Mediterranean Odyssey

Day 1, Venice (Chioggia), Italy

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.

Day 2, Venice (Chioggia), Italy

The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon’s canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice’s powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice’s transport network.

Day 3, Split, Croatia

Built around the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian, Split is one of Croatia’s oldest cities. Its promenade commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. Despite evidence of Split’s origins in the 6th century BC, the city is traditionally considered over 1,700 years old—counting from the construction of the palace. Its well-preserved remains have been seamlessly assimilated into the modern city. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace’s heart and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian’s ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral.

Day 4, Dubrovnik, Croatia

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.

Day 5, Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece

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.

Day 6, Sail the Ionian Sea

Sail the gateway to the Adriatic, marked by the sole of Italy’s boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. As you sail, explore our well-curated Library, tucked in a private alcove of the Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Day 7, Naples, Italy

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and is known mostly for its pizza. The city has long been a major center of Italian culture and was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region’s finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

Day 8, Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Day 9, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Tuscany is known equally as the cradle of the Renaissance and a center of culinary delights and astounding wines. Throughout this emerald-green countryside dotted with cypress trees, endless delights unfold. Among them is Florence, a living museum of the Renaissance. Brunelleschi’s famous Duomo dominates the medieval cityscape—an architectural achievement. Another Tuscan treasure, the Square of Miracles, unfolds in Pisa. Here, a trinity of masterpieces—the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery—comprise some of Europe’s finest art and architecture.

Day 10, Monte Carlo, Monaco

The chic city of Monte Carlo in the petite kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world’s most exclusive shopping and a beautiful old port. A fairy-tale aura has settled on this glittering city of the Grimaldi family, perhaps nowhere more elegantly than at the Prince’s Palace, where the late American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly presided with Prince Rainier III. Monte Carlo’s medieval quarter perches on “The Rock,” an escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps, and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the harbor lined with mega-yachts.

Day 11, Marseille, France

Marseille is rich in historic treasures, nestled between the Mediterranean and rocky hills of limestone. Two 17th-century fortresses dominate the charming Vieux Port, or Old Port, the natural harbor that hosts all manner of watercraft, from sleek elegant yachts to old style fishing vessels. Its picturesque quay is one of the world’s most romantic walks, lined with dozens of cafés and shops. Also worth exploring is the city center, graced by La Canebière boulevard. Linger in a café and sample the city’s signature bouillabaisse made from freshly caught fish.

Day 12, Barcelona, Spain

The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Day 13, Barcelona, Spain

After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.

Pre-Trip: Ultimate Italy - Lake Como and Verona for 3 nights From $ 2,299 per person

Explore the villa-lined shores of Lake Como and the romantic city of Verona. The distinct cuisine of northern Italy flavors your experience throughout, during an exclusive cooking class and at restaurants brimming with local character, while historic accommodations enhance your stay.

Day 1 - Como Arrive in Milan and transfer to beautiful Lake Como, where you will check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Located in the picturesque Lombardy region, Como paints a stunning canvas anchored by its shimmering namesake lake encircled by soaring alpine peaks and elegant villas. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time at Lake Como so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

Day 2 - Como Board your private boat for a scenic cruise on Lake Como, long a draw for poets, artists and actors; George Clooney keeps a summer residence on its shores. Pass historic Villa Carlotta, renowned for its botanical gardens, and stop for free time in Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Return to Como for lunch on your own and free time to shop. Later, admire the Gothic Como Cathedral during a guided walk. This evening, take a cooking class, then enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared. (B, D)

Day 3 - Verona Travel to romantic Verona, the famed setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Savor traditional Veronese recipes at lunch. During a guided walk of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will see the balcony of Juliet’s House, the legendary home of the Capulets. View the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater. Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe and the open air Piazza dei Signori, then contemplate the monumental Scaliger Tombs. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Venice After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to the 16th-century Villa Giusti outside of Verona, temporary residence of King Victor Emmanuel III during World War I. Its lush palace gardens are considered one of the finest examples from the Italian Renaissance. Stroll among the age-old trees, gargoyles, fountains and echoing grottoes of this tranquil setting. After, you will depart for Venice and your awaiting ship. (B)

Includes: 2 hotel nights at Lake Como; 1 hotel night in Verona 7 meals: 3 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) & 3 dinners (D) 3 guided tours: Lake Como Boat Cruise; Como Walking Tour; Verona Walking Tour All transfers