Journey to Antiquities

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Balcony
$2,799
Suite
$3,799
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Rome
 Cruise Finishes
Athens
8 Day Journey to Antiquities Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: Italy, Sicily, Greece, Turkey
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Departures
Passengers
930
Crew
465
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
VKJA

Overview

Travel through waters once ruled by mighty empires and flourishing city-states during an insightful 8-day cruise from Rome to Athens. Visit Naples, gateway to Pompeii, and Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Discover Crete, the former seat of the once flourishing Minoan kingdom, and see remarkably preserved ancient ruins in Ephesus. Immerse yourself in Athens, the 'birthplace of democracy,' and admire the famous Acropolis and see the bustling Plaka District.

Itinerary

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city's streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world's greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and is known mostly for its pizza. The city has long been a major center of Italian culture and was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region's finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

Sicily has been shaped by countless civilizations, from Greek to Byzantine to Roman. When it fell under Spain's purview in the 17th century, it was celebrated as one of Europe's ten great cities. Surrounded by undulating mountains, orange and olive groves and vineyards are plentiful. During World War II, Messina was the destination of the unofficial “Race to Messina” between US General Patton and British Field Marshall Montgomery. In the end, Patton arrived just hours before his British comrade, receiving credit for securing Sicily.

Sail the gateway to the Adriatic, marked by the sole of Italy's boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. As you sail, explore our well-curated Library, tucked in a private alcove of the Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Souda Bay enjoys a picturesque setting between Crete's Akrotiri Peninsula and Cape Drapano. Historic fortifications, vestiges from the island's days under the Venetian Empire, greet ships at the mouth of the long bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. Beyond, the island of Crete is blessed with generous beaches, soaring mountains and coursing rivers. It is also where the distinct mantinades—couplets of love accompanied by Cretan instruments—could break out at any number of cafés where patrons sip tsikoudia, a grape-based brandy distilled in the hills.

One of antiquity's best-preserved cities, Ephesus offers an unparalleled look into the lives of the ancients. Many of its ruins have endured from the time Ephesus was one of the largest metropolises of the ancient world. Excavations reach back to the 10th century BC, when this city hosted one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. Today, Ephesus is still full of wonders: the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the massive amphitheater that once sat 25,000 spectators and residences adorned with frescoes.

Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

For a more intimate experience of Athens, the charming Plaka District invites guests with its labyrinth of cobblestone lanes. Neoclassical architecture lines the narrow streets of the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” so named for its location. Browsing its shops or simply perusing its nooks and crannies are pastimes favored by visitors and locals alike. This historic area is the ideal setting in which to enjoy traditional small plates of mezes and a sip of ouzo. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Life Onboard Viking Jupiter

Viking Jupiter
Viking Jupiter

Launched in 2019, the Viking Jupiter is Vikings' newest all-veranda ship, part of a fleet of award winning, state of the art ships incorporating all the comforts & luxuries you would expect from Viking. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

And Relax
And Relax

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Destination Focused Dining
Destination Focused Dining

Viking offer eight on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

All Inclusive
All Inclusive

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services valued at $200 per person per day are standard inclusions in your cruise. Read more

Onshore Experiences
Onshore Experiences

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy exclusive entry to cultural treasures and seldom-seen collections around the world. Read more

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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Journey to Antiquities' Reviews

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Lovely cruise around the UK 1 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2025
Overall a lovely cruise. Once onboard everything was great. Cabin is nice (DV), crew wonderful, food great. We enjoyed the entertainment, particularly the shows put on by the Viking Vocalists. Two years ago we thought the excursions were very reasonably priced… now we think they are outrageously expensive. The included excursions are hit and miss. We ...read more missed Dublin due to an issue with the mooring rope and the propeller. We were happy to make it into Shetland, apparently it’s easy to miss Shetland due to weather.

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