Its ceiling paintings are lush and so richly rendered that they appear three-dimensional, seeming to stretch up to the heavens. The vessel size, number of guests on board and guests-to-crew ratio was the perfect combination to ensure that all travelers were able to experience as intimate or as broad a group setting as desired. A variety of features and services valued at $200 per person per day are standard inclusions in your cruise. Started there in the morning, and eventually wandered down into the Forum. Can't wait to go on another Viking Ocean cruise. Steve was so personable and knowledgeable about the culinary traditions of the Alsace region. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. This certification is required to give tours of French monuments and museums. ENCOUNTER LOCAL LIFE AT ITS MOST AUTHENTIC. Viking River Cruises - Onshore Experiences Overview Why Viking Cultural Partners Awards Community Onshore Experiences An included excursion in every port, plus The Viking Way of exploration. I looked at the descriptions on the Viking website. Nothing in Vatican City. Below is the description of the excursion. A shuttle from the ship took our small group of five couples and our guides to the citys 19th district where numerous vineyards are located with their wine taverns called Heurigen. Read more. Im sure youll love the Romantic Danube cruise. It was the end of the Easter break in Europe and several Easter Markets, think Christmas Markets but with a spring feel, were still set up a real treat! Peggy's writing career began almost 40 years ago when she began working as a photojournalist for the Army Reserve. I thought this was a great excursion and it was included. Having got to the restaurant for maybe lunch, then (if you've booked ahead) there's Nero's Palace ruins, and then if you leave there and head towards the main train station you're in the perfect area for the National Museum (especially Livia's Room - which is an absolute must see) and the Baths of Diocletian. Rome is a hugely popular tourist destination and the major sites have lines to cope with almost all the time --and lines mean wasted time. Great Itenerary. Its like being dropped into a storybook. Christina, always a friendly face, took excellent care of us. Or are you required to stay with the tour for the entire time and then if you want to explore the city further, you would have to leave from the boat after the panoramic tour arrives back at the boat? Although wed previously been tno Barcelona it was many years ago and we were pleased to see the sights again and do some walking around Sagrada Familia, etc. Instead we'd opt for the Palatine Hill - there is security to go through obviously as you get to the entry barrier, but it's a lovely place, you get really good views of the Forum, and it places you near to a really lovely restaurant (on the other side of the road, opposite the exit and up the small hill through the little park. The next day we went to Tarquina to see the Etruscan necropolises just outside the town and the archeology museum in the town. The Pantheon is one of the most impressive extant monuments of ancient Rome and one of the best preserved, from the sheen of its marble work to its impressive interior dome. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the expansive Piazza Municipio and the hillside Votive Temple of Christ the King. It's a place on a corner, and if you eat outside of have a window table - which we usually do - there's fabulous views of the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Hill. My spouse and I are booked on the Viking Iconic Mediterranean Rome to Barcelona this summer. We stayed in Rome at a Viking post cruise hotel for 4 days after our Nov 1 Barcelona to Rome cruise on the sea. Discover the "Eternal City," beautiful Rome. It's also nice to have free time for lunch. We were able to shop for about a half hour alone at St. Peters Square. The location has a long history of hospitality towards travelers. Instead we'd opt for the Palatine Hill - there is security to go through obviously as you get to the entry barrier, but it's a lovely place, you get really good views of the Forum, and it places you near to a really lovely restaurant (on the other side of the road, opposite the exit and up the small hill through the little park. Catherine Sweeney. Paris River Cruises. Have you considered letting chance decide for you? If it turns out you are able to take a tour on your own and you have a day I very much recommend Rome Cabs. Ive compiled below a few photos and excerpts from previous posts (with links for more information) about some of the optional excursions we particularly enjoyed. We will enjoy another whole day on our own before transferring to the ship. So having said yes to booking a cruise and before joining the Viking Ocean Cruise from Barcelona to Rome, it was time to download the My Viking Journey app to pre-book shore excursions, spa treatments, and make dinner reservations, etc. My thoughts about the places you mentioned (remember, these are totally my own options based on my experiences): Monaco (docked where you can hop to shore the included walking tour of Monaco City is very nice and you can spend the afternoon on your own in Monte Carlo (easily reached from the dock I just published an article about this https://www.travelingwithsweeney.com/what-to-do-shore-excursion-in-monaco/ . I understand your frustration. After Tuscany, Viking takes us to the ship where we embark, spend the night, then have a full day in Rome before leaving for Naples. Besides the Vatican, where did you stop. The ship will be berthed in Civitavecchia, the closest port to the airport and Rome. Its ceiling paintings are lush and so richly rendered that they appear three-dimensional, seeming to stretch up to the heavens. We also toured the Strasbourg Cathedral, timing it perfectly to watch the astronomical clock in action, before heading back to the ship. We even had time to ride the double-decker carousel a first! That ends with us being taken to the ship and entering the bubble. Really feeling disappointed because Florence, Monaco and Barcelona are big destinations. In its galleries, youll find artwork that pays homage to the areas rich and storied history, but youll also come across works that diverge sharply from tradition, capturing a vital and inspired spirito all their own. We were both pleasantly surprised at the quality of these trips. A11351). Wed visited Florence before, so did the Cooking in a Tuscan Castle tour loved it! We were split in 2 groups of 6 for the morning portion of the excursion. A Viking Expedition ship sails in Antarctica. Enjoy exclusive entry to cultural treasures and seldom-seen collections around the world. Italian Sojourn - Viking (7 Night Cruise from Rome to Venice) Unfortunately, we were there on a Sunday, so the Vatican museums were not open. Viking reviews of shore excursions - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Im not sure how helpful theyll be on that score, but Im also not sure who else to ask. CALL VIKING AT 1-866-984-5464 OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT, 2017, Viking Cruises. And yes, I was going to mention the Palatine Hill, which we loved. We really enjoyed the cruise of the Mediterranean with Viking. Our canal and river cruise excursion also included a visit to two stunning churches the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and St. Isaacs Cathedral. Have a fantastic trip! However, I must admit that I was disappointed with the included excursions. Work with the ships program director or guest services for options. Wonderful ship with terrific excursions. You are on your own and how much you can an accomplish depends on how well you handle jetlag. Came out to catch a changing of the guard. If you have any insights as to what the included excursions are for the ports of call on this cruise, please share them (Athens, Ephesus, Crete, Sicily, Naples, Rome). About Us | View Your Booking | Terms & Conditions | Site Map. Your Viking Representative is available to help you plan your time in Rome so you can make the most of your visit. What's your St. Patrick's Day beverage of choice? Costa Cruises unveils winter 2024-2025 itineraries Its in every room on a Viking River Cruise and allows you to linger at the store windows to take a look, but still listen in as the group moves ahead. Here are some of the fabulous excursions Missy enjoyed on our Viking Rhine River Cruise. This cruise took them to four countries Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands and included six guided tours. This excursion was a ton of fun. In your spare time, sample a hot espresso, a slice of pizza (the world's first pizzeria opened here in 1830) or a locally made limoncello. And its all made extra special when shes enjoying the finer things in life with Mr. TWS, her husband and co-blogger. If doing a private tour, is there enough time to do both Sistine Chapel and Colosseum? I also loved the included Black Forest excursion. We were is Rome a few weeks ago. Our cruise was several years ago and specific excursion information may have changed. Boats on a canal in St . The guides were awesome! The line was two hours long when we got there and the skip the line tickets got us right in with no wait at all. Let us know about your experience! I think Ill call Viking and see what the bubble situation is. Our guide, a trained opera singer, even shared her talents with us at one stop. We have used them for the Vatican as well as other Rome sites plus transport to and from Civitivecchia. St. Petersburg is nicknamed the Venice of the North for its rivers (the Fontanka, Moyka, and Neva), canals, and decorative bridges crossing them. Most often, weve also had time to explore on your own before getting back on the coach to return to the ship. The text appears: #1 on the rivers. He wasnt very engaging, nice enough, but the competition was stiff with the many other fabulous guides we experienced throughout the week. Cant wait! Terms & Conditions, "The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated" TravelAwaits writer Peggy Cleveland and Senior Vice President Missy Glassmaker were hosted on Viking's new Longship, the Viking Egdir, on the 8-day Rhine Getaway itinerary. If that would be unsatisfactory to you or if you cannot roll w/the punches, you shouldnt travel now. $199 per person. I Took a Cruise Over the Holidays Here's What It's Like to - Travel The Colosseum is spectacular, as is the Forum, but the forum itself could take all day. Enjoy your cruise! (I dont know if that will be the same situation for you.) Today, you wont see mock sea battles or mythological dramas, but you can almost hear the cheering throngs. you and me in Paradise, Happy Earth Day, all! After our ship docked along the shore in Breisach, it was a short walk to the Viking buses where we met our guide, Walter Hirsch. 1) Sistine Chapel or 2) Highlights of Rome & Colosseum. Your email address will not be published. Get the latest cruise deals and select from our wide selection of sail dates . Read more, After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Okay, that at least narrows it down. Barcelona to Rome - Cruise Overview - Viking Cruises If you can skip the museum and just do the Chapel, you might get to do both, but not very satisfactory. We are very lucky in being able to pop over to Rome as and when it suits - but we do have our favourite sites. Journey to Antiquities - Rome to Athens - Cruise Overview - Viking Cruises Wine tasting, Do you like food, adventure, and meeting fun peopl, Just thinking about . Begin with an overnight stay in Istanbul, where East meets West along the Bosphorus Strait. Matera European Capital of Culture for 2019. To the best of my recollection, in Budapest we did not have stops on the Pest side of the Danube on the included tour. A bit risky from a cruise ship, perhaps, but great. It sounds like Rome is putting bigger restrictions on cruisers than land tourists. The Viking Cruises have the feature of spend two nights in the Civitavecchia Port, to experience the exciting night life of Rome. Thus far, our schedules havent allowed us to do that, but we always wish that we could. Finally, the team behind the guide is prepared should any issues arise. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise. A return to Tuscany. I made a point of chatting with the guests, learning which excursions they were going to experience and following up to see what they thought. I'm leaning towards going with a Viking tour just to make it easier. Mazatlan memories from a whil, Cheers to all on this #WineWednesday! From initial booking to return home flights, Viking took the stress out of every step of our trip. Hi Bill thanks for your comment. Cruise the scenic St. Anthony Channel into the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast, ibenik. Three favorite Viking Mediterranean cruise shore excursions. (B). The stroll was lovely and at an easy pace. -USNews.com. Viking Sky Passenger Reviews | U.S. News Travel We were in Rome from November 2-6 on an independent pre-trip prior to meeting our ship (another line) in Marseilles. The 2025 cruises and cruisetours season offers travelers looking for the ultimate European . We did purchase (in advance) "Skip the Line" tickets to St. Peter's Basilica, which was well worth it. Have a great cruise! The cabin with a small verandah was lovely. The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is worth a visit. Viking is phenomenal and pays attention and manages every detail. What weve found is that the introductions we get to some destinations are great for letting us know places to visit again sometime. For more information about our Viking shore excursions: Mediterranean Odyssey cruise shore excursions. Wining and dining in Corfu and Tuscany. The historic windmills provided a perfect backdrop to the canals with a variety of waterfowl swimming about. Mediterranean Odyssey cruise shore excursions, Special Mother-Daughter Travel Experiences: Part One, https://www.travelingwithsweeney.com/what-to-do-shore-excursion-in-monaco/, What to Do on a Shore Excursion in Monaco, Be Enchanted The Best of Madrid in Three Days, Finding Love in Slovenia on a Collette Guided Tour. OK. Now I understand. With lower seasonal airfares you can apply your savings to Viking's optional excursions and cruise extension packages. Miami to Venice - Cruise Overview - Viking Cruises If you can extend your trip, either before or after the cruise, Viking has organized options. All rights reserved. You Can Now Buy This Scottish Castle Theres Just One Hitch, 5 Quaint Small Towns To Visit In Southern Utah, My 8 Favorite Meals Ive Had Cruising Holland Americas Pinnacle Ships, 8 Best Cruise Lines According To Our Readers, 10 Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines Our Readers Love, I Just Went On My First Solo Cruise 5 Reasons I Cant Wait To Do It Again, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Keens Womens Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Shoes, 5 Important Things To Do To Prepare For Your Viking Cruise. #13. We were never confused on when and where we should be for excursions and events. Be confident in your choice with 24/7 support for travelers, a full refund if you miss your shore excursion due to itinerary changes or weather, and guaranteed return to your cruise ship! If you really want to see these sights, you might have to make an additional trip, but I think our tour guide in Rome told us that Vatican City is closed to tourists. In the past we have just wandered around in Livorno - in the summer getting a local bus to a lovely beach town. Thanks in advance. This is helpful to know as you decide upon multiple tours per day. From AU$3,495 | | 5 Guided Tours | 3 Countries Itinerary Resources Explore lands of ancient empires REQUEST A QUOTE Travel through waters once ruled by mighty empires and flourishing city-states during an insightful 8-day cruise from Rome to Athens. The city center of Guimares was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and there are many monuments and museums attesting to this history. Powered by Invision Community. The heritage of traditional folk music and dances is key to the culture and passed down through the generations. I'm a pretty strong person, but I admit it all "got to me". There are some where you are expected to feed yourself during your free time. GREAT WEATHER. I hope this has helped. We took a bus to the village and then were on our way. The quiet season is when locals are more likely to converse and make you feel truly welcome. The capital of Italy, it is a bustling city of nearly 3 million people where the ancient world seamlessly mingles with the modern, and where vestiges of empire appear around every corner. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die, Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). You can rent an electric bike from Pedego Roma and pedal your way through the winding streets on your own or with a guide. September 17, 2022. There are countless sights to explore in Rome. Finally, I agree with Peggy that the Flavors of Alsace was amazing and would highly recommend it. Visit nine fascinating countries from the Caribbean to the Adriatic Seas, uncovering the legacies of empires and marveling at some of the world's most breathtaking . Spent the whole day (we'd done the Colosseum already.) You may consider a visit to one of the citys many fine museums as well as a dinner of local specialties. There were no restrictions for tourists anywhere including the Vatican. We are getting ready to go on the romantic Danube Cruise in October I found this information useful. Your email address will not be published. In Vienna, the included panoramic tour and walking tour, we walked around the city center by St. Stephens Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, etc. Again, it is just a transfer, no mention in the description of additional touring ; you should be on board in time for lunch. Not all all-day tours include a meal. I/we cannot rave enough about how great this ship and staff was. For good values on mementos for friends and family back home, Via Nazionale is a collection of shops offering everything from Italian coffee ware to antiques. If youd like an American burger, try Fonzie Burger House. Posted January 8, 2019 " One difference is that the catalog lists Toulon as a port but this list shows Marseille." Viking switched Med Odyssey ports from Toulon to Marseille last year.. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. The citys innovative designers rival those in Milan for their ability to raise Italian fashion to a whole new level. This is our first visit and were really hoping to see these. Don't forget also that if you are flying in or out of Rome, on some days (make sure you have the spare time at the airport), there is a free service to get to the nearby original port area of Rome (it used to be free, anyway). The bus took us to a farm in Streefkerk to see the Booij kaasmakers (cheese makers) and learn how raw milk cheeses are made. EXPLORERS' SALE! The staff is super friendly and helpful. On the river cruises, the ship is often docked right in the heart of the cities where it may be possible to walk into/out of town (like we did in Passau and Regensburg) or in some cases where there may be shuttle buses throughout the day to return to the ship. We have docked in Civitavecchia twice now with Viking. Since we have never been to Rome we decided on the post cruise extension to Rome instead of the other choices,. I think its a good idea to stay with the group for the whole tour and then your guide will be able to point out where to meet the shuttle (if there is one)or how to walk back to the ship, later. Missy enjoys cooking, entertaining, and of course, traveling. But if you can budget for any optional excursions, youll find more immersive experiences. The crew shares details of each castle over the ships intercom while you are able to just excitedly watch each go by. Although taking only included tours can still make for a fulfilling cruise (in my opinion), you should consider optional cruises and make decisions about whether and which to take any based on your interests and budget. We were referred to Viking by a friend who has been on several river cruises. Competition for the hearts of Romes pizza lovers is fierce. The culinary scene in Rome leaves nothing to be desired. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily's cultural crossroads. Weird. The first time we had two full days there and didn't go into Rome at all. If you have tried either of these tours, what did you think about them? Each of the optional excursions mentioned below (and other St. Petersburg activities) are described further in our article, Two Days in St. Petersburg: Russias Venice of the North. We did not have a problem finding a seat in the public areas or the pool areas. Were taking the Antiquities & Holy Land cruise in mid-January, which starts in Rome. Rome offers irresistible shopping opportunities. The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is worth a visit. I have been searching for information about the included excursions that Viking Ocean provides on its Athens to Rome Mediterranean cruises on their Saturn ship. Low humidity and temperatures hovering around the 60s will inspire you to get out and explore. Pack so that all the clothing you both want for your time in Rome is in one bag or at the top of one suitcase. Each of the included tours that weve taken has given us a great introduction to a place. Airport to hotel, no muss, no fuss. After your cruise is booked, Vikings My Viking Journey website will help you plan your agenda and you can always contact Viking service representatives by phone or online chat for assistance and advice. (+39) 0766.191.6106. We were docked right in the city, so that evening we were able to go out on our own to explore more. I'm glad we did it like this as that will probably be the only time I'm there. Well you have to decide. Medieval Guimares: Portugals First Capital, View of Viking Jupiter and Stockholm skyline on a panoramic tour. Peggy wore Keens Womens Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Shoes. If you like beer and want to try authentic German fare, which was delicious, this is a great experience. (If there's something that's really important to you sign up as early as you can to save a spot and let them know there's interest.) When I talked with a Viking staff person a couple of weeks ago about another issue, she said Rome had some travel challenges or words to that effect. . Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. Remember that you have to get into Rome and back from Civitavecchia and that's not trivla, and traffic can be a killer. Awake in Venice, where you will be departing your ship. The included Viking excursions typically took place in the morning and lasted about 3 hours. If all flights go as planned, we arrive at 9:00 a.m. and will be transferred to the hotel before setting off to discover our highlights. Just sharing a fe, Do you have special memories of traveling with you, When did you realize that you had a love for trave, Happy Cinco de Mayo! 8 DAYS 6 GUIDED TOURS 4 COUNTRIES $1,874 FROM LEARN MORE SAVE $500 PER PERSON ON AIR Quiet Season in the Mediterranean EXPLORE WITH EASE. Read more, Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. In Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. This was supposed to be a cruise that my husband and I were to take together, but unfortunately he recently passed (and my travel partner's husband had. This tour is rated demanding as total walking or standing time may exceed 3 hours. Sailing along Northern Portugals Douro River was our very first river cruise experience and we were quickly convinced that this was a wonderful travel option. SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 15, 2023) - From the cruise line that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year, Princess Cruises is celebrating its 40 th anniversary sailing the Mediterranean by featuring two of its newest and largest ships there in 2025 - Star Princess and Sun Princess. Wendy is right, you can't do it all in one day. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. Between getting through customs (which if I remember correctly was very quick in Rome because we could use the embedded chip in our passports), picking up luggage, stopping at the toilet ( a must since you have over an hour ride into Rome), figure on arriving around at your hotel close to Noon.