Photo highlights of a Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise
From Venice to Barcelona, our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise included new as well as familiar destinations. In new locations, we looked for the highlights that capture the essence of the place. In places we had previously visited, we looked for something new, something we missed in the past – even finding lesser-known sites and having opportunities to meet the locals.
We’ve got more to come about our time sailing the Mediterranean on the Viking Sea and our excursion highlights, but we’re starting out with this introduction to some trip highlights and commentary that we posted to our social media accounts. Are you following us?
Photo highlights from Venice to Barcelona
Venice, Italy
This was our second time in Venice, a fairy tale city to visit. It is a beautiful place to begin a Mediterranean Odyssey cruise. Our ship was docked in Chioggia, a town about an hour away by ferry.
Venice, Italy
“Beautiful Venice, Italy! And check out those clouds. This was our view of St. Mark’s Basilica as we came into the city on a ferry from Chioggia where our ship is docked. More pics to come from our Mediterranean Odyssey cruise. We’re just getting started!”
Split, Croatia
We’d been looking forward to adding Croatia to our list of countries visited. Split is a delight!
Split, Croatia
“Great day in Split, Croatia on our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise. A few pics from our walking tour to give you a taste — bistro on Narodni Square, woman touching the “lucky” toe of Gregory of Nin statue, and the Riva Promenade”
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A few hours in Dubrovnik convinced us that a return visit is warranted and we’ve got plans for that coming up soon.
Sweeney in Dubrovnik, Croatia
“Greetings from Dubrovnik! After a night of sailing along the Adriatic coast, we just arrived on the Viking Sea and after breakfast al fresco with a view, we’re heading out to tour the city.”
Corfu, Greece
2022 turned out to be the year for our long-awaited Greece travel dreams to come true. In June we had a wonderful 12-day visit to Greece that included Athens, Santorini, and Crete. This visit to Corfu was a lovely addition to our Greek odyssey.
Corfu, Greece
“From the hills above Corfu Town on the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea on our Viking shore excursion. So many Greek islands yet to visit sometime.”
Naples, Italy
Napoli! Here is another city that we would love to explore in more depth and have more pizza!
“The Traveling with Sweeney duo in Naples, Italy on our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise. From panoramic vistas to freshly prepared pizza (where it all began).”
Rome/Ostia, Italy
So who knew about this amazing site of Roman ruins near Rome? I had no idea until I saw it as an optional excursion on our Mediterranean Odyssey cruise. What a find! (But try to keep it our secret.)
Roman ruins of Ostia, Italy
“When in Rome … take a day trip to Ostia. Established about 620 BC, Ostia was Rome’s original port at the mouth of the Tiber. This is vast complex of ancient Roman ruins providing a look at the lifestyles of the Romans of the times. We chose this Viking excursion while docked outside of Rome since we’ve been to the city twice before (of course, would love to visit many more times) and this was something quite different and lesser known (even though it’s amazing).”
Tuscany, Italy
One cannot visit Tuscany (or anywhere in Italy, really) too often. It’s been several years since we had an immersive travel experience in this region of Italy and we couldn’t wait to get a taste of Tuscany again.
Tuscany, Italy
“Fun and delicious day at Castello del Trebbio near Florence in Tuscany. We learned, we prepared, we wined and dined.”
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco isn’t just about the glamor of Monte Carlo. On an included shore excursion, we got a nice introduction to its history and charm. But it was also pretty cool to step inside the famous Monte Carlo Casino (on the far right in photo) and imagine the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
Monte Carlo
“Even when I was very young, I thought about sailing along the French Riviera. Our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise made those early dreams come true. This is Monaco (Monte Carlo Casino on the far right) at night viewed from the Viking Sea at port.”
Marseille, France
When we visited Marseille for the first time several years ago, it was early December and learning about the Christmas traditions of Provence was our main focus. On this day in summer, we got a feel for the summer vibe of the city as well as another look at familiar beautiful landmarks such as Marseille Cathedral.
Marseille Cathedral, France
“And we return to Marseille, France! Mr. TWS and I were here several years ago in the winter and now we have enjoyed it in summer. More pics to come, but for now this was the view of Marseille Cathedral from our stateroom on the Viking Sea while at port.”
Barcelona, Spain
We strolled the Passeig de Gràcia admiring the architecture and design style of Barcelona several years ago. For some reason, Gaudi’s Casa Batlló struck me as being even more beautiful as we passed it on our Viking excursion.
Gaudi on the Block of Discord in Barcelona, Spain
“Gaudi’s Casa Batlló with its colorful facade, mask-like balconies and symbolic features such as the roof that resembles the back of a dragon. The late 19th century building was restored by Gaudi between 1904-1906.
This is one of three buildings next to each other on a part of Passeig de Gràcia known as the Block of Discord. On this one block, three competing visions of Modernisme are on view in the early 20th century designs of three prominent architects.”
Stay tuned for more from the trip. We’ll have more destination highlights, personal perspectives, practical information, and tips.
Disclosure: Thanks to Viking Cruises for making our Mediterranean Odyssey possible.
