viking cruises in the mediterranean

Iconic We stern Mediterranean

Barcelona To Rome

5 GUIDED TOURS

4 COUNTRIES

$1,874 FROM

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Majestic Mediterranean

Barcelona To Barcelona

11 GUIDED TOURS

6 COUNTRIES

$3,548 FROM

EXPLORERS' SALE! $500 PER COUPLE EXPIRES OCT 11

Southern Mediterranean Discovery

Rome To Barcelona

6 GUIDED TOURS

SAVE $500 PER PERSON ON AIR

Quiet Season in the Mediterranean

• EXPLORE WITH EASE.  With fewer crowds, you can take your time, get a close look and absorb the culture at leisure.
• GREAT WEATHER. Low humidity and temperatures hovering around the 60s will inspire you to get out and explore.

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Walk through one of our serene, state-of-the-art sister ships - from spacious staterooms to the al fresco Aquavit Terrace.

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"The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated..."    - USNews.com

Iconic Western Mediterranean

Barcelona  To Rome

Majestic Mediterranean 

11 GUIDED  

Smart Travelers know that winter is a wonderful time to cruise the Mediterranean.  The weather is mild, there are fewer ships in port, and fewer tourists.  The iconic attractions can be explored - up close and unrushed.

Viking Panoramic 360 ° Tour

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Rome To Rome

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Mediterranean Explorations 

Mediterranean Explorations

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•  ENCOUNTER LOCAL LIFE AT ITS MOST AUTHENTIC.  The quiet season is when locals are more likely to converse and make you feel truly welcome.
• BEST VALUES.  With lower seasonal airfares you can apply  your savings to Viking's optional excursions and cruise extension packages.

Enjoy these quiet season advantages:

• ENCOUNTER LOCAL LIFE AT ITS MOST AUTHENTIC.  The quiet season is when locals are more likely to converse and make you feel truly welcome.

"The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated..."  - USNews.com

   Explore the Mediterranean

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From Italy To Spain: 14 Things I Loved On Viking’s 8-Day Western Mediterranean Cruise

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My husband Dean and I have never found large-ship cruising appealing; we prefer more intimate, personal travel experiences. In 1993, we took our first cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage from Ketchikan to Juneau on a small ship of about 85 passengers.

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. We signed up for their Iconic Western Mediterranean tour, which started in Civitavecchia, Italy — about 50 miles northwest of Rome — and cruised along the Mediterranean shoreline to Barcelona. We’d been to northeastern Italy on a biking trip and to France along the Rhine, but we hadn’t seen their Mediterranean borders. Monaco and Spain were entirely new to us.

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. Plus, there was just something idyllic about a Mediterranean cruise.

Here are some of the things I loved about it.

1. Watching Ships In Livorno Harbor

Livorno, italy.

Livorno is the springboard to Pisa, Florence, and Tuscany. We’re hearty Minnesotans, so mid-November temperatures of 60s felt great to us. Because other passengers found it cold, we often had the ship’s spacious deck to ourselves. From the deck, we could see freighters at work along with fishermen on shore and mountains in the distance, covered in white marble (Carrara quarries are nearby.) It was fascinating to observe it all.

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. We also saw superhero and Batman ships.

2. A Day In Tuscany

San gimignano, italy.

We purchased an optional excursion called “ A Day in Tuscany .” After a 90-minute bus ride, we toured San Gimignano, a small, walled Tuscan village known for medieval architecture and old churches with artistic frescos.

Then, onto San Donato — a fatorria , or farm — for lunch. 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. We complied, feasting on meats, cheeses, honey, spelt and green salads, olives, peppers, wine-marinated onions, crusty breads, and red and white wine. I could eat like this all day, every day.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the physical requirements of Viking’s excursions, available on the trip page and sorted by day and port .

3. The Baptistry

Pisa, italy.

Viking included a walking tour of the Square of Miracles, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Some think the Leaning Tower of Pisa is overrated, but I liked seeing this icon.

The highlight for me was the Baptistry, where great timing meant we saw what they call a guardian stand behind a statue, cup her hands, and sing/chant in Italian. It reverberated to the domed ceiling and filled the space. What a sound!

Pro Tip: “Follow the lollipop.” On a walking tour, Viking guides use a red, numbered, round sign (fondly called a lollipop) to help passengers locate the right tour group.

4. Infinity Pool

Monte carlo, monaco.

A pinnacle experience for us was lounging in the infinity pool on the deck of the ship off the coast of Monaco. Once again, the deck was deserted except for us and a mother-daughter pair, soaking in these spectacular views. What a life!

5. Walking Tour Of Monte Carlo

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. This is a gorgeous place.

6. Walking Tour Of Marseille

Marseille, france.

Marseille is rich in history, with two 17th-century fortresses reigning over the harbor called Old Port. One of the most striking sights on our bus tour was the popular Notre-Dame de la Garde (Our Lady of the Guard), a Catholic Basilica set high on a hill. I loved how our guide emphasized that people in Marseille pride themselves on doing things their own way. She’d say something rather outlandish and then say, “That’s how we do it in Marseille!”

7. The Grande Roue De Marseille

I loved seeing the Ferris wheel called The Grande Roue de Marseille — unforgettable and distinctive! It opened to the public in 2009 and added so much charm to the cityscape.

8. Marseille Christmas Market

In our free time, we enjoyed browsing carved figurines, unique décor, household items, hand-crafted candles, spices, scarves, and jewelry at the Marseille Christmas market. They also had a kiddie area with statues of Santa and reindeer.

Pro Tip: The market had controlled access with armed officers, a normal precaution due to terrorist attacks at European markets at the time. For us, it was benign: we walked through a body scanner and an officer checked my purse.

9. Parc National Des Calanques Boat Tour

Cassis, france.

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. 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.

Pro Tip: The castle overlooking Cassis is a hotel , and you can book one of their suites.

10. Panoramic Views Of Sète

Sète, france.

In the category of “you win some, you lose some,” we “won” in Sète. It’s my favorite example of waking up to a panoramic scene. Rooms facing the docked side of the ship saw streets and industry, but our stateroom was on the right side this time. Since we had sailed overnight, in the morning I opened the drapes of our stateroom to the jaw-dropping curve of the city, the harbor, and the mountains — beauty everywhere.

11. Walking Tour Of Sète

Sète earned the nickname “Venice of the Mediterranean” because of canals that link the Mediterranean to an enclosed saltwater lagoon. It has the largest fishing fleet on the French Mediterranean and is famous for seafood. As we finished our tour, I loved seeing industry in action: two fishermen fixing their nets at the end of another day.

12. Basilica De La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, spain.

The highlight of the walking tour of Barcelona was the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family). Local Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed this beauty. 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.

13. The Beautiful, Well-Appointed Ship

If you’ve toured with Viking , you know their ships are beautiful. We loved our stateroom, the atrium, and the dining areas. So much function, design, décor, and so many little touches everywhere.

14. The Delicious Food And Daily Gelato

The food on the ship was over the top. Every kind and variety was available, including international flavors, great seafood, and gelato made daily on the ship. Free wine and beer were offered with lunch and dinner.

Do walking excursions offset calories consumed? No, not even close.

Bonus: The Pyrenees On The Flight Home

The cruise ended but the delights did not. As we left Barcelona, we flew over the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. I’ve heard of them, but I’d never been to this part of the world. What a surprise to look out the plane and see these majestic mountains.

There’s a lot to love about this cruise. I didn’t even touch on the topics of live violin and piano players in the ship’s atrium, the theater shows (Beatles, anyone?), trivia, the fascinating people we met, or the myriad of quiet places on the ship to settle in with coffee and a good book or conversation.

The Mediterranean is breathtaking, and these destinations showcase her beauty all along the way. When you go, I’m sure you’ll find many things to love about this iconic Western Mediterranean cruise.

Related Reading:

• 11 Reasons To Put A Mediterranean Cruise On Your Bucket List
• 7 Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines Our Readers Love
• 9 Fabulous Mediterranean Cruise Excursions For Foodies

Although it’s hard to pick a favorite travel experience, the top of the list includes these extremes: a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and relaxing in an infinity pool on a cruise ship off the coast of Monaco. Apart from her love for writing and travel, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and photography, and she has a strong faith. She finds joy in the simplest things and is always ready for the next adventure.

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Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

The magic of sailing the Mediterranean with Viking Oceans is truly a captivating encounter not easily expressed in words. Whether enjoying a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, watching the sunlight dapple on picturesque waterbodies or taking a panoramic boat ride to the Dorsoduro district, you will be creating memories to last a lifetime. From photo stops at Mouse Island and enjoying Corfu's rich history as you pass its Town Hall to watching the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park and engaging in world-class culinary activities with Viking's Culinary Director, one thing is for sure; you will fall in love with nature, architecture and culture with the same level of intensity. Give The Cruise Web a call today at 1-800-377-9383 and let Viking Oceans' cruises to the Mediterranean take you on a journey only few are privileged to undertake.

Things to Do on a Mediterranean Cruise with Viking Oceans

Enjoying a tour of Corfu's main sites, bayside treasures of Zadar, breathtaking architecture of Barcelona, grace and beauty of Rome and natural splendor of Lisbon are just a few highlights on your Viking Oceans cruise to the Mediterranean. Trace modern history back to centuries-old tradition, be in awe of multi-hued palaces and stalwart castles, wander through a maze of cobblestone streets and get lost in Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic-style buildings. Join Viking Ocean Cruises to the Mediterranean as you trace some of the world's most historic sites, shores and structures through the following excursions:

• Private Visit of Palazzo Nani Bernado and Historic Padua (Venice, Italy) Explore historic Padua, one of the most important cultural and architectural centers in Italy. The city is filled with stunning artistic masterpieces, one of the largest piazzas in Europe, and an Astronomical Clock which is possibly the world's oldest clock. Enjoy privileged access to the Renaissance-style palace along the Grand Canal and stroll through the mid-16th century Palazzo Nani Bernardo, one of Venice's oldest and most beautiful structures to date. As you step in for a private tour, you'll be dazzled by its centuries-old, hand-painted frescoes.  

• Panoramic Walking Tour (Corfu, Greece) There's something about Corfu's enchanting beauty that sweeps across its colorful pastel vistas. Spend a day exploring this romantic island with pristine white beaches, fabled Esplanade, UNESCO Site of the Old Town, Vlacherna Monastery, Monastery of the Virgin and its small museum, the tiny Pontikonisi Island, and the Church of St. Spyridon. One thing you can't afford to miss is a delicious Greek lunch in one of several Corfiot villages.  

• Zadar Hinterland and Krka National Park (Zadar, Croatia) For a window into the Europe of old, visit the remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses in Zadar. The town's hinterlands have preserved original medieval architecture like the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Birth and Novigrad Homeland Museum. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Zadar's magnificent Old Town and enjoy views of picturesque seafront promenade. Lastly, explore the rich blend of natural and cultural beauty in Krka National Park.  

• Gaudi Architecture and Kitchen Table (Barcelona, Spain) View the highly-acclaimed works of Antoni Gaudí at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The centerpiece of your tour is the breathtaking sanctuary of La Sagrada Família Cathedral with its towering, distinctive exterior and fantastic views of its surroundings. For a ‘market-to-table' experience, join Viking Oceans' Executive Chef in a culinary adventure as they handpick ingredients in the local market to prepare regional dishes sure to capture your taste buds.  

• Queluz Palace Tour and Treasured Heritage Sites (Lisbon, Portugal) Adorned with spectacular gardens, Queluz Palace is one of the last magnificent rococo buildings designed in Europe. Its structure was built in the style of Versailles. Be sure to catch glimpses of the old Royal Palace after walking through the dense forest of Sintra. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to check out early 20th-century manor houses and three important UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and Praça Dom Pedro IV.  

• Treasures of Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) From the world-renowned Vatican Museums to the magnificent Colosseum, this "Eternal City" is one for the books. See the important monuments of ancient Rome, excavated town of Ostia, largest church in the world (St. Peter's Basilica), Michelangelo's famous ceiling painting in Sistine Chapel, smallest sovereign state in the world (Vatican City) and rich mosaics in public baths.  

Top 10 Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Iconic Western Mediterranean Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Sea 12 Night Mediterranean Odyssey Departing From Split, Croatia (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 14 Night Ancient Adriatic Treasures Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 21 Night Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Sea 12 Night Mediterranean Odyssey Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Viking Jupiter 14 Night Italy,the Adriatic & Greece Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jul 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Venice,the Adriatic & Greece Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jul 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Italian Sojourn Departing From Sibenik, Croatia (Jul 2024 - May 2026)

Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Departure Ports

Learn more about all of the potential departure ports for a Mediterranean cruise with Viking Oceans. Your Viking Oceans Mediterranean cruise could depart from any of the following cities:

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Tilbury (London), England

Visit London to experience history, iconic landmarks, a spectacular arts scene, world-class shopping, and so much more.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Photo Gallery for Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

Browse our image gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from Viking Oceans. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of what's waiting for you on a Viking Oceans Mediterranean cruise vacation.

Zadar, Croatia

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Architecture in Barcelona, Spain

Queluz Palace in Lisbon, Portugal

Astronomical Clock in Venice, Italy

Vlacherna Monastery in Corfu, Greece

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I Took a Cruise Around the Mediterranean Over the Holidays — Here's What It's Like to Be on a Ship Right Now

The realities of cruising amid sudden COVID-19 surges.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

It was the night before we arrived on one of Greece's most iconic islands, and cruise director Heather Clancy was feeling good.

Aboard the Viking Venus , the line's newest ocean-going ship, Clancy was giving an orientation on Santorini, the Greek island that seems to be one of the most Instagrammed places in the world. (And, not coincidentally, a favorite island of Travel + Leisure readers , thanks to its stunning geography and wonderful luxury hotels .)

We were due to arrive at the island the following morning, Dec. 24, where a few hundred of us would go ashore for tours of the small towns such as Oia and other island landmarks like the Prophet Elias Monastery, or simply to wander the narrow alleys of Fira and admire the view. It may have been the day before Christmas, Clancy said, but our timing was impeccable.

Visiting in late December, she noted, "was so much better than being here with 40,000 of your closest friends and eight megaships anchored in the caldera," the sort of thing that happens every week in summer.

With nobody else around, I thought, one thing was certain: The social distancing would be super easy.

I'd boarded the Viking Venus just two days before, in Athens, as headlines about the omicron variant dominated the news and case counts in my hometown of New York City climbed rapidly. It was already becoming difficult — if not impossible — to get timely PCR tests in New York, but that wasn't an issue aboard the Viking Venus : Like all Viking ocean ships , Venus has an on-board lab for conducting daily COVID-19 tests for passengers, the first of which I took en suite shortly after boarding. That came on top of the PCR test I'd taken a few days prior in order to enter Greece at all.

Still, simply going on the trip was something of a leap of faith. True, Viking requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated, and masks were to be required in all indoor areas on the ship except while eating and drinking. But before I boarded the Venus , outbreaks of COVID-19 had been reported on other cruise ships with similarly strict policies. (And days after I left the Venus , the CDC would advise Americans to " avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status ," adding that "the chance of getting [COVID-19] on cruise ships is very high.")

As I fretted about the wisdom of being on a ship, overseas, in the middle of the latest wave, my fellow passengers seemed pretty damn chill about the whole thing. Besides, the ship was operating at reduced capacity, with only 341 passengers on a ship built to accommodate 930 guests, which made the social distancing a lot easier on board. (There were 445 crew members aboard to look after us.) It was always easy to find an uncrowded spot outdoors on deck and also in public spaces like the Viking Living Room, a center-of-the-ship lounge which became my favorite spot to people watch in the evenings, as guests roamed to and from dinner and entertainment venues like Torshavn, the late-night jazz club-slash-cabaret with triple-digit pours of Armagnac and a strict no-dancing policy. (Blame COVID-19 not the guy from "Footloose." )

Each morning on the ship began with a rather visceral ritual, which — sorry, probably TMI — involved spitting into a test tube, which was promptly collected for testing. Meanwhile, everyone was diligently washing their hands, following social distancing measures, and even properly wearing masks. (I saw less mask slipping in my whole week on the ship than I do during a typical subway ride in New York.) During our visit to Santorini — which was as uncrowded as cruise director Clancy had predicted — activities were naturally outdoors. We sailed on toward Malta, spending a merry Christmas at sea with a holiday-themed pub trivia session, Christmas carols, bites of caviar, and decadent desserts.

Then things got weird.

On the morning of Dec. 26, we arrived as scheduled in Valletta, Malta, docking within view of the gorgeous old city. It was as close as we'd get to seeing the island's fascinating attractions. Before I'd had the chance to get breakfast, Clancy made the disappointing announcement that "there is no clearance for guests to go ashore," attributing the decision to "local health authorities here in Malta" and the spread of the omicron variant on the island. Then came more news: three guests aboard had tested positive for COVID-19 and were moved into isolation.

Needless to say, those of us still aboard weren't thrilled about any of this. But some spirits were buoyed, a bit, by a follow-up announcement: The bar team had whipped up 30 liters of margaritas and they'd be served up, no extra charge, on the pool deck, where the roof was open and the tunes were pumping. "You know the old saying when life hands you lemons," Clancy announced. "Well, my mother told me to grab limes and tequila and make margaritas."

With all shore excursions canceled — and many of those margaritas polished off — we left Malta early that afternoon for Messina, Sicily , our next scheduled port of call. Upon arrival, the crew announced that Italian health authorities requested everyone aboard take a rapid antigen test before anyone could go ashore, according to the Viking crew. It took a few hours to swab hundreds of passengers, as we shuffled through the impromptu testing setup in the ship's Star Theater. Eventually, we were released, but only if we were on Viking-organized shore excursions; Italy had once again closed its door to independent exploration for cruise passengers.

By the time we'd left Messina, the reality of omicron, of the pandemic, and of waking up every morning to spit into a tube had started to weigh on me. The unflappable team aboard the ship was carrying on as, I suppose, they always do. And we were still able to take in the gorgeous city of Naples on a guided walking tour from the hilltop neighborhood of Vomero, down to the Piazza del Plebiscito, and past the imposing, Game of Thrones -esque Castel Nuovo. But as I tucked into a dinner of Norwegian salmon and we sailed onward to our final port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, I worried about whether our whole ship was destined to spend the next few weeks in quarantine.

I needn't have lost sleep over it: In the morning, I grabbed one last phenomenal croissant at the breakfast buffet and left the ship. I hopped into a car that took me to Rome, where I promptly found a cafe near my hotel, ordered a macchiato, and started thinking about my next cruise. Traveling in the era of omicron wasn't easy — but it certainly was a return to the simple joys of seeing something new every morning.

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Empires of the Mediterranean

10 Days | 8 Guided Tours | 5 Countries

Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia)

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Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Chioggia is a charming fishing community located at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon and steeped in age-old seafaring traditions. Its combination of canals, bridges and fishing boats have lent it the nickname “Little Venice.” Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, the main pedestrian street of Corso del Popolo exudes a lively atmosphere amid the aroma of delicious fresh seafood dishes. Chioggia shares a long history of cultural and economic ties with Venice, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is a scenic journey by water taxi from the capital of the Veneto region.

Koper boasts a rich architectural legacy that dates back to its days as a capital city under the mighty Venetian Republic. Even today, the Italian influence is strong; as this historic city is near the Italian border, Slovene and Italian are equally likely to be heard here. In Tito Square, the Venetian-Gothic Praetorian Palace stands as evidence of the city’s once great power. The 12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption is home to a bell cast in 1333, one of the country’s oldest. A climb up its tower is rewarded with splendid views of the city and the Gulf of Trieste.

Zadar, once an island separated from the mainland by a deep moat, boasts one of the region’s richest histories. For over a millennium, it was the capital of independent Dalmatia and so held great sway with Rome, Venice and other empires. Its impressive city walls attest to its might, and the bold Romanesque architecture of its three churches embodies its religious influence. A maze of cobblestone streets winds through its magnificent Old Town, a remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses.

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

Kotor is Montenegro's picturesque capital set amid glorious mountains and dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs soar above the narrow Kotor  ria —a submerged river canyon often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Kotor is also home to one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved medieval Old Towns. The charms of this red-roofed city are endless, from the mismatched towers of its Romanesque cathedral to its narrow streets. Its stunning Venetian walls were built in 1420, remnants from Kotor’s nearly 300 years as a province of the Venetian Republic.

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu’s Old Town and Fortress—fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic—comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe’s largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Katakolon is huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. Nearby, the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese are a bounty of olive groves, vineyards and orchards, and lead to the legendary city of Olympia. The well-kept ruins here transport visitors back to the days of the earliest athletes who competed for nothing less than the favor of the gods. The remains evoke the glory of the Games, and the Olympia Archaeological Museum features statues that once overlooked the site.

Santorini is one of the most visually arresting islands in the Aegean. Its whitewashed capital of Thíra perches on a cliff 1,300 feet above the sea, offering spectacular views of this magnificent city and surrounding turquoise waters. Thíra’s winding streets are a delight to explore and its charming cafés invite lingering respites in the Cyclades sun. Not to be upstaged, the island and its surrounding islets also offer opportunities to experience fully the natural volcanic splendor, from thermal spring soaks to caldera hikes.

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. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

For a more intimate experience of Athens, the charming Plaka District invites guests with its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes. Neoclassical architecture lines the narrow streets of the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” so named for its location. Browsing its shops or simply perusing its nooks and crannies are pastimes favored by visitors and locals alike. This historic area is the ideal setting in which to enjoy traditional small plates of mezes and a sip of ouzo. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

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Viking Empires of the Mediterranean Cruise Excursions: Tips and Ratings

V isiting fascinating sites while traveling in relaxing comfort are hallmarks of a Viking Ocean Cruise. Besides the wonderful onboard experiences, the option of a varied menu of excursions in each port is a key benefit for many. Viking does not disappoint. On Viking’s Empires of the Mediterranean cruise (between Athens and the Venice outskirts), my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the excursions. Viking offers various excursions, including historical sites; local farms and estates; scenic boat rides; factory visits; and active options like hiking or biking. Something for just about everyone. This article outlines the excursions we went on and rates each experience.

There is always one “included” excursion in each port and many “optional” excursions. On our cruise, there were 3-10 “optional” excursions at each destination. We opted to take some “included” and some “optional” trips.

For more details and tips about traveling on Viking Ocean ships, please read Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide . For more details and tips on choosing Viking excursions, please read Viking Ocean Cruises Excursions: What You Need to Know .

Choosing Viking Ocean Excursions

A few key criteria for selecting excursions aboard a Viking cruise ship are outlined below.

Weighing Your Options

When selecting excursions, after deciding on what to see, it’s helpful to weigh:

• the duration of each choice (they typically span anywhere from 2 to 8 hours), 
• the activity level (they range from easy to demanding),
• how far a bus ride was to/from an excursion destination,
• costs of excursions, and
• how energetic you usually are.

Activity Levels

• Easy (e): Expect mostly even ground, although there may be a few steps or inclines. There shouldn’t be more than 1.5 hours of walking or standing time.
• Moderate (m): Expect longer walking paths with some steps, uneven ground, or inclines and between 1.5 and 3 hours of total walking or standing time.
• Demanding (d): Expect more challenging activities, including walking, hiking, or water sports, with the possibility of many steps or steep inclines. Some demanding excursions may top 3 hours of walking or standing.

Signing Up for Excursions

Sign up for excursions online at MyVikingJourney . com when your booking window opens. These windows depend on your stateroom category level, as shown below. 

• Owner’s Suite—107 days from the sail date
• Explorer Suites—97 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Junior Suites—87 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—77 days from the sail date
• Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—67 days from the sail date
• Veranda Staterooms—60 days from the sail date

Mark the date on a calendar to be ready to book excursions when the window opens. Some excursions fill up quickly. 

Some Excursion Overviews and Ratings

T his cruise can travel from Venice (Fusina) to Athens or in reverse order, beginning in Athens and ending in Venice (Fusina). Our embarkation point was Athens, so this list of excursions begins from that point. Note that this cruise does not include any time in Venice. If you want to visit that before or after, sign up for an extension to your cruise or tour it independently .

“Your results may vary,” is a famous disclaimer in product sales pitches on TV.  I include that because the same is valid for traveling and specific excursions. Let me explain. Your reaction may differ from mine because my ratings are based on my experience that included a specific tour guide. Tour guides differ, of course, in their personal style and the depth of their explanations. Having said that, let’s get to the excursions!

My ratings of excursions are based on 5 stars being the best.

Athens, Greece (Piraeus port)

Tip: If planning to take the “included” tour and want to see the Athens Acropolis, verify if you will be viewing it from below or actually visiting it. I heard some complaints on our trip from passengers who expected to tour the Acropolis but could only view it briefly from a distance on their tour. Things may have changed, of course, but it’s worth verifying if visiting it is essential to you. We had visited Athens in the past, so we opted for a tour of Corinth.

Ancient Corinth & Canal

Duration: 5 hours | Activity Level:  medium | “Optional Excursion”

The bus trip took us to the Corinth Canal, which we viewed from a bridge above. This was an engineering feat for the time (19th century) as it created a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth. This was a short stop (with a bathroom break) for viewing and taking pictures.

After visiting the canal, we drove to the archeological site of ancient Corinth for a guided tour of the ruins. We had a detailed briefing on the ruins (whose acropolis predates that of Athens by over 100 years) and then toured the small museum on site. The bus trip was about one hour each way (and is included in the overall excursion time).

Excursion Rating 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Seeing the Corinth Canal was interesting, but the main attraction was the ancient city of Corinth. The tour of Corinth was detailed and included highlights of the ruins that still remain, as well as an overview of the Apostle Paul’s time here. Our group spent time in the small museum (with the tour guide), which helped add some context to the site.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s secret wine routes .

Duration: 5.5 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Optional” excursion

This excursion takes you by bus to three wineries – and one, Santos, with breathtaking views – to sample their wines and visit their exhibits and shops. You’re welcome to purchase wine to enjoy back on the ship. (Viking bartenders are happy to uncork your wine at no charge.) After our tastings, we went to beautiful Oia for some free time before returning to the port. Note that visiting Santorini requires a tender boat ride from and back to the ship. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ This was a relaxing way to spend a few hours learning about local winemaking with a quick visit to Oia (which can get very crowded during peak season).

Katakolon, Greece

Ancient olympia & magna grecia farm.

Duration: 5 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Optional” excursion

Ancient Olympia is the site of the first Olympiad in 776 BC (and spanning the years to 393 AD). With a local guide, walk through the ruins to view key landmarks like the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the stadium that held over 40,000 spectators. This excellent tour explained the operation of this vast ancient athletic complex. 

After touring the ancient site, we drove to Magna Grecia Farm, where we had a guided tour of the facility, wine tastings, and lunch with classic Greek fare and wine. During lunch, we were treated to a traditional Greek dance demonstration and invited to join in. There’s a large store here selling wines, t-shirts, pottery, soaps, and more. You can have your purchases shipped to your home. The bus ride was about 45 minutes from Katakolon to ancient Olympia (and is included in the overall excursion time).

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Ancient Olympia was fascinating and entailed a larger expanse than we had originally imagined. It was also interesting to see archaeologists work on uncovering even more treasures. The trip to Magna Grecia Farm was enjoyable, and the lunch was filling.

Corfu, Greece

Panoramic corfu & old town walking tour.

Duration: 3 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Included” excursion

This tour included a short bus ride to Kanoni to enjoy a scenic view, a walking tour of Corfu’s Old Town , and some free time in town to visit sites, shop, or grab a bite to eat. The tour guide gave us a time to meet back on the bus for a ride to the ship. Otherwise, she said we could walk back to the ship independently and explained how to do that. (The 3 hours included the free time, so the stop for the scenic view and the walking tour didn’t take much time.)

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The walking tour was short but informative. I decided to explore on my own and walk back to the ship (which was easy). I visited the Old Fortress , which was interesting and offered incredible views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Note that there are many stone steps (with railings) to reach the top vantage point for the views. 

Overall, I’d give this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ if you know what else you want to visit in Old Town and want to walk there. I chose this excursion because we had just had 2 days of lengthy excursions, and I didn’t want to be too busy every day.

Kotor, Montenegro

Walking tour of kotor.

Duration: 1.5 hours | Activity level: medium | “Included” excursion

This was an interesting walking tour of the town, learning about Kotor’s history and stopping at key places. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The tour was great, and it did exactly what we wanted it to: give us an overview of the town. The tour guide also provided ideas for how to spend the rest of our time there. We explored more of the town independently and walked along the bayside promenade (outside the Old Town). All in all, the Old Town is charming, and the whole bay area is breathtakingly beautiful. 

NOTE: Had we realized that we would dock right on the edge of the Old Town, be able to walk right off the ship to the Old Town, and be docked there until later that evening, we may have opted to consider a longer excursion somewhere else – knowing that we’d have time to explore the Old Town on our own afterward. However, we were happy with our decision and have no regrets. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s fortification: a city wall walk.

Duration: 2.75 hours | Activity level: demanding | “Optional” excursion

After a bus ride to the city walls, a local guide led us on a walking tour of the stone ramparts, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 1200s. This tour was fascinating as we could catch incredible views of the Adriatic Sea, a fortress, and the Old Town within the walls. It was interesting to learn about what life was like long ago – and in modern times – living within an encased community. After descending the stairs, our guide continued the tour along some of the streets in the Old Town.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ This was a very interesting tour  – despite the heavy rain pouring down on us! After the tour, we would have liked to stroll the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare, but the heavy rain made us rethink our plans, and we headed back to the ship. 

Note that Viking provided a bus shuttle service from the ship to downtown throughout the day. We could have taken that back at any time before the ship left, but we decided not to. (We were thankful for the heated bathroom floors back on the ship as we could dry our things out afterward. Of course, there are dryers in the onboard launderettes, too.) 

Zadar, Croatia

Paklenica national park hike.

Duration: 5 hours | Activity level: demanding | “Optional” excursion

The hike in picturesque Paklenica National Park included incredible vistas of majestic mountains, caverns, and an old mill – most of the time following a meandering stream. We hiked up many stone steps and inclines, stopped for a snack (a sandwich and a piece of fruit) from the ship, and hiked back down. The hiking guide had trekking poles we could use, and they sure came in handy for me. I found the stone steps a bit slippery and appreciated having extra support while coming down the well-worn stone steps. The bus trip is about 45 minutes one way (and that time is included in the excursion duration).

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The hike was so enjoyable because of the incredible scenery, but also for the chance to see mountain climbers in action. (This is a popular destination for mountain climbers, and our guide explained the different ratings for mountain climbing and the gear involved.) It was nice to experience a different excursion, too, as we mainly had spent our time up to this point exploring historical sites. 

Koper, Slovenia

Panoramic slovenian coast & farmers market.

Duration: 4.5 hours | Activity level: medium | “Optional” excursion

This excursion involved a bus ride to three towns: Izola (for a photo stop), Piran (for a walking tour and some free time), and Padna (farmers’ market). We spent most of the time in Piran with an enjoyable guided tour and time to visit key sights, stop for a bite at an outdoor café on the busy square, or shop. After Piran, we went to Padna and were given vouchers to “purchase” locally produced bread, cheeses, and meat as well as other edible goods. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ The best part of this excursion was our time in the lovely seaside Piran, which is where we spent the majority of the time. Our visit to Padna was disappointing because the “farmers’ market” was a small area with a few vendors set up just for bus tours. This was not the traditional farmers’ market I had envisioned. And there were no other sights to visit in Padna, as it appeared to be primarily residential. 

Related Articles

Viking related articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Dining: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

General Travel Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip

Travel Planning Timeline

• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Other Related Articles

Kotor, Montenegro: Old World Charm and Stunning Scenery

Final Thoughts

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard our Viking Ocean ship and appreciated the extensive excursion options. Overall, we found the local tour guides knowledgeable and interested in providing a positive experience for the guests. We have already booked another Viking Ocean cruise and look forward to exploring many more exciting places in other areas of the world. 

Feel free to share your experiences aboard the Empires of the Mediterranean cruise. Your thoughts could help other cruisers. Thanks! 🙂

More Popular Reads

Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise

Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise

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Just back! Our VIKING SKY-mazing 7 day Ancient Mediterranean Treasures - 6/25 to 7/2/2022. Full trip report with tons of pix!

By Sleep7 , July 3, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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Hellooooooo to all the Viking fans on the board! 

We are just back from an absolutely fantastic 7 day "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" sailing from Athens to Istanbul.  Just flew home yesterday and the smiling has not stopped.  Although exhausted and jet lagged.. I am truly anxious to get started on the incredibly happy tale of our absolutely SKYMAZING seven days on the Sky.

It's 2am here in New York.. Due to the 7 hour time change and the fact that I couldn't make myself stay up past 7:00pm last night I'm up and ready to write!

Come sail with us!

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Didn't know you could track your bags on a real time map. 😃

Delta flight 202.. nonstop from JFK to ATH.

Boarding soon!

We still wore masks on the plane.  I looked up that you didn't need to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test to enter Greece so I thought that "masking up" for the flight was a good idea.

Next up to take off!  Goodbye Long Island.. see ya in a week. 👋

Almost there!

Goooood morning Greece!!

Hello to our old friend Viking Sky! We missed you!

No lines at all.. quickest check in ever!

A quote from one of my favorite movies.. "It's all happening!!"

The absolute BEST time of a cruise.. when you are walking up the gangway for the very first time.

You know you have the whole week ahead of you to enjoy!

Our own personal safety demonstration which must be finished in the cabin on the TV.

Logged into our personalized daily planner. 😃

Here is a side by side comparison of the two cabins.. first a our Penthouse Veranda from last year.

And here is our Deluxe Veranda.

💁‍♀️ No spit tubes this cruise but passengers are still provided with masks and hand sanitizer.. thanks Viking! 😷

Oranges that weren't oranges (they are called Neranzties) on the trees.  Our guide the next day said they are very bitter and are only eaten when cooked with sugar like marmalade and are traditionally served to guests.

We stopped to see the Evzone Guards at the Parliament Building in Syntagma Square.  There is another soldier that mops the brow of the Evzone who must be sweating up a storm in that wool outfit however doesn't move a muscle.  #dedicationtoduty

We also used the facilities of the stately Grand Bretagne Hotel on Syntagma Square.  Very fancy and nice.. I would like to redo my master bathroom just like that. 🤩

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7 of the best river cruises around the world for 2024

Take a tour of the world’s most famous waterways on your next holiday, article bookmarked.

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A cruise holiday isn’t always about setting sail across vast oceans. For an alternative type of break on the water, winding your way inland might sound similar but it’s a vastly different experience.

From crossing deep into the untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europe ’s finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion.

This could be in the form of sampling Creole cuisine in Mississippi or discovering historic sites in Vietnam , but whatever it is, there’s plenty of choice across Europe , Asia , South America and North America .

Read on for a selection of the best cruises, from the Mississippi to the Mekong.

Europe’s second longest river – and arguably its most famous – river takes you through amazing capital cities and host of charming towns, as well as plenty of scenic countryside in Austria , Hungary , Slovakia and Romania. Cruises along the Danube can vary from a handful of days to almost three weeks, giving you time to explore the elegance of cities like Vienna , Budapest, Bratislava or Belgrade.

Emerald Cruises lets you see the best of the Danube with the addition of a hefty dose of traditional German culture in Munich. Leaving the Bavarian capital, you’ll travel to Passau before a quick cross-border trip to the Unesco-listed Czech city of Cesky Krumlov. Vienna is the next city, replete with opulent architecture, before a quick overnight stay in Bratislava on the sixth night. Guided tours and hikes around the castle are included, before you get three nights to explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital that is blessed with picturesque buildings, relaxed thermal baths and a buzzing nightlife scene. 

From £1,999pp, including nine nights’ accommodation, full board, tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and airport transfers. Departing 7 May 2024 to 20 October 2024.

Read more on Europe travel :

• The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered
• The best spas in Eastern Europe for an affordable, yet luxurious, break
• Lisbon travel guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Portugal’s vivacious capital

This famous river runs for over 4,000 miles throughout South America and is a major part of the eponymous rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important natural areas on the planet. A river cruise remains the best way to reach deeper into the jungle, with many cruises beginning in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus or in the Peruvian city of Lima.

Start in Peru’s enchanting capital with the Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery cruise from Uniworld. You’ll fly to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon as your next stop, before delving into some of the most remote areas in the world as you take to the waters. From here, nature takes centre stage, with a variety of experiences – including jungle walks and kayaking on a lake – added to the enjoyment of natural features such as giant lilies, towering barrigona trees and around 10 per cent of the world’s known animal species.

From £8,799pp, including 10 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London, domestic flights and various excursions. Departing regularly from 17 January until 6 November 2024.

Start in  Cairo  and make your way down to Aswan over a few days (though many shorter routes operate between  Aswan and Luxor  only). For a relaxing way to take in riverside scenery and some of Egypt’s most important historical sites, a river cruise is the ideal choice.

AP Touring’s  Egypt Discovery  trip takes you on a round trip from Cairo. You’ll cross thousands of years of history, starting with West Bank the Valley of the Kings, before a short flight to Aswan to explore Abu Simbel and a sighting of the landmark Pyramids of Giza near the Egyptian capital. The scenery along the route is exceptional, too, with palm trees, green spaces and mini oases dotted in between the yellow-hued rock.

From £6,995pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, 30 meals (including unlimited local beer and wine) return flights from London Heathrow, domestic flights within Egypt and activities in each of the 10 destinations. Departing regularly from September 2024 to April 2025.

Exploring this land of castles and fairytales is a worthwhile European trip, with tours often starting in the pretty Dutch capital of Amsterdam and weaving across the German and French countryside, with the route broken up by cities such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many of the towns located on the banks of the Rhine, such as Koblenz, are incredibly picturesque, with a range of medieval castles and natural sites like the Black Forest also featuring.

Ama Waterways provide a seven-night cruise that runs from Basel to Amsterdam. Get your cultural fix at either end of your trip in either of these two cities, before admiring the vistas around the Rhine Valley, the medieval castles that loom over towns like Heidelberg and the timber-framed buildings that line the streets of Riquewihr and Strasbourg. Stops in both Freiburg and Dusseldorf are also included, as well as an optional excursion to Cologne.

From £2,399pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and tours in each destination. Departing regularly between 18 February and 28 December 2024.

The views around the Douro Valley are some of the best in Portugal , whether you’re sitting by the banks in Porto or admiring the verdant hills and vineyards around Pinhao. This region, well-known for its port production, has cruises lasting roughly one week that usually begin and end in Porto – where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean – with a brief crossing over into Spain and Salamanca.

The Riviera Travel package offers an affordable eight-day Douro option starting and ending in Porto , with two nights to explore Portugal’s magnificent second city (and to go on a guided tour of a well-known port producer). Days three and four take you to sleepy Castelo de Rodrigo and the historic Spanish city of Salamanca (with guided tours and time to explore at your leisure) before traversing the cascading vineyards of the valley on your way back to Porto via the beautiful Peso de Regua (and a local wine tasting).

From £1,599pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board, flights from a London airport, one excursion one each day and airport transfers. Departing regularly from 7 April 2024.

The Mississippi

Discovering the Deep South is often done by car, but with new routes recently from Viking Cruises, exploring Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Tennessee has never been more idyllic. The famed cities of New Orleans and Memphis can bookend your tour, with lesser-known locations such as Baton Rouge, Natchez and Darrow making up the other stops.

Opt for Viking’s ‘Heart of the Delta’ cruise to if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The cruise begins with a few days exploring the French influences and Creole cuisine of New Orleans , before moving on to Baton Rouge – a haven of Creole and Cajun culture – and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. You’ll travel through other towns on the Mississippi – complete with walking tours or excursions to the Atchafalaya Swamp basin – before reaching Memphis, the atmospheric home of blues music.

From £6,545pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London and one excursion per destination. Departing weekly from March 7 until 13 June, with additional departures on 7 November and 13 November.

The Mekong flows through a host of Asia’s most fascinating countries, including Vietnam , Thailand , China and Cambodia. Most cruises only take in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia , though this mix of floating fishing villages, traditional markets and the two capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will be enough for most travellers. With Avalon Waterways , you’ll combine energetic, modern cities with some of the most vibrant culture in Asia and a history that is equal parts sobering and fascinating.

It starts in Siem Reap, site of the Angkor Wat temple, before moving on to the Cambodian capital, where you can learn about the dictatorship of Pol Pot and visit several must-see landmarks. After this, Vietnam beckons, with a visit to the dizzying Ho Chi Minh City to see its admirable architecture. Visits to markets, old Vietnam War tunnels, temples and cooking classes are dotted in between these city trips for good measure, with stops at characterful towns like Vinh Long, too.

From £4,229pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and activities on each day of the trip. Departing regularly from 15 January to 11 March and from 12 August to 2 December 2024.

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