viking ocean cruise adriatic

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Adriatic Excursion Recommendation

By JerryInIL , January 6 in Viking Ocean

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 Our May, Athens to Venice Adriatic cruise includes ports at Olympia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Split.  What excursions in these ports (included or optional) did you particularly like (or dislike)?  Thanks !!!

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We think the City Wall walk in Dubrovnik is a must see.  Just take the included tour into the city and get tickets to walk the wall on your own.  From outside the city walls, a short walk to Fort Lovrijenac.  An interesting and historic fortress with great views.  Plenty of Viking shuttle opportunities to get back to the ship afterwards

Agree, Dubrovnik wall is great! We also liked the included walking tour there, we did both of these. Be advised that there are over 1000 steps!  We enjoyed the included tour at Olympia around the ruins. 

  We were in Zadar, and we really enjoyed the tour of the Krka Falls, which has been offered from Split. It’s a bit of a drive, but the falls in the national park were amazing, we love photography and nature. 

The Dubrava Falconry Center was one of the best excursions of our back to back in May/June of last year.

Also the included Ancient Olympia tour.  We had a very knowledgable and interesting guide.

21 minutes ago, CDR2001 said: Agree, Dubrovnik wall is great! We also liked the included walking tour there, we did both of these. Be advised that there are over 1000 steps!  We enjoyed the included tour at Olympia around the ruins.    We were in Zadar, and we really enjoyed the tour of the Krka Falls, which has been offered from Split. It’s a bit of a drive, but the falls in the national park were amazing, we love photography and nature. 

Those steps have got to be killer for those with even slight mobility issues.

Here are photos of the Dubrovnik steps, courtesy of OneSixtyToOne on another post.  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2982297-troy-pompeii-mycenae-epidaurus-how-demanding-is-demanding/?do=findComment&comment=66678939

  see Post #5

lackcreativity

Note about walking the walls of Dubrovnik: I admit to not being as young as I used to be, and never being as fit as I wished to be. Yet the walls of Dubrovnik are spectacular. Only you know your own capabilities, but there is a compromise of sorts. There are two entrances to the walls. Of course, both entrances involve steep steps, and then more steps along the way.

My plan, which worked then, but I doubt it would for me these ten years later, was to join my husband for the first half of the walk, and then go back down. We met again at a pre-arranged location. I wandered through the museum at the Rector's Palace while he completed the walk. A traditional Croatian lunch gave us both time to rest after our exploration.

4 hours ago, JerryInIL said:  Our May, Athens to Venice Adriatic cruise includes ports at Olympia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Split.  What excursions in these ports (included or optional) did you particularly like (or dislike)?  Thanks !!!

We have been to all of these ports previously. Usually, we mix a few optional excursions with the included ones. Oddly, in the case of the five ports you mentioned, we took the included ones in each port and added in some time on our own afterwards. In each case, the locations seem compact and easy to navigate. We appreciated what we learned from the guides, developed some level of familiarity with the area, and then explored on our own.

In Corfu, for instance, we took the panoramic bus ride, and walked with the guide through the old town, but then went to the Old Fortress on our own.

OneSixtyToOne

Here is my Almost Live thread about our trip last spring.

Split Review of the Meštrovic Gallery and Diocletian Place

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2927474-almost-live-viking-sky-mediterranean-odyssey-april-2023/?do=findComment&comment=65148610

Walls of Dubrovnik

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2927474-almost-live-viking-sky-mediterranean-odyssey-april-2023/?do=findComment&comment=65159269

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2927474-almost-live-viking-sky-mediterranean-odyssey-april-2023/?do=findComment&comment=65181734

Thanks for all the great tips.  We have 2 months until our excursion sign up day.

BlairsvilleCruiseGirl

We took the Empires of the Med cruise last year and the most fun tour we did was the Corfu by 4x4 vehicle.  Two people per Suzuki 4x4 (they were pretty old/beat up but a lot of fun).  We drove up the tallest mountain in Corfu, stopped for a snack with wine or Ouzo in this tiny village and then a couple of more stops for the views/pit stop.  It was a blast and we saw a bit of Corfu that we would never have seen on a standard tour.

Thanks Blairsville Girl.  That sounds great but DW says “No Way”..lol

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Part I – A Viking Cruise – Venice, The Adriatic and Greece

• Post author: James
• Post published: August 3, 2022
• Post category: Viking / Europe

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are entirely  our own, and we have not been compensated in any way for these opinions.

We have been on several river cruises with Viking, including sailings on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.  All of the river cruises have been excellent, and if you have not sailed on a Viking River cruise, we encourage you to give it a try.  You can find articles about some of our river cruise experiences here, under the Viking Tab.

In October of 2021 we decided to again join Viking on an Ocean cruise, this time in the Mediterranean. 

Viking Cruises

Before we discuss the cruise itinerary, you may appreciate some general information about Viking.  Founded in 1997, Viking Cruises has grown to be the world’s leading river cruise line and has expanded to include an ocean fleet that now sails around the world.  In 2022, Viking launched new expedition voyages, sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.  Also in 2022, Viking will expand its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of Mississippi River cruises.  You can see all of their cruise options on their site here.

We have written a few previous articles that you may wish to peruse that will help you understand what to expect when sailing with Viking.

If you would like to understand the differences between sailing with Viking on an ocean cruise as opposed to a river cruise, then this article, Viking Cruises – River versus Ocean   can help you understand those differences.

If you would like information regarding life on board one of a Viking’s Ocean ships, we cover those details within our previous article, Iceland’s Natural Beauty – A Viking Ocean Cruise .   

We also know that first time cruisers may have many more questions about what to expect during the cruise itself.  You can find some additional information in another article, Viking Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

Venice, The Adriatic and Greece – Itinerary

Now that we have discussed some general information, let’s get started with the cruise itinerary.  The cruise we sailed on was called the Iconic Adriatic Antiquities .  The Iconic Adriatic Antiquities cruise actually consists of two back-to-back ocean cruises. The first cruise and the focus of this article, is Venice, The Adriatic and Greece , which sails from Venice to Athens. You can click this link that covers the  second cruise, Journey to Antiquities , which sails from Athens to Rome.

Embarkation

While our ocean cruise started in Venice, we spent Four Days in Florence and Tuscany   before traveling to Venice.  If you would like more information on that pre-cruise extension, please click on the link to that article.

Upon arriving in Venice, we were taken by bus to the Venice Cruise Terminal for the check-in process.  Italy no longer allows cruise ships to dock at the terminal itself. They have determined that the large ships have caused too much damage to the fragile channels and adjacent buildings.  As a result, ships must now dock miles away from the city, at less picturesque spots.  Our ship was docked in Fusina, about 30 minutes away by bus.

TIP: Cruise ships may be docked at a number of docks up and down the coast, so be sure to check the specific docking information for your cruise before arrival.  Some docks can be up to an hour away from Venice.  However, you may still need to go to the old cruise port for processing before being bused to your ship for embarkation.

The infrastructure for processing cruise passengers did not exist at Fusina, where our ship was docked, so the embarkation process was still being performed in the Venice Cruise Terminal.  Since we traveled while health protocols were still in place, the Italian government conducted an on-site antigen test prior to boarding.  It took several hours to be processed by both Italy and Viking before being transferred to the ship.  You may want to have a good meal (or take some snacks) before going to the terminal, since the check-in process could be lengthy.

We boarded our ship, the Viking Jupiter, around 2 PM.  Upon arrival to our stateroom, we found the Viking Daily newsletter on our coffee table.  This newsletter is delivered each evening throughout the cruise and provides information regarding the events for the next day, including meeting times for excursions, along with other general announcements. Above is a picture of the Viking Daily we received on the first day.

After unpacking we headed out to explore the ship and grab a bite to eat.  Since it was now around 2:30 PM, the only restaurant open was the pool bar, and there were quite a few people ahead of us.  So, we just decided to return to our room and order room service, which is available 24 hours a day.

After a long day, we relaxed in the Explorer’s Lounge for drinks and then had dinner in the World Café.

Ports of Call

We are both outdoors-type people and like to walk/hike, so we tried to select excursions that tended to lean toward more demanding physical activity.  However, Viking offers plenty of excursions that are not as physically demanding, but still allow folks to see all the iconic sights.  With so many excellent excursions, it was difficult to choose!   But in this article, we are recapping only the activities and excursions that we selected for our itinerary. 

Unfortunately, we really did not have much time in Venice.  We selected an excursion that started early in the morning, but the ‘back on board’ time was 1:30 PM, so we really only had the morning for exploring the city.  Keep in mind that since the ships are docked so far from the city, the commute to and from the ship can be long, and definitely cuts into your time for seeing Venice.  So, if you want more time to explore Venice, we suggest arriving a few days early and exploring Venice on your own.

– At a Glance: St Mark’s Square – We started early (7 AM) and were shuttled back to the Venice Cruise Terminal.  From there, we boarded a small boat and cruised to the Palazzo Cornoldi.  Viewing the sites from the water provides a great perspective of Venice.  Once off the boat, our excellent guide took us across several of the bridges in Venice to St. Mark’s Square. We also visited St. Mark’s Basilica and the grand Campanile Bell Tower, along with the Doge’s Palace.  Due to health protocols at the time, we had to be fully escorted, which meant no free time.  But the upside was that since we traveled in late October, there were very few tourists and Venice was incredibly empty.  

– Sailing Out of Venice – After our tour, we returned to our ship and left port around 2 PM. We chose to have lunch on the Aquavit Terrace so that we could enjoy the spectacular views as we began our cruise.  Later that evening, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Italian specialty restaurant, Manfredi’s.

• Šibenik, Croatia – Most of the time the itinerary for this cruise includes a stop in Split, but our itinerary was a bit different, and stopped in Šibenik instead.  Since the two towns are less than 60 miles apart, many of the main excursions are available from either port.

– Sailing In to Šibenik – We always love to be on deck when the ship sails in to a new port. Usually it is early morning and the views can be stunning.  We loved the sign welcoming us to the town.

– The Krka Waterfalls & the Town of Skradin – The good news if your stop is Šibenik is that the drive to Krka National Park is only about 30 minutes.  We had heard a lot of great things about this park and seen some wonderful photos.  So, it was high on our list of excursions, and the park did not disappoint!

This excursion is rated as ‘Demanding’, since there are a number of steps both leading down the trail to the waterfalls and then back up the top.  These steps can appear daunting, but the guide walked very slowly and stopped frequently.  There were a few people who decided not to take the stairs, opting instead to take in the views from the top.

The trail is really a boardwalk that traverses many small streams with what seems like an endless number of pools and waterfalls.  Once we reached the bottom, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the terraced Skradinski Buk waterfalls cascading in front of us.  They are truly amazing waterfalls. These 17 cataracts are considered to be among the most beautiful calcium-carbonate waterfalls in Europe, tumbling a total of 150 feet along a 1,312-foot stretch of the river.

After leaving Krka, we took a short drive to the small town of Skradin.  Skradin is a lovely town where we visited the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and then had free time to explore the shops and restaurants.  We stopped at a small cafe where we sat outside enjoying coffee and a local pastry before our bus ride back to the ship.

– Šibenik Promenade – After lunch we joined the included 1.5-hour walking tour of Šibenik. One of the highlights of the tour was the Cathedral of St. James, a Roman Catholic Church  built in the 1400’s.  We also walked along the water among the shops and restaurants before returning to the ship.

– Sailing Out of Šibenik – We headed to the Explorer’s Lounge to enjoy the views and a libation as we sailed out of port. It was ‘seafood night’ in the World Café, so later we dined there on crab legs, shrimp and all sorts of delicious seafood dishes.

• Dubrovnik, Croatia –  We had heard so much about Dubrovnik over the years, and we were very excited to finally arrive.  The approach to the city from the water was gorgeous, especially in the early morning light, as another beautiful sunny day awaited us.

– Dubrovnik’s Fortification: A City Wall Walk – One of the amazing features of Dubrovnik is the 1.5 miles of medieval stone wall encircling the town that is still intact.   We ascended the stairway to the top of the wall at the Pile Gate, where the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s famous main street, begins.  Our guide led us on a tour of the entire wall, pointing out all of the sites across Dubrovnik.  We saw the Minčeta Tower, St. John Fortress, Fort Bokar, and Fort Lovrijenac. This excursion was one of the most beautiful of the entire trip.

TIP: The Fortification Wall Walk excursion is rated as ‘demanding’.  While there are steps and the wall walk is 1.5 miles, most of the steps are encountered when ascending to the top of the wall.  Once there, there are some steps both up and down as the elevation of the wall changes, but not too many.  So, if you go slowly, you will likely be able to handle the steps and will probably find that it is not overly demanding.  The views are well worth the effort.

– Dubrovnik Walking Tour – After lunch we joined the included walking tour of Old Town. Starting at Pile Gate, just as we did that morning, we walked down the Stradun, which is a .25-mile marbled main pedestrian way that goes from Pile Gate to the Old Town Port.  Incredible architecture, shops, restaurants and historic buildings line the way.  We also had plenty of free time to explore a little on our own.  Although the excursion is rated as ‘moderate’, it mostly consists of walking on flat surfaces with little elevation changes.

– Game of Thrones – If you are a Game of Thrones fan, there are several sites around Dubrovnik where scenes from the TV series were shot. In fact, you can even book third-party excursions that will take you to many of these locations.  On our two excursions, the guides pointed out several of the famous spots.  The city of Dubrovnik itself was King’s Landing in the series, and a couple of the other sites we saw included Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep) and the Jesuit Steps (the Walk of Shame).

Back on board, we decided once again on the World Café for dinner, since the theme was American BBQ.  Again, another delicious meal!

• Kotor, Montenegro – As with most ports of call, we sailed into Kotor early in the morning. The first thing that caught out eye was that the town is surrounded by very tall and steep mountains. After an early World Café breakfast, we headed out for our first excursion.

– Highlights of Montenegro – We decided to start with an optional excursion that would take us out of town on a 5.5-hour tour. We were headed to our first stop, the town of Njeguši.  We were wondering what roads we would take as we left the docking area, since the mountains that surround the town are so steep.  We thought we might head out along the coast before turning inland.

Much to our surprise however, we headed straight up the switchbacks above town on a road that was not much wider than a single lane.  Our guide assured us that our driver was ‘the best’, but it was nonetheless, a bit of a nail-biting ride at first, especially as we passed other buses and large trucks.  We barely squeezed by, and on a few occasions, we even had to back up a short distance and move out of the roadway into some bushes.  Most of the time we were on the inside of the road (against the mountain).  But a few times we were on the outside and looking straight down the mountain. 

As you can see, once we reached the top of the mountain, the views were incredible.  Luckily, we came back down a different, more relaxed route later in the day.

Reaching the town of Njeguši, which was about one hour from the ship, we were able to walk around the small town and sample some local food.  We had a ham and cheese sandwich  with a glass of wine.  As you can see in the picture, it was a delightfully full glass!

We then continued on for about another hour to Cetinje, Montenegro’s former capital.  We had a tour of the town and then visited King Nikola’s Museum.  With some free time, we rested at an outside restaurant and had a cappuccino as we enjoyed yet another beautiful sunny day. 

Upon leaving Cetinje, we drove south to the coast through the summer resort of Budva before arriving back at our ship.

– Walking Tour of Kotor – After lunch we joined a walking tour of Kotor. Since the ship docked right next to Old Town, it was an easy walk to see some of the historic sites, including Kampana Tower and St Nicholas Church.  In the photos, you can also see the steep mountains that surround Kotor.

As we sailed out of Kotor, we had dinner at the Chef’s Table – another incredible meal.

• Corfu, Greece – Another beautiful morning greeted us as we sailed in to the picturesque city of Corfu, Greece. As you can see from the pictures, we had brilliant blue skies all day.  After breakfast at the World Café, we headed out for our morning excursion.

– Panoramic Corfu & Old Town Walking Tour – We started early for this 3-hour bus and walking tour of Corfu. One of the first stops was Kanoni, located on a small peninsula just south of town.  Kanoni is the perfect spot for viewing Pontikonisi Island, Mouse Island, and the Vlacherna Monastery, as well as the island’s airport down below.

After leaving Kanoni, we traveled to the Old Town and walked along the Esplanade. Here you will see the Old Fortress, Durrell Gardens, and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.  While we did not enter any of these places, the views along the Esplanade were beautiful.

– Old Fortress of Corfu – Viking ran shuttles from the ship into town all day, every 30 minutes. So, after returning to the ship for lunch (on the Aquavit Terrace), we took the Viking shuttle to the Old Fortress. We had seen the fortress on the morning tour and decided to go back to explore.

The fortress dates back to the 16 th century and has a very storied history.  The fortress is quite easy to explore on your own, though there is a bit of climbing if you want to make it to the top for breathtaking views.  From the highest point you have unobstructed views and can even see Albania.  If you have some time, we highly recommend it.

As an aside, if you happen to be a fan of the Masterpiece series, The Durrells in Corfu , you may have fell in love with the natural beauty of this lovely island.  The views from the top of the Old Fortress provides views very similar to those from the Durrell’s family home in the TV series.

Back on board the ship, we decided on afternoon tea.  Tea is usually served every afternoon at 4 PM, and no reservations are necessary.  So, be sure to go at least once during your cruise.  The food is good and the scones are amazing, but be warned – this late afternoon treat might just spoil your dinner appetite!

• Katakolon (Olympia), Greece – Although the port of call was Katakolon, the reason for stopping there was a trip to Olympia, the site of the original Olympics first held in 776 BC.

– Ancient Olympia – After a 30-minute bus ride we reached the small town of Olympia. Only a short walk from the parking lot are the ruins of where the Olympic Games originally took place. Our guide actually grew up on a hill overlooking the ancient ruins and used to play there as a child.  After receiving his degree in archeology, he returned to his hometown and is now a guide.  His knowledge of the area was one of the reasons this excursion was so interesting.  We viewed the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and once home to a gold-and-ivory statue of the Greek god.  We also viewed the remains of the Temple of Hera and the circular Philippeion temple. 

We also walked to the original stadium, which had a capacity of 45,000 spectators.  Unlike a traditonal stadium, the spectators looked down on the field from sloped lawns on all sides of the field.  To realize that we were viewing ruins from almost 2800 years ago was simply amazing.

The town of Katakolon looked very inviting with all of its shops and restaurants, but with a 1:30 pm departure time, we did not have an opportunity to visit the town. Instead, we had lunch and a bottle of wine on the Aquavit Terrace as we sailed away from the port.

• Athens, Greece – Athens was the last stop for the Venice to Athens itinerary and passengers began leaving very early in the morning for their flights home. It also meant that those passengers had no chance to experience Athens.   Fortunately for us, since we were staying on the ship to continue on the next cruise, we had two days to enjoy in Athens.  So, with another early start after breakfast, we began our first day in the city.

– Panoramic Athens & Archaeological Museum – Most tours that have ‘Panoramic’ in the name are simply a bus tour, which was true for the first part of this excursion. With so much to see in Athens, a bus tour is a great way to at least get a glimpse of some of the iconic sites.  Several times throughout the tour we were able to disembark, view the sites and take photos.  We saw Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the distinctively uniformed Presidential Guard, or “Evzones,” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as views of Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

After the bus tour, we had a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum.  The museum has an extensive collection from the Athenian Acropolis and we had a very knowledgable guide who was very eager to share information and was able to answer just about any question.  There were many very interesting exhibits and we enjoyed the visit.  However, I do have to say that amount of detail provided by our tour guide was extensive and almost a little overwhelming.    

Before we rejoined the bus for the ride back to the ship, we were also able to view the Arch of Hadrian, also known as Hadrian’s Arch.  The arch was built to welcome the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city and to thank him for his support of Greek culture. 

Upon boarding the ship, we were greeted with many new, excited passengers as we started the next cruise, on our way to Rome. 

We ended the evening with a delicious Asian meal at the Chef’s table and prepared ourselves to explore more of Athens the next day.

While this day marked the end of the first leg of our cruise, you can review the second half of the cruise, Journey to Antiquities , which sails from Athens to Rome.

We hope you found our review of the first half of the Venice, The Adriatic and Greece cruise helpful and informative.  And, we hope you join us in the future as we explore some other Viking cruises.   

Safe travels!

This Post Has 8 Comments

We I’ll be leaving for this cruise in a bit more than 70 days. My husband & I both enjoyed reading your blog Thanks so much for your informative piece. We look forward to Part II.

Thank you for your comment. Have a great trip.

I enjoyed your blog. We are considering this cruise, so the information is very helpful.

Thank you for your comment. If you haven’t signed up yet, please sign up for our monthly newsletter.

I’ll be sailing Sept. 2023 from Istanbul to Venice…another combined itinerary, and the second half is actually the reverse of this itinerary so very helpful to have read this and get insight on the excursions. Athens too will be our changeover port so we’ll have 2 days there. I usually avoid the avoid panoramic tours as too general so it’s interesting that you found it worthwhile for your first day in Athens. I’ve been to Athens before but husband has not so maybe that’s a good way to get him oriented. I’ll be interested to know what you did on Day 2 in Athens. We for sure want to see the Acropolis and Plaka. Also, you didn’t mention eating in the Restaurant. Any particular reason or just personal preference. Thanks for another great article.

Thank you for the comment. We are actually in France right now on the France’s Finest cruise, so dont have access to all our information, but we did do the Acropolis and Museum excursion, it was very good. We also did eat in the restaurant several times. I believe the restaurant has the best quality food overall. Safe travels.

Been enjoying your FF posts on FB. What a fine trip! We were supposed to be on a June FF sailing, after 2 pandemic cancellations, and then, wouldn’t you know it, 2 weeks before sailing a weird virus – not Covid- sidelined me so we had to cancel. Beyond disappointed but now rehabbing for next year’s adventure. Happy travels and keep blogging!!

I’d like receive future Viking cruise posts in the future.

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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

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

Onboard gratuities

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.

From $1,699 | 2 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $2,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

From $2,999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Parma & Bologna

From $3,499 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

Pre: Best of Rome

From $3,799 | 3 Nights

Post: Istanbul

From $1,399 | 2 Nights

Post: Cappadocia

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Post: Best of Istanbul

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

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

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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8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

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You don’t have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.

The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).

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Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.

Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara

Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line’s 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.

The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You’ll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.

This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line’s four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels’ intimate size and Azamara’s focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.

Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.

Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises

It’s rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises ’ small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.

Windstar’s 10-day Sicilian Splendors , aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.

Five-masted Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Indoors, the ship’s restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.

Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar’s excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.

Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima , offers an all-inclusive “yachting lifestyle” experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship’s spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023’s first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line’s immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea’s next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.

The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.

Silversea’s sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day’s port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.

Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there’s time to sample all of them.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line

 If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line ’s new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022’s Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.

The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.

This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.

Onboard Viva, you’ll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit “Beetlejuice: The Musical”) that the line offers.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva’s generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8’s Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises

The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises ’ newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.

Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You’ll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista’s bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you’ll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.

All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista’s godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don’t have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean

To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line’s older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it’s hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean ’s Voyager of the Seas.

It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager’s Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.

Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table) and eight bars/lounges.

The ship has been “amped-up” so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.

Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a ‘70s disco party.

Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking

 Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?

If so, check out Viking ’s 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary , which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you’ll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line’s longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.

The cruise line’s nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen’s. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi’s for Italian cuisine and The Chef’s Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.

Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.

If you’re willing to come back early from port, Viking’s ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship’s thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.

Bottom line

The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country’s most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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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.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

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

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.

Pre: Athens

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Pre: Classic Greece

From $1,699 | 4 Nights

From $1,499 | 2 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

From $2,599 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

Post: Parma & Bologna

From $2,999 | 3 Nights

Post: Best of Rome

From $3,299 | 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.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises