Name: Mediterranean & Italian Sojourn
Brand: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking began as a river cruise line and entered the ocean-cruise market with the launch of the 930-guest Viking Star.

Viking has already made an indelible mark on the sector with its fleet of stylish, near-identical, adult-only ships.

The cruise line currently has 10 ships in its fleet.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

London (Greenwich)

At the heart of London's labyrinthine streets lies a tapestry of tales spun through the ages. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the cobblestone alleys of the East End, every corner whispers secrets of kings and commoners alike. The city's temperate climate offers respite from extremes, allowing leisurely exploration year-round. Dive into the authentic pulse of London's markets, where the aroma of freshly baked pies mingles with the chatter of vendors. For those seeking serenity, Hyde Park's tranquil lakes beckon, providing a sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. And did you know? London is home to the world's oldest underground railway, a testament to its pioneering spirit.

Day 3

Dover

Dover, famed for its iconic white cliffs, is steeped in a past that stretches back to Roman times, offering visitors a living glimpse into England's strategic importance through the centuries. Cruise lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises frequently utilize Dover as a port of call due to its historical significance and proximity to unique attractions. The temperate climate makes it an ideal stop for exploring the lush landscapes and historic sites at a comfortable pace. Dover Castle, a commanding presence over the town, provides panoramic views and tales of ancient fortifications. A unique tidbit about Dover is its wartime tunnels, hidden beneath the castle, which played a crucial role during World War II.

Day 4

Le Havre

At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.

Day 5

The port sits right on the Gironde estuary, and from here it’s an easy drive inland to the Route des Châteaux, where names like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild line the vineyards.Most cruise excursions from Pauillac focus on wine: guided tastings, vineyard tours and cellar visits. Expect to hear about the terroir of the Médoc and the ageing processes behind Bordeaux’s iconic reds.The town itself is small but pleasant, with a marina, riverside promenade and several wine shops and cafés.

Days 6-7

Pauillac

The port sits right on the Gironde estuary, and from here it’s an easy drive inland to the Route des Châteaux, where names like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild line the vineyards.Most cruise excursions from Pauillac focus on wine: guided tastings, vineyard tours and cellar visits. Expect to hear about the terroir of the Médoc and the ageing processes behind Bordeaux’s iconic reds.The town itself is small but pleasant, with a marina, riverside promenade and several wine shops and cafés.

Day 8

Bilbao

Bilbao, once an industrial heartland, has transformed into a hub of modern architecture and art, exemplified by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The climate here is temperate and inviting, with mild temperatures that make year-round visits pleasant. Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Holland America offer excursions that allow travelers to explore not just the famous museum, but also lesser-known areas like the historic Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, providing a more rounded glimpse into Bilbao's rejuvenation and traditions. Interestingly, Bilbao is also known for its unique linguistic contribution, being a stronghold of the Basque language, which predates most European languages and adds a layer of mystique to this vibrant city.

Day 9

La Coruña

Day 10

Leixões

Nestled along Portugal's picturesque coastline, Leixoes beckons with its maritime legacy. Once a bustling fishing village, it evolved into a vibrant port city, etching its name in seafaring lore. The climate here, with its gentle sea breezes and mild temperatures, creates an idyllic setting for exploration. Unlike typical tourist destinations, Leixoes offers an authentic glimpse into Portuguese coastal life, where locals mingle with visitors in quaint cafes and seafood eateries. Beyond its charming streets, Leixoes boasts one of Europe's largest cruise terminals, serving as a gateway to Portugal's enchanting cities and historic landmarks, making it an essential port of call for discerning travelers.

Days 11-12

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

Days 1-2

London (Greenwich)

At the heart of London's labyrinthine streets lies a tapestry of tales spun through the ages. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the cobblestone alleys of the East End, every corner whispers secrets of kings and commoners alike. The city's temperate climate offers respite from extremes, allowing leisurely exploration year-round. Dive into the authentic pulse of London's markets, where the aroma of freshly baked pies mingles with the chatter of vendors. For those seeking serenity, Hyde Park's tranquil lakes beckon, providing a sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. And did you know? London is home to the world's oldest underground railway, a testament to its pioneering spirit.

Day 3

Dover

Dover, famed for its iconic white cliffs, is steeped in a past that stretches back to Roman times, offering visitors a living glimpse into England's strategic importance through the centuries. Cruise lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises frequently utilize Dover as a port of call due to its historical significance and proximity to unique attractions. The temperate climate makes it an ideal stop for exploring the lush landscapes and historic sites at a comfortable pace. Dover Castle, a commanding presence over the town, provides panoramic views and tales of ancient fortifications. A unique tidbit about Dover is its wartime tunnels, hidden beneath the castle, which played a crucial role during World War II.

Day 4

Le Havre

At first glance, Le Havre looks strikingly different from other stops along the Seine. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, and its post-war reconstruction was led by the architect Auguste Perret, whose bold use of concrete and symmetry has since earned Le Havre UNESCO World Heritage status.What makes Le Havre interesting is precisely this contrast: the clean lines of its modernist layout set against the windswept Normandy coast. Perret’s legacy is seen in landmarks like the Church of St Joseph with its lantern tower.Le Havre is also a gateway to Normandy’s beaches and countryside. Some cruises include excursions from here to Étretat’s chalk cliffs, the D-Day Landing sites or inland to Rouen or Honfleur.

Day 5

Le Havre

The port sits right on the Gironde estuary, and from here it’s an easy drive inland to the Route des Châteaux, where names like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild line the vineyards.Most cruise excursions from Pauillac focus on wine: guided tastings, vineyard tours and cellar visits. Expect to hear about the terroir of the Médoc and the ageing processes behind Bordeaux’s iconic reds.The town itself is small but pleasant, with a marina, riverside promenade and several wine shops and cafés.

Days 6-7

Pauillac

The port sits right on the Gironde estuary, and from here it’s an easy drive inland to the Route des Châteaux, where names like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild line the vineyards.Most cruise excursions from Pauillac focus on wine: guided tastings, vineyard tours and cellar visits. Expect to hear about the terroir of the Médoc and the ageing processes behind Bordeaux’s iconic reds.The town itself is small but pleasant, with a marina, riverside promenade and several wine shops and cafés.

Day 8

Bilbao

Bilbao, once an industrial heartland, has transformed into a hub of modern architecture and art, exemplified by the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The climate here is temperate and inviting, with mild temperatures that make year-round visits pleasant. Cruise lines such as Norwegian and Holland America offer excursions that allow travelers to explore not just the famous museum, but also lesser-known areas like the historic Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, providing a more rounded glimpse into Bilbao's rejuvenation and traditions. Interestingly, Bilbao is also known for its unique linguistic contribution, being a stronghold of the Basque language, which predates most European languages and adds a layer of mystique to this vibrant city.

Day 9

La Coruña

Day 10

Leixões

Nestled along Portugal's picturesque coastline, Leixoes beckons with its maritime legacy. Once a bustling fishing village, it evolved into a vibrant port city, etching its name in seafaring lore. The climate here, with its gentle sea breezes and mild temperatures, creates an idyllic setting for exploration. Unlike typical tourist destinations, Leixoes offers an authentic glimpse into Portuguese coastal life, where locals mingle with visitors in quaint cafes and seafood eateries. Beyond its charming streets, Leixoes boasts one of Europe's largest cruise terminals, serving as a gateway to Portugal's enchanting cities and historic landmarks, making it an essential port of call for discerning travelers.

Days 11-12

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.