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Iconic We stern Mediterranean

Barcelona To Rome

5 GUIDED TOURS

4 COUNTRIES

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Majestic Mediterranean

Barcelona To Barcelona

11 GUIDED TOURS

6 COUNTRIES

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Southern Mediterranean Discovery

Rome To Barcelona

6 GUIDED TOURS

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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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"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.

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Rome To Rome

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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

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

• Cruises and Sailing
• Mediterranean Cruises
• Types of Travel
• Viking Cruises

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.

Viking Ocean: Viking’s “Iconic Mediterranean” Itinerary

I am one of those people who is happiest by far whenever I am aboard ship.

As you can imagine, I haven’t been very happy for a year and a half.  So when Viking invited me to come along on Viking’s “Iconic Mediterranean” itinerary, I jumped at the chance to sail away. I have lots of great memories of Viking’s ocean-going ships. Sleek, white and Scandinavian, they’re among the highest-rated cruise ships in the world. And since they are identical nonuplets, once you’ve traveled on one, you feel incredibly at home on all eight others.  Viking Jupiter would be my home for 8 days as we plied the western coast of Italy and the southern coast of France.

That I was sailing on Jupiter was also slightly ironic .

My last Viking adventure was to see Jupiter christened, remotely, in Los Angeles in January of 2020.  Viking had invited literally hundreds of travel pros to launch both Jupiter and their Expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  With much fanfare, Viking took over the same ballroom that had hosted the Golden Globe Awards the week before. We were all giddy with all the good Viking News.  In weeks, the world went on lockdown and with it, every cruise line in the world.  So here I was, 21 months later and a half a world away, boarding Viking Jupiter in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. What would be different? What would my “Welcome Back” voyage be like?

What changed? Almost everything. And almost nothing.   

Of course, anyone who has traveled anywhere, and I confess that I have, knows the world is a very different place.  It starts long before you leave home. Compulsory vaccinations and Covid-19 tests are as essential as carrying passport.  Masks are mandated for all air travel and, in Italy, aboard all public transportation.  That’s before you get anywhere near your Viking ship.  First and foremost, to board the ship, you must produce all your documentation.  And to board Viking Jupiter, in accordance with Italian law, then and there, you are given a compulsory nasal swab test—and not just the one that skims your nostrils. Italy, hard hit during the earliest days of the pandemic, has an especially strict Covid Protocol.  Next door in France, there was nothing like the Italian regulations.  After the Italian Government’s Covid team’s test, we were seated, socially-distanced of course, until our number was called and we could board the ship. The fully vaccinated passenger list gave a collective sigh of relief…behind their masks, of course.

I would almost say Viking Jupiter had a ‘new ship smell’

Since Viking Jupiter returned to service in July, that smell is the scent of clean.  It’s part of Viking’s Healthy & Safety Program. And you’ll be aware of it, make no mistake about it. In addition to the already incredible standards of clean aboard Viking vessels, all guests and crew receive daily non-invasive saliva tests. Aboard every Viking Ocean ship, a full-scale laboratory has been installed.  (On Viking River ships, a network of shoreside labs does the work of reviewing every test.)  In addition to the labs, new air purification technology was also installed. All staterooms always featured independent air handling units so that technology is now throughout the ship. And yes, you are asked to wear masks, your temperature is taken electronically at the entrance to all restaurants and physical distancing is practiced. But none of that really takes away from the thrill of being at sea and the adventures that await on land.

Shore Excursions have their own sets of rules…at the bequest of the local Government

Yes, there are restrictions on shore excursions. Social Distancing means fewer occupied seats on tour buses—not necessarily a bad thing!  And of course, masks are required. And in Italy, the biggest bugaboo is that you can’t wander off on your own. There’s free time but it’s confined to a very small area whatever excursion you chose. Any plans to shop are pretty well dashed by the rules. On the other hand, you are seeing some of the world’s greatest treasures in Italy’s premiere museums and galleries. France, on the other hand, was much freer and independent touring was a snap. The French Riviera never disappoints and Covid hasn’t changed that. Finally, there’s Barcelona. With the most highly vaccinated population in Europe, Spain still obeys the dictate that makes masks mandatory in indoor settings.  You can see the best of Barcelona’s interiors—Sagrada Famillia and Palau de Musica come to mind–, you just have to wear a mask to do so.

I spoke to an authority after I returned home and Omicron emerged… Are these the most Covid-Conscious Ships Sailing?

Rajeev Shrivastava, the CEO of the travel insurance marketplace, VisitorsCoverage.com, had the following advice for would-be cruisers. “As the situation develops, monitor the CDC and keep in contact with your cruise line to learn about any updates and new requirements.

Be prepared to adhere to the local or country-specific rules like additional COVID tests upon arrival and departure, mandatory quarantines, or travel documents required by the cruise lines, the destination country or the local authorities. Cruise travel insurance, such as SafeCruise , ensures that passengers receive medical attention should they need it for COVID or any other sickness or accident. In a cruise, a serious medical situation with no hospital around means emergency medical evacuation and this type of insurance covers it.

Is it all worthwhile?

Darned right it is!  Everything to love about Viking and cruising is all there.  The restaurants, the lecturers, the fascinating ports of call are all in place.  The incredibly attentive crew are so glad to be back at work.  And absolutely everyone on the ship is fully vaccinated. How many of us can say that about the place where we live?

Cover photo: Livorno_Panorama_Sunset

Photos credit Viking and Monte Mathews, thank you

Viking Ocean Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

1 thought on “Viking Ocean: Viking’s “Iconic Mediterranean” Itinerary”

Great story! I experienced the same on my Viking Venus sailing–Viking’s the perfect line for those apprehensive to dip their toe back in the cruising waters.

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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. 

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• 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
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• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
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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! 🙂

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Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise

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13 European Rivers and Waterways to Cruise

Michael Runkel / robert harding / Getty Images

The number of river cruise ships sailing in Europe has been rapidly growing for most of this century, and river cruises continue to be a very popular way to see cities and towns inaccessible to ocean-going ships. 

Today, travelers can cruise over a dozen different rivers in Europe. Most river cruise lines sail similar itineraries and include shore excursions in each port of call. The price differential between the river cruise lines is usually due to the level of service, cabin size, and onboard amenities.

This article explains some of the differences in the 13 primary cruise ship rivers and their itineraries. Although each river is discussed individually, note that many river cruise itineraries cover more than one river. For example, if someone has about 3 to 4 weeks of vacation time and enough money, they can sail all the way between Amsterdam and the Black Sea on the same ship. River cruise lines offer other combinations, but they involve moving on land from one river to another.

The Danube River: Central Europe

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove 

The source of the Danube River (Donau in German) is in the Black Forest of Germany, and it flows almost 1,800 miles east through central Europe towards the Black Sea, passing through or touching the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. 

River cruises sail the length of the navigable Danube between Regensburg and the Black Sea, but most itineraries focus on one of the two most spectacular sections—either between Passau and Budapest  or between Budapest and Bucharest. The navigable Danube has 19 locks, with 15 of them between Regensburg​ and Vienna. 

Passau to Budapest River Cruise

This Danube River cruise covers some of central Europe's most gorgeous river scenery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau Valley , plus it stops in three of the continent's most fascinating capital cities— Vienna , Bratislava , and Budapest . Other ports of call include towns like Linz (for tours to Salzburg), Melk , Krems, or Durnstein.

Most ports are marvelous walking destinations, and river ships stop right in the heart of the town and include a walking tour and free time to explore. 

Budapest to Bucharest

Travelers love this river cruise itinerary because it gives them the opportunity to visit eastern European countries where travel for North Americans has just become very popular and accessible in this century.  The citizens of Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria welcome tourists and love to share their corner of the world with travelers.

As the Danube continues its way to the Black Sea, travelers first explore amazing Budapest, with most ships spending either one or two days at the dock to allow their guests adequate time to see the city. The ship next stops in Kalocsa , the "Paprika Capital of the World", before moving on to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It is one of Europe's oldest cities and still carries remnants of the destruction of its last war in the 1990's.  As the ship moves downriver, guests explore a Roman archaeological site, museums of ancient history, the Iron Gates of the Danube, and miles of lovely scenery. Most of the river ships do not sail all the way to the Black Sea, but end at a small town near the Romanian capital of Bucharest.  Passengers are bused between the river and Bucharest, and the cruise tour includes time to see the city.

The Main River: Germany

The Main River (pronounced "mine") in Germany is the longest river that lies entirely in Germany. It flows west and joins the Rhine River near Mainz. The Main River is 327 miles long, but only 246 miles are open to traffic, and this navigable section of the river has 34 locks. The Main River cruise ports of call are Bamberg , Wurzburg , Wertheim , and Miltenberg . Each of these towns features interesting history, walking tours, and picturesque streets and architecture. 

Most river cruise travelers primarily see the Main River as a link between the Rhine and Danube Rivers. However, ships could not sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea until the Main-Danube Canal was completed in 1992, and it took 32 years of construction. Ships pass through 16 locks on the 106-mile transit of the canal. The Main-Danube Canal starts near the Danube River near Regensburg and travels north by Nuremberg to Bamberg. River cruise ships often feature day-long tours of Nuremberg while their ship passes through several of the locks, saving time for everyone.

The locks of the Main-Danube Canal (and elsewhere on the Danube and Main Rivers) are important to cruise travelers because the size of the locks dictates the size of river ships. Anyone who wonders why a river ship is so narrow will understand when they see the size of the locks. The low bridges over these same rivers control the height of the river ships. 

The Rhine River: Switzerland to the Netherlands

The source of the Rhine River is in Switzerland, and it flows over 800 miles generally northwest before dumping into the North Sea near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. River ships sailing only on the Rhine move between Basel, Switzerland (near the border of France, Germany, and Switzerland) and Amsterdam. The Rhine has 12 locks, 10 of which are downstream from Basel. All 10 of these are between Basel and Mainz where the Main River joins the Rhine. 

The cruise between Basel and Mainz features stopovers at Strasbourg and Heidelberg. Many visitors find Strasbourg particularly interesting since part of the city is in France and the other (across the Rhine) is in Germany. Heidelberg is not quite on the river but is very nearby. This university town is lively, and the city has a marvelous castle. 

The Rhine River cruise region between Mainz and Koblenz is one of the most scenic in Europe. The breathtaking castles lining the Upper Middle Rhine Valley make it a traveler's favorite. Many people take a European river cruise just to see these magnificent old castles. The Loreley (Lorelei) Rock is also found along this section of the river. Cruise travelers have many opportunities to see the "castles on the Rhine" since they are also included on cruises between Amsterdam and Danube River ports or on Moselle/Rhine/Main/Danube River cruises.

One cute town with lots to offer Rhine River cruise travelers is Rudesheim , which is between Mainz and Koblenz. It offers a fun "party" street, a mechanical musical instrument museum (way more fun and interesting than it sounds), a cable car to the top of a hill with great views of the river and surrounding vineyards, and a giant German monument. 

Another popular stopover on the Rhine River is at Cologne , Germany. As river ships approach the city, the huge cathedral soon comes into view, and a visit to the cathedral and its square is a popular site in the city.

The only other stop for most ships sailing the Rhine River towards Amsterdam is at Kinderdijk to see its 19 windmills, most dating back to the 18th century. Along with tulips, windmills are an iconic symbol of the Netherlands, and the most picturesque are at Kinderdijk.

The Moselle River: France, Luxembourg, and Germany

The Mosel (German) or Moselle (French) River begins in France and passes through Luxembourg and Germany before flowing into the Rhine River at Koblenz. The Moselle has 28 locks, but only 12 are on the section of the river used by river cruise ships. The Moselle is 255 miles long, but river cruises only sail on the last 100 miles before it enters the Rhine. 

The Moselle River is one of Europe's most scenic, with a river valley that twists and turns as it makes its way towards the Rhine. The hillsides are covered with vineyards, most growing grapes for Germany's famous Riesling.  Ports of call include Cochem, Bernkastel, and Koblenz. All three of these towns are delightful to explore, and ships dock near the town centers. A highlight of Cochem is its spectacular castle , and cruise ship guests all love the views of the river from its towers. 

Some of the river cruise lines' most innovative itineraries include the Moselle River. For example, Moselle River cruises often start in Luxembourg or in Trier , Germany. However, cruise lines sometimes include a few days in Paris before the cruise begins and then transport guests to the ship via the TGV train from Paris to Metz or Remich and then on to Trier via bus. It's an exciting way to start a cruise! 

The Moselle River is included on river cruise tours between Paris and Prague , Amsterdam and Basel, or Paris to Budapest. 

The Elbe River: Germany

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Rhine and Danube Rivers are the most popular rivers to cruise in Germany, but those who are fascinated by 20th-century history or by Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation will love an Elbe River cruise between Prague and Berlin . The 680-mile long Elbe has seven locks, but five are in the Czech Republic upstream from where river cruises embark in Melnik and the other two are downstream from where the ships disembark at Magdeburg for the drive to Potsdam and then Berlin. The Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea near Hamburg. 

Elbe River cruise tours include hotel stays in Prague and Berlin, two of Europe's great cities. Most of the cruise is in eastern Germany, and cities like Dresden , Meissen, and Wittenburg all have their own special charm. After being almost completely destroyed during World War II and now rebuilt, Dresden is a marvelous city to visit, with one of the world's great museums. Meissen has its fine porcelain, and Wittenburg has Martin Luther and the Reformation. Seeing the improvements in these eastern German cities since the reunification of the country in 1990 is impressive.

The Elbe River is often shallow, so cruise lines sailing the Elbe use smaller ships with a shallower draft for these cruises. 

The Seine River: France

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Almost all Seine River  cruises sail roundtrip from Paris, heading downstream and north towards Le Havre and Honfleur, where it enters the English Channel. The 483-mile river has 34 locks, but 29 are upstream from Paris.  Paris is a beautiful city and a perfect place to begin a French river cruise vacation.

Ports of call visited between Paris and the sea might include Vernon, Les Andelys, Conflans, and Mantes-la-Jolie.  Monet's famous  Giverny garden is near Vernon. A highlight for many travelers is an all-day excursion to the Normandy beaches of World War II .

Many river ships turn around near Rouen , which is 75 miles from the sea and navigable by ocean-going ships.  Others go 27 miles further downstream to Caudebec-en-Caux. Most cruise lines spend one or two nights in one of these two cities, which allows their guests to have a day on the Normandy beaches and to explore the charming coastal town of Honfleur. 

The Rhone River: France

France also has river cruises in the southern part of the country. One of these is a Rhone River cruise in the Provence region between Lyon and Arles or Avignon .  The 500-mile Rhone River has 13 locks, and 12 of these are between Lyon and where the Rhone empties into the Mediterranean Sea.  The source of the Rhone River is the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland. 

Some Rhone River cruise tours begin with a few days at a hotel in Paris and then include a transfer to Lyon to begin their cruise. It's not a surprise that many of the highlights of one of these cruises include food or drink. Wine and cheeses abound, and a tour of the Valrhona chocolate factory in Tournon is an unforgettable experience for all chocolate lovers. History buffs will love Avignon and its importance to the Catholic Church, and they'll also love exploring the walled-city of Viviers and the Roman Pont du Gard near Avignon.

Most river cruise lines have combination tours that include Rhone River cruises along with one on the Saone, Seine, or Bordeaux region of France. Extensions to Paris, Nice, or other cities in Provence or the French Riviera are also easily done. 

The Saone River: France

The 300-mile long Saone River is a tributary of the Rhone River, merging in Lyon. Since river ships can only sail about 80 miles upstream from Lyon through Macon up to Chalon-sur-Saone, cruises usually include time on the Rhone River also. Although the Saone has 51 locks, only 3 are impacted by river cruises.

Macon is a city in the south Burgundy region of France, so it has some fine wines and opportunities to taste them. This ancient city dates back to 200 BC, and the town also has several museums and historic attractions. Many of the interesting parts of the old city are on the Saone River. 

Chalon-sur-Saone  is also in Burgundy, and many local activities revolve around food and wine. 

Bordeaux Waterways: France

The fourth region of France with river cruises is Bordeaux , which is southwest of Paris. Ships explore the Bordeaux region on three rivers—the Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde. The city of Bordeaux is the heart of the cruise, which primarily showcases the superb wines of the region.

These three rivers are not as scenic as those in other parts of Europe, primarily because they are subject to huge fluctuations with the tides (especially the Gironde). In addition, the land is very flat. The vineyards offer some beauty, but many cannot be seen from the rivers.

Some ocean ships can sail from the Atlantic Ocean up to the city of Bordeaux , but a bridge prevents them from going further. Bordeaux is a gorgeous French city and is fun to explore, even for those who don't like wine.

In addition to the city of Bordeaux, ports of call might include Cadillac, Libourne, Pauillac, Saint Emilion, and Blaye. Seeing the many famous vineyards  and wine cellars near Pauillac and Saint Emilion is memorable for all who love wine and historic cities. Travelers will have their friends talking if they take a selfie front of a Saint Emilion shop that sells bottles of wine for thousands of dollars each.

Some cruise lines even offer an optional tour to the city of Cognac, where guests have the opportunity to blend their own. Another fun activity is to go truffle hunting with a farmer and his dog (pigs aren't used anymore). 

The Douro River: Portugal and Spain

Until a few years ago, even experienced travelers did not know about the Douro River as a cruise destination . This 557-mile long river starts in Spain, but most of its navigable waters are in Portugal, and the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. The Douro River has 15 dams that generate hydroelectric power, but only five are on the navigable section, and all of these also have locks to enable ships to go up and down the river. Because of its rapids, the Douro was once very dangerous for ships to travel, but it has always been used to transport valuable goods downstream. The first valuable was gold mined in the mountains, but wine eventually replaced the gold.

The Douro River valley is spectacular as the river winds its way down the mountains toward the sea. Once ships leave Porto and sail upriver, the scenery changes rapidly as the river narrows and cliffs are steeper. Only a few small towns are visible, although vineyards fill the slopes. The region is settled, but there is not much to be seen by just walking from the ship. Buses are needed to take guests sightseeing and to visit the historical and cultural sites. This is an amazing river cruise destination, so don't let the bus time scare you.

Ships sail up the Douro from Porto to Spain, turn around, and sail back down. They are not allowed to sail at night, but different shore excursions are offered upstream and downstream, so it doesn't seem repetitive. 

Douro River ships are specifically built to sail this river and are smaller since they need to navigate the sharp turns in the river and the smaller locks. Some river cruise lines feature 7-day cruise-only vacations, embarking and disembarking their ships in Porto.  Others have cruise tours that include two or three nights in Lisbon, a transfer to Porto, and then a 7-day cruise. 

The Volga River and Other Russian Waterways

A cruise on Russian rivers and waterways between St. Petersburg and Moscow is the best way to see parts of Russia on a cruise. Many will travel to St. Petersburg on a Baltic cruise and are amazed at the beauty and fascinated by the history and culture of this great city. Some of these travelers want to learn more about Russia, and this river cruise itinerary fits the bill.

The Volga River, which is Europe's longest, is the major river on this cruise. Its source is in central Russia and it empties into the Caspian Sea. Ships sailing from St. Petersburg embark on the Neva River, sail through Lake Ladoga and then onto the Svir River, which joins with the Volga-Baltic Waterway before entering the Volga River. The Volga system features many reservoirs, so often ship passengers feel they are on an ocean rather than a river. The last body of water is the Moscow Canal, but thanks to the lock system, Moscow is connected with the Baltic Sea at St. Petersburg and the cities on the Volga downstream to the Caspian Sea. 

This cruise is usually 12-13 days and includes overnights (or more) in both St. Petersburg and Moscow . Other ports of call include small towns on the Svir River that are perfect for shopping, trying different kinds of vodka, or experiencing a Russian banya (sauna and bath house). Ships also stop at Kizhi Island to see traditional wooden homes and churches, and at historic towns down the Volga River like Yaroslavl and Uglich that provide a look at the culture and life outside of the major cities. 

The tour guides on this river cruise recognize that travelers are very interested about their lives in Russia, so they feature many lectures and free-flowing discussions on different topics while the ship is sailing. Since the cruise is only in one country, the entire focus can be on Russian food, drink, clothing, schools, churches, politics, and everyday life.  And, since Moscow is far inland, it's an unexpected treat to visit on a cruise. 

The Dnieper River: Ukraine

The 1,333-mile Dnieper River is Europe's fourth longest and sails from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine before flowing into the Black Sea. It has many hydroelectric dams and is very important to the Ukraine economy. 

Cruises sail between Kiev and Odessa, so the entire cruise is in the Ukraine. These two cities are so important over half of an 11-day cruise is spent there. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and is one of Europe's oldest cities, offering many historic sites and a major cathedral. ​Odessa sits on the northern shore of the Black Sea, not far from where the Dnieper River enters the Sea. Unlike Kiev, Odessa was not founded until the 18th century by Russian Empress Catherine the Great.Today, it is a transportation hub and its beaches attract many tourists.  

Other Dnieper River ports visited on the cruise are Kremenchug, Dnipro, and Zaporozhye, which is the ancestral home of the Cossacks. It's not surprising that Cossack horsemen put on a show similar to the one in Puszta , Hungary since Cossacks settled both regions.

Due to the political unrest in the Ukraine, many river cruise lines have postponed running their ships on the Dnieper River. Viking River Cruises is the only major river cruise line that caters to English-speaking guests that currently has Dnieper cruises scheduled.

Spring Tulip and Windmill Cruises: Netherlands and Belgium

A river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium encompasses parts of well-known rivers like the Rhine and lesser-known rivers such as the Issel, Nedderrijn, and Schelde (or Scheldt). Some of the cruises are also on waterways such as the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal or Ijssel Lake. 

A spring tulip time cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium is a marvelous cruise for flower lovers, but also for those who appreciate quiet villages, windmills, and history. Travelers fascinated by the power of water will enjoy learning about how the Dutch have reclaimed much of their land from the sea and also how they keep the sea from flooding that precious land. The waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium have about 40 locks, all of which are important for flood control rather than height differences. (Don't worry, river cruises don't pass through all of them.)

Many of these cruises are roundtrip from Amsterdam , and a day touring this famous city is often included in the tour before the ship sails. 

The best time to see the tulip fields and world-famous Keukenhof Gardens is from late March to mid-May, so river cruise lines operate at full strength during this time. Most of the ships that sail the waterways of the Netherlands are 7 or 8 days long, while those that sail around the Netherlands and Belgium are usually 10-14 days. 

A few cruise lines also sail the Netherlands and Belgium in the fall months, but you won't see any tulips blooming in the fields at that time of year. 

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Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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