Viking Cruises

40 V I K I N G C R U I S E S You can still pick up pieces of volcanic rock lying around the site and imagine the terror among the 20,000 people who lived here when the eruption started. Despite the catastrophic damage, Pompeii is in remarkably good shape and provides fascinating insights into Roman life, including ingenious drainage systems, street lighting and how to use urine as a stain remover. While Rome, Venice and Pompeii have been popular tourist spots for decades, Croatia is a relative newcomer to the market, but is now one of the hot destinations on everybody's bucket list. e 'Italian Sojourn' itinerary features a stop on the country's west coast at Sibenik, the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast and a UNESCO World Heritage site. I took advantage of another optional excursion and headed to the Krka Waterfalls and the town of Skradin. Krka is one of eight national parks in Croatia and apart from the aforementioned waterfalls it contains more than 1,000 species of native flora and fauna. It's also massively popular with the locals who come here to swim, picnic and walk around the well-maintained boardwalk trail, spotting figs, blue dragonflies and trout along the way. e little town of Skradin received global recognition recently when Microsoft owner Bill Gates visited and fell in love with the place. No doubt he did as I did, wander the tiny streets, stop for a coffee or lunch at one of the many little bars and restaurants, all in total anonymity. at afternoon I wandered into Sibenik and toured the old part of the city, which houses the World Heritage listed Cathedral of St James and featured in the popular TV series Game of rones. Sibenik also has a restaurant called Pelegrini's, which I am reliably informed has been repeatedly lauded for having the best food in Croatia. Wherever you go in the Med, food is a major part of life. Whether it's the swordfish and mussels that are renowned in Sicily, to the olive oils, pastries and gelato Sibenik, Croatia

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