8 picturesque ports to visit
<p>Cruising gives you a chance to witness some of the greatest ports in the world from a unique vantage point. We’ve put together a list containing eight of the most picturesque port experiences in the world. You won’t be disappointed when your ship docks at any of these amazing destinations.</p>
<p><strong>Venice, Italy</strong></p>
<p><img width="499" height="364" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11241/venice-italy_499x364.jpg" alt="Venice , Italy" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>What can you say about Venice that hasn’t already been said? Spectacular in every shade of light, Venice exudes the charm of the Renaissance with a stately, almost tragic beauty. On board you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the city’s tiny canals, elegant palazzos and iconic monuments. Viking Ocean Cruises feature Venice on a number of its cruise itineraries including its <a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/mediterranean-odyssey/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mediterranean Odyssey</span></strong></em></a>, <em><a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Empires of the Mediterranean</span></strong></a> </em>cruises as well as the grand, 50-day <em><strong><a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/viking-empire/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Viking Empire</span></a></strong></em> route. </p>
<p><strong>Stockholm, Sweden</strong></p>
<p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11242/stockholm-sweden_500x334.jpg" alt="Stockholm , Sweden" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>A must-hit destination on any European itinerary, Stockholm spans 14 different islands and radiates Scandinavian allure. Cruise ships coming in from the Baltic Sea enjoy an amazing vantage point to view this awe-inspiring archipelago. Admire brightly painted timber cottages nestled amid islands, islets and skerries before you disembark and explore the cobblestone streets of this historic, vibrant city. Stockholm is the end point of Viking Ocean Cruises’ <a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/barcelona-baltic-beyond/index.html#noscroll" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Barcelona, the Baltic and Beyond</span></strong></em></a> cruise, the perfect opportunity to explore this “elegant city of historic buildings, cultural gems and trendy shopping”.</p>
<p><strong>Ha Long Bay, Vietnam </strong><em>(main image)</em> </p>
<p>Ha Long Bay is one of the most-popular attractions in Vietnam, and it’s easy to see way. Translating literally to “Bay of Descending Dragons”, Ha Long Bay combines emerald waters with towering limestone islands, topped in thick jungle vegetation. Situated next to a 120 kilometre coast, some islands provide caverns for divers to explore while others support floating villages of fishermen. Viking River Cruises offers an optional pre-extension in Ha Long Bay on its <a href="http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.au/cruise-destinations/asia/magnificent-mekong/2016-hanoi-hochiminh/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Magnificent Mekong</span></strong></em></a> cruise gifting you the rare opportunity to “waken to the spectacular Ha Long Bay seascape”.</p>
<p><strong>Istanbul, Turkey</strong></p>
<p>Europe and Asia combine to make something unique in Istanbul. Exquisite man-made sights will catch your eye as you enter the Golden Horn (bay of Istanbul), including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Istanbul is a reflection of its history and cultural influences, so be sure to use all your senses as you explore this magnificent metropolis. As Viking Ocean Cruises notes, “Istanbul offers a rich canvas of fascinating sites and historic treasures”, and is featured on the <a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Empires of the Mediterranean</span></strong></em></a> and <a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/catalonia-to-constantinople/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Catalonia to Constantinople</span></strong></em></a> routes. </p>
<p><strong>Santorini, Greece</strong></p>
<p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11243/santorini-greece_500x334.jpg" alt="Santorini , Greece" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>Santorini comes into view from your cruise ship like something out of Greek mythology. Whitewash cottages sit almost haphazardly on sheer-drop cliffs chiselled out of the mountain by a violent volcanic eruption almost 3,500 years. As beautiful from a distance as it is when you’re actually standing on it, Santorini provides a spectacular vantage point to admire the Aegean Sea. Santorini is featured on the 18th day of Viking Ocean Cruises’ <a href="http://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/catalonia-to-constantinople/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Catalonia to Constantinople</span></strong></em></a> cruise, where you disembark on a local boat to view the island’s “spectacular caldera and looming cliffs”.</p>
<p><strong>Hong Kong, China</strong></p>
<p>Dense, complex, yet somehow still vibrant and beautiful, Hong Kong is a city that defies expectations. This modern metropolis is built on an ancient civilisation, and if you’re lucky enough to avoid the smog, Victoria Bay offers glorious views of a skyscraper-studded city humming with energy. Intense, chaotic, yet full of possibilities, Hong Kong is a port you must visit.</p>
<p><strong>Nassau, Bahamas</strong></p>
<p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11244/nassau-bahamas_500x334.jpg" alt="Nassau , Bahamas" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>Nassau lies on the island of New Providence and provides an island paradise that’s well worthy of you taking a quick (or extended) break from your cruise. Visitors will enjoy exploring the pristine beaches and intricate coral reefs. Teeming with Bahamian flavours, Nassau retains elements of its British past including pastel-coloured colonial buildings and the pink-hued Government House.</p>
<p><strong>Luxor, Egypt</strong></p>
<p><img width="498" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11245/luxor-egypt_498x330.jpg" alt="Luxor , Egypt" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p>
<p>Sitting on the east bank of the Nile on the site of ancient Thebes, Luxor combines the serene beauty of the Nile with the manic energy of Cairo. Admire the sunset views of this glorious location before you alight and explore what is essentially the world’s “greatest open-air museum”. History-lovers will savour the opportunity to visit the majestic Valley of the Kings on the river’s west bank.</p>
<p>THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL FEATURE</p>
