cruise
View of the Gulf of Naples from Posillipo Hill
ESSENTIALS
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When to go: The best time for this route is spring and autumn, to avoid the Mediterranean sun at its strongest. April and October offer plenty of dry days that lend themselves to sightseeing, with maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 68F. Alternatively, consider November and December to see some Christmas sparkle. Currency: Euro and Turkish Lira Language: Turkish, Greek and Italian with English widely spoken Getting around: Larger cities including Istanbul, Athens and Naples have metro systems that connect the ports to historic districts in a matter of minutes. Buses are widely available, but in smaller ports, a taxi is the fastest and most reliable way to travel.
BOOK IT NOW
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Take the trip! Book your stateroom for this 15-day Istanbul to Rome sailing and discover Viking’ s inclusive value for yourself with complimentary onboard amenities. Departs October 31, 2026, on Viking Jupiter from Istanbul, Turkey.
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Contact our travel agency to book your trip.
Naples
The best way to discover the birthplace of pizza and puttanesca is to hop from piazza to piazza— visitors can dine at the world’ s oldest pizzeria, established in 1830, before sweetening things up with a sfogliatelle pastry.
Eating your way through town is one way to fill a day. Heading out of the city to some spectacular sights is another. Start with the ruined Roman city of Pompeii, which met a dramatic end in 79 C. E. as the pyroclastic flows of Vesuvius buried the people, animals, mosaics and buildings, preserving them for thousands of years. Herculaneum, a Roman seaside resort, suffered a similar fate, and both can be discovered in one trip.
If the Amalfi Coast calls, the cliff-clinging towns and limoncello-laced desserts are only a one-hour-and-20- minute drive from the port. Sorrento, known for its artisans, acts as a gateway to the region: lace, ceramics and woodwork are all options for a bespoke souvenir.
A ferry from Salerno across turquoise waters takes you to the region’ s namesake town, Amalfi. Be sure to spend a few hours roaming its stepped streets and exploring its Norman-Arab-Byzantine cathedral. image: getty. map illustration: lis watkins
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