Italy, the Adriatic & Greece

Immerse yourself in the legends of ancient Greece as you tour its most enriching archaeological sites. Arrive and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax or start getting acquainted with the city on your own. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Athens so you can make the most of your visit.

Set out today to discover the Peloponnese peninsula, home of some of Greece’s most breathtaking ruins. At Mycenae, a millennia-old military stronghold, pass through the Lion Gate to begin exploring this amazing site, including the foundations of King Agamemnon’s palace and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Lunch is included. In Epidaurus, marvel at the massive ancient amphitheater. Locals still stage shows here and take advantage of its exceptional acoustics. (B, L)

Today, visit Delphi, where an ancient oracle once influenced the fate of emperors and empires. Here, you will discover one of the most important museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Surrounded by the splendid beauty of Mt. Parnassus, you will marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the circular Tholos and more. After time to explore this magnificent site, stop in the picturesque mountain town of Arachova for lunch, then return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Enjoy a free day to explore Athens on your own. A simple stroll reveals a vast range of architectural styles, from Greco-Roman to neoclassical. Behind the Hellenic Parliament, you can idle away the afternoon in the National Garden—38 acres of lush beauty in the heart of the city. This evening, you may sample the flavors and rhythms of Greece during a dinner outing if you wish. (B)

Discover the main sights of Athens with your Viking Tour Director. Head to the Acropolis to view the Parthenon, one of the largest structures built in ancient Greece. Admire its stately Doric columns and majestic setting before continuing to the new Acropolis Museum, a repository of priceless artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own and a stroll around the Plaka District, a bustling area near the ruins of the city’s ancient marketplace. Then, transfer to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Fly into Athens, where you will meet your Viking Representative and transfer to the coastal town of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Perhaps wander through the narrow alleys of the old town or take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (D)

After breakfast, head to Nemea, a site of great archaeological interest said to be the home of the Nemean lion. Meet your guide and set out to see the ruins of a temple dedicated to Zeus, built around 330 BC, and hear about local myths. Then head to a family winery to indulge in a wine tasting before returning to Nafplio for a cooking demonstration, where you will learn about Greek cuisine and enjoy lunch. After, explore Nafplio on foot with your guide, before returning to your hotel. (B, L)

After breakfast, travel to a local apiary to gain insight into the fascinating process of honey production. Witness the harvesting up-close and sample the honey during a tasting session. Continue to Semeli Estate, holders of a Decanter World Wide Award, for a tasting of award-winning local wines. Later, explore on your own or join an optional excursion to visit the Palamidi Fortress. This evening, dine with your fellow guests at your hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart Nafplio for Athens. Along the way, you will stop at an olive oil factory for an inside look at the production of this beloved export. Enjoy an interactive seminar where you will learn about the oil and have the opportunity to taste it, before indulging in lunch at the factory. Make a photo stop at the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens, where you will board your ship and begin your cruise. (B, L)