13 nights · Italy · Departs Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) · Visiting Naples, Messina, Souda-Chania, Kusadasi, Piraeus-Athens, Katakolon, Corfu Island, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Venice · Aboard Viking Cruises on the Viking Saturn
Image courtesy of Viking Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Viking Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Viking Saturn |
| Duration | 13 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $9,698 per person |
| Year built | 2023 |
| Guests | 928 |
| Cabins | 464 |
| Crew | 465 |
| Length | 228 m |
| Beam | 29 m |
| Cruising speed | 20.0 kn |
Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.
Naples puts its history within reach: the port opens onto a compact city framed by Mount Vesuvius and the bay. UNESCO-listed streets lead to churches, palaces and the everyday theatre of southern Italian life. At the National Archaeological Museum, mosaics and objects from Pompeii and Herculaneum bring the Roman world sharply into focus. Stay close for Neapolitan pizza, or use Naples as a springboard to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri.
Messina faces Calabria across the narrow Strait of Messina, with mainland Italy visible from its waterfront. At noon, figures move across the cathedral’s clock tower, a daily spectacle best seen from the square. Nearby, Montorsoli’s 16th-century Fountain of Orion rewards a closer look. Excursions reach Taormina and Mount Etna, but Messina’s compact center also merits an unhurried walk.
Souda Bay places you within easy reach of Chania, one of Crete’s most compelling historic towns. A short drive leads to Chania’s Venetian harbour, with its lighthouse, waterfront cafés and narrow lanes. On the Akrotiri peninsula, monasteries and coastal views share the landscape with the Allied war cemetery overlooking Souda Bay. Make time for Cretan cooking, distinguished by fine olive oil, local cheeses and wild herbs.
Kuşadası puts the Aegean within reach, with a lively waterfront and one of Turkey’s most celebrated ancient cities nearby. Ephesus lies about 20 kilometres inland, where marble avenues lead to the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. Back in town, browse the bazaar, then follow the causeway to Pigeon Island and its historic fortress. The harbour-facing promenade offers an easy place to linger over the Aegean light.
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
Katakolon is a compact seaside port on the western Peloponnese, with cafés and shops lining its waterfront. Most visitors come for ancient Olympia, about 35 kilometres inland and readily reached by road. There, the sanctuary, archaeological museum and ancient stadium bring the story of the Olympic Games into focus. Back in Katakolon, allow time for a stroll along the harbour before returning to your ship.
Corfu rewards visitors who look beyond the beach resorts. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears the marks of centuries of Venetian rule. Walk the arcaded Liston, then climb to the Old Fortress for views across the rooftops and Ionian Sea. Beyond town, cypress-lined roads lead to Paleokastritsa’s coves, while the Achilleion palace recalls an imperial past. Allow time for lunch; Corfiot cooking pairs Ionian seafood with Italian and Greek influences.
At the head of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, the old town sits beneath steep mountains. Enter through the Sea Gate and follow stone lanes to St Tryphon’s Cathedral. Venetian-era walls frame squares, churches, and cafés within a compact UNESCO-listed center. For a broader view, climb toward San Giovanni Fortress; the steps are demanding. Take water and allow time for the ascent, especially in summer heat. From the harbor, the bay’s changing light makes a memorable arrival and departure.
Spend a day inside Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, best explored on foot. Walk the city walls for close views of fortifications, roofs, and harbor. Then follow Stradun to Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan monastery. Book wall access in advance during busy months, and start early in summer. Mount Srđ offers a higher view, reached by cable car or road. Leave time for side lanes; their quieter corners reveal the city’s daily rhythm.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, but its heart feels remarkably intimate. Inside Diocletian’s Palace, Roman walls frame cafés, shops and homes. The cathedral and Peristyle recall the emperor’s former residence. Walk the Riva for views across the harbor and its working waterfront. Then climb Marjan Hill for a broad panorama of red roofs and Adriatic islands. Few ports make history so easy to enter on foot.
Arrive in Venice by water, where the lagoon’s canals replace ordinary streets. St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace anchor the celebrated Piazza San Marco. Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, then explore a quieter neighborhood on foot. Confirm your ship’s terminal and transfer arrangements before setting out; cruise access varies. Near Rialto, the market and bridge offer a lively glimpse of the city’s trade. Give yourself time to leave the main routes and follow smaller canals.
Published September 6, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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