viking cruises mediterranean 2023

Empires of the Mediterranean

10 Days | 8 Guided Tours | 5 Countries

Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia)

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Step on board in Athens, where you will have an entire day to explore this ancient city. Perhaps you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus or the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. As we remain in port overnight, you’ll have time to enjoy dinner in town.

Today, you will have the opportunity to journey into ancient Athens via a panoramic drive, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Or as an option, explore the interior of this UNESCO Site; climb 80 steps to the entrance and glimpse an unforgettable view of the Parthenon at its peak.

Gliding toward a full day in Santorini, prepare for its spectacular caldera and looming cliffs. Once anchored, embark a local boat for the island’s main port of Athinios. On your included excursion, drive with a local guide to the top of Mt. Profitis, where you can take in spectacular views of the island, the Aegean Sea and the summit’s monastery. En route to clifftop Oia, take in the beauty and charm of the countryside and traditional villages. Then enjoy free time in the capital of Thíra. Alternatively, visit the hot thermal springs of Palea Kameni island and enjoy the most remarkable swim of your life. Or, choose to visit a Greek vineyard for a tour and tasting.

Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city’s ancient ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You will gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu’s Old Town and Fortress—fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic—comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe’s largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420 en route to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor’s heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth.” It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city’s Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary, housing the world’s oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Explore remarkable Zadar, once an island separated from the mainland by a deep moat. The capital of independent Dalmatia for a millennium, Zadar’s impressive city walls attest to its might. A walking tour leads you along a maze of cobblestone streets through its magnificent Old Town, a remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses. During your tour, stop to admire its three stunning churches in bold Romanesque. Perhaps you’ll also stroll the Riva, the picturesque seafront promenade where acoustical tubes embedded beneath large marble steps sing the song of the city with every lashing wave.

Call on the Slovenian port of Koper, gateway to the unspoiled Istrian region. Your tour of this historic city reveals the rich architectural legacy of the Venetian Republic. In Tito Square, admire the Venetian-Gothic Praetorian Palace with its crenellated facade and the elegant Loggia where lively town debates once took place. Take the time to ascend the tower of the Cathedral of the Assumption for splendid views of the city and the Gulf of Trieste.

The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon’s canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice’s powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice’s transport network. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Air Pricing

Prices are per person for featured departures.

Airfare offers valid on all N. American gateways except Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City.

Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

FREE International Airfare

Offer AES23:

Offer valid on bookings made from Apr 7 to Apr 30, 2023. Free stateroom upgrade within category, Veranda to Deluxe Veranda (V2-DV1) and Penthouse Veranda (PV3-PV1) plus free international airfare valid on Jul 21, 2023 departure of  Empires of the Mediterranean . Call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. Airfares vary on other itineraries, gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. Book by Apr 30, 2023; pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023. 

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Viking Oceans: up to FREE Airfare*

Viking Oceans Mediterranean cruises from $2,299*

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Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

The magic of sailing the Mediterranean with Viking Oceans is truly a captivating encounter not easily expressed in words. Whether enjoying a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, watching the sunlight dapple on picturesque waterbodies or taking a panoramic boat ride to the Dorsoduro district, you will be creating memories to last a lifetime. From photo stops at Mouse Island and enjoying Corfu's rich history as you pass its Town Hall to watching the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park and engaging in world-class culinary activities with Viking's Culinary Director, one thing is for sure; you will fall in love with nature, architecture and culture with the same level of intensity. Give The Cruise Web a call today at 1-800-377-9383 and let Viking Oceans' cruises to the Mediterranean take you on a journey only few are privileged to undertake.

Things to Do on a Mediterranean Cruise with Viking Oceans

Enjoying a tour of Corfu's main sites, bayside treasures of Zadar, breathtaking architecture of Barcelona, grace and beauty of Rome and natural splendor of Lisbon are just a few highlights on your Viking Oceans cruise to the Mediterranean. Trace modern history back to centuries-old tradition, be in awe of multi-hued palaces and stalwart castles, wander through a maze of cobblestone streets and get lost in Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic-style buildings. Join Viking Ocean Cruises to the Mediterranean as you trace some of the world's most historic sites, shores and structures through the following excursions:

• Private Visit of Palazzo Nani Bernado and Historic Padua (Venice, Italy) Explore historic Padua, one of the most important cultural and architectural centers in Italy. The city is filled with stunning artistic masterpieces, one of the largest piazzas in Europe, and an Astronomical Clock which is possibly the world's oldest clock. Enjoy privileged access to the Renaissance-style palace along the Grand Canal and stroll through the mid-16th century Palazzo Nani Bernardo, one of Venice's oldest and most beautiful structures to date. As you step in for a private tour, you'll be dazzled by its centuries-old, hand-painted frescoes.  

• Panoramic Walking Tour (Corfu, Greece) There's something about Corfu's enchanting beauty that sweeps across its colorful pastel vistas. Spend a day exploring this romantic island with pristine white beaches, fabled Esplanade, UNESCO Site of the Old Town, Vlacherna Monastery, Monastery of the Virgin and its small museum, the tiny Pontikonisi Island, and the Church of St. Spyridon. One thing you can't afford to miss is a delicious Greek lunch in one of several Corfiot villages.  

• Zadar Hinterland and Krka National Park (Zadar, Croatia) For a window into the Europe of old, visit the remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses in Zadar. The town's hinterlands have preserved original medieval architecture like the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Birth and Novigrad Homeland Museum. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Zadar's magnificent Old Town and enjoy views of picturesque seafront promenade. Lastly, explore the rich blend of natural and cultural beauty in Krka National Park.  

• Gaudi Architecture and Kitchen Table (Barcelona, Spain) View the highly-acclaimed works of Antoni Gaudí at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The centerpiece of your tour is the breathtaking sanctuary of La Sagrada Família Cathedral with its towering, distinctive exterior and fantastic views of its surroundings. For a ‘market-to-table' experience, join Viking Oceans' Executive Chef in a culinary adventure as they handpick ingredients in the local market to prepare regional dishes sure to capture your taste buds.  

• Queluz Palace Tour and Treasured Heritage Sites (Lisbon, Portugal) Adorned with spectacular gardens, Queluz Palace is one of the last magnificent rococo buildings designed in Europe. Its structure was built in the style of Versailles. Be sure to catch glimpses of the old Royal Palace after walking through the dense forest of Sintra. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to check out early 20th-century manor houses and three important UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and Praça Dom Pedro IV.  

• Treasures of Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) From the world-renowned Vatican Museums to the magnificent Colosseum, this "Eternal City" is one for the books. See the important monuments of ancient Rome, excavated town of Ostia, largest church in the world (St. Peter's Basilica), Michelangelo's famous ceiling painting in Sistine Chapel, smallest sovereign state in the world (Vatican City) and rich mosaics in public baths.  

Top 10 Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

• Viking Mars 7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Sea 9 Night Empires of the Mediterranean Departing From Koper, Slovenia (Apr 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Viking Mars 7 Night Italian Sojourn Departing From Sibenik, Croatia (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 14 Night Italy,the Adriatic & Greece Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Viking Jupiter 21 Night Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Viking Jupiter 7 Night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 28 Night Mediterranean's Iconic Shores Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 21 Night Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Viking Jupiter 14 Night Ancient Adriatic Treasures Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)

Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Departure Ports

Learn more about all of the potential departure ports for a Mediterranean cruise with Viking Oceans. Your Viking Oceans Mediterranean cruise could depart from any of the following cities:

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Tilbury (London), England

Visit London to experience history, iconic landmarks, a spectacular arts scene, world-class shopping, and so much more.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Photo Gallery for Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean Cruises

Browse our image gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from Viking Oceans. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of what's waiting for you on a Viking Oceans Mediterranean cruise vacation.

Zadar, Croatia

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Architecture in Barcelona, Spain

Queluz Palace in Lisbon, Portugal

Astronomical Clock in Venice, Italy

Vlacherna Monastery in Corfu, Greece

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From ancient Rome to Moorish Spain, classical Greece to the Holy Land, the empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy—set amid unmatched beauty. Admire the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, the vineyards of Provence, the élan of Barcelona and more.

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Highlights of mediterranean cruises.

Join Viking and discover a region awash in culture and history. Civilization is said to have begun and evolved on these shores, whether as the birthplace of democracy or science or with the refinement of wine or art. From the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Sicily to the ancient past of Greece and Israel, Viking reveals millennia of history to you during our many journeys along these fabled waters. Here is a sample of what you can look forward to on a Mediterranean voyage:

• Rome’s monumental Colosseum and Pantheon
• Vatican City’s glorious St. Peter’s Basilica
• Tuscany’s hilltop medieval towns
• Classical Athens, birthplace of democracy
• The architectural brilliance of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
• The fine flavors of Italy’s Chianti and Portugal’s port
• Venice’s romantic, car-free lanes and alleys
• The magnificently preserved walled city of Dubrovnik
• Breathtaking beauty of the Greek Islands
• The holy city of Jerusalem

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Viking Empires of the Mediterranean Cruise Excursions: Tips and Ratings

V isiting fascinating sites while traveling in relaxing comfort are hallmarks of a Viking Ocean Cruise. Besides the wonderful onboard experiences, the option of a varied menu of excursions in each port is a key benefit for many. Viking does not disappoint. On Viking’s Empires of the Mediterranean cruise (between Athens and the Venice outskirts), my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the excursions. Viking offers various excursions, including historical sites; local farms and estates; scenic boat rides; factory visits; and active options like hiking or biking. Something for just about everyone. This article outlines the excursions we went on and rates each experience.

There is always one “included” excursion in each port and many “optional” excursions. On our cruise, there were 3-10 “optional” excursions at each destination. We opted to take some “included” and some “optional” trips.

For more details and tips about traveling on Viking Ocean ships, please read Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide . For more details and tips on choosing Viking excursions, please read Viking Ocean Cruises Excursions: What You Need to Know .

Choosing Viking Ocean Excursions

A few key criteria for selecting excursions aboard a Viking cruise ship are outlined below.

Weighing Your Options

When selecting excursions, after deciding on what to see, it’s helpful to weigh:

• the duration of each choice (they typically span anywhere from 2 to 8 hours), 
• the activity level (they range from easy to demanding),
• how far a bus ride was to/from an excursion destination,
• costs of excursions, and
• how energetic you usually are.

Activity Levels

• Easy (e): Expect mostly even ground, although there may be a few steps or inclines. There shouldn’t be more than 1.5 hours of walking or standing time.
• Moderate (m): Expect longer walking paths with some steps, uneven ground, or inclines and between 1.5 and 3 hours of total walking or standing time.
• Demanding (d): Expect more challenging activities, including walking, hiking, or water sports, with the possibility of many steps or steep inclines. Some demanding excursions may top 3 hours of walking or standing.

Signing Up for Excursions

Sign up for excursions online at MyVikingJourney . com when your booking window opens. These windows depend on your stateroom category level, as shown below. 

• Owner’s Suite—107 days from the sail date
• Explorer Suites—97 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Junior Suites—87 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—77 days from the sail date
• Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—67 days from the sail date
• Veranda Staterooms—60 days from the sail date

Mark the date on a calendar to be ready to book excursions when the window opens. Some excursions fill up quickly. 

Some Excursion Overviews and Ratings

T his cruise can travel from Venice (Fusina) to Athens or in reverse order, beginning in Athens and ending in Venice (Fusina). Our embarkation point was Athens, so this list of excursions begins from that point. Note that this cruise does not include any time in Venice. If you want to visit that before or after, sign up for an extension to your cruise or tour it independently .

“Your results may vary,” is a famous disclaimer in product sales pitches on TV.  I include that because the same is valid for traveling and specific excursions. Let me explain. Your reaction may differ from mine because my ratings are based on my experience that included a specific tour guide. Tour guides differ, of course, in their personal style and the depth of their explanations. Having said that, let’s get to the excursions!

My ratings of excursions are based on 5 stars being the best.

Athens, Greece (Piraeus port)

Tip: If planning to take the “included” tour and want to see the Athens Acropolis, verify if you will be viewing it from below or actually visiting it. I heard some complaints on our trip from passengers who expected to tour the Acropolis but could only view it briefly from a distance on their tour. Things may have changed, of course, but it’s worth verifying if visiting it is essential to you. We had visited Athens in the past, so we opted for a tour of Corinth.

Ancient Corinth & Canal

Duration: 5 hours | Activity Level:  medium | “Optional Excursion”

The bus trip took us to the Corinth Canal, which we viewed from a bridge above. This was an engineering feat for the time (19th century) as it created a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth. This was a short stop (with a bathroom break) for viewing and taking pictures.

After visiting the canal, we drove to the archeological site of ancient Corinth for a guided tour of the ruins. We had a detailed briefing on the ruins (whose acropolis predates that of Athens by over 100 years) and then toured the small museum on site. The bus trip was about one hour each way (and is included in the overall excursion time).

Excursion Rating 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Seeing the Corinth Canal was interesting, but the main attraction was the ancient city of Corinth. The tour of Corinth was detailed and included highlights of the ruins that still remain, as well as an overview of the Apostle Paul’s time here. Our group spent time in the small museum (with the tour guide), which helped add some context to the site.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s secret wine routes .

Duration: 5.5 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Optional” excursion

This excursion takes you by bus to three wineries – and one, Santos, with breathtaking views – to sample their wines and visit their exhibits and shops. You’re welcome to purchase wine to enjoy back on the ship. (Viking bartenders are happy to uncork your wine at no charge.) After our tastings, we went to beautiful Oia for some free time before returning to the port. Note that visiting Santorini requires a tender boat ride from and back to the ship. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ This was a relaxing way to spend a few hours learning about local winemaking with a quick visit to Oia (which can get very crowded during peak season).

Katakolon, Greece

Ancient olympia & magna grecia farm.

Duration: 5 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Optional” excursion

Ancient Olympia is the site of the first Olympiad in 776 BC (and spanning the years to 393 AD). With a local guide, walk through the ruins to view key landmarks like the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the stadium that held over 40,000 spectators. This excellent tour explained the operation of this vast ancient athletic complex. 

After touring the ancient site, we drove to Magna Grecia Farm, where we had a guided tour of the facility, wine tastings, and lunch with classic Greek fare and wine. During lunch, we were treated to a traditional Greek dance demonstration and invited to join in. There’s a large store here selling wines, t-shirts, pottery, soaps, and more. You can have your purchases shipped to your home. The bus ride was about 45 minutes from Katakolon to ancient Olympia (and is included in the overall excursion time).

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Ancient Olympia was fascinating and entailed a larger expanse than we had originally imagined. It was also interesting to see archaeologists work on uncovering even more treasures. The trip to Magna Grecia Farm was enjoyable, and the lunch was filling.

Corfu, Greece

Panoramic corfu & old town walking tour.

Duration: 3 hours | Activity Level: medium | “Included” excursion

This tour included a short bus ride to Kanoni to enjoy a scenic view, a walking tour of Corfu’s Old Town , and some free time in town to visit sites, shop, or grab a bite to eat. The tour guide gave us a time to meet back on the bus for a ride to the ship. Otherwise, she said we could walk back to the ship independently and explained how to do that. (The 3 hours included the free time, so the stop for the scenic view and the walking tour didn’t take much time.)

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The walking tour was short but informative. I decided to explore on my own and walk back to the ship (which was easy). I visited the Old Fortress , which was interesting and offered incredible views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Note that there are many stone steps (with railings) to reach the top vantage point for the views. 

Overall, I’d give this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ if you know what else you want to visit in Old Town and want to walk there. I chose this excursion because we had just had 2 days of lengthy excursions, and I didn’t want to be too busy every day.

Kotor, Montenegro

Walking tour of kotor.

Duration: 1.5 hours | Activity level: medium | “Included” excursion

This was an interesting walking tour of the town, learning about Kotor’s history and stopping at key places. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The tour was great, and it did exactly what we wanted it to: give us an overview of the town. The tour guide also provided ideas for how to spend the rest of our time there. We explored more of the town independently and walked along the bayside promenade (outside the Old Town). All in all, the Old Town is charming, and the whole bay area is breathtakingly beautiful. 

NOTE: Had we realized that we would dock right on the edge of the Old Town, be able to walk right off the ship to the Old Town, and be docked there until later that evening, we may have opted to consider a longer excursion somewhere else – knowing that we’d have time to explore the Old Town on our own afterward. However, we were happy with our decision and have no regrets. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s fortification: a city wall walk.

Duration: 2.75 hours | Activity level: demanding | “Optional” excursion

After a bus ride to the city walls, a local guide led us on a walking tour of the stone ramparts, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 1200s. This tour was fascinating as we could catch incredible views of the Adriatic Sea, a fortress, and the Old Town within the walls. It was interesting to learn about what life was like long ago – and in modern times – living within an encased community. After descending the stairs, our guide continued the tour along some of the streets in the Old Town.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ This was a very interesting tour  – despite the heavy rain pouring down on us! After the tour, we would have liked to stroll the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare, but the heavy rain made us rethink our plans, and we headed back to the ship. 

Note that Viking provided a bus shuttle service from the ship to downtown throughout the day. We could have taken that back at any time before the ship left, but we decided not to. (We were thankful for the heated bathroom floors back on the ship as we could dry our things out afterward. Of course, there are dryers in the onboard launderettes, too.) 

Zadar, Croatia

Paklenica national park hike.

Duration: 5 hours | Activity level: demanding | “Optional” excursion

The hike in picturesque Paklenica National Park included incredible vistas of majestic mountains, caverns, and an old mill – most of the time following a meandering stream. We hiked up many stone steps and inclines, stopped for a snack (a sandwich and a piece of fruit) from the ship, and hiked back down. The hiking guide had trekking poles we could use, and they sure came in handy for me. I found the stone steps a bit slippery and appreciated having extra support while coming down the well-worn stone steps. The bus trip is about 45 minutes one way (and that time is included in the excursion duration).

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ The hike was so enjoyable because of the incredible scenery, but also for the chance to see mountain climbers in action. (This is a popular destination for mountain climbers, and our guide explained the different ratings for mountain climbing and the gear involved.) It was nice to experience a different excursion, too, as we mainly had spent our time up to this point exploring historical sites. 

Koper, Slovenia

Panoramic slovenian coast & farmers market.

Duration: 4.5 hours | Activity level: medium | “Optional” excursion

This excursion involved a bus ride to three towns: Izola (for a photo stop), Piran (for a walking tour and some free time), and Padna (farmers’ market). We spent most of the time in Piran with an enjoyable guided tour and time to visit key sights, stop for a bite at an outdoor café on the busy square, or shop. After Piran, we went to Padna and were given vouchers to “purchase” locally produced bread, cheeses, and meat as well as other edible goods. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ The best part of this excursion was our time in the lovely seaside Piran, which is where we spent the majority of the time. Our visit to Padna was disappointing because the “farmers’ market” was a small area with a few vendors set up just for bus tours. This was not the traditional farmers’ market I had envisioned. And there were no other sights to visit in Padna, as it appeared to be primarily residential. 

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Kotor, Montenegro: Old World Charm and Stunning Scenery

Final Thoughts

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard our Viking Ocean ship and appreciated the extensive excursion options. Overall, we found the local tour guides knowledgeable and interested in providing a positive experience for the guests. We have already booked another Viking Ocean cruise and look forward to exploring many more exciting places in other areas of the world. 

Feel free to share your experiences aboard the Empires of the Mediterranean cruise. Your thoughts could help other cruisers. Thanks! 🙂

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Expeditions
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Iconic Western Mediterranean

• From $2,799
• 5 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia) Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona

Iconic Western Mediterranean Map

Explore France’s Riviera & Tuscany

France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille, and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Best of Barcelona

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Pre: Barcelona

From $799 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $899 | 2 Nights

From $999 | 2 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

From $1,999 | 3 Nights

Post: Parma & Bologna

From $2,199 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

Post: Best of Rome

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Italian Renaissance
• - History of France
• - History of Spain
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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• Save $500-$800 per couple
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Our enhanced air program makes the travel planning process even easier by offering the best flight options at exclusive pricing with industry leading airlines, more control of your flight itinerary, and complimentary roundtrip airport transfers.

Viking Air Travel Services

Should you wish to book your airfares through Viking Cruises, please contact our reservation team. Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own air arrangements.

Flight Offers Terms & Conditions

Applicable for bookings made between 26 December 2023 – 28 March 2024.

• For selected 2025/2026 River voyages in Europe and Southeast Asia, included flights are in Economy Class on Viking’s choice of airline and from selected major gateway cities in Australia and New Zealand: ADL/AKL/BNE/CBR/CHC/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/MEL/OOL/PER/SYD/WLG.
• A $500pp surcharge applies for peak season flights to Europe. High season is defined as flight departures from Australia/New Zealand from 1 June – 15 September & 10 – 31 December. There is no high season surcharge for Included Flights to Southeast Asia.
• Guests can upgrade to business class or premium economy (booked through Viking) with AU$2,300pp off the Europe and AU$1,400pp off the Southeast Asia business/premium economy airfare. Upgrade flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking.
• Guest must return their air form to Viking within 14 business days of receiving request for flights, otherwise Viking reserve the right to remove the free air promo and apply the respective in lieu of flights discount. Once flights are booked, guest/agents have 72 hrs to respond otherwise tickets will be issued and then normal change and cancellation fees apply.
• If guest/agent cancels booking once flights are ticketed, an airline cancellation fee of $300pp will apply. Airline cancellation fee will be deducted from guests’ booking deposit, combined with the Viking cancellation fee of AU$100pp, with the remaining funds issued back to guests in the form of a Future Cruise Voucher.
• Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 28 March 2024.

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Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Russia Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-13 05:34

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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Moscow - user reviews and comments

Things to Do in Moscow in 2024

Top 30 things to do and explore in Moscow during your visit.

We have compiled a list of the top things to do during your stay in Moscow.

The list features all kinds of activities ranging from museums (State Historical Museum and Tretyakov Gallery) and theaters (The Bolshoi Theater) to various attractions (the Moscow Kremlin, and Red Square) and districts of Moscow (Patriarch Ponds and the modern City Skyscrapers district).

1 . Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye Park is one of the most notable attraction points in Moscow located steps away from the Read Square. It is famous for its “flying bridge” hanging over Moscow River. The bridge has become one of the top places to take a “selfie” in the city thanks to its killer views of the Kremlin and Moscow River.

Zaryadye is the only new park that was built in the center of Moscow during the past 200 years. The project was completed in close collaboration with Diller Scofidio + Renfro studio famous for their work on “The High Line”park in Manhattan.

It took 4 years and close to $800mln to construct the park.

In addition to the bridge, Zaryadye features several museums, a souvenirs store and several restaurants. There is a tourist center building where you can buy a ticket to one of their exhibitions or ask a question at the tourist info desk.

2 . Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

Sparrow Hills is an area that covers around 15,000 square feet (1,375 square meters) around Moscow State University. It is located 200 meters above sea level and has one of the best observation points of Moscow. Sparrow Hills observation point is remarkable for the fact that you can see 6 out of 7 Stalin era sky scrapers from there (including the building of Moscow State University).

You can use cableway to decent directly to the Luzhniki Park located across Moscow River from here. The cableway has 35 cabins. One way ticket will cost you around 400 Rubles (about $4).

3 . Patriarch Ponds

Patriarch Ponds is referred to as Moscow Soho district that has some of the most expensive real estate prices in the city, high class restaurants and fashion boutiques. The area is famous for its pond that has a nice adjacent walking area.

Patriarch Ponds was mentioned in of the chapters of the well-known novel called “The Master and Margarita” written by Bulgakov. By the way, the writer actually spent his childhood in the neighborhood.

4 . Moscow City (skyscrapers district)

Moskva City (translated as Moscow City ) is a modern business district also known as Moscow International Business Center famous for its sky scrapers. Here you’ll find the tallest building in Europe called The Federation Tower.

The district has lots of restaurants, several hotels and observation points located on the 89th floor of "Federation Tower" and 58th floor of "Imperia Tower". If you are looking for some great views of the city - also checkout the restaurant called Sixty located on the 60th floor of "Federation Tower".

Moscow City is located at the “Delovoy Tsentr” (or Mezhdunarodnaya) metro station. It takes around 10 minutes and 5 stations to get there from the “Aleksandrovsky Sad” metro station located steps away The Red Square.

5 . Ostozhenka District

Ostozhenka is considered to be the golden mile of Moscow with the highest real estate prices. This modern district stands out from other parts of the city with its modern architecture not typical for the rest of Moscow.

As stated by one of the leading real estate companies on the local market, in 2018 average apartment purchase amount value in Ostozhenka area was around $3mln. The most expensive apartment for rent was available for close to $50k per month.

6 . Frunzenskaya neighborhood

Frunzenskaya is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Moscow. It is located right across the river from the Gorky Park and just minutes away from the famous Luzhniki Stadium.

The area is full of green in summer and it's a great place for various outdoor activities like walking or jogging.

Here you can rent an e-scooter at one of numerous rental points spread along Moscow River embankment. You can walk or ride towards Kremlin along the river and enjoy the city.

7 . Moscow aquarium

Moscow aquarium located at the premises of VDNKH Park called “Mosquarium” features 80 tanks with more than 12,000 sea animals. Lots of rare tropical fishes include arapaima from the Amazon River, clown fishes and cowfishes. Their neighbors include star fishes, caimans, sharks, piranhas, several kinds of octopus and jellyfish.

There are several pools at “Mosquarium” where they offer swimming sessions with dolphins. Check the aquarium’s website to get the latest schedule of their shows and pricing.

8 . Luzhniki Stadium

Luzhniki is the biggest sports park in the central part of Moscow. The park was completely renovated to host FIFA World Cup 2018. The renovation included Moscow River embankment adjacent to the park, the main stadium, sports fields, restaurants, swimming pools and shops.

New landscape design made Luznhiki Park much greener by planting more than 50,000 new bushes and more than 1,000 trees. Luzhniki is a great place for rollerblading, jogging or just taking a walk along Moscow River. The area has many open air street workout facilities and a large playground for the kids.

There is a cableway that you can use to cross Moscow River and get directly to Sparrow Hills, the area adjacent to Moscow State University.

9 . GUM Department Store

GUM constructed in the early 1800s was the biggest and most famous department store in USSR. Today it remains one of the oldest department stores in Europe. GUM is famous for its skating rink that opens every winter and attracts both locals and tourists.

10 . The Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Moscow that is part of the State Historic Museum. The convent was originally constructed in 1524 and today consists of a museum, cathedral and cemetery.

The convent’s museum holds unique collection of church icons, ancient Russian paintings and jewelry. Older part of the cemetery is the final resting place for many famous Russian people like Chekhov, Gogol and Khrushchev.

11 . Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow is considered the main cathedral of Russia. The original cathedral was built in the 19th century as a memory to those who died during French invasion of Russia in 1812. It took 41 years to construct the building.

The cathedral was fully demolished and replaced by a public pool called “Moscow” during Soviet times following the order of Joseph Stalin.

The pool was closed in 1994 and the new version of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior with its own museum has been fully constructed by 1999.

12 . State Historical Museum

State Historic Museum is one of the best places to explore Russian history. It is located on the southern side of Red Square and has over 4 million works. The museum employs almost 900 people and its visited by almost 1.4 million tourists annually.

The museum is famous for its sixth century manuscripts, ancient gold artifacts, artworks owned by the Romanov dynasty members and millions of ancient coins.

Entrance tickets cost 1200 Rub (about $20) if you decide to purchase them online and include a personal audio guide in English, French, Chines, Spanish and Russian.

13 . The State Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery has the most comprehensive collection of Russian painting, sculpture and graphics art works. The famous arts museum was founded in 1856 by the Tretyakov brothers - Pavel and Sergy. Pavel started to collect his paintings in 1856 an initially kept them at his house in Lavrushin Lane that has later turned into the main museum building.

Today Tretyakov Gallery has about 180,000 works available to general public.

14 . The Moscow Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin occupies around 69 acres (about 28 hectares) in the center of Moscow surrounded by walls that are more than 1.4 miles long (about 2.3 kilometers). Inside you’ll find 5 squares, lots of ancient buildings like churches and palaces as well as 20 towers.

Most of the towers were constructed by Italian workers that were invited to Moscow by Ivan the Great who ruled the country for almost 43 years. The most famous tower is called “Spasskaya” (Savior) Tower.

The official residence of the President of Russia is located inside the Senate building at the premises of Kremlin as well.

15 . Danilovsky Market

Danilovsky is one the oldest and most popular modern markets in Moscow. Inside you'll find lots of farmers selling all kinds of products. The market is also famous for its restaurants serving various streetfood as well as dishes from around the world.

16 . Garage Museum of Contemporary Art

Garage Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the heart of Moscow's Gorky Park, one of the capital's most vibrant and popular public spaces.

The museum's location within Gorky Park adds to the museum's allure, as visitors can enjoy a day of art immersion followed by a leisurely stroll in the scenic surroundings, which offer a plethora of other recreational activities.

17 . Depo Food Mall

Depo is one of the biggest food malls in Europe opened at the premises of the reconstructed Soviet tram depot. The food court located at Depo features dousens of restaurants with various cuisines.

Since its opening, Depo has drawn food lovers from Moscow and beyond, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for culinary exploration and socialization.

18 . The Central Market

Central Market takes 3 floors of a building located in one of the central parts of Moscow steps away from Trubnaya metro station. Two upper floors of the building are dedicated to restaurants and a food court area. The market area where you can by fruits, vegetables and other groceries is located at the ground level.

19 . Flotilla Radisson Royal Cruises

Radisson Royal Fleet offers daily all year round Moscow River cruises on one of their comfortable yachts. The cruises allow tourists to see all the key Moscow attractions like the Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent and St. Basil's Cathedral from the water.

Guests can pick their tickets depending on the level of comfort and privacy.

20 . Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary located in the center of Moscow is the biggest catholic cathedral in Russia. There are just two catholic cathedrals in Moscow including this one. The second one is the Church of St. Louis of the French located on Malaya Lubyanka 12/7.

The cathedral is famous for its neo-gothic architecture and offers Mass in different languages that include Russian, Korean, English, Polish, French and Spanish.

21 . Red Square

Red Square covers an area of around 1300 feet by 490 feet (330 by 70 meters) in the center of the Moscow located right outside Kremlin walls. In Russian the square is called “Krasnaya Ploshad”. The first word is translated as “red” which also means “beautiful” in Old Russian.

Lenin’s Mausoleum and the most notable department store of USSR called GUM are just some of the additional attraction points you’ll find here.

22 . The Grand Kremlin Palace

Explore The Grand Kremlin Palace that was constructed as permanent Moscow residence for the emperor’s family when the capital of Russia was located in Saint Petersburg. You can often see its magnificent reception halls on TV during major official events including the president’s inauguration.

23 . New Arbat

New Arbat is a modern avenue located in the heart of the city parallel to another famous street called Old Arbat. New Arbat has been fully reconstructed and now has a comfortable pedestrian area full of cafes and restaurants. It takes around 10 minutes to get here from the Kremlin area by foot.

24 . Gorky Park

Gorky Park has become one of the city’s main recreational areas after going through over $500 million reconstruction. Located at the embankment of Moscow River the park features restaurants, a museum of contemporary art called Garage, beach volley ball area, open air sculptures museum called Muzeon and an excellent pedestrian area.

25 . The Bolshoi Theater

Bolshoi Theater is located at the Theater Square along with other two famous theaters: Russian Academic Youth Theater and Mali Theater. Bolshoi was opened in 1856 and remains one of the main symbols of Russia. It’s a great place to spend an evening enjoying one of its high class ballet and opera performances.

Some of ballet performances at Bolshoi Theater scheduled to take place in 2024 include Nutcracker and Ivan the Terrible.

26 . Saint Basils Cathedral

During Soviet times communist party had a plan to clear the Red Square from “unnecessary” buildings. This would allow to free additional space in the heart of Moscow required to hold parades.

One of Stalin’s close associates Lazar Kaganovich decided to deconstruct and remove Saint Basil’s Cathedral. He ordered to create the Red Square model without the cathedral in order to persuade Stalin to support his idea.

After exploring the area model without Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Stalin made a very strict remark: “Lazar, get the cathedral back!” This historic remark saved one of the symbols of Russia.

27 . The Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is the backbone of the city's public transportation network. It handles over 6 million passengers daily and provides frequent train services with minimal wait times, all year round.

28 . All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKH)

All-Russian Exhibition Center was originally opened as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV) to showcase the achievements of the national economy of the USSR.

The exhibition covers an area of more than 2 square kilometers and includes more than 400 buildings, each with its own unique architectural style and purpose.

29 . Ostankino Television Tower

With a staggering height of 540.1 meters (1,772 ft), Ostankino Television Tower was the tallest free-standing structure in the world at the time of its completion in 1967, a title it held until the completion of the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, in 1976.

30 . Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve is located about 30 minutes away from the center of Moscow by car. It comprises a magnificent palace complex, lush gardens, scenic ponds, and a vast array of decorative bridges, all designed in a captivating blend of Russian and Gothic architecture.