Viking Cruises offers first-time and repeat cruisers the Best of All Worlds with their six-country, 13-day European itinerary. Sailing a course to the ancient civilizations and visiting historic ports is a history lover’s dream. Begin in Barcelona or Chioggia (Venice) and discover the pleasures of visiting ten unique cities without unpacking.
Many passengers, like us, opt for pre- or post-excursions, giving the embarkation or disembarkation destinations further review. We flew into Venice before our cruise and spent a glorious few days strolling the enchanting canal waterways and back streets lined with specialty shops. One hasn’t been to Venice unless they take a gondola ride weaving through the labyrinth of canals, admiring this floating city’s architecture and engineering feat.
Rightly so, Venice has limited tourism by boat, so cruise ships are docked in the nearby coastal town of Chioggia, a thriving fishing village encompassing several islands on the southern border of the Venice lagoon. An optional excursion not to be missed is a visit to the islands of Murano and Burano, where the art of glass blowing is at its finest. Artisans demonstrate their craftsmanship, and opportunities to shop for one-of-a-kind chandeliers, vases, jewelry, and trinkets provide a great way to bring ship or hand-carry souvenirs for yourself or loved ones back home.
Split, Croatia, was the next city on our voyage. Our excellent ship, Viking Star, was docked in the bay with lovely views of the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. While Split archeologically dates back to the 6th century BC, the remnants of the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian indicate its founding more like 1,700 years ago. At the city’s heart is the promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. The Gallery of Fine Arts, the Ethnographic Museum, and Diocletian’s ancient mausoleum, now an impressive Cathedral, are highlights of this port.
The second port of call is Dubrovnik, Croatia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 12th-century medieval fortified Old Town follows the coastline. At the same time, within the ancient wall barrier, stone houses remain primarily intact despite the devastating earthquake in 1979 that rendered 80% of mountain houses outside the walls uninhabitable. Visitors can walk the entire fence; narrow passages, steep steps, and inclines provide a daily workout. We were lucky to be on the cruise at the beginning of November, so the temperatures were mild, and there were no crowds.
After a calm overnight sail, we arrived on the petit island of Corfu, Greece. Royals and conquerors flocked to this retreat, seeking peaceful respite basking in the sun on the stunning beaches. We arrived on the first Sunday of November, a local holiday called “First Sunday,” celebrating the second time the island was saved from “The Plague” in 1673. Marching bands file through the public square and narrow streets, filling the town with a convivial atmosphere. Fellow cruisers who took the 4×4 vehicle tour raved about the experience, and we took the enlightening tour to the Paleokastrista Monastery, which had breathtaking views of the aquamarine waters below.
After a relaxing day at sea partaking in the festivities aboard, the Star arrived in the iconic heart of Italian culture, Naples, Italy. Once a 500-year-old powerful independent kingdom, Naples was home to the finest architects and essential artists. Because the ship docks in the center of significant parts of town, it was easy to see the Piazza del Plebiscito and the San Francesco di Paola Church. Our optional excursion brought us to the charming village of Sorrento – home to artisans specializing in inlaid wooden boxes. Our tour also included a wonderful visit to a family farm where we learned the art of making mozzarella and limoncello. Of course, the highlight was the tasting portion of the program! Our only regret is that we could have spent more time exploring this adorable hamlet. Having lived in Naples years ago, we had already visited Pompeii at the base of Mount Vesuvius, but those who did go reported it was an exceptional tour not to be missed.
Rome has always been an excellent idea, with its 2,500 years of history and ancient structures like the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. Always a crowd pleaser, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are both architecturally and historically significant. Designer shops, cafes, and gelato stands are aplenty. It’s a long day of travel to/from the ship and sightseeing, but it still is not enough time to do this magical city justice. It is an excellent overview for first-time tourists. Still, for those on a repeat visit, I recommend concentrating on one city area and lingering over a delicious lunch at one of the many outstanding restaurants. Viking does make traversing from one side of the city to another easier with shuttle vans between the major destinations.
Another long day of sightseeing awaits the arrival in Florence. A stunning city studied by architecture students worldwide, Florence is the finest example of Renaissance ingenuity and design. The Duomo dominated the landscape of the medieval town, while the Palazzo Vecchio oversaw the seat of the power that drove the architectural achievements. Optional excursions included a stop in Pisa, Italy, with the world-famous Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery. Outstanding shopping, souvenir hunting, and just plain admiring every building in the city center of Florence is worthy of taking every minute of the excursion.
The tiniest of the cities on the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise includes a port visit to the Principality of Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera. Viking Star’s location provided sweeping views of the Palace, the billionaires’ row of yachts, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Nothing is a far walk from the ship’s deck, making it the easiest of ports to explore on your own. The casino is open for a peek or those wanting to enter (proper attire is required), so do not forget your passport and wallet. Let’s see how long your winning streak lasts. If it does, the most exclusive luxury clothing and jewelry brands await steps from the casino.
The penultimate stop on the voyage was France’s oldest city, Marseille, in the Provence region at the mouth of the Rhône River. Vieux Port (Old Port) is flanked by two 17th-century fortresses that boast small local fishing vessels alongside elegant yachts. We woke up to a glorious passage into the most romantic port of the trip. Panoramic views from the ship are only outshined by the ability to get off the boat and take a tour bus to the Notre Dame de la Garde perched high above the landscape or walk up to the Church of Saint-Laurent for equally as gorgeous glimpses of the vistas below.
Last but certainly not least, our final destination was Barcelona. Smartly, Viking overnight in the port, allowing folks to properly get to know this vibrant, artsy, modern city. A trip to Barcelona must include the food markets, a tapas tasting, and visits to see the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, and the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Tips:
– Do not overpack. There is excellent shopping on the ship and in every port! This cruise is one where you will load up on souvenirs and need extra room in your suitcase. Each cabin deck has ample free laundry machines and soap.
– Sign up early for optional excursions; many sell out immediately but do not panic if they do because Viking takes waitlists once embarking on the ship.
– Pay attention to the time of year for your booking and be aware that the summer months are very crowded.
