7-night Italian Sojourn Cruise

Enjoy Venice, the magical city renowned for its art, architecture, and culture. Watch the sunlight dapple on the water as we ease our way through the archipelago. As we will remain in port overnight, enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal.,

Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is 25 miles south of Venice, on the southern side of the Lagoon of Venice. Chioggia is laced with canals and bussling main streets lined with shops, markets and rustic buildings. Visit the Piazetta Vigo and Bridge, Clock Tower, and Duomo or cathedral, complete with marble, gold and stained glass. A fishing town and port, Chioggia also features a sandy beach at Sottomarina, and many site-seeing locations, shopping opportunities, and restaurants to enjoy authentic, local cuisine.

Awake and further explore central Venice on your own this morning, as you investigate the out-of-the-way passages that reveal beautiful, hidden piazzas, or cross the lagoon to Murano and Burano to view the world-renowned glassblowing craftsmen. If you didn't take yesterday's included guided tour, you can do so today. Or, opt for one of the many optional tours. Your ship sets sail just after lunch, so you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lagoon as we head out to the Adriatic Sea.,

Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is 25 miles south of Venice, on the southern side of the Lagoon of Venice. Chioggia is laced with canals and bussling main streets lined with shops, markets and rustic buildings. Visit the Piazetta Vigo and Bridge, Clock Tower, and Duomo or cathedral, complete with marble, gold and stained glass. A fishing town and port, Chioggia also features a sandy beach at Sottomarina, and many site-seeing locations, shopping opportunities, and restaurants to enjoy authentic, local cuisine.

Cruise the scenic St. Anthony Channel into the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast, Šibenik. Resting at the mouth of the Krka River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a remarkably preserved Old Town. Roam its narrow streets past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses. The city's St. James Cathedral is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia. Perhaps you'll join an excursion to view the impressive waterfalls of the Krka River.,

Explore sunny, palm-lined Bari, where streets are lined with romantic, honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards, and Romanesque and Baroque churches. Visit the Norman-Swabian castle, the splendid Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italy's most important opera houses, and stroll the picturesque waterfront. Or, perhaps visit Alberobello and its fascinating trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed buildings with conical roofs.,

Uncover the deep past of Crotone, founded as a Greek colony in 710 BC. Boasting a vast array of archaeological relics, the city was once heralded as the home of some of the Hellenic Empire's most celebrated figures, including many victors of the Olympic Games and Pythagoras, whose mathematical theories altered Western thought. During your visit, marvel at the impressive cathedral, a neoclassical wonder, browse the Pythagoras Museum and Gardens, and explore the waterfront and Crotone castle.,

Visitors will enjoy visitng the many medieval buildings and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. The Cathedral is a beatiful blend of neo-classical and Baroque styles. Another historic building worth visiting is the 16th century castle of Charles V, as it also houses the Town Museum. Visitors will find plentiful dining, shops, and cafe's along the beaches.

Today you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europe's ten great cities when it fell under Spain's purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves, and rolling vineyards. Long a commercial crossroads due to its location just two miles from the Italian mainland, today it is a remarkable repository of culture and architecture that spans the centuries. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the Renaissance-style cathedral and bell tower and the ornate Porta Grazia gate.,

In Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. Optionally, also explore Herculaneum, Italy's "other" Pompeii, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius. 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.,

Disembark the ship today. Our proximity to Rome leaves you with countless options if you are touring more of Italy on your own. You can also extend your journey in Rome with Viking, exploring the ancient capital in more depth.,