From Fusina to Athens (Piraeus) · Mediterranean · 7 nights
From Fusina to Athens (Piraeus)
Viking’s hugely successful river cruise operation expanded into ocean cruising with a fleet of ten contemporary 930-guest ocean ships featuring attractive inclusive pricing and interesting itineraries. A slightly larger ship joined the fleet in 2024 with two additional ships scheduled in 2025 and 2026 each carrying 998 guests.
The airy contemporary style of the ships, with fresh Nordic
décor, is most appealing. Add to that the huge choices in dining
and other facilities, and veranda staterooms throughout, not to
mention included shore excursions and an excellent spa, and you
have a winner. In 2024 Viking Vela joined the fleet which is very
slightly larger, carrying 998 guests, yet identical in all other
respects to her predecessors. Two further 998-guest ships, Viking
Vesta and Viking Mira, launch in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Fusina is on the mainland just across the Venetian Lagoon from Venice and is a common embarkation and disembarkation port for those ships who can no longer call into the heart of the city. Convenient for the airport but offering little else in the immediate vicinity, it is in striking distance of Venice by water taxi and the treasures of Venice are well worth the journey, with highlights including the architectural marvels of St. Marks Basilica and Doge's Palace, the bustling Rialto Market or the quieter local neighbourhoods of Giudecca or Cannaregio. If you're extending your stay it is best to do so on one of Venice's islands to be close to the sights rather than in Fusina for the convenience of the port.
Croatia’s second city enjoys a dramatic setting, hugging a sweeping bay against a backdrop of sheer grey mountains. Split's labyrinthine old town is contained within the remarkable Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spills out onto the buzzing seafront Riva promenade.
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the marvellous sea views.
Kotor sits at the head of a beautiful, fjord-like bay, hemmed in by glowering mountains. The compact, walled old town is Montenegro’s star attraction, a warren of little alleyways and shady squares that is often described as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’.
Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a beautiful island of verdant hills and rocky coves, and away from the more crowded resorts it remains a sleepy and idyllic place. Don’t miss the picturesque Venetian architecture of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The little seaside town of Katakolon, on the western coast of the Peloponnese, is the gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Games and the place where the Olympic flame begins its journey every four years. Make the most of your visit with a guided tour of the ruins, and don’t miss the treasures of the Archaeological Museum.
Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.