Quiet Season Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Shines Brighter from Fall to Spring
While we offer Mediterranean sailings year-round, the “quiet season” — which spans from fall to spring — has a special charm that is not to be missed. Enjoy a unique opportunity to explore France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and beyond in a different light. As the cobblestone streets of these iconic destinations clear out from the peak travel months, you will find a calmer atmosphere. Plus, with fewer crowds, you can discover historic landmarks, uncover hidden gems and engage with locals at a more leisurely pace.
2025 Ocean Itineraries
Sail the azure waters of the Mediterranean to discover Italian winemaking traditions, explore ancient archaeological sites in Athens and Ephesus, soak up the glamour of Monte Carlo and more.
Iconic Western Mediterranean
Ancient Mediterranean Treasures
Journey to Antiquities
Mediterranean Antiquities
Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities
Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean
NEW! Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey
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Did You Know?Discover the many benefits of exploring the Mediterranean with us during the “quiet season.”Learn More
Pre & Post Cruise Extensions
Discover Extensions
Enjoy additional days before or after your Mediterranean itinerary to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of intriguing land extensions.
Viking Ocean Ship 360° Tour
Discover our award-winning sister ships that showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. Our all-veranda small ships are designed to bring you closer to destinations across the Mediterranean.
Take a TourRecipes
Find inspiration to recreate the flavors of the Mediterranean at home.
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Smoked Tomato Vellutata
This twist on cream of tomato soup is a sophisticated version that elevates an old favorite to an elegant indulgence. Indeed, it is velvety smooth, as its namesake “vellutata” indicates. Start with high-quality tomatoes (both canned and fresh) in their own juice, add sautéed onions and blend in cream for richness. It tastes delicious served with basil-goat cheese crostini.
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Porcini Dry-Rubbed Rib Eye
Using porcini in this rub adds an earthy quality that is both rustic and satisfying. Be sure to bring the steaks to room temperature before grilling for best results. If you are going to follow the Italian tradition to the letter, serve these rare. The peppery arugula is an excellent complement to the flavorful meat.
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View Recipe
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta
Our take on this Italian classic is light and creamy. Historically, panna cotta (“cooked cream”) was thickened with egg whites and baked, but this no-bake version uses gelatin. When whisking together the cream, chocolate and hazelnut mixture, we drizzle in a whisper of Amaretto to add a delightfully nutty flavor.
Videos
Learn about the exciting cities that await your exploration by watching selections from our Destination Insights library and Viking.TV, our award-winning enrichment channel.
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Immerse yourself in the iconic Catalonian capital of Barcelona (19:02)
Join our host, Ambassador-at-Large Jean Newman Glock, as she visits the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. Follow along as she peruses an array of colorful fruits, aromatic spices and mouthwatering delicacies in a traditional local market. Then, travel back in time to an era of knights and castles during a tour of the city's charming Gothic Quarter, followed by a visit to the breathtaking La Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the creative genius of architect Antoni Gaudí.
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Learn about our Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking’s Karine Hagen (44:46)
We invite you to revisit a episode with Karine Hagen to explore the many artistic and architectural gems you will find on our 8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean ocean journey. Highlights include the colorful works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Pisa’s famous leaning tower and the 17th-century fortress in the port city of Marseille. For art lovers, there is the opportunity to follow in van Gogh’s footsteps in southern France and discover some of the treasures of the Renaissance in Florence.
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Fresh Pasta: Fast, Fun and Easy! (5:06)
Venture into the Tuscan countryside to learn the art of making fresh pasta. Under the watchful eye of a delightful Italian mama, Karine learns the secrets of this Italian favorite.
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Love and Drama at the Acropolis (4:19)
Every culture has its tale of fated lovers. In Greece, it is Mimikos and Mary, whose romance took an unexpected turn in the shadow of the Acropolis, a story that shook Greek society.
