enjoy the most remarkable swim of your life. Or, choose to visit a Greek vineyard for a tour and tasting.

Today, you will have the opportunity to journey into ancient Athens via a panoramic drive, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Or as an option, explore the interior of this UNESCO Site; climb 80 steps to the entrance and glimpse an unforgettable view of the Parthenon at its peak.

Awake in Athens, where you will disembark your ship. From here, you can easily take a few extra days to further explore this historic city with our post-cruise extension.