12-Night Mediterranean Odyssey — Viking Ocean Cruises
Athens, Istanbul, Ephesus, Santorini, and Rome — the ancient world
About This Itinerary
Viking's Mediterranean Odyssey is one of the finest itineraries in ocean cruising — a 12-night journey through the ancient world that combines the grandeur of Athens and Rome with the exotic allure of Istanbul, the archaeological wonder of Ephesus, and the iconic beauty of Santorini. All shore excursions are included, and Viking's small ship size (930 guests) allows access to ports and experiences that larger ships cannot offer.
Itinerary Highlights
- ✓Athens — the Acropolis, Parthenon, and ancient Agora
- ✓Istanbul — the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar
- ✓Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world
- ✓Santorini — the world's most photographed island
- ✓Rome — the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain
- ✓All shore excursions included in the price
Route Map
7 ports of call across 12 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Board your Viking ship and explore Athens.
Windmills and beaches on the cosmopolitan Cyclades island.
The world's most iconic island — caldera views and Oia sunset.
Medieval walled city and the Lindos Acropolis.
Ancient Ephesus — one of the world's great archaeological sites.
Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
Second day in Istanbul — Topkapi Palace and Bosphorus cruise.
Sea day — The Living Room and Aquavit Terrace dining.
Sea day — The Kitchen Table cooking class.
Sea day — spa and relaxation.
Final sea day before Rome.
Disembark and explore Rome.
Ports of Call
Athens (Piraeus)
Greece · Day 1
Embarkation port — the cradle of Western civilisation.
Mykonos
Greece · Day 2
The cosmopolitan jewel of the Cyclades.
Santorini
Greece · Day 3
Dramatic caldera views and iconic white-and-blue architecture.
Rhodes
Greece · Day 4
The medieval walled city of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved in the world.
Kusadasi / Ephesus
Turkey · Day 5
Gateway to Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world.
Istanbul
Turkey · Days 6–7
The city where East meets West — the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Italy · Day 12
Disembarkation port — the Eternal City.
Shore Excursion Ideas
Ancient Ephesus Walking Tour
culturalEphesus · 4 hours
Walk through the Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre, and Temple of Artemis with an expert archaeologist guide.
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
culturalIstanbul · 4 hours
Visit two of the world's most extraordinary religious buildings in the heart of Istanbul.
Caldera Views & Wine Tasting
culinarySantorini · 4 hours
Visit the caldera rim villages and taste Santorini's unique volcanic wines.
Best Time to Sail
April through October. May and September offer the best balance of weather and crowds.
Ready to Book This Itinerary?
Tell Wendy you're interested in the 12-Night Mediterranean Odyssey with Viking Ocean Cruises and she'll take it from there.