Explore with Viking—World Cruises

Discover the many faces of the seaside city perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlas Mountains. First, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Agadir’s Kasbah hill, more than a mile above sea level. See the ancient fortress’s massive, whitewashed walls and enjoy the sweeping views over the city below, the beautiful beaches, the promenade and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. In the city center at the foot of the hill, explore modern Agadir, a city which emerged from the 1960 earthquake with a sleek, modern face, where buildings in light colors line broad tree-lined streets. See the Lebanon and Talborjt mosques with their intricately decorated facades and ornate doors, and the Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to the victims of the earthquake. Stroll over to the small Talborjt market before returning to your ship.

Speed through the Hauraki Gulf on board an authentic America’s Cup racing yacht on this thrilling excursion. You will walk the short distance from the pier to the Viaduct Basin, where the America’s Cup yachts were formerly based. Here, you will be met by your expert crew, and provided with a safety briefing before boarding an America’s Cup yacht that was built for the 1995 challenge in San Diego. As you glide out into the waters of Auckland Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf, you will be encouraged to participate as a crew member. Take the helm, or if you are feeling energetic take charge of the grinders as you assist the crew on board. Winds permitting, you may reach speeds of up to 12 knots. After the thrill of sailing on a true racing yacht, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a panoramic drive of Auckland’s major sights and visit the Auckland Museum to learn about Māori culture. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a narrated drive, passing many of the city’s landmarks. Amid its bustling streets, modern skyscrapers stand beside restored Victorian-era buildings, coexisting in perfect harmony. In the charming suburb of Parnell, pass quaint colonial-style shops. By the Central Business District lies the Auckland Domain, the city’s largest park. Here, you will call at the Auckland Museum. Housed in one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings, it tells the nation’s story; from award-winning natural history exhibits to galleries which investigate New Zealand's cultural origins. Explore the museum’s exhibits on your own, and pay your respects at the War Memorial, located just outside. Afterward, return to your awaiting ship.

Explore the rich history and culture of Bali during a dance performance and temple visit. Meet your guide and drive to Denpasar, capital of the province of Bali. Your excursion begins with an exclusive performance of the Barong and Kris Dance, a vivid depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil, told through dazzling costumes, dynamic movements and traditional gamelan music. Next, you will continue to the Bali Museum and browse galleries featuring local art and history. Further your cultural exploration at the 14th-century Pura Maospahit, one of Denpasar’s oldest temples. Here, you will view its red-brick architecture and intricate carvings, a rare example of the Majapahit style that once flourished across Bali. After, return to your motor coach and journey to your awaiting ship.

View the historic Kerikeri Basin, admire Rainbow Falls and view the ornate Hundertwasser public bathrooms. Leaving Waitangi, you will travel through the countryside past lush citrus fruit orchards and russet-colored fields to Kerikeri. Here, you will enjoy a short stop at the picturesque Kerikeri Basin, New Zealand’s most historic site and home to the country’s oldest buildings, dating back to the early 1800s: the wooden Kemp House and the stone-constructed Stone Store. You will have the opportunity to photograph these historic buildings before a short drive takes you to the beautiful Rainbow Falls waterfall, along the Kerikeri River. Your tour concludes with a scenic drive via the quaint town of Kawakawa, home to the quirky public bathrooms designed by world-famous artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This iconic work of art even includes a living tree that grows through the center of its stalls.

Cruise through the crystal clear waters of Bora Bora—an enchanting island paradise. Board your motorboat and set sail across the turquoise lagoon. As you sit back and relax, take time to admire the breathtaking views of Mt. Otemanu, its rocky green summit towering over you as you glide by. The island’s scenery is considered by many to be some of the most stunning in the South Pacific. Many works by French artist Paul Gauguin were inspired by the island’s beauty. The lagoon is home to a wealth of colorful tropical fish. As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles or sting rays, which are often sighted around visiting boats. Pass by small reef islets and water bungalows. A sight synonymous with Bora Bora, the water bungalows stand on stilts over the ocean, providing occupants with the experience of being at one with nature.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef without having to get wet during a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. A world-class venue for observing and interacting with the vast array of flora, fauna and habitats that are endemic to Australia’s wet tropical region, the aquarium’s mission is to protect the biodiversity of the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Upon arrival at the aquarium, receive a short orientation, then enjoy free time for independent exploration. Expert educators will be positioned throughout the premises to help you learn about the amazing creatures housed here. As part of your tour, Viking is contributing funds to the Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the world’s first living coral biobank, part of the aquarium’s efforts to safeguard all 400 species of Great Barrier Reef hard coral. Afterward, you return to your ship by coach or on foot along the esplanade.

Take a scenic ride through the forest en route to the Pyramids of Güímar. The Esperanza Forest is a picturesque landscape of vast pine and eucalyptus trees—some of which stand more than 130 feet tall—that are often shrouded in mist. Stop to admire a view above the tree tops of Mt. Teide, a distant volcano. Arrive at Güímar and take a guided tour of the pyramids. Composed of lava stone and dating back to around the 19th century BC, the six remaining terraced structures are shrouded in mystery. Discover the theories behind their existence while viewing a short movie, and then relax and enjoy a refreshing glass of sangria or juice. Use your free time to tour the Casa Chacona Museum before returning to your ship.

Visit a colossal seaside mosque, explore the Habous Quarter, and see the Royal Palace and United Nations Square. Begin your exploration with a drive to the Hassan II Mosque, set atop a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. During an inside visit, see the walls of handcrafted marble and the retractable roof. The size is enormous. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside grounds. Next, continue along Casablanca’s corniche, traversing the modern city. Reaching the Habous Quarter (New Medina), you will enjoy some free time in this charming quarter of the city. See the Royal Palace and make a photo stop at Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Square) before returning to your ship.

Journey through the streets of Colombo in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk as you take in the sights of Sri Lanka’s capital. Take a break from modern transportation as you board your tuk-tuk and watch your skilled driver weave through traffic. Imagine the days of old Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s former name under British rule, as you pass colonial treasures in the Cinnamon Gardens district, including the Old Parliament Building and the Colombo National Museum. See the eclectic mix of Asian architecture at the Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka’s most influential center for Buddhist worship and religious learning. Pause to explore on foot as you stroll through Victoria Gardens from the Town Hall to Independence Square, built to commemorate Sri Lankan independence in 1948. After your tuk-tuk ride, a motor coach will transfer you the short distance back to your ship.

Enjoy the sights of the picturesque city of Darwin during a walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to discover how Darwin has transformed into a city with a modern multicultural vibe. Learn about incidents of World War II and the devastating effects of Cyclone Tracy in 1974, which left more than half of Darwin’s residents homeless. See the old Court House and police station, Brown’s Mart and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins as your guide explains how the city has restored its important landmarks back to their former glory. You will also view some of Darwin’s art installations, from indigenous sculptures to modern street art. Several of the city’s buildings are adorned with colorful graffiti and murals, showcasing the talent of local and international artists. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Take a stroll around the beautiful city of Canterbury and explore its sights at your leisure. Board your motor coach for a short drive to this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide and enjoy a short orientation walk that will introduce you to Canterbury’s main sights. View the city’s Roman walls and gates while learning about the origins of the Canterbury Cross. See St. George’s Tower and Canterbury High Street, and stroll the city’s maze of ancient avenues. Your guide will regale you with historic tales from the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors as you discover more about the city’s fascinating past. You may walk to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral where you can enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Or you may continue to discover more of Canterbury, where pilgrim’s inns and weaver’s houses still stand to this day.

Experience the natural beauty of Africa in the stunning Tala Private Game Reserve. Nestled in the hills of the KwaZulu-Natal province, the Tala Private Game Reserve provides an exceptional collection of plants and wildlife. Board your open-game vehicle with highly knowledgeable guides who will lead you through the reserve. Get close to nature, interact with the environment and absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. The reserve covers more than 3,000 hectares and features many diverse ecosystems that are home to more than 350 different bird species and big game such as kudu, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest and antelope. Marvel at the fiery red flowers of an aloe plant in full bloom, or the smell of the fragrant wild sage. Upon your return to base, enjoy refreshments and free time before returning to your ship.

Witness the cultural and natural splendor of Penang on one wide-ranging excursion. Meet your guide and drive into the hills, where you will visit Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Chinese temple in Southeast Asia. From its perch, enjoy a sweeping view of George Town. Step into the colorful Buddhist temple to view one of the world’s largest Reclining Buddhas, measuring 108 feet long. Across the way, you will see the Burmese Buddhist Temple, a hint of Penang’s cultural diversity. Continue to the Batu Ferringhi region of Penang in the north. At the Penang Butterfly Farm, enter a magnificent glass enclosure to admire tropical butterfly species. Continue into the countryside, where paddy fields and villages dot an emerald landscape of rolling hills. After time at a local fruit and spice stall, a visual and fragrant feast of colors and scents, return to your ship.

Cross over the Menai Strait to the Welsh mainland to visit two very impressive Welsh castles. Penrhyn Castle was completed in 1837 by Thomas Hopper, and designed in a Gothic style with a Moorish flavor. The extensive grounds, which you can discover after your self-guided tour of the castle, include formal gardens, semi-wooded walks and a Victorian walled garden. Following lunch in the seaside town of Caernarfon, your tour takes you to Caernarfon Castle. Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of King Edward I, this is the most magnificent. Caernarfon Castle’s symbolic status was reinforced when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In more recent times, King Charles III was crowned Prince of Wales here in a glittering ceremony in 1969.

Experience Jakarta after dark during an evening walk through the bustling Jalan Mangga Besar neighborhood. Located in the city center, this popular and bustling destination is a haven for anyone seeking to enjoy local street food cuisine. Once the sun sets, brightly lit shop (warungs), set up to offer traditional favorites such as nasi goreng (fried rice with meat or vegetables), satay (seasoned skewered meat), fried duck and more until late into the night. Savor the fragrance of exotic spices and grilled meats as your guide shows you around and describes the local dishes being prepared around you. Then, head to the rooftop of one of Jakarta’s highest towers, where you will enjoy delicious snacks while admiring sweeping views of the city stretching out below you as the music from a local band further enlivens the evening. Afterward, make the return journey back to your ship.

Witness the lush scenery of Kauai, the “Garden Island,” and get a glimpse of Hawaii’s past at a sugar plantation. Meet your guide at the pier and transfer by motor coach to the Kilohana Plantation, a historic landmark that offers its visitors insight into Hawaii’s heritage. Upon arrival, you will board a train then enjoy a two-and-a-half-mile ride through the estate, passing sugarcane and taro crops. Your conductor will provide interesting narrative as you admire the lush vegetation and groves of mango trees, banana plants, papaya and pineapples. At the center of this 27,000-acre sugar plantation lies a magnificent 1930’s Tudor-style mansion. Enjoy a hula demonstration by the pavilion followed by time to explore; see the work of local artisans, stroll the manicured gardens or pause for a taste of local rum at the Gaylord’s bar, before returning to your ship.

Embark on a full-day excursion through some of Luanda’s most important landmarks and stunning viewpoints. Start atop Luanda Bay for one of the best panoramas of the city from the 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel, the area’s former seat of military defense and today home to the Museum of Armed Forces. Travel south to the final resting place of Angola’s first president, the Dr. António Agostinho Neto Memorial. At Benfica Craft Market, get to know a thriving culture of artisans who gather daily to peddle handmade masks, jewelry and more. Then, take a short walk to the clifftop National Museum of Slavery to view a collection of poignant artifacts before heading to one of Angola’s revered natural wonders: the Miradouro de Lua (“Viewpoint of the Moon”). Admire the rich colors of the landscape, before returning to your ship.

Discover the vibrant capital of Mozambique on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Maputo features colonial Portuguese architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees. Founded as a port town by the Portuguese, the influence of travelers and traders from Africa, Asia and Europe has made the city a diverse and lively metropolis. Embark on a scenic drive past some of Maputo’s most important landmarks, including the domed bronze CFM Railway Station, which dates back to 1910. See the bronze statue of the country’s first president, Samora Machel, and the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral and neoclassical City Hall that surround it. Enjoy time to explore a local market on your own and take a guided tour of Maputo’s fort. Afterward, return to your ship.

Explore Mombasa during a panoramic drive and visits to the historic Fort Jesus and a woodcarving factory. Embark your motor coach with your guide and set out into the former capital of British East Africa. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history as you pass by several important landmarks. Pass under the symbolic metal elephant tusk sculptures that cross bustling Moi Avenue; these four tusks were built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit and form the letter “M” for Mombasa. Continue your tour at the well-preserved Fort Jesus, a 16th-century fortress built by the Portuguese. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn how it was designed to withstand cannon fire before viewing the skilled work of craftsmen, who still use time-honored techniques, at a woodcarving factory. Browse their wares, maybe purchasing a memento, then return to your ship.

Taste a selection of wines from the renowned Hawke’s Bay region, one of the “Great Wine Capitals” of the world. At the historic Hawkes Bay Club, meet a Hawke’s Bay wine representative who will provide a brief overview of this diverse wine-growing region, best known for its Merlot-Cabernet blends, Syrah and Chardonnay. You will receive your complimentary tasting glass, along with detailed notes of the vintages presented by the eight winemakers in attendance, then begin your tasting journey. Sample up to three varietals from various regions across Hawke’s Bay; once you have discovered your favorite, you will have the option to purchase and send a supply to stock your own cellar, ready for your return home. In the Heritage Room, local artisan producers will be offering a selection of delicacies; try a tasty treat before you depart and return to your awaiting ship.

See Honolulu’s sights and explore Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center for a glimpse into Hawaii’s World War II history. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a scenic drive through Honolulu’s Downtown area and Chinatown district. Witness the magnificent City Hall and the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil, and pass by Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaii State Capitol, the governor’s mansion and the homes of early missionaries. After your drive, you will stop at Pearl Harbor, where you will learn about the fateful attack that took almost 2,500 lives. At the Visitor Center, stroll the exhibits that document the events before the surprise attack and its aftermath, including displays of personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs and artifacts.

Witness untold centuries of human settlement during visits to Orkney’s Neolithic and Viking sites. Take a drive through rolling landscapes, passing prehistoric sites such as the Standing Stones of Stenness, dating to the third millennium BC. Stop at the well-preserved Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, and explore one of Europe’s most complete Neolithic villages. Older than Stonehenge, it has been called the “Scottish Pompeii” because of its remarkably preserved dwellings. Visit the 17th-century Skaill House, built by Bishop George Graham. All 12 of its lairds have been related during its 400-year history, and the house features memorabilia collected from each generation. Return to your motor coach and continue on this circular route, following the coastline of Scapa Flow.

Experience the welcoming culture of the Māori and the fascinating history of the Cook Islands. Travel to Muri Beach Village to experience the local market stalls selling handicrafts and local food. Interact with the residents, who are always willing to have a friendly chat or share a story. Then, walk to the heart of the village to the striking Te Ara Museum—its white exterior is adorned in colorful painted hibiscuses. The museum features the story of the Cook Islands from pre-colonial times to the present day, including exhibits on the Vaka Moana migrations and the islands’ ariki (chiefs). It also houses aquariums that highlight the need to protect the islands’ lagoons. Leave the museum and head to Muri Lagoon for an optional swim or snorkel in its clear waters. Or, stroll along the beach and stop for a drink before returning to your ship.

Explore the natural beauty of South Africa during a boat cruise through the scenic St. Lucia Estuary. Part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and covering approximately 140 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s largest estuaries. Upon arrival in St. Lucia town, you will board your vessel for a leisurely two-hour roundtrip sojourn on Lake St. Lucia. As you slowly travel along the shoreline, enjoy a refreshing drink as you learn more about the mangrove swamps and the lake’s five different ecosystems. Keep watch for local wildlife as your knowledgeable captain regales you with tales of the lake’s inhabitants. Home to the largest concentration of hippos in South Africa, the estuary also supports more than 2,000 Nile crocodiles and about 526 different bird species. At the end of your cruise, you will return to shore and travel back to your awaiting ship.

Gain insight into the Shetland Islands while learning about Shetland ponies and admiring striking landscapes. Enjoy a photo stop from above Scalloway Castle, overlooking the harbor below, before visiting a Shetland pony breeder and enthusiast. Small ponies have existed in the Shetland Islands for more than 2,000 years; the ponies are thought to have been in domestic use since the Bronze Age. Learn more about how these miniature ponies are bred and used today. Travel north through the Tingwall Valley, with its Norse heritage, before heading through the peat- and heather-covered landscape to Girlsta, with its beautiful freshwater lochs and hillside scenery. Drive through Whiteness on the Atlantic coast to Wormadale for the chance to photograph many of the islands of the Shetland archipelago. Hear more about Shetland culture and heritage on the way back to your ship.

Witness the remarkable diversity of Singapore, where traditions endure in one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Along the banks of the Singapore River, admire old British-flavored residences. You will pass through Little India, where Indians developed their own unique community of trading houses and homes during British rule. Today, its bright colors and sounds echo those of the subcontinent. On Arab Street, see a rich Muslim influence, where shops sell textiles and Persian carpets. Today, the Arab Quarter is home to Malays, Sumatrans, Indonesians and Yemeni. Its gold-domed centerpiece is the elegant Sultan Mosque. You will also view the diverse streets of Chinatown, brimming with markets and restaurants representing different regions of China. Mosques and Hindu and Buddhist temples bring even more variety to this vibrant pocket of Singapore. After free time here, return to your ship.

Gain insight into the rich history, landmarks and culture of Sydney during a cruise through its iconic harbor. Stretching along more than 150 miles of shoreline, Sydney’s famous harbor is dotted with pristine beaches, verdant gardens and exclusive waterfront suburbs, offering a unique and intriguing view of the capital of New South Wales. From your berth, you will take a short walk to your well-appointed vessel. Once on board, sit and enjoy a variety of Aussie-inspired snacks as your skipper sets a course for the bustling harbor’s most noteworthy sights. Glimpse striking harborside mansions and pass the renowned Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay, where celebrated Doyle’s Restaurant offers sweeping views of the city skyline. Have your camera ready for photos of iconic landmarks, including the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and more. After, return to the pier and your ship.

Discover the underwater world of the South Pacific off the coast of the stunning island of Tahiti. You will depart Papeete harbor and travel by boat, taking in the sweeping views of Tahiti's shoreline and the towering mountains beyond. You may even catch a glimpse of the dolphins that are frequently spotted en route to your snorkel site. Once there, your friendly captain will anchor near the reef, where light refreshments will be provided, and you will have a chance to snorkel and explore. The warm waters of the South Pacific are home to hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and sea turtles. Dive in to discover the colorful world of marine life that lives beneath the waters of the turquoise lagoon. Watch hundreds of silvery needlefish as they dart about in perfect sparkling unison, before heading back to shore and your awaiting ship.

Discover Mahé’s striking natural beauty during a scenic excursion across the island’s north end. The largest island in the Seychelles, Mahé is a renowned tropical paradise. Your panoramic drive will take you through lush vegetation, past charming villages and white-sand beaches. Admire views of the dramatic granite peaks that dot the island en route to the Seychelles National Botanical Garden. Here, stroll the grounds, keeping watch for giant Aldabra land tortoises, fruit bats and more than 200 species of endemic flora. Return to Victoria, stopping for refreshments at an elegant hotel. Then, set off on a brief guided walk around the town’s center, passing local landmarks, including many colonial-era buildings, the old courthouse and a replica of London’s Little Ben. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Discover the prolific biodiversity and rugged beauty of Walvis Bay during an excursion to its lagoon and dunes. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a sheltered wetland that is home to around 80,000 wading birds, including a large population of greater and lesser flamingos and rare white pelicans. It is one of the most important wetlands in southern Africa, and a vital stopover point for flocks of migratory birds making their way to Etosha and Botswana. Spend time watching and photographing the abundance of wildlife around you, before continuing to Namibia’s largest salt mine to learn about the history of salt mining in the region. Finally, set out for Namibia’s famous sand dunes and stop for photos of this impressive sight; the rust-colored dunes reach up to 1,250 feet in height. Afterward, make the return journey to your awaiting ship.

View breathtaking real-life sites from the Lord of the Rings film series and explore filmmaking behind the scenes. A Lord of the Rings specialist guide will share anecdotes about the filming. Pass by Courtenay Place, whose Embassy Theater hosted the world premieres of The Return of the King and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Take in the views from Mt. Victoria and visit the Green Belt forest, where iconic scenes were filmed. See Wellywood, heart of the Wellington film industry, and Miramar, where director Peter Jackson and Wētā NZ have studios and postproduction facilities. At the Wētā Cave’s behind-the-scenes exhibit, hear stories from the people who crafted the props, costumes and more to bring these cinematic worlds to life. Gain insight into the innovation that drives their work and trace the evolution of their craft at an interactive exhibition, before returning to your ship.

Explore Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town on foot to see a bustling local market and the Old Fort of Zanzibar. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is steeped in Afro-Asian history. Stone Town’s architecture reflects the seaborne trading activity between Asia and Africa, which took place for centuries. Set out on a walk with your guide, passing the Anglican Church and through the narrow alleys to Jaw's Corner, and the Hamanmni Persian Baths. Admire the view from Forodhani Gardens as you pause outside of the House of Wonders and the Palace Museum. Visit the Old Fort of Zanzibar, established by the Portuguese during the 16th century; it has been recently restored and now houses stores displaying arts and handicrafts. Enjoy free time to browse before heading back to your awaiting ship.