The Viking history of Turkey: A primer
Whilst much of Western academia has traditionally focused on the westward push of the Vikings, from the late 8th century CE onwards, the pendulum has swung back lately for a renewed emphasis on their eastward exploits.
Rome didn't fall in a day
Let me ask you a question: when did the Roman Empire fall? If you answered sometime in the late 5th century CE, I'm afraid you'd only be partly right.
Between 235 and 284 CE, the Roman Empire suffered a series of near-fatal crises resulting from civil war, economic depression, the mass migration of "climate change refugees," and a good old dose of the bubonic plague. Ascending to the purple, Emperor Diocletian needed a solution to these crises.
He felt that the Roman Empire, stretching from what is now Scotland to the Euphrates River, was too big for one Emperor (even if they were a living God) to rule.
He divided the Empire into two, with the eastern half to be ruled from the ancient city of Byzantium, which would be renamed 330 CE after Diocletian's later successor, Constantine.
This "New Rome," Constantinople, would become the de facto capital of the Roman Empire when Rome itself "fell" in 476 CE and was a continuation of the Empire until its capture by Seljuk Turks in 1453 CE... Almost a millennium after the "original" Rome fell!
Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern half (later dubbed the "Byzantine Empire" by 19th-century historians... but for the people living in this Eastern half, they were simply "Romans" and their entity was the "Roman Empire") thrived.
It was, during the early medieval period, right up until its sack by the Crusaders in 1204 CE, the preeminent cultural, economic, and military power in Europe, if not West Asia.
The Vikings are coming
By the time of the first Viking raids, in the late 8th century CE, the Eastern Roman Empire (henceforth "Byzantine Empire" for clarity's sake) had seen centuries of cultural and political change transform it beyond recognition from being simply the half of the Roman Empire that didn't collapse.
Yes, there were still recognizable institutions – from the Emperor and the Pretorian Guard to the famed chariot races at the Hippodrome, but by the late 8th century, the Romans now spoke Greek, not Latin, and worshipped an Orthodox version of Christianity.
The new century would see missionaries from Constantinople spread out to the Slavic peoples, especially in Eastern Europe.
When people from Viking societies were not raiding westward, they crossed their "pond" (The Baltic Sea) to traverse the many river systems that dot Eastern Europe.
Following these river systems downstream, they brought traders, raiders, and settlers with them to as far away as the shores of the Black Sea.
From here, it was only a short sail to what was then Europe's biggest and busiest metropolis, Constantinople. The Vikings had another name for it, inspired by awe. For them, it was Miklagard , the Great City.
Expeditions and raids
Like the Byzantine missionaries who had traveled northward to the lands of the Slavic people, a huge swathe of Europe between what is now eastern Germany and Russia, peoples from Viking societies had traveled there too.
By the 9th century, these people – who were called "Rus" were slowly establishing the foundation of what would become, by the century's end, the Kievan Rus .
These Rus had begun to dominate the local population and establish trading networks between Miklagard and their ancestral homelands back in Scandinavia.
Our first interaction of the Vikings with what is now Türkiye is said to have occurred during the 830s CE when a series of raids on cities on the shores of the Sea of Marmara and Paphlagonia (the Black Sea region of Anatolia) was undertaken by some of these Rus.
Over the course of the next century, these Rus would go on to lay siege to Miklagard twice (860 and 907 CE), Bithynia (941 CE), Lemons (1024 CE), and finally throughout much of the eastern Aegean Sea.
The Rus attacked Miklagard twice. Illustration: The Viking Herald
All of these raids were in what is now the territory of Türkiye but then was under the rule of the Byzantine Emperor. Remember that the Vikings were happy with the (relatively) small pickings of raiding remote monasteries of the British Isles, so imagine the aspirations for going on to raid Europe's most sophisticated culture, housing that great "Golden City" of Constantinople with its numerous churches and their treasure-laden icons.
With much of our knowledge of the "Rus-Byzantine Wars" mostly from later Russian chronicles, especially the Primary Chronicle compiled in the 12th century CE, there is serious academic debate about whether any of these raids and conflicts even occurred and, if they did, at the scale described.
The largest of these attacks, in 907 CE, saw the first Rus prince of Kiev, Oleg, lay siege to the walls of Constantinople with as many as 2,000 ships, but there are no contemporary accounts of any attacks this size.
The current academic consensus is that raiding and border conflicts did occur frequently but never as what we would think of as a war in the modern sense.
Inside the Theodosian Walls
Given much less publicity than the Vikings' often bloody raiding and pillage is the economic prowess of peoples in Viking societies.
Helping to piece together the economic links shattered by the fall of the Western Roman Empire, commerce underpinned the Viking expansion throughout much of the early medieval period.
After first encountering the Byzantine Empire via river routes throughout Eastern Europe, trade flowed both ways. Soon, the marketplaces of Constantinople were filled with traders and merchants from Viking societies who were there to sell slaves, furs, or honey, all much-prized commodities.
The Dnipier and Dniester River routes, which connected the east coast of Sweden to western Russia, then down through eastern Europe to the Black Sea and Constantinople, was soon full of what the Byzantine would call "Varangians."
Only recently have Turkish archaeologists uncovered what they believe to be a neighborhood inhabited by these Varangians near Lake Küçükçekmece in Istanbul .
These Varangian traders not only came to dominate much of the trade networks linking Northern and Eastern Europe to the larger economies of the Byzantine Empire and Abbasid Caliphate but also much of the Imperial City itself.
With the help of missionaries sent from the Byzantine Empire, the Rus underwent a long process of conversion to Christianity by the late 9th century CE which saw some warriors head southward to take up arms for the Byzantine Emperor.
Yet it was in 988 CE, after a military agreement between Byzantine Emperor Basil II and the ruler of the Kievan Rus, Vladimir I of Kiev, that a huge number (supposedly 6,000) Varangian warriors formed a new Norse Pretorian Guard for the Byzantine ruler.
The "Varangian Guard" would go on to play a legendary part in both the court politics of Byzantine and as a "release valve" for Scandinavian rulers to send their outcasts and troublemakers to.
In fact, one of the most important Viking warriors and later King of Norway, Harald Hardrada , spent years living and fighting throughout much of the regions surrounding Türkiye when he was part of this elite Varangian Guard.
A legacy written in stone
From Viking merchants plying their trade in the streets of Constantinople to Viking longboats ominously raiding the coastal communities of the Turkish coast to one of the Byzantine Emperor's most trusted sources of personal protection being, quite literally, Vikings, the history of Türkiye, during the early medieval period, has a strong Norse flavor.
Yet the history of the Viking experience in Türkiye is, quite literally, carved into stone.
In the glorious Hagia Sophia mosque (originally constructed as a Christian church in the 4th century CE before, more recently, reconsecrated as a mosque after spending many years as a museum), there is some graffiti sprawled in... runes.
Much of this graffiti is illegible, but it appears that a person from a Viking culture, who knew runes, carved the name "Halfdan" on one of the mosque's gallery walls.
Further north, there are as many as 30 runestones in Sweden, carved during the Viking Era (c. 793 – 1066 CE), that detail the adventures and exploits of Vikings who went south to what is now Istanbul and Türkiye.
To read more on how a Viking warrior has inspired a Turkish couple in the hunt for a name for their newborn child, read an article on it by Daily Sabah here , whilst all the latest on the Viking neighborhood unearthed in Istanbul is available on the Hurriyet Daily News website here .
We get to provide readers with original coverage thanks to our loyal supporters. Do you enjoy our work? You can become a PATRON here or via our Patreon page . You'll get access to exclusive content and early access.
Jonathan Williamson
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Discover the world of the vikings!
Istanbul – “miklagard”.
The great wealth of the city soon made it a tempting prey for the Northerners, though because of the size of the city the Vikings quickly decided to go into the service of the emperor. He established his own Viking-guard known as the Varangians. The best known commander of this guard was Harald Hardrada .
The wall was 7 km long, built in three parallel walls. The inside wall was 12 meters high. There were 100 eighteen meter high towers along the wall. On the outside there were moats. There were also several kilometers of walls along the sea side plus a heavy iron chain that blocked the harbor of Constantinople – The Golden Horn. The walls protected the city against intruders for 800 years before Constantinople on April 13th 1204 was conquered for the first time by crusaders during the 4th crusade.
The Miklagard of the Vikings
The city wall was 7 km long, built in three parallel walls. The inside wall was 12 meters high. There were 100 eighteen meter high towers along the wall. On the outside there were moats. There were also several kilometers of walls along the sea side plus a heavy iron chain that blocked the harbor of Constantinople – The Golden Horn. The walls protected the city against intruders for 800 years before Constantinople on April 13th 1204 was conquered for the first time by crusaders during the 4th crusade.
The Vikings sailed in to Constantinople, mooring at the harbor in the Golden Horn. In this city of several hundred thousand, the Hippodrome with room for 100,000 spectators dominated. It was the eastern Roman Empire’s ceremony and festival center. From here the emperor proclaimed his decisions and issued decrees. Above the entrance were four horses in bronze telling what the hippodrome was actually built for. The bronze statues were retrieved from Emperor Nero’s arch of triumph in Rome. The crusaders plundered Constantinople taking with them the statues to Venice where they today the church of St. Marcus’s west entrance.
Nearby was the largest church in the world, Hagia Sofia – The Church of Holy wisdom. It was finished in 537 and was therefore quite new when the Vikings arrived. We know that the Vikings visited the church because on one of the columns you can still read “ Halvdan was here ” etched in the marble in Runic symbols. Halvdan was surely impressed when he gazed at the huge cupola which soared to 56 meters above, even though he didn’t understand much of the ceremonies that were taking place on the church floor.
In the senatorial building there was room for 2000 senators, together with the splendor of the royal palace it is not so strange that the Vikings referred to the city as Miklagard (The Great City).
A tempting prey
The Vikings couldn’t resist the city’s riches. In 860 they plundered Constantinople for the first time. They cut down everything that stood in their way, set fire to churches and houses, plundered and robbed. The emperor was forced to offer them some gold so that the citizens would be left in peace. Later the emperor had to pay the Vikings tribute for many years in order to avoid further plundering. But he didn’t trust them very much anyway. If they wanted to trade in the city they had to go through a certain gate followed by the emperor’s men. They had to leave their weapons outside the city walls and couldn’t be more than 50 at a time.
In the Emperor’s service
The emperor’s empire stretched over huge areas of the Balkans and Asia Minor. There were constant disturbances in and on the periphery of the empire and the emperor was in need of good soldiers. It was common for northerners to go to Constantinople to serve as mercenaries. Those who survived could go home again with their pockets full of gold, so they say.
The Varangians
In 980 emperor Basil II received an unusual gift from Czar Vladimir (Valdemar) of Russia. He got an army of 6,000 Scandinavian-Russian Vikings.
He incorporated them into his own army as a single unit. It became known as the “The Axe-toting Guard” – after the huge double-edged axes they used in battle. Posterity knows this unit as the “Varangians” – the sworn. They were the best paid troops in the empire. They were so well paid that you had to bribe the right people in order to get in. The Varangians were also allowed to keep the booty they managed to scrape up from the battlefields and towns they conquered. They also had a right to “polutasvarv” (palace plundering) whenever the emperor died. They then went through the palaces in the capital and grabbed all the treasures and valuables they could carry. The Northerners served the emperor for over 300 years.
Harald Hardrada in Miklagard
Most of the Vikings in Constantinople were from Sweden but there were also Danes and Norwegians. The most famous of the Varangians was perhaps Harald Sigurdsson (1015-1066) who later became King of Norway under the name Harald Hardrada. He was commander of the emperors bodyguard, the Varangians for many years. He led the Varangians into battle in North-Africa, Syria, Palestine and Sicily. He sent all the goods he could get hold of north to Holmgaard in Russia, to his father-in-law to be, King Jaroslav the Wise. “There was an accumulation of wealth such that no man of the north had seen in the possession of a single man”, said Snorre.
Harald Journeys Home
When Harald, after many years service, planned to go home he wanted to take with him the empress’s niece, Maria, but the empress said no. The Varangians said that there were rumours that Empress Zoe herself wanted Harald. Emperor Constantine imprisoned Harald, but Harald received help in escaping. He took Maria by force, grabbed a ship and rowed out of the harbour. When they reached the chain that protected the harbour he ordered everyone that wasn’t rowing to the back of the boat and the rowers rowed for their lives. When they had rowed the ship up on the chain he ordered everyone forward. The ship tipped forward and slid off the chain. They could continue on into the Black Sea towards Russia. But before going on to Norway he graciously sent Maria back to Miklagard with a company and married Jaroslav’s daughter Ellisif. They left for Norway in 1045.
Timeline of Byzantium- Constantinople- Istanbul
- Byzantium was founded by Greeks in about 600 B.C. at the entrance to the Bosporous and Black Sea.
- In 73 A.D. Byzantium was incorporated into the Roman empire.
- Ca. 200 A.D. the Hippodrome was constructed as a copy of the Circus Maximus in Rome. It was 380 by 190 meters and held 100, 000 spectators.
Constantinople
- Founded in the year 324 by emperor Constantine.
- The city burned in the year 532.
- It was first attacked by Vikings in 860.
- In 980 emperor Basil II founded the Varangian Guard as a single unit of his army.
- Conquered for the first time by crusaders from 1204-1261. The city never fully recovered from this.
- The Sultan Mehmet II, ruler of the Ottoman empire, conquered the city in 1453.
- The city was the capital until 1923.
- The city’s name was changed to Istanbul in 1930.
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Were There Ever Vikings In Turkey?
As you dive into the annals of history, unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations, you may stumble upon an intriguing question: were there ever Vikings in Turkey? The Vikings, widely known for their exploration, trade, and sometimes violent conquests across Europe and the Atlantic, have left an indelible mark on the pages of history. However, their presence in regions such as Turkey is a less commonly explored topic. This article aims to shed light on this question by diving deep into the historical evidence, archaeological finds, and cultural exchanges between the Vikings and the region we now know as Turkey.
The Vikings: Seafaring Warriors and Explorers
The Vikings, active from the late eighth to the early 11th century, were an exceptional group of mariners originating from the Scandinavian territories of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Their proficiency in seafaring was unmatched during this historical period. As they expanded their territories, they made their way to many parts of Europe, including what we know today as Turkey. But how did these Northern seafarers end up in the sunny climes of the Near East?
Did Turks and Vikings Ever Meet?
The historical encounter between Vikings and Turks is a fascinating topic that underscores these two powerful groups’ broad reach and influence during the medieval period. But it’s important to note that what we now refer to as Turks and Vikings are representatives of distinct historical entities and geographical locations that have changed significantly over time .
The Vikings, hailing from the Scandinavian regions of Northern Europe, were most active during the Viking Age from the late 8th to early 11th centuries. On the other hand, the Turks, as we refer to them today, primarily denote the people of the modern nation of Turkey, who share a cultural and historical lineage with the nomadic Turkic tribes of Central Asia and the medieval Seljuk and Ottoman Empires.
The intersection of Vikings and Turks can be traced back to when Vikings served in the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire in modern-day Turkey. The Varangian Guard, established around the late 10th century, was an elite unit of the Byzantine Army. Vikings, known as Varangians in this context, were integral to this unit.
During this period, they likely had interactions with various peoples living within the empire, including Greek-speaking Byzantines and possibly some early Turkic groups. Yet, these Turkic groups would have been different from the Seljuk Turks, who began to migrate into Anatolia later in the 11th century and established the groundwork for the eventual Ottoman Empire.
So, while direct encounters between what we now call Turks and Vikings are historically complex and layered, there were certainly interactions between Vikings and the diverse peoples of the Byzantine Empire, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and interconnected world of the past.
Vikings in Constantinople
The answer to this intriguing question lies in Byzantine history’s rich, colorful tapestry. Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, was the thriving heart of the Byzantine Empire. It was a city of great wealth and influence, attracting people from all corners of the known world, including the Vikings.
Several historical texts and sagas describe the exploits of the Vikings , known as the “Varangians” in the East. They were an integral part of the Varangian Guard, an elite unit of the Byzantine Army. The Varangian Guard was formed in the late 10th century under Emperor Basil II, who reportedly recruited them as his bodyguards. It was a high honor and a testament to the might and fearlessness of these Norse warriors.
The Journey from Scandinavia to Byzantium: Viking Routes to Constantinople
The journey of Vikings from the rugged fjords of Scandinavia to the bustling city of Constantinople is a fascinating narrative of exploration and adaptation. Traversing this route was no easy feat, as it involved a complex network of seas, rivers, and land pathways, each with unique challenges and rewards.
Vikings are known for their unrivaled seafaring skills, which were vital in undertaking this adventurous journey. The most commonly used route to Constantinople was the Varangian route, also known as the “route from the Varangians to the Greeks.” This pathway wound its way through the heart of Eastern Europe, beginning in Scandinavia, then passing through the Baltic Sea, and continuing along Russian rivers, most notably the Dnieper.
Upon reaching the Black Sea, the Vikings would navigate along the coast until they reached the Bosphorus Strait, leading them to Constantinople. This journey, covering thousands of kilometers, brought them into contact with various cultures and people, including the Slavs, Balts, Khazars, and Pechenegs. These encounters often led to trade, cultural exchange, and sometimes conflicts.
The choice of this route was strategic. The river-based trajectory allowed the Vikings to exploit their expertise in ship-building and navigation, their longships adept at sea and river navigation. Furthermore, it offered them access to rich trade networks, enhancing the economic viability of their journey.
Over time, the Vikings established trade stations and settlements along this route, further facilitating their journeys to Constantinople. Towns like Staraya Ladoga and Novgorod in present-day Russia were significant points in this extensive trade network.
The journey from Scandinavia to Byzantium was not just a physical route but also a pathway of cultural, economic, and political exchanges. The Vikings’ voyages to Constantinople were not only a testament to their indomitable spirit of exploration and adventure but also a reflection of their adaptability and ability to interact with diverse cultures and societies.
Varangian Guard: The Viking Presence in Byzantium
The Varangians were known for their bravery, loyalty, and martial prowess. They were predominantly Norsemen, hailing from Sweden and Norway. Over time, however, the Varangian Guard started incorporating warriors from other regions, including those from Denmark and England. The Vikings serving in the Guard were involved in many battles and political conflicts and possibly also played roles in the everyday life of Constantinople.
A significant evidence supporting the presence of Vikings in Constantinople is the Jelling Stone, a runic stone in Denmark. One side of this stone features an inscription that mentions a Viking leader , Harald Bluetooth, who “won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian.” The inscription also includes a reference to Harald’s conquests in the “land of the Greeks,” which is widely believed to refer to Byzantine territories.
Artifacts and Archaeological Evidence
Additional evidence of Viking presence in Turkey has come to light through various archaeological finds. Excavations have unearthed several Viking artifacts , including runes and coins, affirming their presence and influence in Byzantium.
One of the most famous examples is the discovery of numerous graffiti pieces in the Hagia Sophia, a magnificent cathedral turned mosque, now a museum, in Istanbul. Among these are runes etched into the marble banisters and balustrades. One such inscription, believed to have been written by a member of the Varangian Guard, simply says, “Halfdan was here.”
Cultural Exchange and Influence
Beyond their martial contributions, the Vikings also influenced Byzantine culture . They brought with them their unique traditions, mythology, and craftsmanship. The Byzantines, in turn, introduced the Vikings to their advanced arts , religious beliefs, and administrative practices. This exchange of cultural ideas and practices played a crucial role in shaping the histories of both societies.
Diplomacy and Alliances: Viking-Byzantine Political Relations
The Viking-Byzantine political relations vividly illustrate the diplomatic alliances that marked the Middle Ages . The ties between the two entities were mainly facilitated through the formation and activities of the Varangian Guard, but the relationship was not just limited to martial service; it extended to diplomacy and political alliances.
Emperor Basil II, often credited with establishing the Varangian Guard, sought out the Norse warriors to ensure his hold on the Byzantine throne against internal revolts. He saw the Vikings as loyal, skilled fighters who would not get involved in local politics. Their inclusion in the Guard symbolized a crucial political alliance that offered mutual benefits: protection for the emperor and wealth and prestige for the Vikings.
Diplomatic exchanges also characterized this relationship between the Vikings and the Byzantines. Norse leaders, including the famed Olaf Haraldsson (later Saint Olaf), reportedly visited Constantinople on diplomatic missions. They used these journeys to establish political alliances and negotiate trade agreements.
Furthermore, the Vikings’ role in the Byzantine Empire extended their influence to other parts of the empire’s dominion. Their political and military involvement in Byzantine affairs linked distant Scandinavia with the political intricacies of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Overall, the Viking-Byzantine political relations demonstrate that the Vikings were not only raiders or traders but also diplomats and political allies. Their involvement in the political life of Byzantium underscores their multifaceted roles during the Viking Age, serving as key players in the diplomatic tapestry of medieval Europe.
Trade and Economy: The Role of Vikings in Byzantine Commerce
The Viking involvement in Byzantine commerce offers an interesting perspective on the economic exchanges and networks during the Viking Age. Contrary to their reputation as fierce raiders, the Vikings were also skilled merchants and negotiators, playing a crucial role in the trade systems of the time.
When the Vikings established their presence in Byzantium as the Varangian Guard, they were not just warriors serving the emperor; they also became a part of the thriving Byzantine economy. Being part of the Guard had its perks – it offered them access to lucrative trade routes and opportunities for acquiring wealth through direct commerce or as payment for their service.
In Constantinople’s rich, cosmopolitan city, a global trading hub, Vikings had access to goods from the far reaches of the Byzantine Empire and beyond. They traded in a variety of goods, including furs, honey, wax, and slaves from the north, and in return, they acquired luxury items such as silk, spices, wine, and silver.
The Vikings’ role as intermediaries in trade between the Byzantine Empire and Scandinavia contributed significantly to the economic landscape of the era. The Byzantine coins found in numerous Viking hoards across Scandinavia attest to the extent of this trade relationship.
In this way, the Vikings were not merely transient warriors in Byzantium; they were active participants in the economic life of the empire. Their involvement in Byzantine commerce highlights their adaptability and capacity to integrate into different economic systems. It paints a richer, more nuanced picture of the Vikings beyond their warrior image.
Legacy and Remembrance: The Vikings in Turkish Historical Consciousness
The legacy and remembrance of the Vikings in Turkish historical consciousness is a complex and multifaceted topic. The Vikings’ presence in the Byzantine Empire, primarily through their service in the Varangian Guard, left a significant imprint on the historical landscape. Still, this Viking legacy is often intertwined with the broader narrative of Byzantine history, given that modern Turkey was the seat of the Byzantine Empire.
From a cultural perspective, the Viking runes etched into the marble of Hagia Sophia are a living testament to their presence in the region. These graffiti and various other artifacts serve as silent reminders of a time when Norse warriors walked the streets of Constantinople. They help keep the Vikings’ memory alive, not just in academic or historical circles but also among the general public.
In the academic realm, Turkish and international scholars continue to research the role and influence of the Vikings in Byzantine society. These studies further contribute to our understanding of the Vikings’ activities and interactions in Byzantium and beyond.
In popular culture, the story of the Vikings in Byzantium, although not as widely portrayed as their adventures in the British Isles or their voyages to the New World, has inspired several works of historical fiction and drama. This has allowed the Viking legacy to be introduced to a wider audience.
Despite the passage of a millennium, the Viking legacy continues to be a part of Turkey’s rich historical tapestry. Their story in the region is a testament to the enduring connections and exchanges that characterized the medieval world.
The Vikings-Turkey link may seem improbable at first glance, but historical evidence paints a fascinating picture of these Norse seafarers in the heart of the Byzantine Empire. Through their role in the Varangian Guard, to their influence on Byzantine culture, the Vikings left an indelible mark on the region. Their journey from the fjords of Scandinavia to the grandeur of Constantinople serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of our shared human history.
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Viking Oceans Announces Return to Turkey with New Greek Odyssey Itinerary
by The Cruise Web Team November 9, 2018, 6:09 pm
- Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey: It’s one of the most well preserved ancient cities in the world. Guests can take in sights such as the Great Theater and the magnificent Library of Celsus, visit the ruins of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John, or see the humble home where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary lived out her last days on earth.
- Volos, Greece: Once thought of as the retreat of the gods, Volos is now a modern, thriving city. Guests can take in the beautiful scenery of Meteora, where medieval monasteries stand solemn and sacred on hilltops, or explore Dion, a religious epicenter located on the rolling hills of Mt. Olympus.
- Thessaloniki, Greece: Greece’s second-largest city offers an exhilarating mix of ancient culture and modern life. Guests can walk the vibrant waterfront and discover many cafés and restaurants, or explore outside the city to visit the ruins of the ancient Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great.
- Nafplio, Greece: Set between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos, Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Guests can seek the charms of its Venetian homes and Byzantine churches, take a drive to Palamidi, an ominous fortress towering over the city, or travel to the nearby Peloponnese peninsula, an area rich in ancient history.
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Viking Cruises Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruise: Turkey
Here’s a peek at the Viking Cruises Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruise : excursions, activities and food in Turkey.
This was my fourth Viking cruise! I’ve done two river cruises ( Southern France and Swiss Alps to Paris ) and one ocean cruise ( Berlin to Bergen, Norway ). I have been wanting to go to Greece forever, so this trip was a dream for me. My sister Susie and I went together on this one!
The Ancient Mediterranean Treasures cruise is an 8-day adventure with 6 guided tours. There are three stops in Greece (Athens, Crete and Rhodes) and three stops in Turkey (Ephesus, Troy and Istanbul). My sister and I decided that we would add a 2-day extension onto the beginning (2 additional days in Athens) and a 2-day extension onto the end (2 additional days in Istanbul). This is a cruise where you have the opportunity to see a lot of ancient ruins if you’d like. This post is all about our three stops in Turkey. You can read about our three stops in Greece too. If you choose this particular cruise, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf (for head covering in the mosque), and you should perhaps dress more on the conservative side (no short shorts or super short dresses). It’s okay to wear those things, but you might feel a bit uncomfortable because not a lot of women dress like that in Turkey.
Our first stop in Turkey was in Ephesus. It has a lot of interesting ruins. It’s also a city that holds an important place in Christianity. It’s said that, in Ephesus, St. John is said to have preached and Mary to have lived out her final days in a tiny stone house.
We chose the Ancient Ephesus excursion, which was an “included” tour (no extra fee). It was a great tour of a lot of ruins! We saw the 2nd-century Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Great Theater, able to host 25,000 spectators. That photo in the upper right is the Goddess of Nike. And of course, there were cats everywhere!
Also here are the ruins of the Library of Celsus, built to house 12,000 scrolls.
Back on the ship, here’s a peek at just a few of the goodies we enjoyed. A healthy salad for lunch, a pastry-filled breakfast with cappuccinos, 3 flavors of gelato and oatmeal with fixings.
I mentioned in my last post ( about Greece ) all of the activities you can take advantage of on the ship. The shuffleboard area is quite popular and also the walking deck up top so you can get your exercise while sailing!
The next stop in Turkey was Troy! We did go to the ruins of Troy (from the days of Alexander the Great and Roman Emperor Augustus). The wooden Trojan Horse is a popular site at the ruins, but it was being renovated so we really couldn’t see much of it. In Homer’s Iliad , the Trojan Horse gave ancient Greeks entry to the city during the Trojan War, and its legend is still very much alive today. The Trojan Horse you see in the photo above is a replica that stands at the waterfront. And of course, there were cats everywhere in Troy too!
And here were are back at the ship!
Since it was our last night on the ship, the Viking staff were there with champagne and celebratory music to welcome us back on board. I really love the Viking staff. They are from countries all over the world, and they all seem so very happy to be working on the ship.
We enjoyed a second dinner at Manfredi’s Italian restaurant on the ship. Pictured are the fabulous bread basket, calamari, a lovely salad and chicken parmesan. I might also mention that they have some good wine available!
Just cruising along and watching the sunsets every evening was magical and relaxing.
We disembarked the ship and went on another excursion (since we added on the 2-day extension in Istanbul). This one started with a tour of the New Mosque (we saw the Blue Mosque too, on our own). You do have to take off your shoes and have a head covering to enter the mosques as a tourist, or they can give you a scarf to borrow as you enter. The mosques are beautiful inside and out. We opted not to tour Hagia Sophia (a popular tourist stop) because the line was just too long.
We also had a tour of the Underground Cistern , which was very cool. It was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century and used as water storage for the Great Palace during Byzantine times and for the Topkapi Palace under the Ottomans.
We had a great tour guide for this all-day excursion. He walked us all over the place and told us interesting things about Istanbul and its politics, etc. This is Turkish coffee, which you can buy from a street cart. We also visited The Grand Bazaar , a huge shopping area with lots of stalls. You can buy (fake) designer bags, scarves, jewelry and many other goodies. Our tour guide warned us about buying jewelry… that it’s not always as they describe! He also told us to always negotiate.
And our all-day excursion finally concluded with a beautiful lunch cruise.
For the 2-day Istanbul extension, Viking put us all up at The Conrad . It was an amazing hotel to stay at the end of our trip. The lobby and rooms were beautiful. It was a little outside of the Istanbul city action, but we got a lot of walking in so that was all good.
On the day we had to ourselves (the last day in Istanbul), we walked all over the city (30,000+ steps!) It’s actually better to walk because the traffic is so bad. We discovered the Dolmabahce Palace , so we bought tickets and toured. It was a worthwhile venture- a beautiful and interesting palace. It’s in a gorgeous setting, right on the water.
There were a ton of Instagram “influencers” on this gorgeous property. They were out of control with the outfits and the posing, etc. So I was just making a little fun of it all.
This is a scene you see everywhere in Istanbul. Men socializing with tea and coffee, sitting on these tiny seats.
And in case you were wondering, there are a lot of cats and dogs wandering around Istanbul too!
The Spice Market is another huge shopping area that has all of the great spices, tea and other fruits and goodies. I bought quite a few spices. You buy them in bulk by the ounce, and they are very cheap compared to what you would buy at home at your regular market.
Here’s a peek at some of the food we enjoyed around Istanbul. We enjoyed a great, seaside salad, two fabulous meals at the restaurant at the top of The Conrad (curry chicken and rice and a traditional Greek salad), and then there was the breakfast buffet. The breakfast buffet at The Conrad was one of the most amazing breakfast spreads I have ever seen. It was a huge buffet with every kind of breakfast food (English and Turkish) that you can imagine.
Good night from our last in Istanbul! And thank you to Viking for another fabulous cruise!
A Few Tips for Cruising on The Viking Star:
- Take the time to plan ahead- look at the forecasted weather and plan accordingly for clothing. Having a laundry room available on board made it so much easier to re-wear our clothes!
- As soon as you make your reservation, begin looking at the options for shore excursions and make those reservations too. They do sell out, so you want to make sure you reserve what you want! If the excursion you want is offered in both the morning and afternoon, book the early one! You’ll be happy to have the second half of the day to explore.
- Take the time to get a sea sickness patch from your doctor and USE IT. Some people don’t think they’ll need it, but it’s better to be safe than feel sick and realize it’s too late. You can never predict how bumpy the sail is going to be or how your body will handle it.
- Bring comfortable shoes for your shore excursions.
- Check out your itinerary and book spa time for the days where you’ll be at sea!
- If you enjoy your cocktails and wine, then splurge and get the Silver Spirits Package so you’ll have more options available to you.
For more information:
Visit Viking Ocean Cruises to take a peek at all of their ships and itineraries.
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Viking Returns To Turkey In 2021
Posted on November 8, 2018 Author Chris Owen 1 Comment
One of the last cruise lines to stop calling at Turkish ports “in an abundance of caution”, Viking Cruises returns to Turkey in 2021 with a new offseason Greek itinerary. Below is the full story
Viking® ( www.vikingcruises.com ) today announced a new 11-day ocean cruise itinerary, Greek Odyssey , that will allow guests to explore the ancient empires of antiquity of the Aegean Sea during the quiet season. Sailing roundtrip from Athens starting in January 2021, the new itinerary features three new ports of call for Viking, including Volos, Thessaloníki and Nafpilo in Greece, as well as a stop in Ephesus, marking the company’s return to Turkey.
“Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our destination-focused ocean itineraries are built on the same successful principles as our river itineraries – we offer our guests more time in port, enriching cultural experiences, the best-designed ships at sea with no children, no casinos and no nickel-and-diming. With this new itinerary in Greece and Turkey offered during the quiet winter season, we look forward to helping our guests explore such a culturally rich region of the world in ‘The Viking Way.’”
Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest all-veranda Viking Sea® , guests will journey through several millennia of culture and history, from Athens, known as the “birthplace of democracy,” to the island of Crete, home to the mysterious Minoan civilization. Highlights of the new Greek Odyssey itinerary include:
- Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey: One of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world, guests can visit the remains of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John, take in sights such as the massive Great Theater and the magnificent Library of Celsus, or see the modest home where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary lived out her final days.
- Volos, Greece: Now a modern, cosmopolitan port city, this region was once thought of as the playground of the gods. Guests can experience the stunning scenery of Meteora, where medieval monasteries stand precariously on hilltops, or explore the ancient religious center of Dion, located on the foothills of Mt. Olympus.
- Thessaloniki, Greece: Greece’s second-largest city offers an exhilarating mix of ancient culture and modern life. While in port, guests can walk the vibrant waterfront promenade with its many cafés and restaurants, or venture outside the city to the remains of the ancient Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great.
- Nafpilo, Greece: Set between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos, Nafpilo is one of Greece’s most beautiful and romantic port cities. Guests can discover the charms of its Venetian homes and Byzantine churches, take a drive to Palamidi, an imposing fortress towering over the city, or travel to the nearby Peloponnese peninsula, an ancient area rich in history.
- Scenic cruising: Mt. Athos: During the one sea day on this itinerary, guests will sail past the majestic slopes of Mt. Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual capital of Orthodox Christianity. Called the “Holy Mountain,” the peninsula’s soaring peaks are home to 20 monasteries whose monks work to preserve and catalogue a vast collection of liturgical works and art.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore and on board. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access® experiences.
In addition, Viking offers a compelling value compared to other cruise lines. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship
Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.
Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world's major rivers.
That's notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.
For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .
Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.
The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .
There are 80 river ships in Viking's fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.
Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship
Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you'll find Viking's nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.
Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.
Among the line's voyages, there's everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.
Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.
Scandinavia and Northern Europe
Some of Viking's most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company's founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.
As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers "Viking country" — a region where it wants to dominate.
During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.
The line's most popular route in the region, "Viking Homelands," is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway's west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.
Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries
Note that, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It's unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.
Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed "Into the Midnight Sun," the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland's remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.
Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.
Viking's Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.
Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.
In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.
The Mediterranean
Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.
The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.
Typical of the latter is the line's 14-night "Mediterranean Antiquities" routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.
More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line's nine-night "Empires of the Mediterranean" voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.
In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.
Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites
Europe riverways
Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent's rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.
In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.
Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.
On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.
Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night "Rhine Getaway" from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night "European Sojourn" from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.
Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.
All three of Viking's Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night "Pharaohs and Pyramids" tour of Egypt.
Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's loyalty program
The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.
Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking's Europe-based vessels.
Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don't always see on Nile ships.
Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.
Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.
Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship's exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it's something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.
Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained
In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.
Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.
Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.
Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking's first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
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Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 or Contact Your Travel Advisor Turkey Cruises. Hide map Show ... Turkey Cruises. Hide map Show map. Journey to Antiquities. Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) ... Sign up to receive updates from Viking Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. ...
The history of Turkey, during the early medieval period, has a strong Norse flavor. Source: The Viking Herald. Whilst much of Western academia has traditionally focused on the westward push of the Vikings, from the late 8th century CE onwards, the pendulum has swung back lately for a renewed emphasis on their eastward exploits.
The discovery of Viking settlements in Turkey is a testament to the far-reaching and unexpected journeys of Vikings in the East. It provides a glimpse into the lives of these intrepid explorers and their impact on the historical and cultural legacy of Turkey. Viking Interactions with Local Cultures in Turkey
Our company headquarters is located in Main Street of Armutalan, Marmaris, Mugla / TURKEY. It is possible for you to contact us from (+90)5448343431 telephone number or [email protected]. We offer 24/7 services.
The Vikings laid siege to the city twice: first in the year 860 and again in 907. But by and large, the contact between the two was mutually beneficial. The furs, honey and slaves traded by the Vikings were in high demand in Constantinople - and the plethora of goods accessible in the Great City was well worth the trip for the Vikings.
Istanbul - "Miklagard". Huge city walls facing the land and sea met the Vikings when they sailed in to Constantinople mooring at the harbour in the Golden Horn. The city was the largest the Vikings knew of and it is not so strange that the Vikings referred to the city as Miklagard (The Great City). The great wealth of the city soon made ...
The intersection of Vikings and Turks can be traced back to when Vikings served in the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire in modern-day Turkey. The Varangian Guard, established around the late 10th century, was an elite unit of the Byzantine Army. Vikings, known as Varangians in this context, were integral to this unit.
They even made it as far as Turkey - which then as called the Byzantine Empire. Over 1,000 years ago, a Viking called Halvdan was in the city of Constantinople (now called Istanbul).
The Vikings were capable sailors and this enabled them to travel widely. Their ships were highly advanced and, in particular, the progress made in the use of the sails was of great significance. The Viking ships reached as far away as Greenland and the American continent to the west, and the Caliphate in Baghdad and Constantinople in the east.
Athens (piraeus), Greece | Crete (heraklion), Greece | Ephesus (kusadasi), Turkey | Istanbul, Turkey | Rhodes, Greece | Troy (canakkale), Turkey: $4,599. ... Viking Cruises Travel Tips. Viking is the world's most awarded company. Travelers who love cruising, they have the best dining experience in Viking Cruise Line as it has a lot of different ...
Viking Ocean Cruises will resume calls in Turkey in 2021 as part of a new Greek Odyssey itinerary. Sailing roundtrip from Athens starting in January 2021, the new itinerary features three new ...
Call Viking at 1-866-984-5464 or Contact Your Travel Advisor Spring Sale. Reduced International Airfare & Special Fares. $25 Deposit. 2024-2026 Voyages. Expires April 30, 2024. Mediterranean Cruises. From ancient Rome to Moorish Spain, classical Greece to the Holy Land, the empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy—set ...
In addition, the cruise will call once again on Ephesus, which marks Viking's return back to Turkey! "Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Our destination-focused ocean itineraries are built on the same successful principles as our ...
The Ancient Mediterranean Treasures cruise is an 8-day adventure with 6 guided tours. There are three stops in Greece (Athens, Crete and Rhodes) and three stops in Turkey (Ephesus, Troy and Istanbul). My sister and I decided that we would add a 2-day extension onto the beginning (2 additional days in Athens) and a 2-day extension onto the end ...
Sailing roundtrip from Athens starting in January 2021, the new itinerary features three new ports of call for Viking, including Volos, Thessaloníki and Nafpilo in Greece, as well as a stop in Ephesus, marking the company's return to Turkey. "Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort ...
16 Days San Juan Los Angeles. Operated By: Viking. From 8,410. Save 1,085. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Viking's 15 Day Ancient Adriatic Treasures beginning your journey in Istanbul and travelling through to Venice. 1000-26 season departures.
Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent. Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022.
16 Days San Juan Los Angeles. Operated By: Viking. From 8,410. Save 1,085. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Viking's 15 Day Ancient Adriatic Treasures beginning your journey in Venice and travelling through to Istanbul. 1000-26 season departures.