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Focusing their sailings on the culture of each cruises destination. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum.

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

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This year we will have Viking Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Viking Venus, Saturn, Sea, Sky, Star at Civitavecchia Port of Rome. The Viking Cruises have the feature of spend two nights in the Civitavecchia Port, to experience the exciting night life of Rome.

The Viking Cruises was founded in 1997, specializing in river cruises. Viking Oceans Cruises was developed from scratch to bring the center of company maritime destinations. Viking Oceans Cruises began operations in May 2015 its first Viking Star units, undertaking a series of trips to Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as in the western and eastern Mediterranean .

The Viking Cruises has designed an aggressive expansion plan for the maritime brand as it did for river cruises, planning the phasing in of a second maritime units for delivery in 2016 (Viking Sea) and with orders for four other seagoing additional vessels.

The Itineraries have been made with care, so as to obtain the maximum from the time that the ship spends in port, often leaving the town in the late evening or by overnight stays, so that guests can experience the local nightlife or shows evening. Stopovers include the cosmopolitan port city, and historical cities like our Civitavecchia Port of Rome.

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Best Viking Excursion in Florence/Pisa (Livorno)

By bacmb , March 2, 2023 in Viking Ocean

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We've never traveled to the mediteranian before, and are going on a Viking Ocean cruise to the area in May.  In Florence, we have a choice of "Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa", "Italy's Art and Architecture", "The Renaissance Treasures of Florence" or hiring a pedicab and doing a self tour.  The Renaissance tour is about $100 more per person, and online, because of the limitations of busses and the streets, we've seen recommendations of a tour guide or pedicab.  Any suggestions for newbies?

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OneSixtyToOne

1 minute ago, bacmb said: We've never traveled to the mediteranian before, and are going on a Viking Ocean cruise to the area in May.  In Florence, we have a choice of "Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa", "Italy's Art and Architecture", "The Renaissance Treasures of Florence" or hiring a pedicab and doing a self tour.  The Renaissance tour is about $100 more per person, and online, because of the limitations of busses and the streets, we've seen recommendations of a tour guide or pedicab.  Any suggestions for newbies?   Thanks 

My advice, forget Pisa and spend as much time in Florence as possible. Pisa is a long ride for what is essentially a photo op of the tower.  

We were just in Florence in January on a post cruise extension. Here is my writeup  for that portion of our cruise.

Peregrina651

Step 1: Prioritize what you want to see in Florence. There is no way you can see it all in one day, so if you only have 1 day what are the 3 things that you must see or do.

Then there are the other questions, you should have settled in your mind -- and only you can answer these questions.

• Is a guide a must or are you willing to explore on your own? What is your level of comfort?

• How is your general health? Do you walk unaided? Can you climb stairs?  How many? How many miles can you cover comfortably? Florence is a walking city; they have closed the center of the city to buses and most cars. Even on the Viking tours you will be dropped off near your first stop and then you will have to make your way to the bus parking lot near Santa Croce.

• Do you want to whiz by as many places as possible or do you want to a few places and do them well?

• What's your budget? "Watching the pennies" or "Sky's the limit"? -- and don't answer this one here because it is really none of our business

2 hours ago, bacmb said: In Florence, we have a choice of "Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa", "Italy's Art and Architecture", "The Renaissance Treasures of Florence" or hiring a pedicab and doing a self tour.

Next step is to compare these three tours side by side.

• Make a list of the places each tour covers.

• Mark whether it will be an inside visit or just a stop and look at building/view/facade.

• Compare the length of the tours (and don't forget the drive time that will will eat into the time that you actually have to tour the city; Google maps can help you figure out long you will be on the bus -- then add in a 20 minutes pit stop each way). 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

As others have said, focus on Florence especially since this is your first time there.  We visited Florence twice on two different cruises, and there are still more to be seen.  Question for you: Is your cruise overnighting at Livorno?  If so, that gives you a lot more freedom with Florence on the first day.

We signed up Viking's "Florence on our own" tour, basically a bus ride to and from Florence.  The caveat?  Depending on the guide you have, the 1.5 hour ride to Florence may turn into 2 hours because he wanted to stop at a cafe his friends own on the way (in the name of a pit stop 20 minutes out of the port  🙄 ).  We didn't arrive at Florence until 12 noon.  Sleazy guide aside, you have the option to stay longer in Florence and take the train back to Livorno, which was what we did.

Based on our experience in Florence, here what I'd suggest you do to maximize your time there (and if your ship is staying overnight):

Buy your train tickets from Livorno Centrale to Firenze S.M. Novella (direct train preferred) on Trenitalia.  They are regional commuter trains, but comfortable enough for an 1 hour 20 minutes ride.  Note the arrival time at Florence.

We bought the train tickets back to Livorno towards the end of our time at Florence, as we did not want to be tied to a set time.  Bought the tickets on my phone via Trenitalia's website in a few minutes.

https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

The easiest way to go to and from Livorno Centrale is by taxi.  Last November the ride was 25 Euros each way.  

Based on the train's arrival time, buy advanced timed ticket(s) to the Academy (for David), Uffizi, or Duomo.

Academy:  https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/tickets/

Uffizi:  https://www.uffizi.it/en/ticket

Duomo:   https://operaduomofirenze.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy

The entry into the cathedral is free, but ticket holders have a separate entrance (skip the line).

There is really no realistic way for you to see all 3 in one day.  Plan out what you really want to see, and prioritize them.

BTW, Pisa.  We went to Pisa with Viking's included tour on the 2nd day.  We had tickets to all the museums and for the tower itself.  Needless to day, we stayed behind in Pisa and took the train back to Livorno.  You could spend 6 hours in Pisa, just not with any tours.

If you are inclined to climb the tower, you can get tickets up to 20 days out:  https://www.opapisa.it/en

15 hours ago, bacmb said: We've never traveled to the mediteranian before, and are going on a Viking Ocean cruise to the area in May.  In Florence, we have a choice of "Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa", "Italy's Art and Architecture", "The Renaissance Treasures of Florence" or hiring a pedicab and doing a self tour.  The Renaissance tour is about $100 more per person, and online, because of the limitations of busses and the streets, we've seen recommendations of a tour guide or pedicab.  Any suggestions for newbies?   Thanks 

In addition to the Viking Shore-ex and hiring a cab, I'll suggest checking out a couple of local vendors. Here are a couple of suggestions for the port of Livorno:

  RomeCabs - https://www.romecabs.com/

   Italy Tours EU - http://italytours.eu/

Heidi13... just a quick thank you for the romecabs suggestion. We ended up booking a private tour to Pitigliano from Civitavecchia we found from the link. We have spent a week in Rome and with such a short window decided this would be much more enjoyable. Would not have found it without the link! Tip of the hat and a thank you!

lackcreativity

2 hours ago, Vagabond51 said: Heidi13... just a quick thank you for the romecabs suggestion. We ended up booking a private tour to Pitigliano from Civitavecchia we found from the link. We have spent a week in Rome and with such a short window decided this would be much more enjoyable. Would not have found it without the link! Tip of the hat and a thank you!

This is why I value the Viking Cruise Critic thread: I continue to learn new things. I thought I had researched all the options of places to go instead of Rome, but I never came across Pitigliano. After a quick glimpse of some photos, it is certainly on my list now! Thanks, and hope you enjoy your tour.

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Ancient ruins, city tours and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily

Start in Palermo and head west for a family adventure featuring street food, ancient ruins and a magical night tour of the city.

Italians may flock to Sicily’s soft sands in summer, but this far-flung Mediterranean island is far more than just a beach destination. Families can scale Mount Etna in giant off-road jeep buses, feast on classic Sicilian sweets and delve into archaeology at well-preserved ruin complexes like the Valley of the Temples. Older kids, meanwhile, can satisfy any gangster fascination by exploring mafia heritage in Palermo and seeking out The Godfather filming sites in the quiet mountain villages. And with the island lying closer to Africa than Rome, its southerly climate makes it a great choice for off-season travels around Easter and October.

Palermo by night

To beat the heat of the Sicilian capital in summer, try venturing into town after dusk for a guided night tour , when Palermo’s landmarks are magically illuminated. The walk can take in city highlights such as the medieval Kalsa district, the Arabesque domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Norman cathedral of Monreale and UNESCO-listed Zisa palace.

Gangster’s paradise

Unpick the island’s deep-rooted connection with the Sicilian Mafia, known locally as Cosa Nostra, at Palermo’s No Mafia Memorial museum . It explains the origins of the crime cartel and the government’s efforts to quash the organisation after the Second World War. If you’ve got more time, there are also Mafia-related tours taking in the eastern villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, which were key filming locations for The Godfather — a good bet if you’ve got any movie-mad teens in tow.  

Street-food specialities

Sicily’s original thick-crusted pizza is a must try. There’s a topping for every palate so picky eaters are bound to find something they like; the more adventurous should go for the classic, which includes anchovies, herbs and strong cheese on a passata base. For dessert it’s cannoli, deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, that take centre stage. Arancini — fried risotto balls — are another favourite for a cheap meal on the go. A Palermo street-food tour is a fun way to explore for those whose kids love to try new dishes.  

Sicily’s sweet-making centre

With its sloping cobbled streets and crowning castle, Erice — around 70 miles west of Palermo — has a fairytale quality. But in Sicily this town is best known for its almond pastries — especially those made by local pastry chef Maria Grammatico , whose stories have been immortalised in the biography Bitter Almonds, by Mary Taylor Simeti. Follow the sweet scent of powdered sugar down winding lanes to find her old-fashioned bakery and encourage the kids to order belli e brutti — ‘beautiful and ugly’ — a buttery bite-size pastry laced with almonds and lemon.

Archaeology discoveries

Sicily has more than its fair share of ruins and many of the best are in the west of the island. Closest to Palermo is the fifth-century Segesta Archaeological Park , around 47 miles west of the capital, which offers panoramic views from a Hellenic theatre atop Monte Barbaro. But Sicily’s finest ruins can be found at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on the southwest coast — a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples.  

Volcano tours to Mt Etna

  The east of the island is famed for its succession of exquisite baroque towns in the south and the cone of Mount Etna on the east coast. Towering 3,329 metres high, Europe’s tallest volcano is also one of Sicily’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites — and a family favourite because of how close kids can usually get to the fuming calderas. The trip starts with a cable-car ride up to 2,500 metres, from where 4x4 jeep buses carry travellers higher on guided tours of the lunar-like landscape and smoking volcano craters. Tours are available from Catania, Taormina or Messina, but keep an eye on the local news — Etna last spewed lava as recently as November 2023.  

Where to stay

Villa Igiea Restored at the end of the 19th century by famous Italian architect Ernesto Basile and revamped by Rocce Forte Hotels in 2021, the 124-room art nouveau-style Villa Igiea in Palermo is rich in character. It still retains its frescoes, original furniture and decor with a modern twist, all of which are guaranteed to make kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. Rooms are individually decorated with lovely hardwood floors and luxury marble bathrooms, and it’s located near the port, overlooking an ancient Greek temple.

Verdura Resort Set on more than 500 acres of southwestern Sicilian coastline, the 205-room Verdura Resort offers uninterrupted views of the sea from private balconies or terraces, designed in a fresh and contemporary Sicilian style. The hotel is packed with facilities to make life easy for families, including a 60-metre infinity pool, a handful of clay tennis courts and four restaurants – plus five bars and a massive spa for the adults.

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Related Topics

• FAMILY LIFE
• FAMILY TRAVEL
• FOOD TOURISM
• WALKING TOURS

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Italy, the Adriatic & Greece

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• Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia) Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus)

Italy, the Adriatic & Greece Map

Sail through Mediterranean dreams

Combine Venice, the Adriatic & Greece and Italian Sojourn for a sweeping 15-day voyage brimming with ancient history. On land and on board, you will uncover the rich cultural traditions of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy on one enriching cruise, featuring scenic cruising among the emerald islands of Dalmatia, an overnight in romantic Venice and a circumnavigation of Italy's boot. You will not want to miss such an in-depth exploration of this fabled region.

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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

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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

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

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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From $799 | 2 Nights

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From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

From $1,999 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

Post: Parma & Bologna

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Post: Best of Rome

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Greek Civilization
• - The Roman Empire
• - The Venetian Republic

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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