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Updated by John Donnelly on Sep 27, 2014
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Viking Empire 2015 Ports of Call

This is a list of the ports we'll visit during Viking Ocean Cruises - Viking Empire 2015 itinerary. Skipped dates are sea days

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Days 1 & 2 | Istanbul, Turkey

Days 1 & 2 | Istanbul, Turkey

Step aboard your ship and soak up the wonderful vistas of Istanbul. In the evening go below ground to the immense and mesmerizing cisterns or indulge in a proper Turkish bath or Hamam.

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Day 3 | Ephesus (Kusadasi),

Day 3 | Ephesus (Kusadasi),

Turkey Spend some time exploring one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity, Ephesus. On this included tour, you will walk among the extensive ruins, including the Temple of Hadrian, the 25,000-seat Greek Theater, and the impressive Roman Library of Celsus. You will also have free time to shop the craft stalls at the city’s Lower Gate. Or, consider a sojourn to the beach at Pamucak; there, revel in an exhilarating horseback ride along the beach, discovering Turkey’s natural beauty. You will also have time for a relaxing swim.

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Day 4 | Athens (Piraeus),

Day 4 | Athens (Piraeus),

Greece Today, you will have the whole day to journey into ancient Athens via a panoramic drive, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka district at the base of the Acropolis. Or as an option, explore the interior of this UNESCO-listed site; climb 80 steps to the entrance and glimpse an unforgettable view of the Parthenon at its peak.

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Day 5 | Santorini (Thira),

Day 5 | Santorini (Thira),

Greece Gliding toward a full day in Santorini, prepare for its spectacular caldera and looming cliffs. Once anchored, embark a local boat for the island’s main port of Athinios. On your included excursion, drive with a local guide to the top of Mount Profitis, where you’ll have spectacular views of the island, the Aegean Sea and the summit’s monastery. En route to clifftop Oia take in the beauty and charm of the countryside and traditional villages. Then enjoy free time in the capital of Fira. Alternatively, visit the hot thermal springs of Palea Kameni island, and enjoy the most remarkable swim of your life. Or, choose to visit a Greek vineyard for a tour and tasting.

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Day 7 | Kotor, Montenegro

Day 7 | Kotor, Montenegro

Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420, en route to the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor’s heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

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Day 8 | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 8 | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Where city meets coastline, Viking Star will sail to this beautiful 12th-century walled city in Croatia. And as it happens, George Bernard Shaw declared, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” We think he has a point. Enjoy an entire day to take an inclusive tour with a drive high up to catch the magnificent views of the city and countryside. Or 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. You may also wish to consider exploring the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad Peninsula.

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Day 9 | Pula, Croatia

Day 9 | Pula, Croatia

We will have an entire day to explore this incredible destination and have curated a walking tour that will highlight its rich past, starting with a visit to the world’s most complete Roman amphitheater in existence. You will also venture past the well-preserved Arch of Sergii and the Temple of Augustus. Or, consider an olive oil tasting at a family-owned farm in the town of Vodnjan or take a scenic drive to the hill town of Istria to savor their famous truffles.

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Days 10 & 11 | Venice, Italy

Days 10 & 11 | Venice, Italy

Watch the sunlight dapple on the water as we ease our way through the archipelago. You can enjoy a panoramic boat ride towards the magnificent St. Mark’s Square on your included tour, and with your guide, you will visit the glorious Doge’s Palace, make your way across the fabled Bridge of Sighs, and on to Saint Mark’s Basilica. Or take a boat to Murano to see glassmakers at work in their centuries-old tradition with a stop to visit historic San Giorgio Maggiore island. In the evening enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife, and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal as we remain in port until midnight.

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Day 12 | Split, Croatia

Day 12 | Split, Croatia

Experience the age of antiquity as you wander through the center of the city that is built around the Diocletian Palace, walking through the well preserved cellars before continuing to the Ethnographical Museum. In this historic quarter, you’ll notice the results of over 17 centuries of construction, passing pre-Romanesque churches and Gothic chapels. You may also choose more natural pursuits, from a rafting trip on the Cetina River or a journey through the Croatian hinterland to the famous waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Or spend the entire day discovering the small more intimate destinations along the Dalmatian coast.

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Day 13 | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 13 | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Where city meets coastline, Viking Star will sail to this beautiful 12th-century walled city in Croatia. And as it happens, George Bernard Shaw declared, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” We think he has a point. Enjoy an entire day to take an inclusive tour with a drive high up to catch the magnificent views of the city and countryside. Or 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. You may also wish to consider exploring the famed Dubrovnik Riviera with a cruise along the Lapad Peninsula.

Day 14 | Corfu (Kerkyra),

Greece Spend the entire day on the romantic island of Corfu, resplendent with charming pastel townhouses and pristine white beaches. Our well-crafted included tour takes us on a drive to Kanoni, where we will make a photo stop to view tiny Mouse Island and the Vlacherna Monastery. Following the coastline through Garitsa Bay, you will reach the UNESCO Site of the Old Town. See the fabled Esplanade, one of Europe’s largest public squares, and the Liston Promenade, once the exclusive preserve of the local aristocracy.

Day 16 | Naples, Italy

In Naples, your choice of excursions abounds with a full day in this city. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. 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. Optionally, explore Pompeii, city of beauty and ruin, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius.

Day 17 | Rome, Italy

Step on board your ship to begin your journey. The ship will be berthed in the port of Civitavecchia, conveniently located close to the airport. Relax on board and settle in to your well-appointed stateroom. We remain in port until late this evening giving you the opportunity to dine ashore should you wish.

Day 18 | Tuscany (Livorno), Italy

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany with an included, well-curated tour of Pisa. Alternatively enjoy a full day tour that combines Pisa and Florence. Begin with a scenic drive through the countryside to Florence, where you will stroll by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore with its impressive “doumo.” Then on to the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the attractive Basilica of Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. In Pisa, you will have time to explore the "Square of Miracles: including the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.

Day 19 | Monte Carlo,

Monaco Enjoy a full day in Monaco, the playground for the rich and famous, as well as the gateway to the beautiful South of France. Visit medieval Monaco, stopping at the Prince’s Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the burial site of the royal family, including American actress Grace Kelly. As we stay late in port, you will have time to step inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the most prestigious and celebrated gambling mecca on earth. As an option, venture out of town to the legendary perfumeries in Grasse, or stroll along the English promenade in glamorous Nice.

Day 20 | Toulon, France

Today, enjoy a full day to walk through the small streets and lovely squares of the old quarter of Toulon. 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.

Days 21, 22 & 23 | Barcelona, Spain

You’ll have all day to explore. Columbus Monument. Port Vell. Arc de Triomf. These are just a few of the monumental sights you will see on your included tour. Other scenic highlights include the Olympic Port, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, and the Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard renowned for its architecture, including works by Antoni Gaudî. Your overnight stay allows time to discover on your own, or opt for a tour such as an evening performance of flamenco. Watch this vibrant dance while savoring a menu of traditional tapas.

Day 26 | Cádiz, Spain

At today’s port, you’ll have a rare chance to explore what many considered the gateway to the New World for all the voyages that left here for unknown shores. The port of Cádiz offers a wealth of treasures. On an included tour, you’ll follow passageways into elaborate plazas. Stop at the Torre Tavira, once a lookout for merchants, and marvel at the city’s baroque, gold-domed cathedral. Alternately, explore the colorful city of Seville, where a grand Cathedral, Giralda Tower and the Alcázar Palace were built by the wealth of Spanish kings. Spend free time sipping sherry at a bodega or shopping for local wares.

Day 27 | Lisbon, Portugal

Today, explore the labyrinthine streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district and the 12th-century Sé Cathedral. On an included walking tour of this seafaring capital, you’ll also trace the Tagus River to the Elevador da Glória, a funicular train that takes you to the hilltop suburb of Bairro Alto. Soak up magical views and shop the lively Chiado. Or, consider an excursion through the countryside to Sintra, renowned for its multi-hued palaces and stalwart castles. You can also choose an excursion to one of Lisbon’s architectural masterpieces, the ornate Jerónimos Monastery with Tower of Belém, a UNESCO Site.

Days 30 & 31 | Paris, France

Awake in Rouen and enjoy a day trip to Paris or perhaps the Normandy beaches. Late this afternoon, indulge in an alfresco coffee while watching the world sail by as we ease our way through the twisting River Seine toward the sea. You will be rewarded with some delightful views of châteaux and villages. Give a wave to the locals, as a cruise ship is a rare sight in this river.

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Days 32 & 33 | London

Days 32 & 33 | London
Days 35, 36 & 37 | Bergen, Norway

Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, easily stroll along its waterfront. This evening, be one of the locals and dine ashore as we will be spending the night in port.
We spend 2 nights & 3 days here in Bergen so plenty of time to travel out of the area if we like.
Awake in Bergen and further explore this Norwegian treasure. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Or take an excursion to the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s famous composer, in Troldhaugen, or a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken where you can savor an “Ulriken Bun,” a cinnamon pastry with a view that is as equally indulgent.

Day 38 | Flåm, Norway

Through breathtaking fjords your ship glides into the village of Flåm. Spend the day soaking up majestic views—from Vassbygda Lake to picturesque Vassbygdi and Aurland. Board the famous Flam Railway for a train ride that climbs nearly 3,000 feet. Stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall and to the Molstertunet open-air museum, in Voss. Lunch on the famed Hotel Stalheim’s veranda, and gaze at the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord.

Day 39 | Stavanger, Norway

From the heart of Old Town, where your ship berths, you will have the morning and early afternoon to explore. Start in the old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, which has Europe’s highest concentration of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or consider a cruise along the Lysefjord to see the famous Preikestolen or “Pulpit Rock,” jutting out nearly 2,000 feet above—it is one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions. Offshore oil drilling is an important industry for the local economy and the award-winning Petroleum Museum tells the story of the dangers faced extracting this precious fuel. While ashore, don’t forget to indulge in waffles with cream and sweet jams.

Day 40 | Aalborg, Denmark

Founded by the Vikings in the late 900s, this historic city straddles both sides of the Limfjord Sound. Spend the morning strolling along to Nytorv (New Square) to see the Renaissance-style Jens Bangs Stonehouse, the Baroque-style town hall, and the charming 14th-century Budolfi Church. Take in the lively Jomfru Ane Gade, a street lined with trendy cafés and restaurants. Or, opt for a tour led by a local chef to taste traditional aquavit, a herb-infused spirit distilled here since the 15th century.