My journey began with Singapore Airlines. On arrival in Rome, Viking staff were waiting at the luggage carousel and organised the transfer to the ship, around an hour away. Check-in was seamless, and I was soon settling into Deluxe Veranda stateroom 4062.
The cabin was spacious, with a king-size bed, 42-inch television, ample storage and, importantly, a minibar and coffee machine. The bathroom featured a glass shower, heated floor and Freyja toiletries, while the veranda was perfect for a morning coffee and watching the Mediterranean go by. Wi-Fi was included, too.
Food was one of the highlights and the staff were exceptional throughout, always friendly, helpful and welcoming. World Café soon became a favourite for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of choice and particularly good seafood. I appreciated the local dishes on offer, which gave me a taste of each destination without leaving the ship.
The Chef’s Table was another highlight, with a beautifully presented five-course menu and matching wines. Manfredi’s Italian Grill also impressed. The Italian dishes were excellent, but the perfectly cooked steak deserves a special mention. It’s a meal I’d happily order again.
Between meals and shore excursions, I made good use of the Nordic Spa. Access to the facilities is included, although treatments cost extra. With a sauna, steam room, snow room, heated pool and hot tub, it was an ideal place to unwind after sightseeing. Moving from the warmth of the sauna into the bracing snow room certainly wakes you up, although I never quite got used to it!
The itinerary offered a wonderful mix of Italian and French highlights. Pisa offered the chance to see its famous Leaning Tower, while Florence delivered Renaissance art, beautiful architecture and Italian charm. As a red wine lover, I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to explore the Chianti wine region.
In France, Marseille and Sète offered more opportunities for exploring, and a day trip to Carcassonne was a standout. Its imposing medieval walls and towers made it easy to see why this historic city draws so many visitors.
One of Viking’s practical advantages is an included shore excursion at each destination. These are generally walking tours of the city or port, providing a useful introduction without needing to arrange everything yourself. For those wanting to explore further, plenty of optional excursions are available.
Viking Vesta delivered exactly what I hoped for: memorable destinations, excellent food, warm service and time to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Not a bad way to spend eight days. I can’t wait to return.
