Viking Cruises

viking.com | 13 S U M M E R I S S U E 2 5 Southwest of Mt. Fuji, the sacred Shiraito Falls is part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Its beauty captivates as thin white streams, resembling hanging threads of silk, cascade from 20 metres above across a 150 -metre- wide rock face. Visit Yui Honjin Park to enjoy tea at a traditional teahouse. Explore the Tōkaidō Hiroshige Museum of Art and Sumpu Castle Park, famed for its cherry blossoms and azaleas, and learn its history before relaxing on the grounds. When is the best time to visit? The best time to visit is in spring, from March to May and autumn, between September and November. Spring offers magical cherry blossoms, while autumn provides stunning foliage and outdoor exploration. EPHESUS, TURKEY Ephesus is one of antiquity's best- preserved cities, offering an unparalleled look into the lives of the ancients. Excavations date back to the 10th century BC, when the city hosted one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Today, Ephesus is still full of wonders, including the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the heroic amphitheatre, and its residences adorned with frescoes. What can you do here? Explore this fascinating ancient city as you stroll from Ephesus's upper gate to its lower gate. Join a guided scenic drive through the stunning countryside of Selçuk to the Magnesian Gate. Navigate past the exquisitely crafted 2nd-century Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Great Theatre. Witness one of Turkeys great archaeological finds, the Temple of Artemis. Visit the remarkably preserved ancient Roman homes, their walls still adorned with fine, colourful mosaics and frescoes. You may also choose to visit the House of the Virgin Mary and admire its surroundings. When is the best time to visit? This ancient city is one of the world's largest and most popular historical sites, attracting millions of travellers each year. Travel during the Mediterranean Quiet Season offers fewer crowds and milder weather. "Today, Ephesus is still full of wonders, including the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the heroic amphitheatre, and its residences adorned with frescoes."

• Cover