Italy, Malta, Croatia & Slovenia - NCL Viva - NEW SHIP

Day 1: Rome, Civitavechia port

Embarkation on Norwegian Viva from Rome port. The ship departs at 17:00

Day 2: Livorno, Florence

The ship arrives at Livorno port at 06:00 and departs at 18:00

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, symbolizes the wealth and power of Italy's golden age more than any other city in Italy. It offers much more than the famous leaning tower.
The Leaning Tower was designed many centuries ago as a Campanile - a free-standing bell tower of Pisa Cathedral. Although designed to be standing vertically, the tower started to lean the southeast direction shortly after its construction began.
Cathedral of Santa Marla Del Flore is the second largest cathedral in the world, capable of holding 3,000 people. Begun in 1296, it took 140 years to complete.

Day 3: Naples

The ship arrives at Naples port at 10:30 and departs at 21:00

Cruise to Naples, located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples' grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old centre will take you back centuries.

Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets. Buildings, churches, streets, ancient fortresses and castles in the sea, as well as natural caves make Naples unforgettable. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy. The margherita pizza, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, was named after Queen Margherita. The Funicular in Naples is one of the longest funicular lines in the world. 

Day 4: Messina

The ship arrives at Messina port at 08:00 and departs at 18:00

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbor, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina's Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. 

Messina, the third biggest city in Sicily, includes sights such as the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, Fontana di Nettuno and the Fort of San Salvatore.

The city was recently ranked by Forbes amongst the top five cities in the world with great street food. It was also elected the European Capital of Street Food.

Day 5: Valletta, Malta

The ship arrives at Malta port at 08.00 and departs 18.00

Explore the city of Valetta on a scenic excursion. Visit beautiful Barrakka Gardens, a landscaped public park, before taking in views of the Grand Harbour. Next, glimpse stunning Baroque and Neoclassical buildings which are cast across the city. Admire the ornate interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s world-renowned painting. Finally, explore the medieval walled city of Mdina, a maze of narrow streets and historical landmarks such as the Baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral. This incredible structure, which dates back to the 12th-century, features a wide array of striking frescoes.

Discover Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Discover the Rotunda of Xewkija, the dramatic cliffs at Sanap, and the idyllic Xlendi Bay and its famous saltwater lagoon. Weather permitting, take a swim in Hondoq Bay, celebrated for its pristine beach and aquamarine waters. Then, on your way back to port, enjoy a shopping break at the artisan Gozo Crafts’ Centre.
 
 

Day 6: Catania

The ship arrives at Catania port at 086.00 and departs 16.00

The ancient port city of Catania is situated in the shadow of the famous active volcano, Mount Etna, which dominates the landscape and is intertwined with the town's history. Steeped in a storied past, Catania's squares, cathedrals and other historic sites are a must-visit on a guided tour, as are its open-air markets and friendly cafes that offer a taste of modern life in the region. You can also journey outside Catania to explore the surrounding lava fields and unique rock formations or hike, bike or go off-roading on one of the trails crisscrossing the volcano for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Catania is famous for the after surviving a volcanic eruption and massive earthquake, in typical Italian fashion, the city rebuilt in style - Baroque style. Ironically, the building material used was lava, making it known as the "grey" city.  

Fun Fact #1 In the centre of Piazza Duomo, you can find a giant laughing elephant sculpture. The elephant has been a symbol of the city for several centuries.  

Fun Fact #2 Thanks to the volcanic minerals in the area of Catania, you can find the most delicious broccoli and other fresh fruits and vegetables in all of Sicily.
 

Day 7: Corfu

The ship arrives at Corfu port at 10.00 and departs at 18.00

One of the lushest of the Greek Isles, Corfu is rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes in the town of Corfu feels very continental, but the island's secluded coves and sandy beaches could only be found in the Greek Isles.

Famous For: Quite rich in history, Corfu is known for its green landscape and ties to Greek mythology. The town's aesthetic was heavily influenced by the Venetians.

Fun Fact: The longest influence in Corfu was the Venetians, which left their mark making it feel more like an Italian town.

Day 8: Dubrovnik, Croatia

The ship arrives at Dubrovnik port at 07.00 and departs at 19.00

Despite the magnificent 13th century walls that surround the city, Dubrovnik is one of the most welcoming cruise destinations in all of Europe. Dubbed “the pearl of the Adriatic” by the poet, Lord Byron, this Croatian city exudes romantic charm and beautiful scenery with its shimmering marble streets, centuries-old buildings capped by bright orange roofs, and lovely beaches ensconced between awesome rocky ledges. 

Dubrovnik is famous for the spectacular medieval city walls which enclose Dubrovnik's Old Town are its most famous monuments, with their towers and four forts which have protected the city from Venetian and other incursions for hundreds of years.  

Fun Fact #1 Dubrovnik, being an independent state at that time, was the first nation to formally recognise the United States as a nation when it declared independence from Great Britain.  

Fun Fact #2 The necktie was invented in Croatia and is called a “cravat,” which is derived from the word “Croat.”

Day 9: Split, Croatia

The ship arrives at Split port at 06.00 and departs at 18.00

The captivating port of Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, is one of Croatia’s star-attraction cities. Immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of its old centre, admire Diocletian buildings, or wander the city’s spectacular waterfront and shade yourself under the palm trees.

Split is a vibrant city with an atmospheric old town centre. An excursion guides you into its most ancient district, home to fashionable boutiques, galleries, and cafés. At the core of Split’s old quarter is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chosen by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as his retirement residence, this vast 4th-century A.D. mansion sets the tone for the aesthetic of the neighbourhood. Afterwards, visit the St. Duje, a 4th-century cathedral featuring an Imperial Roman mausoleum and bell tower. Then, wander the narrow streets and passageways to soak up the city’s culture.

If you love magnificent landscapes, take an adventurous excursion to Krka National Park in beautiful Šibenik-Knin County. There, you’ll have the opportunity to walk among the wildlife and visit the scenic Skradinski Buk waterfall. Fed from the glorious waters of the River Krka, the waterfall cascades into a green-blue natural pool. Conclude your tour at a captivating ethnographic exhibition housed in a picturesque old mill.

Day 10: Koper, Slovenia

The ship arrives at Koper port at 096.00 and departs at 19.00

The largest town on the Slovenian coast, Koper boasts a colourful history dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome that springs to life in the Old Town. Here cruise guests can explore narrow intertwining streets lined with Istrian limestone facades. Enjoy open air festivals and plays, shop for local handicrafts, and savour the local favourites like jota soup, fish specialities and local wines.

Day 11: Trieste, Venice

The NCL Viva arrives at Treiste port at 06am