Journey For The Ages Through The Mediterranean

By MiNDFOOD

The Parthenon in Athen's is one of the world's most popular tourist sites.
The Parthenon in Athen's is one of the world's most popular tourist sites.
As you navigate storied waters exploring civilisations and cultures that have shaped our world, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Cities of Antiquity Mediterranean cruise. Each heritage-packed port where you discover world wonders and ancient sites makes this holiday of timeless treasures a very special experience.

I want to immediately ring my old high school history teacher and share with her that all those lessons I sat through were not wasted on me.

Immersed in ancient history and mythology, the joy of Viking’s Cities of Antiquity cruise has flicked a history-loving switch inside me that I didn’t know existed. The Mediterranean, the cradle of ancient civilisations, really is a tapestry of cultures and beauty, captivating travellers and history buffs forever.

Viking ocean ship in beautiful Valletta in Malta.

The itinerary begins in Athens, Europe’s oldest capital and renowned as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and Western civilisation. At its heart lies the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, offering a glimpse of ancient Greece’s architectural and artistic life. From there it’s on to the intriguing bygone civilisation of Malta, where strolling along the city’s fortifications and Upper Barrakka Gardens makes me think of what life must have been like all those centuries ago. We end in Rome and glorious Italian cuisine. This really is a dream cruise.

While in Greece we explore the ancient town of Corinth. Walking through the iconic Temple of Apollo’s Doric columns is unforgettable. People who have an appreciation for the arts and architecture will definitely find this tour fascinating.

The excursion continues on through an impressive ancient theatre and onto the hilltop fortress of Acrocorinth, which has stood as a guardian of the city since antiquity. We visit the famous Corinth Canal, a remarkable engineering feat that was completed in the late 19th century. We are wowed by the stunning views of the 6.4km-long waterway carved through steep limestone, which finally connected the Aegean and Ionian Seas, allowing for smoother maritime travel . 

Magical Mykonos

We are then back onboard for a delicious meal inspired by the tastes of Greece. Who doesn’t love souvlaki and tzatziki? Delish.

The couple at the table next to us had spent the day exploring Athens on an e-bike excursion. It sounded like lots of fun as they rode past iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus. After a nightcap in the Explorers’ Lounge, it is off to bed as we want to be up early to explore the sun- drenched Greek island of Mykonos.

Viking’s walking tour of Chora, the island’s capital, takes you through narrow, winding lanes that exude charm. Along the way, you’ll see the famous Paraportiani Church, a whitewashed marvel, and the picturesque windmills that have become a symbol of Mykonos. The magic of Mykonos is the blend of history and relaxation. We stop for the morning to enjoy a Greek coffee and watch as the fishermen bring in the day’s catch to their fishing houses perched directly over the water. I also love the local jewellery stores lined along the narrow laneways.

Next stop is the medieval wonders of Rhodes. Here we are transported to a time of knights and fortresses, exploring the cobblestone lanes lined with medieval inns and battlements.

The centerpiece of Rhodes is the Palace of the Grand Master, a fortress that once served as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John. This journey through history is both fascinating and visually stunning. A must-visit.

Taormina Amphitheatre with views of Mount Etna in Sicily.

Making Culinary Memories

After working up an appetite, we visit a local Greek restaurant for a cooking class and lunch. It is so much fun to meet the locals and taste their dishes featuring local olive oil and fresh seafood. Food has that wonderful connection of bringing different cultures together and it is as much getting to know my fellow Viking cruise passengers as it is learning how to make the perfect spanakopita (it’s all about the pastry).

Food is important not only to the Greeks but the chefs onboard the Viking ship. A group of guests has spent the morning at the local market in Rhodes with the Executive Chef from the ship to handpick ingredients for dinner that night at The Kitchen Table. It is another unique Viking experience, using the very best local ingredients and creating memory- making dishes.

From Rhodes it is onto Crete to see the ancient Minoan civilisation, one of Europe’s earliest civilisations.

The island’s most famous attraction is the Palace of Knossos, an archaeological site steeped in myth and legend. Viking’s shore excursion also includes a visit to the Old Town and the Venetian Loggia, showcasing Crete’s blend of ancient and Venetian influences. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of Crete’s delicious olive oils. They have a mild taste and are smooth on the palate with very little spiciness. While visiting we were told that many experts believe that Cretan olive oil is the best in the world. I wonder if those experts were Greek? It did taste delicious. 

A Day at Sea to relax in the Nordic Spa is a great idea.

Birthplace of the Olympics

No trip to Greece would be complete without a visit to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Viking’s shore excursion takes you to the heart of the ancient Olympic park, where athletes once competed in honour of the gods. Also worth visiting is the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, filled with treasures that showcase the ancient world’s artistic and athletic heritage.

The final stop in Greece before a well-deserved sea day is Corfu, an island known for its beauty and rich history. We stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO Site, fashioned by the once-powerful Venetian Republic.

Before long the jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean comes into view. Malta, a small island nation with a big history, is often referred to as an open-air museum. Sailing into Valletta is an eye-opening experience as thousands of years of history come into view amid the battlements, castles and ancient city walls close to where ships dock on the beautifully restored waterfront.

Viking’s excursion takes us through the UNESCO World Heritage- listed city’s winding streets to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century masterpiece adorned with exquisite baroque artwork. It is home to Caravaggio’s famous painting, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’. And like the olives were a highlight in Greece, the Maltese wine is a surprising delight.

From there we sail to Italy and the shores of Sicily. The town of Messina has been influenced by various cultures, including the Romans. A must-do for the foodies onboard is to stop by the local cafés for an arancini. Also known as Sicilian rice balls, these golden, crispy delights are typically filled with ragù, peas and mozzarella, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. A must-try in Sicily.

And from the island of rice balls to the shores of pizza, we visit the vibrant town of Naples. Coined ‘A Pizza Lover’s Excursion’, we weren’t going to miss this trip. After a panoramic drive to Posillipo Hill for incredible views of the Bay of Naples, we visit the world’s first pizzeria (established in 1830) to witness a master pizzaiolo craft the perfect pie. This is the slice of history we’ve most been looking forward to.

As the ship sails through the waters of the Mediterranean to the final destination of Rome, we can’t help but reflect on our journey. This was more than just a holiday; it was an immersive experience that allowed us to discover some of the world’s most captivating destinations and their rich past. I love history. 

For more information on the Viking Cities of Antiquity cruise, visit Viking.com

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