Shhh, here’s how to get the best deal during the Quiet Season
The Thinking Person’s Cruise Line
How to explore the best of the Mediterranean Quiet Season
Exploring the Mediterranean before the crowds start to thicken is becoming increasingly popular amongst cruisers, switching peak season for a calmer, more leisurely experience. Capturing that magic without having to share it is now easier with Viking’s eight quiet season itineraries for 2025 and 2026 voyages.
Contending with the typical stampede of sightseers in the Mediterranean’s busiest months may be exciting and full of surprises, with longer daylight hours and idyllic weather. But the real value often lies outside of peak season. You’ll get to explore the stunning coastlines of France, Ita
The Quiet Season in Europe
Stretching from fall to spring, European cities aren’t as weighted with crowds during these months, revealing the abundant charms, restorative nature and unforgettable experiences in a way that’s harder to glean when you’ve got throngs of people to weave through.
Cooler, comfortable weather, less wait times at historic landmarks and a calmer atmosphere in cities like Athens and Barcelona is a major appeal for cruisers during the Quiet Season. Best of all, you’ve got more space to explore on your shore excursions, offering you a bigger, brighter window into Europe’s most magical moments.
Make your own mark on the Mediterranean with Viking’s Quiet Season itineraries, each cleverly designed to maximise your time both on land and at sea.
Uncover the Renaissance wonders of Florence, pierce the wine-loving heart of Tuscany, enjoy a leisurely pace in Dubrovnik, and uncover the ancient archaeological sites of Ephesus in Turkey. Europe’s iconic beats offer a bounty of memories, but there’s so much more to explore when you subtract the crowds and add the precious gift of time.
As you sail past fairytale-like castles and iconic cities, you’ll be pampered between port calls as the world-renowned Viking staff see to your every need. It’s a beautiful, relaxing way to see Europe without limits, giving you a trip that’ll stay with you for a lifetime.
Itineraries designed to explore deeper
Viking’s Quiet Season itineraries offer the greatest hits of Europe, peppered with off-beat excursions that’ll help you dip deeper into ancient cities like Rome, Athens, Casablanca, Seville, and more.
Malta, Morocco & The Mediterranean:
From $12,695pp*
Set sail on an epic 16-day adventure as you trace the routes of centuries-old mariners with 9 tours across 7 countries. Begin your journey in the picturesque medieval lanes of Barcelona before eating through the restaurants of Royal Plaza. The pace sets the scene for vastly changing scenery, from the ancient North African cities of Algiers, Tunis and Casablanca, to the vibrant rhythms of Seville, Alhambra and Granada. Europe’s greatest hits reveal richer details and unforgettable scenes when you’re not contesting with the tourist crowds.
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Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey:
From $9,995pp*
Experience 15- days of the Adriatic coast, capturing all the essential slices of the Mediterranean, like the actual slices of Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and the ancient beauty of the Greek Islands. With a large scope of Europe’s most magical towns, focus in on Chioggia just outside of Venice, discover the blockbuster charms of Dubrovnik, and visit the Temple of Zeus in Athens across 12 different tours. You’ll also explore hidden secrets like Cephalonia, famous as the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and Corfu with its dramatic fortresses and historic monasteries.
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Iconic Western Mediterranean:
From $5,495pp*
Discover ancient cities, grand castles, and Renaissance treasures as you hop between Spain, France, and Italy with this culturally rich 8-day adventure with 5 in-depth tours. The evocative architecture of Barcelona and the quaint villages of Southern France resonate deeper with immersive experiences designed to bring you closer to Europe’s greatest hits. Be inspired by Catalonian and Tuscan art, soak up the history of Montpellier, admire the views of Marseille, and luxuriate in the glamorous Monte Carlo, all before ending in Italy with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the boundless allure of Florence and the landmarks of Rome.
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Greek Odyssey:
From $8,495pp*
See the best of the Greek Islands on this 11-day journey through the Aegean Sea with 8 unforgettable tours. Reflect on the birth of democracy atop the contemplative Acropolis Hill in Athens before enjoying exceptional Greek cuisine in the historic Plaka District. Once settled into your stateroom, Viking will take you on a soulful journey through ancient cities and hidden gems where spectacular monasteries unlock the legacy of the Byzantine Empire. Thread through the blue-domed buildings of Santorini and visit the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes before sampling local olive oil in Crete and hiking through the coast of Nafplio.
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Ancient Mediterranean Treasures:
From $5,495pp*
With half of your trip spent in Turkey and the other half in Greece, this 8-day, 6-tour adventure on the Aegean Sea tracks the birth of civilisation with glorious Byzantine treasures, ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites and impactful islands like Rhodes and Crete. Spend two days wrapped in the majesty of Istanbul before travelling to the humbling ruins of Gallipoli. Scale the monumental history behind Athens and take part in a traditional Greek cooking class.
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Journey to Antiquities:
From $5,495pp*
Uncover the tragedy of Pompeii and learn about the fall of the Minoan kingdom as you travel from Rome to Athens on this bountiful 8-day cruise, with 5 tours designed to get you closer to Europe’s best bits. Dine in the piazzas of Messina and watch the Ionian Sea float by from your stateroom. Visit Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved cities, before admiring what remains of Epidarus. And to think it all started with a quick coin toss in the Trevi fountain, only to end with deep reflection atop Acropolis Hill.
Book NowImmersive included shore excursions
Viking’s thoughtful shore excursions offer a chance for deeper cultural immersion so you leave these destinations with stronger memories and a richer understanding of Europe’s many stories. And what’s more, guests can enjoy a complimentary excursion at every port – it’s all a part of Viking’s all-inclusive pricing.
Find inspiration at Casablanca
More than 100,000 worshippers can fit into the Minaret and courtyard of the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the largest outside of Mecca. Overlooking the Atlantic, this masterpiece is just one part of what makes Casablanca so special, with the ancient North African city hiding some of the world’s greatest triumphs. Viking takes you on a journey through this storied destination, where neo-Gothic wonders help unravel a great deal of religious history while Moorish buildings frame markets flecked with moreish local delicacies.
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Mostar’s Old Bridge
After taking a scenic drive with your local guide through Bosnia-Herzegovina and exploring Počitelj, a hillside village that miraculously escaped major damage during the conflict of 1990s, you’ll end up in Mostar. Multiple faiths have coexisted here for decades, adding powerful symbolism to the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Bridge. This Islamic arched span trails over the Neretva River. Visit historic bazaars, Turkish public baths and beautiful churches before your guide brings you back to Dubrovnik.
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Experience the rolling hills of Tuscany
Tuscany’s famously serene landscape is all yours as Viking takes you through the historic hillside town of San Gimignano, where the world’s best gelato is as essential as climbing the medieval town’s 14 towers. Architecture fans will marvel at the impressively preserved buildings before having a pinch-yourself moment with lunch on a nearby Tuscan farm. Winery tastings and produce-forward feasts are lifted by spectacular views of San Gimignano, giving you an immersive overview of this UNESCO World Heritage slice of Tuscany.
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Sample the flavours of Santorini
Make your palette sing with the fresh flavours of Greek cuisine as you explore Santorini’s stunning cobblestone streets. Explore a spectacular ancient city and its many villages before toasting the good life at a local winery. Admire visually sumptuous frescoes and wine-making cages on the storied island before sampling fine Greek tapas and taking in the postcard-perfect views from Oia. Viking gives you plenty of time to find the island’s many hidden gems, from the squares of Thira to the wine-making caves of Megalochori.
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Delight in a restorative Turkish bath
Any stress will feel a world away once you step inside a glorious hammam, or Turkish bath in the majestic city of Istanbul. Time won’t exist when you don your traditional cotton wrap and stretch out on a warm marble table, just as Turkish people have done for thousands of years, before a vigorous treatment and a reinvigorating soak. Let your soul dance to the sounds of sultans as you travel back to the golden era of the Ottoman Empire, focusing on a special part of Turkish culture.
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Discover the quaint town of Milazzo
Sicily’s hidden gems shine brighter in Milazzo, a beautiful seaside town serving as the gateway to the grand Aeolian Islands. Call into this underrated part of Italy with a guided drive through the Spanish-flavoured Old Town and bite down on local delicacies before climbing to the dramatic Milazzo Castle. This monumental structure serves as a blend of architectural ideas set against a serene courtyard. Vistas of the Calabrian coast set against the Peloritani and Nebrodi Mountains is a sight you won’t forget.
Learn MoreThe inclusions with Viking
While between ports, your bucket list adventure is broken up by the world-class amenities and acclaimed, destination-focused dining onboard your Scandinavian-inspired ship.
Innovative design, outstanding quality and diverse options will make your time at sea infinitely more enjoyable. Let culinary masters take care of your every need at one of the eight onboard restaurants, where you can enjoy complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.
You’ll get complimentary access to The Nordic Spa, where you can unwind from a day of exploring with a traditional Nordic bathing ritual. Relax in distinctive serene spaces or retreat to unparalleled staterooms and suites and enjoy free Wi-Fi so you can connect with your loved ones back home.
Extend your experience by learning from Viking’s resident historians, leading engaging talks and discussions customised to each destination so you feel a stronger connection to these historically magnificent locations.
Explore Viking’s Mediterranean Quiet Season itineraries and book today
View our complete range, availability, pricing and current offers on our website today, see your local travel agent or give our contact centre a call on 138 747 (Australia) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand).
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