Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

See the famous Leaning Tower and its magnificent Square of Miracles during a guided walk. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive through Tuscany to Pisa. The origins of this ancient city are unclear, but the presence of an Etruscan necropolis points to a long history. Upon arrival, set out on foot for the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will see the grand exterior of the Pisa Cathedral, a marble-clad Romanesque structure decorated with Byzantine-inspired mosaics. It is said that Galileo formulated his theory of pendulums here by observing an incense burner swinging from the ceiling. Also in the square, you will see the renowned facades of the grand circular Baptistery, the Leaning Tower and the walled Camposanto Monumentale, said to be the most beautiful cemetery in the world.

See the Leaning Tower and its magnificent Square of Miracles at a more leisurely pace during this included tour. You will join your guide for a scenic drive through Tuscany to Pisa. The origins of this ancient city are unclear, but the presence of an Etruscan necropolis points to a long history. Upon arrival, walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Pisa Cathedral, its marble-clad Romanesque facade decorated with Byzantine-inspired mosaics. It is said that Galileo formulated his theory of pendulums here by observing an incense burner swinging from the ceiling. Also in the square, you will see the grand circular Baptistery, the Leaning Tower, which took 177 years to build, and the walled Camposanto Monumentale, said to be the most beautiful cemetery in the world. After your tour, you will return to your ship.

View the splendors of the Renaissance in two of Tuscany’s most renowned cultural centers: Florence and Pisa. A scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside brings you to Florence, where you will explore on foot with your guide. Pass the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its massive dome designed by Brunelleschi, the nearby Baptistery and the Giotto’s Bell Tower. At the Piazza della Signoria, view the Palazzo Vecchio, the power center of the Florentine Republic. In the distance, you will see the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the city’s only bridge to survive World War II, and the Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. After lunch, continue to Pisa to view more architectural wonders, such as the Square of Miracles with its famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and the Camposanto Monumentale, called the world’s most beautiful cemetery.

Explore the Renaissance treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s famous David, on an enlightening excursion. You will drive through the Tuscan countryside with your guide, who will lead you past the city’s major sights on a walking tour. Marvel at the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s Dome and the nearby Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower. On the Piazza della Signoria, admire the Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of Florentine might. You will also walk to the Arno River to see the medieval Ponte Vecchio, lined today with jewelry makers and other artisans. At the Accademia Gallery, one of the city’s most prestigious galleries, you will see some of Michelangelo’s flawless sculptures, including David, his most famous, and many other great Renaissance works of art. After your explorations, you will have free time to discover more of Florence on your own.

See Florence’s treasured works of art in its spectacular public architecture and at one of its renowned museums. Drive with your guide to the Uffizi Gallery, where you will see brilliant works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and others. Your guide will share insights about some of Michelangelo’s flawless sculptures and many other great works of art. Outside, glimpse the medieval Ponte Vecchio in the distance, the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II, then set out on foot to explore the city, passing the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Baptistery, adjacent to the Giotto’s Bell Tower. See the Palazzo Vecchio overlooking Piazza della Signoria and the sculptural masterworks in the Loggia dei Lanzi. After lunch, you will have free time to explore more on your own before returning to your ship.

Stroll one of Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval cities and see renowned architecture in Pisa’s Square of Miracles. A scenic drive through Tuscany with your guide takes you to Lucca. The walls surrounding this city, built in stages from the 11th to the 17th centuries, remain completely intact. Begin your walk, following the medieval bastions and cobblestone streets past the Basilica di San Frediano and Roman amphitheater. Step inside to view the charming interior and artwork in the Cattedrale di San Martino and take time to explore on your own, then continue by motor coach to Pisa. Set out on foot for the Square of Miracles, where you will view the impressive facades of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral and circular Baptistery. During free time, you may choose to view the famous Leaning Tower or explore the Camposanto Monumentale, called the world’s most beautiful cemetery.

Experience Tuscany during a stroll through the hill town of San Gimignano and lunch at a local farm. After a scenic drive through the countryside, arrive at San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the remnants of the city’s medieval architecture, including its 14 towers—some believe they were part of the fortifications, while others think they were built to demonstrate the wealth of dueling families. Continue on foot with your guide past the elegant southern gate, or Porta San Giovanni, and walk through the Piazza della Cisterna, with its herringbone pattern of bricks, and the Piazza del Duomo, home to impressive palaces. You will have free time to browse the local shops for a memento of your visit before continuing to a nearby farm for lunch. Dine on locally sourced dishes accompanied by wine produced on the estate before returning to your ship.

Follow your own interests on this independent excursion, whether visiting must-see treasures or lesser-known gems. Transfer to the city with your escort, who will provide advice on tailoring your time here to suit your desires. You will receive a map, as well as directions to places you’d like to visit, before being dropped off in the city’s pedestrian zone. From here, all of Florence will be at your feet. Marvel at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome, which marked the beginning of the Renaissance. Browse the jewelry and artisan stalls along the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge over the Arno River. Or just linger in a piazza with espresso or a glass of chianti. At an allotted time, you will meet your escort at a prearranged location for your return to your ship.

Experience pure Tuscany with a private tour of a castle’s wine cellar and a cooking lesson in its modern kitchen. Journey through rolling countryside to a medieval estate, perched atop a hill with spectacular views. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host and introduced to the history of the castello and the family that owns it today. Visit the cellars where the wine is aged in large casks and hear about the estate's wine-making past. Accompany your private chef to the kitchen, where you will learn to make pasta dough and sauce from local tomatoes, herbs and spices. Your lesson complete, retire to the dining room for delicious hors d’oeuvres and the pasta and sauces you helped prepare. Savor it all in this authentic setting, accompanied by local wines and some delicious sweet Tuscan delicacies. Then, make the return journey to your ship through the verdant Tuscan landscape.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Explore Lucca, a small medieval town steeped in history and culture. Sheltered by the remains of the fortress walls, Lucca offers breathtaking scenery in the heart of Tuscany. Begin your tour with a scenic drive. Upon arrival, your escort will lead you to the town center. Here, you will explore on your own the pedestrianized Renaissance wall walkways, palaces and pretty piazzas. Majestically rising to dominate the skyline in the main piazza is the stunning Duomo. Admire the oval-shaped amphitheater, built on foundations of an ancient Roman site and surrounded by some of Lucca’s finest examples of ancient architecture from the 4th century. The magnificent octagonal Baptistery of St. John stands in both the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza San Giovanni. Wander the quaint streets, browse the shops and admire the picturesque surroundings before you meet up with your Viking Representative to head back to your ship.

Admire the Leonardo da Vinci Museum’s displays showcasing his works as a scholar, inventor and genius of his time. Leonardo Da Vinci completed a number of manuscripts, detailing notes and sketches on his studies of flight and civil engineering. You will visit the museum and witness reconstructions of some of da Vinci’s work. The displays bring to life da Vinci’s ideas, and there are several machines that highlight the extraordinary nature of this great mind from the Renaissance and its rebirth, over 500 years ago. Next, you continue to Lucca, a lively town surrounded by an old fortified wall. Your guide will accompany you to the historic town center, where you will then enjoy free time to stroll through the pedestrian area and discover the hidden treasures of this medieval jewel before returning to your ship.

Visit the Carrara marble quarry, which has long been a favorite of some of the world’s most famous sculptors. Begin your journey with a scenic drive from your ship toward the city of Carrara in northern Tuscany. Take in the views of the Apuan Alps as you travel toward the city’s famed marble quarries, considered a cornerstone of Western history. Upon arrival, board a 4x4 tour for an up-close view of the mines, and ascend the marble cliffs to see the quarry, the coast and the city below from a different perspective. Your guide will explain the history of the quarry and its marble, which was first quarried during Roman times and used to build famous landmarks such as the Pantheon and by renowned artists such as Michelangelo. After, you will enjoy refreshments and a taste of the local specialty lardo, a cured meat with herbs and spices, before returning to your ship.

Spend time in the heart of Florence and join a culinary guide on a gourmet journey through Tuscan cuisine. Meet your escort and transfer to Florence on a scenic ride through the countryside to the center of Florence. During your journey, you will receive hints and tips, as well as information on key sights to help you to make the most of your visit. Upon arrival, you will set out to the local market and enjoy an introduction to the key ingredients for the region’s classic dishes. After, you will set off on foot, calling at several stops to sample a selection of Tuscan delights. You will try a selection of cold meats accompanied by a glass of wine, trippa or lampredotto alla Fiorentina (tripe), Italian espresso and gelato. Afterward, you will enjoy free time to explore the center of Florence on your own, before returning to your awaiting ship.

View the splendors of the Renaissance in Florence and Pisa during a private, small group experience. A scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside brings you to Florence, where you will explore on foot with your guide. Pass the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its massive dome designed by Brunelleschi, the nearby Baptistery and the Giotto’s Bell Tower. At the Piazza della Signoria, view the Palazzo Vecchio, the power center of the Florentine Republic. In the distance, you will see the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the city’s only bridge to survive World War II, and the Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. After lunch, continue to Pisa to view more architectural wonders, such as the Square of Miracles with its famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and the Camposanto Monumentale, called the world’s most beautiful cemetery.

Journey through Tuscan landscapes to the Ligurian Riviera and enjoy a Rigid Inflatable Boat ride. Meet your guide and drive by motor coach to Lerici, where you will meet your skipper and climb on board your comfortable Rigid Inflatable Boat. After a short safety brief, you will set off along the scenic coast line of the Ligurian Riviera. Defined by rugged, dramatic cliifside landscapes and deep blue azure waters, it is one of Italy’s most distinctive coastal features. View small, tucked away bays framed by the Apennine mountains, peppered with colorful seaside villages. Your guide will explain more about the history and geology of the region as you glide alongside its picturesque shores. Step ashore in Portovenere, where you will enjoy a guided walk and lunch at a local restaurant. After free time to explore the village on your own, return to your ship.

Visit a rural farm and discover one of Tuscany’s most treasured culinary traditions—truffle hunting. Take a scenic drive by minibus, arriving at a local farm. You will be greeted by your hosts to enjoy a welcome drink and meet the farm’s friendly dogs, who will be assisting with the hunt for truffles. Set out on foot into the countryside to learn about the art of seeking out these luxury delicacies, and the sustainable practices that have been passed down through generations. Learn about the culinary importance of truffles and gain insider tips on how to recognize high-quality truffles versus inferior or artificial products. Back at the farm, enjoy an authentic farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh truffles and locally grown ingredients, accompanied by wine. After lunch, you may browse a selection of local artisanal products, before returning to your ship.

Savor authentic Italian flavors during a culinary experience, combining local traditions and hands-on cooking. Enjoy a scenic drive by motor coach through the rolling Tuscan countryside to the medieval village of Lari. Here, you will set out to explore at your own pace and discover its culinary heritage. Perhaps take a stroll through the village to explore the local produce on offer, or visit a family-owned artisanal pasta factory where generations of craftsmanship bring pasta to life. You can also take time to pause for a classic Italian espresso at a local café. Continue your excursion to a traditional farmhouse where you will learn about wine production before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on pizza cooking class. Under expert guidance, prepare your own dough, homemade tomato sauce and cook before enjoying your own creation, accompanied by wine. After, return to your ship.