Italian Sojourn

Resort: Italian Sojourn
Operator: Viking Ocean Cruises
Destination: Croatia
Price From: £2340.00

Overview

Witness the legacies of civilizations as you cruise around Italy’s boot, and enjoy an overnight stay in Venice.

Experience the legacies of civilizations during this fascinating 8-day itinerary, cruising Italy between Civitavecchia and Venice. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. Explore Šibenik, Croatia’s oldest coastal town. An overnight in Venice lets you immerse yourself in Italy’s most romantic city.

All This Is Included

  • 8-day cruise visiting 2 countries & 7 ports with a private veranda stateroom
  • All onboard meals
  • Culture Curriculum: Become immersed in your destinations through lectures on or performances of music, art, cooking, dance & history

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Step aboard to begin your journey. The ship will be berthed in Civitavecchia, the closest port to the airport and Rome. Relax and settle in to your well-appointed stateroom and take time to get acquainted with the many ship amenities. Perhaps you will unwind at our Infinity Pool or browse the replicas of Viking artifacts at our onboard Viking Heritage exhibit.

Day 2

Naples, Italy

In Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. Optionally, also explore Herculaneum, Italy’s “other” Pompeii, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius. In your spare time, sample a hot espresso, a slice of pizza (the world’s first pizzeria opened here in 1830) or a locally made limoncello.

Day 3

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Today you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europe’s ten great cities when it fell under Spain’s purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves and rolling vineyards. Long a commercial crossroads due to its location just two miles from the Italian mainland, today it is a remarkable repository of culture and architecture that spans the centuries. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the Renaissance-style cathedral and bell tower and the ornate Porta Grazia gate.

Day 4

Crotone, Italy

Uncover the deep past of Crotone, founded as a Greek colony in 710 BC. Boasting a vast array of archaeological relics, the city was once heralded as the home of some of the Hellenic Empire’s most celebrated figures, including many victors of the Olympic Games and Pythagoras, whose mathematical theories altered Western thought. During your visit, marvel at the impressive cathedral, a neoclassical wonder, browse the Pythagoras Museum and Gardens and explore the waterfront and Crotone castle.

Day 5

Bari, Italy

Explore sunny, palm-lined Bari, where streets are lined with romantic, honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards and Romanesque and baroque churches. Visit the Norman-Swabian castle, the splendid Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italy’s most important opera houses, and stroll the picturesque waterfront. Or perhaps visit Alberobello and its fascinating trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed buildings with conical roofs.

Day 6

Šibenik, Croatia

Cruise the scenic St. Anthony Channel into the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast, Šibenik. Resting at the mouth of the Krka River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a remarkably preserved Old Town. Roam its narrow streets past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses. The city’s St. James Cathedral is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia. Perhaps you’ll join an excursion to view the impressive waterfalls of the Krka River.

Day 7

Venice, Italy

Welcome to Venice where 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 into the lagoon. You can enjoy a panoramic boat ride towards the magnificent St. Mark’s Square on your included tour, and with your guide, you will admire the glorious façade of the Doge’s Palace and tour the ornate interior of Saint Mark’s Basilica. Or take a boat to Murano to see glassmakers at work in their centuries-old tradition with a stop to visit historic San Giorgio Maggiore island. 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 8

Venice, Italy

Awake in Venice, where you will be departing your ship. From here, you can easily spend a few extra days to further explore this magical city or other parts of Italy.

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