Viking Ocean Cruises: Venice, The Adriatic & Greece

7 nights • May 2020 - October 2021
Trace spectacular Adriatic shores between romantic Venice and classical Athens and uncover the glories of past civilisations. Trace Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to the palace at Splît and stroll the medieval streets of Dubrovnik. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. Call on the Greek island of Corfu and Katakolon, gateway to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Day 1: Fly UK » Venice, Italy
Fly from the UK to Venice. Upon arrival, step aboard your ship in Venice; the magical city renowned for its art, architecture and culture is the ultimate destination on your epic voyage. Watch the sunlight dapple on the water as we ease our way through the archipelago. As we will remain in port overnight, enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

Day 2: Venice, Italy
Awake and further explore central Venice on your own this morning, as you investigate the out-of-the-way passages that reveal beautiful, hidden piazzas, or cross the lagoon to Murano and Burano to view the world-renowned glassblowing craftsmen. If you didn’t take yesterday’s included guided tour you can do so today. Or opt for one of the many optional tours. Your ship sets sail just after lunch so you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lagoon as we head out to the Adriatic Sea.

Day 3: Split, Croatia
Experience the age of antiquity as you wander through the center of the city that is built around the Diocletian Palace, walking through the well-preserved cellars before continuing to the Ethnographic Museum. In this historic quarter, you’ll notice the results of over 17 centuries of construction, passing pre-Romanesque churches and Gothic chapels. You may also choose more natural pursuits, from a rafting trip on the Cetina River or a journey through the Croatian hinterland to the famous waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Or spend the entire day discovering the small, more intimate destinations along the Dalmatian Coast.

Day 4: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Where city meets coastline, you will sail to this beautiful 12th-century walled city in Croatia. And as it happens, George Bernard Shaw declared, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” We think he has a point. Enjoy an entire day to take an inclusive tour with a drive high up to catch the magnificent views of the city and countryside. Or descend to the coast and enter the city on foot through the historic Pile Gate, passing by the Sponza Palace, the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain and stop inside the Dominican Monastery to see Renaissance paintings. You may also wish to consider exploring the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad Peninsula.

Day 5: Kotor, Montenegro
Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420, en route to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor’s heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

Day 6: Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece
Spend the entire day on the romantic island of Corfu, resplendent with charming pastel townhouses and pristine white beaches. Our included tour takes us on a drive to Kanoni, where we will make a photo stop to view tiny Mouse Island and the Vlacherna Monastery. Following the coastline through Garitsa Bay, you will reach the UNESCO Site of the Old Town. See the fabled Esplanade, one of Europe’s largest public squares, and the Liston Promenade, once the exclusive preserve of the local aristocracy.

Day 7: Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city’s stunning ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You’ll gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Day 8: Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arrive in Athens this morning, the magnificent cultural capital of ancient Greece. You will disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Or spend more time uncovering the mysteries of this fascinating city, the hilltop Acropolis and the inviting Plaka District.