| Resort: | |
| Operator: | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Destination: | Croatia, Europe, Greece, Italy |
| Price From: | £5090.00 |
OverviewCombineVenice, the Adriatic & GreeceandItalian Sojournfor a sweeping 15-day voyage brimming with ancient history. On land and on board, you will uncover the rich cultural traditions of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy on one enriching cruise, featuring scenic cruising among the emerald islands of Dalmatia, an overnight in romantic Venice and a circumnavigation of Italys boot. You will not want to miss such an in-depth exploration of this fabled region. Day 1 Athens, GreeceStep on board in Athens, where you will have an entire day to explore this ancient city. Perhaps you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus or the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Tonight we set sail for Olympia. Day 2 Katakolon, GreeceVisit 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 citys 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. Day 3 Corfu, GreeceSpend the entire day on the romantic island of Corfu, resplendent with charming pastel town houses and pristine white beaches. Our included tour takes us on a drive to Kanoni, where we will make a photo stop to view tiny Mouse Island and the Vlacherna Monastery. Following the coastline through Garitsa Bay, you will reach the UNESCO Site of the Old Town. See the fabled Esplanade, one of Europes largest public squares, and the Liston Promenade, once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Day 4 Kotor, MontenegroSpend 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 Kotors heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous. Day 5 Dubrovnik, CroatiaWhere city meets coastline, you will sail to this beautiful 12th-century walled city in Croatia. The playwright George Bernard Shaw once declared, Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an entire day here to take an inclusive tour and take in magnificent views of the city and countryside. Then enter the city on foot through the historic Pile Gate, passing by the Sponza Palace, the 15th-century Onofrios Fountain and stop inside the Dominican Monastery to see Renaissance paintings. You may also wish to consider exploring the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad peninsula. Day 6 Split, CroatiaExperience the age of antiquity as you wander through the center of the city that is built around the Diocletian Palace, walking through the well-preserved cellars before continuing to the Ethnographic Museum. In this historic quarter, you will notice the results of over 17 centuries of construction, passing pre-Romanesque churches and Gothic chapels. You may also choose more natural pursuits, from a rafting trip on the Cetina River or a journey through the Croatian hinterland to the famous waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Or spend the entire day discovering the small, more intimate destinations along the Dalmatian Coast. Day 7 Venice, ItalyWelcome to Venice, where the magical city renowned for its art, architecture and culture is the ultimate destination on your epic voyage. You can enjoy a panoramic boat ride toward the magnificent St. Marks Square on your included tour, and with your guide, you will admire the glorious facade of the Doges Palace and tour the ornate interior of St. Marks Basilica. Or take a boat to Murano to see glassmakers at work in their centuries-old tradition with a stop to visit the historic island of San Giorgio Maggiore. As we will remain in port overnight, enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Day 8 Venice, ItalyAwake and further explore central Venice on your own this morning, as you investigate the out-of-the-way passages that reveal beautiful, hidden piazzas, or cross the lagoon to Murano and Burano to view the world-renowned glassblowing craftsmen. As we will remain in port overnight, enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Day 9 Venice, ItalyEnjoy another day in Venice, the magical city renowned for its art, architecture and culture. If you did not take our included guided tour you can do so today. Or opt for one of the many optional tours. Your ship sets sail this afternoon so you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lagoon as we sail away. Day 10 ibenik, CroatiaCruise the scenic St. Anthony Channel into the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast, ibenik. Resting at the mouth of the Krka River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a remarkably preserved Old Town. Roam its narrow streets past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses. The citys St. James Cathedral is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia. Perhaps you will join an excursion to view the impressive waterfalls of the Krka River. Day 11 Bari, ItalyExplore sunny, palm-lined Bari, where streets are lined with romantic, honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards and Romanesque and baroque churches. Visit the Norman-Swabian castle, the splendid Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italys most important opera houses, and stroll the picturesque waterfront. Or perhaps visit Alberobello and its fascinatingtrullihouses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed buildings with conical roofs. Day 12 Crotone, ItalyUncover the deep past of Crotone, founded as a Greek colony in 710 BC. Boasting a vast array of archaeological relics, the city was once heralded as the home of some of the Hellenic Empires most celebrated figures, including many victors of the Olympic Games and Pythagoras, whose mathematical theories altered Western thought. During your visit, marvel at the impressive cathedral, a neoclassical wonder, browse the Pythagoras Museum and Gardens, and explore the waterfront and Crotone castle. Day 13 Sicily, ItalyToday you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europes ten greatest cities when it fell under Spains purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves, and rolling vineyards. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the expansive Piazza Municipio and the hillside Votive Temple of Christ the King. Or, choose to climb Mt. Etnas towering volcano, and marvel at the ancient temples and arenas of Taormina. Day 14 Naples, ItalyIn Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. Optionally, also explore Herculaneum, Italys other Pompeii, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius. In your spare time, sample a hot espresso, a slice of pizza (the worlds first pizzeria opened here in 1830) or a locally madelimoncello. Day 15 Rome, ItalyDisembark the ship today. Our proximity to Rome leaves you with countless options if you are touring more of Italy on your own. You can also extend your journey in Rome with Viking, exploring the ancient capital in more depth. |
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