Sunday, March 31, 2024

Journey to Antiquities 2024 Itinerary Rome Civitavecchia to Athens Piraeus

viking cruise greece

The trail is really a boardwalk that traverses many small streams with what seems like an endless number of pools and waterfalls. Once we reached the bottom, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the terraced Skradinski Buk waterfalls cascading in front of us. These 17 cataracts are considered to be among the most beautiful calcium-carbonate waterfalls in Europe, tumbling a total of 150 feet along a 1,312-foot stretch of the river. We did Istanbul to Athens with Renaissance in January (20-some odd years ago).

Ancient Adriatic Treasures

His knowledge of the area was one of the reasons this excursion was so interesting. We viewed the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and once home to a gold-and-ivory statue of the Greek god. We also viewed the remains of the Temple of Hera and the circular Philippeion temple. – Old Fortress of Corfu – Viking ran shuttles from the ship into town all day, every 30 minutes. So, after returning to the ship for lunch (on the Aquavit Terrace), we took the Viking shuttle to the Old Fortress. We had seen the fortress on the morning tour and decided to go back to explore.

Explore the Caves of Grenada

One of the highlights of the tour was the Cathedral of St. James, a Roman Catholic Church  built in the 1400’s. We also walked along the water among the shops and restaurants before returning to the ship. – Sailing In to Šibenik – We always love to be on deck when the ship sails in to a new port. Upon arriving in Venice, we were taken by bus to the Venice Cruise Terminal for the check-in process. They have determined that the large ships have caused too much damage to the fragile channels and adjacent buildings. As a result, ships must now dock miles away from the city, at less picturesque spots.

To find another option, begin your search

The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Head to a husky farm on the outskirts of Longyearbyen to embark on a thrilling experience in the Arctic Tundra. Meet your guide and team of huskies who love to run through the wilderness, pulling a wheel-equipped sled across the snow. Take your seat and set off into the Advent Valley as your expert driver picks the best route.

Since the two towns are less than 60 miles apart, many of the main excursions are available from either port. – Sailing Out of Venice – After our tour, we returned to our ship and left port around 2 PM. We chose to have lunch on the Aquavit Terrace so that we could enjoy the spectacular views as we began our cruise. Later that evening, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Italian specialty restaurant, Manfredi’s. Upon arrival to our stateroom, we found the Viking Daily newsletter on our coffee table. This newsletter is delivered each evening throughout the cruise and provides information regarding the events for the next day, including meeting times for excursions, along with other general announcements.

Explore the medieval streets; visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. Continuously inhabited since at least 3,000 BC, the city has experienced many different periods of independence and occupation, including rule by the Romans, Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire. 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.

Greek Odyssey

Friends of Cornwall Library Plans Cruise from Italy to Greece - The Newburgh News, LLC

Friends of Cornwall Library Plans Cruise from Italy to Greece.

Posted: Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

– Walking Tour of Kotor – After lunch we joined a walking tour of Kotor. Since the ship docked right next to Old Town, it was an easy walk to see some of the historic sites, including Kampana Tower and St Nicholas Church. In the photos, you can also see the steep mountains that surround Kotor. We are both outdoors-type people and like to walk/hike, so we tried to select excursions that tended to lean toward more demanding physical activity. However, Viking offers plenty of excursions that are not as physically demanding, but still allow folks to see all the iconic sights. But in this article, we are recapping only the activities and excursions that we selected for our itinerary.

Stomp Grapes in Portugal

Spend two days in majestic Istanbul, with its Byzantine treasures and intriguing blend of Eastern and Western influences. Travel to the ruins of Troy, long steeped in myth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See historic sites in Ephesus and marvel at the gorgeous islands of Rhodes and Crete. Discover the architectural gems of ancient Athens during an overnight stay.

viking cruise greece

NEW! Mediterranean Discoveries

On a clear night, these ethereal lights may appear over Norway as faint wisps of green or dramatically dancing ribbons in multiple colours. In Search of The Northern Lights is Viking’s 13-day ocean voyage in the Arctic, sailing between London (Tilbury) and Bergen via the Norwegian fjords. Multiple departures will operate from January to March 2025, regarded as the best time to see the lights. 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.

Beyond, the island of Crete is blessed with generous beaches, soaring mountains and coursing rivers. It is also where the distinct mantinades—couplets of love accompanied by Cretan instruments—could break out at any number of cafés where patrons sip tsikoudia, a grape-based brandy distilled in the hills. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Explore the Aegean Sea during a 10-night voyage to important sites of antiquity. Visit Athens, the “birthplace of democracy,” and Crete, home of the mysterious Minoan civilization.

Several times throughout the tour we were able to disembark, view the sites and take photos. – Ancient Olympia – After a 30-minute bus ride we reached the small town of Olympia. Only a short walk from the parking lot are the ruins of where the Olympic Games originally took place. Our guide actually grew up on a hill overlooking the ancient ruins and used to play there as a child. After receiving his degree in archeology, he returned to his hometown and is now a guide.

viking cruise greece

Now that we have discussed some general information, let’s get started with the cruise itinerary. The Iconic Adriatic Antiquities cruise actually consists of two back-to-back ocean cruises. The first cruise and the focus of this article, is Venice, The Adriatic and Greece, which sails from Venice to Athens. You can click this link that covers the  second cruise, Journey to Antiquities, which sails from Athens to Rome.

The first thing that caught out eye was that the town is surrounded by very tall and steep mountains. After an early World Café breakfast, we headed out for our first excursion. • Dubrovnik, Croatia –  We had heard so much about Dubrovnik over the years, and we were very excited to finally arrive. The approach to the city from the water was gorgeous, especially in the early morning light, as another beautiful sunny day awaited us.

Portugal’s River of Gold cruise-tour offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local food and wine, including its famous Port. The 10-day itinerary from Lisbon to Porto also crosses the border to Spain to visit Salamanca. The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path.

Cruise Lines Begin to Cancel Stops & Cruises in Middle East - AFAR - AFAR Media

Cruise Lines Begin to Cancel Stops & Cruises in Middle East - AFAR.

Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

We have been on several river cruises with Viking, including sailings on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. All of the river cruises have been excellent, and if you have not sailed on a Viking River cruise, we encourage you to give it a try. You can find articles about some of our river cruise experiences here, under the Viking Tab. Celebrate the holiday season at the Christmas Market of Nations in Germany. Rüdesheimer Weihnachtsmarkt has more than 120 vendor stalls representing the yuletide foods and traditions of 20 different countries.

Greek Odyssey 2025 Itinerary Athens Piraeus to Athens Piraeus

viking cruise greece

Discover Crete, the former seat of the once flourishing Minoan kingdom, and see remarkably preserved ancient ruins in Ephesus. Immerse yourself in Athens, the “birthplace of democracy,” and admire the famous Acropolis and see the bustling Plaka District. Souda Bay enjoys a picturesque setting between Crete's Akrotiri Peninsula and Cape Drapano. Historic fortifications, vestiges from the island's days under the Venetian Empire, greet ships at the mouth of the long bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean.

Pre: Best of Venice

In October of 2021 we decided to again join Viking on an Ocean cruise, this time in the Mediterranean. Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations. Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. Uncover Naples’s history and culture or venture to Pompeii, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast.

Windstar Cruises

From ancient Rome to Moorish Spain, classical Greece to the Holy Land, the empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy—set amid unmatched beauty. Admire the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, the vineyards of Provence, the élan of Barcelona and more. Explore one of antiquity’s important religious centers and enjoy lunch in the shade of Mt. Olympus. Discover picturesque views of Oia’s whitewashed, blue-domed buildings and visit Thíra.

viking cruise greece

Pre: Como & the Italian Lakes

The fortress dates back to the 16th century and has a very storied history. The fortress is quite easy to explore on your own, though there is a bit of climbing if you want to make it to the top for breathtaking views. From the highest point you have unobstructed views and can even see Albania. • Corfu, Greece – Another beautiful morning greeted us as we sailed in to the picturesque city of Corfu, Greece. After breakfast at the World Café, we headed out for our morning excursion.

Viking Ocean Viking Venus Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Cruise Ratings on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

Viking Ocean Viking Venus Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Cruise Ratings on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Sat, 23 Apr 2022 06:04:28 GMT [source]

The views from the top of the Old Fortress provides views very similar to those from the Durrell’s family home in the TV series. Upon leaving Cetinje, we drove south to the coast through the summer resort of Budva before arriving back at our ship. As you can see, once we reached the top of the mountain, the views were incredible. Luckily, we came back down a different, more relaxed route later in the day. We have written a few previous articles that you may wish to peruse that will help you understand what to expect when sailing with Viking.

Highlights of Mediterranean Cruises

Mingle with the locals as they relax in these pool-like thermal baths and watch them play chess in the water. This is one of many treasured activities on Viking’s 15-day Grand European Tour river voyage through four countries, with stops in riverside villages and cities including Cologne, Vienna and Amsterdam. Nafplio is a remarkably preserved coastal gem on the Peloponnese peninsula. Its richly historic neighborhoods are tucked between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos, which is home to the diminutive 15th-century Bourtzi island fortress. 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.

Celebrity Cruises

You may want to have a good meal (or take some snacks) before going to the terminal, since the check-in process could be lengthy. If you would like information regarding life on board one of a Viking’s Ocean ships, we cover those details within our previous article, Iceland’s Natural Beauty – A Viking Ocean Cruise. Politically, this may be a good time to be visiting Turkey, while it is possible.

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece

Gaze at foaming waterfalls that plunge into the fjord’s waters, visit the cosmopolitan cities of Berlin and Copenhagen, and linger longer on overnight calls in Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen. Among the delights of Viking’s 16-day Malta, Morocco and the Mediterranean cruise is an underground expedition inside Spain’s Nerja Caves. Follow your guide around this archaeological marvel, where artefacts indicate human and animal habitation as far back as 25,000 BC.

Day 3

The Alto Douro, a World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Viking Longships drift through this lush valley, past terraced vineyards, charming villages and eye-catching rock formations. At a centuries-old wine-growing estate, guests can cut grapes from the vine before stomping them by foot in a traditional stone trough.

– Panoramic Corfu & Old Town Walking Tour – We started early for this 3-hour bus and walking tour of Corfu. One of the first stops was Kanoni, located on a small peninsula just south of town. Kanoni is the perfect spot for viewing Pontikonisi Island, Mouse Island, and the Vlacherna Monastery, as well as the island’s airport down below. We then continued on for about another hour to Cetinje, Montenegro’s former capital. With some free time, we rested at an outside restaurant and had a cappuccino as we enjoyed yet another beautiful sunny day. • Šibenik, Croatia – Most of the time the itinerary for this cruise includes a stop in Split, but our itinerary was a bit different, and stopped in Šibenik instead.

10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler - Travel + Leisure

10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler.

Posted: Sun, 02 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Viking 10-day Empires of the Mediterranean voyage sails from Athens to Venice via Santorini and Corfu, the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, and other stops in Croatia and Slovenia. Emerge rejuvenated from the nourishing mineral springs of Budapest, Hungary. Enjoy this relaxing tradition, revered since the times of the ancient Romans. The most popular baths can be found at Széchenyi, the largest spa complex in Europe, with a daffodil-yellow outdoor section.

If you would like more information on that pre-cruise extension, please click on the link to that article. If you would like to understand the differences between sailing with Viking on an ocean cruise as opposed to a river cruise, then this article, Viking Cruises – River versus Ocean  can help you understand those differences. Going in off season , it is still warm till mid Nov and  ess tourists no lines. Som shops might be closed, but still plenty of great cafes and of course all the historical sites. According to Clabbers, "Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. These mineral-rich waters are said to be Iceland’s health and beauty secret.

Other islands such as Rhodes and Crete offer opportunities to hike among the volcanic splendour, sample wine at hilltop wineries, and discover historic sites. The voyage also includes Kuşadasi, Turkey, for a chance to roam the ruins of Ephesus, dating back to the 10th century BC. Another incredible experience in this region is to cruise across the Arctic Circle where sunlight shines 24 hours a day during Norway’s summer. At midnight, locals embrace the everlasting sunset by going to the beach or kayaking under a golden sky. Viking’s 15-day Into the Midnight Sun ocean voyage includes an overnight stay in Bergen and visits to Edinburgh and the Orkney and Shetland islands in Scotland. Witness the origin of civilization as you cruise the fabled Aegean Sea.

During the Middle Ages, impressive buildings were built here as monuments to Christianity. Today, 15 of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the imposing city walls and the 8th-century Church of Hagia Sophia. Uncover ancient history at the archaeological sites of Troy, Çanakkale or Gallipoli. Explore the blend of ancient history and modern life and view the city’s iconic White Tower. Before we rejoined the bus for the ride back to the ship, we were also able to view the Arch of Hadrian, also known as Hadrian’s Arch.

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