This Wednesday we go to Italy and Croatia. I'm not a native of Italy but I love Italy, and like so many who have been there, I always long to go back. I also love Croatia, and today I have the privilege of bringing you virtually to both countries on our Italian Sojourn itinerary, where we review the spectacular landscapes, delicious cuisine, and fascinating culture of Italy and Croatia on this eight-day journey. So let's first watch a short film that will bring this great itinerary to life.
Promotional Film Narrator
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Immerse yourself in the wonders of Italy on this spectacular eight-day voyage from Rome with Viking. Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, where the pizza is authentic and the attractions epic, including the ruins of UNESCO-listed Pompeii. Heading south, you arrive on the Isle of Sicily and the picturesque clifftop town of Messina, gateway to majestic Mount Etna and the historic enclave of Taormina.
Crotone on the Adriatic coast of Calabria is an unspoiled gem of castles and cathedrals, a quaint old town and fascinating archaeological sites. While Bari, located in the Puglia region, boasts a pedestrian-friendly medieval old town with castles and prehistoric wonders, including the trulli houses of Alberobello.
A brief diversion from Italy takes you across the Adriatic to Croatia and the charming port of Šibenik, whose famous Renaissance cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the top of the Adriatic lies the Venetian Lagoon, your final destination. Enjoy the scenery on deck as your ship sails into Venice for two wonderful days amongst the canals, palazzos, and museums.
Italian Sojourn is an eight-day journey available in two directions. Today we'll travel from Rome to Venice. On this itinerary you'll uncover some of the most stunning architectural and cultural treasures of two countries: Italy and Croatia. If you've traveled with Viking before, you know that we have very knowledgeable tour guides. This itinerary includes a total of six guided onshore experiences which take you closer to your destinations on our small ocean ship.
We embark in Rome, the capital city of Italy. Keep in mind that your time here is limited on embarkation day, so if you'd like to experience the city, we recommend the two-day Rome extension that you can find out more about on our website. You'll then sail to the other Italian cities of Naples, the Island of Sicily, and then Crotone and Bari. Next you'll visit Šibenik in Croatia before your voyage concludes in Venice, Italy.
On day one we welcome you to Rome where your voyage begins. Some of you will join us after your pre-extension stay, others will arrive in Europe today. If you've arranged air travel through Viking, we'll transfer you from the airport to your awaiting ocean ship in Civitavecchia, which is the closest port to the airport and to Rome. After boarding and settling into your veranda stateroom, you'll have free time to relax before dinner.
Should you have spent a few days in Rome before embarking, one thing that I highly recommend is to explore Rome by Vespa with a guide, as I did. It's a great way to get to nooks and crannies of the city that you otherwise might not. And you need never have ridden a Vespa before. Take a little look.
Rome quite possibly has more beauty and history than any other place. It's a fascinating slice of the old world with countless treasures ready to be explored. I decided to take in the city from a different and local point of view, enlisting my friend Claudio and his trusty Vespa. With a cool breeze in our face, Rome seemed to unfold before us. Meandering through this eternal city was delightful, exploring its quiet back streets and their sweet surprises. Why do you think people love the Vespa so much?
The people like because there is a freedom. Italia, the freedom is the first for the life.
Freedom. It really is the best word to describe the little Vespa. Combine that with its unique look, and it's easy to understand why more than 18 million Vespas have been sold since its introduction in 1946, and why Italians say the Vespa is not just a scooter but a way of life.
The Vespa—it's a very beautiful design. But that's of course what Italy is famous for: great design. And the Vespa hasn't really changed. No change, because if the design is perfect, it's impossible to change.
Claudio wasn't kidding. The Italians won't change a design that works. In fact, the Vespa is still so loved there's even a museum honoring its character. Brainchild of Piaggio, a retooled World War II aircraft company, the Vespa included clear aeronautical influences and an intriguing design that when first shown to Enrico Piaggio caused him to burst out: 'Sembra una Vespa!' — it looks like a wasp. Many think it sounds like a wasp too, and so the name stuck, and the company cobbled together a scooter utilizing everything at hand.
The first production is olive green because it is a mix from the trucks in the world, and they use the same paint. So the Vespa was created to allow Italians to get around their cities. After the Second World War, all family go in the Vespa—five people together, yes.
The Vespa became a hit, nimbly navigating through Italy's war-ravaged cities and countryside. Then with the 1953 movie Roman Holiday, Rome and the Vespa captured everyone's imagination.
It's a dream, you know. Do you have the sound? Yeah. Yes, the high condition, yeah. And a very beautiful city, yeah. It's perfect.
When you're driving around town on a Vespa, what does it make you feel like?
It's incredible. The best part for me is the first love. And you love your Vespa so much you're writing songs to it. Composers, they all pair up for Vespa.
Rome is a fascinating city that will truly take your breath away, and the Vespa is just one way to explore its beauty. This is a city awash in cultural treasures and fascinating people. I hope you'll go out and enjoy its many wonders.
On day two you'll arrive in Naples, a city famous for spectacular examples of Greek and Roman architecture. Here's a short film about the mysteries that await you beneath the historic streets of Naples.
Naples Underground Narrator
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The ancient city center of Naples is Europe's largest, and within this UNESCO World Heritage Site are countless hidden wonders. History is all over and under the streets of Naples, and even under some people's beds. Entrances like this one, discovered in just 2003, lead to a world lost to time—a world more than a hundred feet below the city streets. What began as an ancient lava flow was transformed in the 6th century BC into a mesmerizing labyrinth, hand-carved by Greek slaves who sought building materials for the new city of Neapolis.
To build the houses where the people lived, the slaves dug out the holes. They come to this level and they dug out the stones—big stones for the big city wall of Naples, little stones used for their houses. Then they put the stones on platforms and then other slaves worked outside.
Naples Underground Narrator
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This is volcanic rock, is it?
Yes, it's a volcanic rock. It's a yellow tuff stone that fell from an eruption of Campi Flegrei over 30,000 years ago.
Naples Underground Narrator
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These massive man-made caves provided more than just stone building blocks. They also created a rare opportunity—the chance to possess one of the old world's most valuable treasures: fresh, clean water from a reliable source.
Every building of the 15th, 16th century in the historical center has their own well, their own water. Imaginable—we have over 10,000 wells.
Naples Underground Narrator
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This water source served Naples faithfully. Then when the region became part of the Roman Empire, the Romans implemented a radical change that vastly improved the water system.
They were very clever. They connected the systems with narrow tunnels because if a tunnel is narrow, it's better for the pressure of the water, so the water was faster inside. All the aqueduct—the water system in Naples was 300 kilometers long. So you could go from here to Pompeii walking underneath.
Naples Underground Narrator
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The underground aqueduct remained in use until 1884 when a cholera pandemic closed it down, and it lay abandoned until World War II, when it was revived as an air-raid shelter and protected thousands. In the Naples underground, peeling back history is an unending task—a process that's revealing significant finds like this section of a Roman theater. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, including the chance to study Roman construction techniques that have withstood earthquakes and the test of time. Today these massive caverns have a new role as a working laboratory, with strawberries, basil, and other plants thriving in the cool, humid conditions. But it's just one of many ways these caves have continued to elude the hand of time. Next time you're in Naples, consider the fascinating history that lies below your feet, even if you don't venture down into the caves of Napoli Sotterranea.
Speaking of architecture, you'll not want to miss the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola at the Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the grandest public squares in the city. Or you may choose to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. You'll learn about a typical day in Pompeii and hear about its catastrophic destruction, centuries-long disappearance under stone and ash, and rediscovery during the 17th century. The local cuisine here in Naples is another highlight. Did you know the world's first pizzeria opened here in 1830? Alternatively, from Naples you can drive with your guide along the coast to visit charming Sorrento. Here you can stop at a limoncello factory for a demonstration and a tasting of this popular lemon digestif.
I learned how to make limoncello in Sorrento and would like to share the recipe with you here. The sun-kissed Amalfi Coast is famous for its iconic landscapes and architecture, but it's also home to another treasure: the rare lemons that grow along these rugged cliffs, most of which are used to make the liqueur limoncello. Limoncello is my very favorite digestif in the world, and now that we're here in Sorrento, the birthplace of limoncello, at this wonderful restaurant with its proprietor Enzo and his fantastic chef Luigi, you're going to show us how.
Very simple, yeah. It is very simple. I tell you in advance—I don't want to say that our lemons are the best in the world, but it's the truth.
In fact, Sorrento lemons often cost twice what a regular lemon would, thanks to the fruit's superior juiciness, high levels of vitamin C, near-seedless quality, and its delightfully distinctive fragrance.
If you only scratch the skin and you smell—that's the smell of Sorrento. The best limoncello is done with the lemon from Sorrento. So you need seven lemons, one liter of alcohol—and it can be any alcohol—and 700 grams of sugar, so 100 grams of sugar for each lemon. And one liter of water. So now we have to peel the lemon. Only—it's very important—the very first skin of the lemon, only the yellow one, not the rind, not the white.
You've made a lot of limoncello in your life.
We put now the skin in the alcohol. So you make an infusion—you infuse the alcohol with lemon skin.
It could, but it's a different kind. A vodka-cello will be different.
At this point the concoction is left to set at room temperature, but since everyone in Sorrento has their own family recipe, the time it takes to let nature take its course can vary from two days to years.
When it's ready, the infusion—we take off the skin, we filter to make sure it's clean, you know. And then we boil the water—one liter of water with 700 grams of sugar in the pot. Boil it just until they boil, and you stir the water till the sugar melts to syrup. Then you wait till it's cold. You filter that as well.
And why do you filter that?
Because you can always get a little sugar which is not dissolved—it's a lot, 700 grams for one liter of water, it can always stay a little. We mix then the syrup, the alcohol, and the limoncello is done. That's it.
And then you just transfer it, ready to drink. That's it. So basically you can make limoncello in two days. The finished limoncello is stored in the freezer and served very cold. It's a delightful taste you really shouldn't miss when you're in Italy or at home.
Sailing on, today you'll 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. Our included guided tour offers a visit to the heart of Messina's historic center. Here you'll see the expansive Piazza Municipio, the Via Garibaldi, and the Piazza Cairoli. A favorite part of this tour is the hillside votive temple of Christ the King, a Sicilian Baroque wonder. On Sicily's eastern coast is Taormina, with views of the Ionian Sea. This is the spectacular Greek theater, beautifully situated with panoramic views of the sea, the countryside, and Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano.
For something more physically active, you can journey up Mount Etna to a height of almost 11,000 feet. You'll learn about the different lava streams that descend down Mount Etna's slope. You'll also be treated to sweeping views of the countryside.
We're now in Crotone, a Greek colony that dates to 710 BC. You might choose to visit the Cerrato winery, which produces organic Calabrian wine. They produce acclaimed red and white wines, and they also operate an olive oil mill and a Michelin-starred restaurant on their stunning estate.
From here you might choose to visit the fortress at the fishing village of Le Castella. It's believed that this was Homer's inspiration for the island of Calypso, the magical oasis that enchanted Odysseus and his men. You'll visit the fortress which has foundations dating back to 204 BC.
Welcome to the sunny city of Bari. It's home to a picturesque waterfront and a Romanesque basilica of Saint Nicholas. On a walking tour of Bari, see castles and cathedrals as well as Old Town's two main squares: Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile. You will learn about the city's thriving university, excellent cuisine, and latest renovations. Bari is also home to the Norman Swabian Castle, which dates to 1131. Today it serves as the headquarters of Puglia's Directorate for Cultural and Landscape Heritage.
We're now at the midway point of this itinerary, so let's take a moment to talk a bit more about the onboard experience and the amenities of your Viking ocean ship. After some days of sightseeing, you can book a service at the spa or take a dip in the hot and cold pools. We don't have many onboard shops, but we have carefully selected quality items, including Viking logo wear, other favorite Nordic products, some Viking replica jewelry, as well as other fine jewelry, sunglasses, and other amenities.
To further immerse yourself in the destinations we visit, join the onboard Viking resident historian for one of our iconic lectures or roundtable discussions. Here's a video about our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning.
Viking is committed to the idea of destination-driven learning, and the resident historian program offers many opportunities for our guests to really learn and explore and delve into the concept of the place. There's nothing like it in terms of the passion and the excitement that comes with sharing experiences. This is what I love. There are two aspects to the resident historian program. On the one hand we have iconic lectures to provide the context for learning, thinking about and anticipating the commentary from our local guides once we reach the port, and then be able to learn more from him or her on one of those excursions.
We include aspects of the architecture, of the painting or sculpture or music, what it is that was so important in that chapter of history that was coming to life perhaps for the very first time in Western civilization. But we also offer what we call roundtables—these are smaller sessions that return one to a university setting with a discussion section. Guests who are keenly interested in a more minute or specialist subject about the area that we're visiting. So that discussion section format is a little bit more intimate, breaks down some of the barriers of our large Star Theater audience, and allows us to also learn from one another.
The resident historian also addresses various aspects of world history, so it's not just the ancient history but also thinking about the people of the medieval periods and even up to the contemporary concerns. A resident historian may deal with the history of thousands of years ago, but as well the important and significant aspects of history in our lifetimes. Our resident historians are drawn from a wide variety of different facets of the field of history. All of them have either had teaching or lecturing experience and might have expertise in areas of military history, maritime history, perhaps art history or cultural history, music history, even arctic exploration history. And they become part of a Viking faculty.
What they bring to the enrichment program is of a specialist nature, but they're able to share their enthusiasm about what it is about their aspect and approach to history—why it's important and why it's significant for our guests. The resident historian is also on board for the duration of the itinerary, not only attending the other lectures, attending and participating in different excursions up in the ports, but also dining with our guests and available to field questions and to further discussions that may have been brought up from an aspect of an iconic lecture or perhaps one of those roundtable discussions.
The opportunity to have that interface, that one-on-one learning with a resident historian—this is something that Viking prides itself on making very important. Accessibility to the resident historians in so many different places aboard the ship. There's also plans for the resident historian to lead a group that would go in further depth, privileged access to learn about a site with the resident historian, to understand the nature of a museum, of an archaeological site, of some aspect of the contemporary culture that could be brought to life by having more time in depth spent with a knowledgeable expert. The resident historian is the guide at your side for adult learning. There's nothing like it. History pervades a Viking ship, and we're very proud of that.
Continuing on, day six calls on Šibenik along the Dalmatian coast. This is Croatia's oldest city. On our included tour we take you to visit St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on the basilica started in 1430 and then spanned over a century. Its architecture and design reflect the move from Venetian Gothic to Tuscan Renaissance. To experience the natural world, I recommend a visit to the Krka National Park in the nearby town of Skradin. The park covers almost 27,000 acres and is known for its cascading waterfalls and crystalline waters. While at the park you'll also visit a small ethnographical exhibit and a restored water mill.
I've never seen emerald cascading water like those in Krka National Park, and had the privilege of visiting three times. On my first visit I had a very memorable experience—one that is actually often retold to Viking guests when they visit. It's a story that sounds fantastical but it's completely true. In case you go and you hear it, I promise you that did happen.
To see how beautiful these waterfalls are, here's a little clip.
It's been said that when water meets stone, water always wins. And in its wake, water often leaves behind some very beautiful forms in nature. One of my absolute favorite examples of this is found in Croatia: the Krka waterfalls, where its relentless force sculpted a series of 17 steps through the rugged limestone landscape, creating the largest travertine cascade system in the whole of Europe. And the backdrop for an unexpected adventure on my first visit that started when my labrador Finza, as a puppy, leapt in. The rapids quickly swept her downstream, and I followed thinking I'd save her—which fortunately I ultimately did. I'm pretty sure Finza understands now the boardwalk through the forest is a much better idea, where you're accompanied on a gentle descent by a symphony of river sounds and dappled light. The payoff—Skradinski Buk—is a majestic sight, stretching several hundred meters across.
Beyond the powerful visual display, this area is a vibrant ecosystem. There are 18 species of fish, 222 bird species, along with 860 species of plants, including the second-highest density of lavender in Europe. Reminders of generations past are also here—a time when water power was in demand for grinding wheat, washing sheep's wool, and generating power for the Dalmatian hinterland. I hope you'll do as I did and embark on your own exploration of Krka Falls in Croatia's Krka National Park. It's a place I can't get enough of, and Finza and I return quite often—but thankfully not to reenact her first adventure.
One of Croatia's star products is olives, varieties of which are grown across the country to make its world-famous olive oil. It's estimated that Croatian olive oil producers make up 14% of the world's supply. This percentage surpasses other renowned olive oil-making countries such as Italy and Spain.
Your voyage concludes here in Venice, where you'll have a final overnight stay. This is a city that hardly needs an introduction. Venice is a magical place renowned for its art, architecture, and culture, and this is the legendary St. Mark's Square. Here's a short video about Venice.
Venice is built on an archipelago of 118 islands, with 409 bridges crossing 177 canals. But once you're here, facts and figures fall away. In Venice you slow down and savor every moment, because there's only one Venice—a city that will delight all your senses.
Whether you're interested in art, architecture, music, or history, Venice has it all and much, much more. A city of incomparable beauty, Venice it seems has more interesting features per square meter than anywhere else on earth. Perhaps the most famous is St. Mark's Square. This spacious piazza was once a tree-filled park that Napoleon called the drawing room of Europe. At the east end is St. Mark's Basilica with its Byzantine mosaics. Just south is the Doge's Palace filled with opulent interiors. And to the north, Torre dell'Orologio, the clock tower. Did you know it's possible to explore its inner workings?
Beyond St. Mark's Square are other treasures you really shouldn't miss, like Scuola Grande di San Rocco and its Tintoretto masterpieces, or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection set in the famous American's former home—very modern and unexpected. But it's not the only surprise you'll find in Venice. This is a book lover's paradise—Libreria Acqua Alta. It's home to over 10,000 books and includes a most unusual staircase with a delightful payoff. And if you're really lucky, you can have fun learning to cook Venetian classics with a real Italian contessa in her real palazzo.
Venice also has an old Jewish quarter. Here you can learn how the word 'ghetto' originated while exploring the local history. And I'd highly recommend classical music, Venetian style—a relaxed evening of Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart in a setting befitting these masters. Venice is a place you feel, and there's simply nowhere else like it. We look forward to seeing you soon and showing you this country's fascinating cultural treasures.
You may take a mesmerizing gondola ride through the canals of Venice. These distinctive flat-bottomed boats, once the principal mode of transport in this waterborne city, are today its timeless symbol. Or we have a tour that allows you to discover the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is nicknamed 'Island of Flames' and is home to Venice's glass-making tradition. My favorite water glasses that I have at home were gifted to me on my first visit to Venice and are made of leftover Murano glass—incredibly colorful and make me smile simply looking at them. And on Burano, with its colorful houses, you'll learn about Venice's lace-making history.
Your sailing with Viking concludes here in Venice. After breakfast on board, many of you will disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight home. Or perhaps you've opted to continue your voyage with one of our extension packages. We offer many pre-post extensions to this itinerary, and as mentioned, you can find out more on our website if you'd like to extend your trip either ahead of your sailing with us or after.
Thank you for joining me today on Viking TV. This concludes our presentation, and now my colleagues Leah and Federico, our greatest Italian experts, will be available to answer any questions that you may have.
Good evening everyone. My name is Leah, and joining me tonight to answer your questions is Federico Costa. Federico has been with Viking since the beginning, when we started sailing in the Mediterranean. And better than anyone, he knows Viking and Italy, of course. So we are prepared to answer your questions this evening. Heather will be reading them out, and we will try to give you as much information as possible.
Thank you, Leah. Our first question tonight comes from Sheila in the United Kingdom, and she says: What is your favorite excursion or excursions on this itinerary? Would you have any particular recommendations?
Oh my God, so much to do. We touch two countries in this itinerary, and all the ports have a wealth of history and tradition. We are fortunate enough to be able to spend a lot of time in port and explore.
We explore locations further away from where we dock. I would have to say I have a personal inclination for tours that include food, but there is a lot of history that we can explore. We have Pompeii, many locations in Bari, Alberobello with the trulli villages. Once we go into Croatia, of course the waterfalls are a must-do. But Federico could probably tell us what is his favorite in Italy.
Well, I change the orientation every time I go in a port because really they're rich. Leah knows that. Yesterday we were in Sicily, so I remained amazed for the hundredth time about Taormina and Mount Etna — the idea to go on a volcano, and in the last month he's quite alive, I have to say. It's thrilling and very exciting. But on the other side, today I was reading again the history of Alberobello in Bari, and I discovered just a funny story. It was done in the 15th century that they put taxation on the new buildings. So the owner told the farmers to build the small houses just with dry stone, and so they invented these circular small houses and the roof. And these are where the typical building of the village comes from. So everywhere you go, there is an experience waiting for you.
Thank you. Linked to that, we have a question actually from James in California, and he asks: Do people actually still live in the little white houses in Alberobello?
Yes, people still live in the little white houses. And in the last 10–15 years, many of these houses became private holiday houses because they are linked to one another. I mean, one house is nearly one room, but there are five houses one close to the other, and you make something like a tunnel — a white tunnel — between one house and the other, and you have a five-room apartment with your garden. So there are local inhabitants, but there is a lot of foreign people who decided to invest their holiday time in these houses.
Thank you, Federico. A question from Virginia in Somerville in the United States, and she says: Which are the best excursions for food lovers on the Italian Sojourn?
So there are a lot of activities that include food. Italy and Croatia — Italy is a country that has food at its heart, and people have this tradition of love expressed through food. So you will find that many of our experiences, even though they are not labeled as including food, there's always a little touch that will give you an insight into the culture. My personal favorite would be in Bari, and there are a lot of masserias where you can go. We have a particular experience that will take you to a place where you can have a cooking lesson. You'll learn how to make pasta — the proper pasta, as the Italians like to say — and you can take the recipe home, of course, and then recreate it for your family. Federico, what would be your favorite food tour?
Well, the favorite food tour is a tour because there is different food all around Italy. If we just think about the handmade pasta in Rome, going to the mozzarella and pizza in Naples, then we go to the cannoli in Sicily, then the orecchiette pasta and fish in Puglia, and then we arrive in Venice. And of course there is no food without drinking as well. Italy is very famous — the southern part of our country is very famous for wine. The south and the southeast, you find better white wine. In the center, you find better red wine. But again, as you said, food is an expression. We don't express ourselves only with the hands, but also with eating together, and it's a way to socialize and to enjoy friendship.
On the subject of wine, and if wine is something that would interest you, I would suggest one of the wineries we offer on Mount Etna. The wineries are on the slopes of Mount Etna, so the grapes have a very specific and particular flavor because, of course, they are heated by the soil of the volcano. So it is quite an experience.
