Luxury Iconic Western Mediterranean

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

  Fly from selected UK airport and embark on board Viking Vela for your 7-night cruise. Spend the day exploring the charming port of Civitavecchia and Rome — an ancient city filled with famous landmarks, distinct architecture and influential art. Visit Civitavecchia's main public square — Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II — and see the Baroque cathedral dedicated to St. Francis, before taking a seat in a pavement cafe for a taste of the local seafood. In Rome, enjoy a gladiator experience at the grand Colosseum, view the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and throw three coins in the Trevi Fountain. Pay a visit to the Vatican City — the home of the Catholic Church — and see St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling.

• Day 2-3: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

  The Italian port of Livorno gives you access to both Florence and Pisa. Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and the centre of Italian Renaissance. Explore Italy's greatest artistic treasures; Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo with its world famous dome. No visit would be complete without stopping by the Uffizi Gallery and admiring the panoramic views of Florence from the 19th-century Pizzale Michelangelo. Pisa is most famous for its iconic leaning tower and is a must on any to-see list. Take a tour around the five-aisled Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the nearby Baptistery. Pay a visit to Campo Santo (Sacred Field), Museo Nazionale, and Palazzo dei Cavalieri.

• Day 4: Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

  The French port of Villefranche-sur-Mer gives you access to the sparkling French Riviera, including Nice and Monaco. Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, is famed for its stunning seaside promenade, colorful Old Town, and vibrant markets. Wander along the Promenade des Anglais, explore the art-filled streets of Vieux Nice, and visit the Marc Chagall National Museum. Just a short ride away, the glamorous principality of Monaco awaits. Discover the opulent Prince’s Palace, stroll through the exotic gardens, and try your luck at the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. No visit is complete without taking in the views from the cliffside medieval village of Èze, perched high above the Mediterranean.

• Day 5: Marseille, France

  Marseille sits on the Cote d'Azur on the south coast of France. Meander around the Vieux-Port and watch the fishermen land their day's catch, before heading uphill to explore the local artisan boutiques and art galleries in Le Panier old quarter. Pay a visit to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Cathedrale de la Major de Marseille. Step back in time at Musee des Civilisation de l'Europe et de la Mediterranee (MuCEM) and Musee d'Histoire de Marseille. Spend some time enjoying the grand park, 19th-century water features, and museums at Palais Longchamp. Take a short ferry ride to admire the 16th-century Chateau d'If fortress.

• Day 6: Sete, France

  The cosmopolitan town of Sete nestles at the foot of Mount St Clair, between the Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean on the southern French coast. The town is gateway to the Languedoc region and comprises two areas - the low town with its port, canals, bridges, and Pointe Courte fishing village; and Quartier Haut, home to artists' ateliers and picturesque hillside villas. Take a stroll around the heritage buildings of Place Leon Blum, Place Aristide Briand, and Place de la Republique in the town centre. Pay a visit to La Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette and admire the artworks on display at Musee Paul Valery and Le Musee International des Artes Modestes (MIAM).

• Day 7-8: Barcelona, Spain

  It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home. Barcelona is one of the most famous cities in the world. Located between the gleaming Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola hills, this cosmopolitan Spanish city is known for its diverse art and architecture. Walk the iconic Las Ramblas promenade and see quirky street entertainers or stop for a coffee at a pavement cafe. View some of Antoni Gaudi's most famous works including the Sagrada Família Church and the mosaic wall in Park Güell. Explore the winding streets of the Gothic quarter and sample tapas in a traditional bar or relax in the city's biggest green space — Park Ciutadel.