Travel from the Byzantine city of Istanbul to the clear Scandinavian waters of Stockholm with Viking Cruises epic 50 day ‘Viking Empire’ itinerary. Take in the monuments of the Imperial Russian city of St. Petersburg, the Baltic beauty of Tallinn and Gdańsk and the natural wonders of the Viking homelands. Soak up magnificent London and medieval Rouen, sail down the Atlantic Coast of Portugal to Lisbon and take in the sunny cities of Southern Spain. Climb the stairs of Gaudi’s surreal Sagrada Família in Barcelona and taste the wines of Toulon. You will discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Athens, explore the medieval charm of Dubrovnik and Kotor and visit the monumental cities of Rome and Istanbul. This is not just a cruise; it is a journey of a lifetime.
Discover where city meets coastline with a stop at the 12th-century walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, where George Bernard Shaw declared, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Currently home to ‘Kings Landing’ in the popular “Game of Thrones” series, you can enjoy an entire day to take an inclusive tour with a drive high up to catch the magnificent views of the city and countryside. 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. Be sure to explore the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad Peninsula.
Enjoy a full day to walk through the small streets and lovely squares of the old quarter of Toulon, France. Pass through the Place de la Liberté and the Place Puget with its curious 18th-century fountain, stroll by the Gothic cathedral and walk through the colorful market of Cours Lafayette. Consider a visit to the coastal town of Aix-en-Provence or Cassis, famed for its dramatic vistas of the sea cliffs of Cap Canaille. Originally known as a Royal port of call through the Napoleonic wars, Toulon is regarded as the gateway to Provence, the fabled countryside of wine, cheese, olive oil and lavender. Catch a whiff of lavender or the scent of bouillabaisse coming from a nearby café, where you may have to stop and indulge in those aromatics.
Embrace Leixões, Portugal, a coastal city which boasts a history that spans 1,600 years. It’s a port of call that is sure to inspire you to raise a glass to port wine and to the town for which it was named, Porto. Discover even more on an included tour of this celebrated wine town. You’ll see its Clérigos Tower, the historic quarter surrounding Santa Catarina Street, the neoclassical wonders along Avenida dos Aliados and the São Bento Railway Station, adorned with magnificent tile work.
Stop at Helsinki, known as the “White City of the North” and take an inclusive city tour including the Uspenski Cathedral, with 13 green and gold domes representing Christ and the apostles. Travel to the home of composer Jean Sibelius at Ainola and take in a concert at the summer school. Alternatively, visit the 18th-century Suomenlinna fortress, one of the world’s largest historical maritime fortresses. Another highlight is the spectacular Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church—a subterranean sanctuary with rough-hewn walls of granite.
The ‘Viking Empire’ Itinerary is priced from $22,249 per person for a ‘Deluxe Veranda Stateroom’. This price includes port charges, accommodation, meals, culture curriculum (classes and performances in music, art, dance and history), Wi-Fi, drinks package (wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard) and on-shore excursions.
For more information see: www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/
SOURCE: Viking Ocean Cruises