Sunday, March 31, 2024

Vikings Top 15 European Cruising Experiences

viking italy cruise

The other overnight stay, in Paris, allows time to choose between trips to Monet’s Gardens, the Palace of Versailles, an evening cabaret or a city tour to see the city lit up at night. Experience the legacies of civilizations during this fascinating 8-day itinerary cruising Italy between Civitavecchia and Venice. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. An overnight in Venice lets you immerse yourself in Italy’s most romantic city.

Day 3: Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece

Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line's longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape. Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima, offers an all-inclusive "yachting lifestyle" experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering.

Day 13: Sicily (Messina), Italy

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. Viking’s shore excursions offer an engaging way for inquisitive travellers to learn about other countries and cultures, led by expert guides who are passionate about their region and provide insights into the local way of life.

viking italy cruise

The Beautiful, Well-Appointed Ship

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany. The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia.

Viking’s 15-day Into the Midnight Sun ocean voyage includes an overnight stay in Bergen and visits to Edinburgh and the Orkney and Shetland islands in Scotland. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must. Dip into chocolate-making at the lakeside Lindt headquarters in Kilchberg, Switzerland. Viking guests can participate in a hands-on workshop led by a master chocolatier at one of the world’s foremost producers, founded in 1845. This delectable excursion is a short drive from Zürich, one of the overnight calls on the 12-day Paris To The Swiss Alps river voyage via France and Germany.

Formed after an accidental overflow from an adjacent geothermal plant, the original lagoon has been expanded into a dozen steaming, milky-blue pools with a lava wall looming almost four metres above. Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes ocean voyage spends half of the 13-day itinerary exploring the country’s dramatic vistas, villages and cities, with the other half cruising around the fjords of far north Norway. The remarkable architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans the centuries, having witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from Byzantine to Venetian. In its remarkably preserved Old Town, narrow cobblestone streets lead past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses, including the imposing St. Nicholas Fortress. St. James Cathedral, built by several architects in the Gothic and Renaissance styles over a century, is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia. The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country's most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports.

Viking Longships drift through this lush valley, past terraced vineyards, charming villages and eye-catching rock formations. At a centuries-old wine-growing estate, guests can cut grapes from the vine before stomping them by foot in a traditional stone trough. Portugal’s River of Gold cruise-tour offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local food and wine, including its famous Port. The 10-day itinerary from Lisbon to Porto also crosses the border to Spain to visit Salamanca. Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour.

France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille, and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea. If you're willing to come back early from port, Viking's ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board.

25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:35:23 GMT [source]

Day 5: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide - Cruise Critic

Best Months to Cruise the Mediterranean: A Year-Round Guide.

Posted: Sun, 19 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

GENERAL RESTRICTIONSCruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately.

After 26 years in Europe, Viking knows the most enjoyable aspects of its popular destinations, from major cities to the countryside. Every itinerary has been honed to explore the most beautiful landscapes, stunning landmarks, and unusual customs and cuisines unique to each port of call. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving.

Today, it is the capital of its eponymous province, a region known for its pristine waters, untouched mountains and vast forests. 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. If so, check out Viking's 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary, which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you'll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas. So much function, design, décor, and so many little touches everywhere. Viking included a walking tour of the Square of Miracles, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

Italian Sojourn Viking 7 Night Cruise from Venice to Rome

viking italy cruise

The Venetian Lagoon's canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice's powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice's transport network. Crotone, according to Ovid, was named by Hercules himself in memory of a friend he had accidentally slain.

Walking Tour Of Marseille

What a surprise to look out the plane and see these majestic mountains. The highlight of the walking tour of Barcelona was the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). When we were there it was under construction, so we walked around it but couldn’t go inside. Our guide was well-versed in the exterior exquisite detail — it was a feast for the eyes. I don’t know the story behind these sightings, but it’s not every day you see a Looney Tunes ship with Tweety Bird and Sylvester painted on it.

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At the Belvedere Palace, you can make your own framed mirror with gold stones at a private workshop, channelling Vienna’s renowned artist, Gustav Klimt, who used gold leaf in many of his works. This Baroque-style museum is home to precious art including iconic works by Klimt such as ‘The Kiss’. Stroll through the palace gardens and into the Upper Belvedere, admiring views of this exquisite city along the way.

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

viking italy cruise

Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered. You don't have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia. There was a long pause (it’s called kids)… and then in 2016, we took a Rhine River Cruise on a Viking longship (about 200 passengers). After that, we were curious about Viking’s “ocean cruise” category so we decided to try it.

The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares. 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. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

NEW! India & Europe Grand Passage

The Terrain menu focuses on that day's port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary. If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This was the only port where we anchored in the harbor and shuttled in small boats, called tenders, to shore. Our 90-minute walking tour included sculptured gardens, medieval churches, the Prince’s Palace, and stunning views of the Maritime Alps, ending with free time in the city square. These mineral-rich waters are said to be Iceland’s health and beauty secret.

Day 6: Šibenik, Croatia

A Look at Viking’s New Voyages and Itineraries for 2026 - Cruise Industry News

A Look at Viking’s New Voyages and Itineraries for 2026.

Posted: Sun, 04 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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—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.

Highlights of Mediterranean Cruises

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista's bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you'll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus. The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises' newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

Pre: Classic Greece

viking italy cruise

This cruise offered the luxury and service of Viking but a limited passenger count (about 1,000). We liked the fact that the ship sailed overnight, so no “all-day sailing” days. Follow the tides of history with overnight stays in Barcelona and Venice. Stroll among the romance of Marseille and the glamour of Monte Carlo. Stay overnight in Renaissance Tuscany, and see ancient Rome and elegant Naples.

All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract . Rates and offers are subject to select dates and categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, and include NCCF. All rates and offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability and confirmation, and may change without notice.

In the end, Patton arrived just hours before his British comrade, receiving credit for securing Sicily. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining. Also, Viva's generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8's Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. We paid extra for an excursion and toured Cassis, the gateway to Calanques National Park. Cassis is a quaint little fishing village, complete with a hilltop castle overlooking the harbor. The calanques are “rock fingers” jutting off the coastline for miles.

Viking’s eight-day Christmas On The Rhine river voyage operates between Basel and Amsterdam. Among the delights of Viking’s 16-day Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean cruise is an underground expedition inside Spain’s Nerja Caves. Follow your guide around this archaeological marvel, where artefacts indicate human and animal habitation as far back as 25,000 BC.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany. The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia.

Our boat tour explored the inlets, interesting and ragged along the water. Beneath the rocks, hidden from our view, the guide told us there were caves and underground rivers. The owner spoke to us about the farm’s vineyards, meats, and olives, and said she is happiest when her guests fully enjoy the buffet.

Effortless & Natural

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