Western Mediterranean Explorer

Step on board to begin your journey. The ship will be berthed in Civitavecchia, the closest port to the airport and Rome. Relax and settle in to your stateroom, perhaps also unwinding at our Infinity Pool.

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. Then on to the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the attractive Basilica di 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.

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. 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.

Visit Marseille, France's oldest city, rich in timeless treasures. Discover its atmospheric Old Port, overseen by two 17th-century fortresses. The picturesque quay was built on the order of Louis XII and Louis XIII and is one of the world's most romantic walks. As you explore, take in the beauty of its natural harbor, dotted with elegant yachts. Marvel at the church of Notre Dame de la Garde and Palais Longchamp, or venture to Aix-en-Provence with its tree-shaded squares and wide boulevards.

Explore Montpellier today, a center of learning for centuries. Its namesake university, founded in 1160, is one of the world's oldest, predating the Renaissance. The social and cultural center of Montpellier is the Place de la Comédie, anchored by the elegant Three Graces fountain and the stunning, neoclassical Opéra Comédie. Other sites pay tribute to a rich heritage, from the art-filled Musée Fabre and impressive St. Clement Aqueduct to the St. Pierre Cathedral with its 'floating' porch supported by a pair of towers.

Soak up the charm of sunny Barcelona, the Catalonian capital of culture. Stroll along Las Ramblas, take in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí or explore the myriad side streets of the ancient Gothic Quarter. Take an included tour today, or opt for one of the many optional shore excursions we offer.

Awake in Barcelona and further explore the Catalonian capital. Start on Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian boulevard. Or take a turn through the myriad side streets of the Gothic Quarter, where the ancient and the modern sit side by side, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Or head to the Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard renowned for its architecture including works by Antoni Gaudí. You may also choose from one of the many optional tours.

Spain's Mediterranean port of Valencia is a mecca for lovers of one of the country's most iconic dishes, paella. Choose from a wide array of variations of the dish at restaurants throughout town, perhaps with a glass of local wine. Or sample the city's other specialty, horchata. You'll also want to visit the famous Lladró porcelain factory, world renowned for its imaginative and delicate figurines.

Uncover the rich history of Cartagena today, brimming with remarkable architecture spanning the ages—from the days of Rome to art nouveau. Outside the city, marvel at the beauty of the sanctuary of the Virgin of Fuensanta, Murcia's patron saint, and the baroque- and Gothic-style cathedral. Alternately, explore Cartagena's impressive Roman Theater and Roman Forum.

Today you can experience firsthand the stuff of Andalusian dreams. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga is the gateway to Andalusia, the seductive province of rolling hills and endless olive groves. An included tour features the 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, residence of Arabian caliphs, the ancient Moorish Gibralfaro Castle, the Renaissance Cathedral and Picasso's birthplace. Or, choose to explore the mighty Alhambra palace in Granada, one of Spain's most treasured sites.

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.

Today, explore the labyrinthine streets of Lisbon's Alfama District and the 12th-century Sé Cathedral (Lisbon Cathedral). On an included panoramic tour of this seafaring capital, you'll also trace the Tagus River to the Elevador da Gloria, a funicular train that takes you to the hilltop suburb of Bairro Alto. Soak up magical views and shop the lively Chiado Quarter. 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 see Lisbon's architectural masterpieces, including the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and the adjacent Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or explore more with Viking during an extended stay in Lisbon.