Viking Cruises

12 VIKING.COM | SPR ING 2021 Above: Katakolon, a small town on the coast of the Ionian Sea Below: The monastery of Paleokastritsa in Corfu So, we returned to Viking Sun in the afternoon to enjoy some of its many delights and eventually found ourselves sitting in the sun chatting to new friends over a cocktail. We headed down the coast towards Corfu, to the island's old town and fortress. We took to the water again, this time in a small boat to visit Paleokastritsa and it's wonderful coastline. Our little boat inched its way into a cave where sunlight somehow shone through an underwater cave from the other side, to reveal a remarkable bright turquoise splash of water called 'e Eye'. e last full day of our journey loomed as our beautiful ship cruised into the Ionian Sea and we arrived in Katakolon. It was to be one of the most memorable days. Absolutely compelling was our visit to Olympia, the home of the Olympic games, whose origins go back to nearly 800 BC and took place every four years for the next 1100 years till 400 AD. at's like us still watching the Olympic games every four years that were started by William the Conqueror! e site is vast, and it was interesting to see the place where the present-day Olympic torch is lit. e museum is wonderful: the Greeks were true masters of stonemasonry and sculpture. Here we found out that the Greeks were the first to create statues with a relaxed hip where one leg is bent slightly, a legacy passed on to Michelangelo and evident in his David statue. We both came away truly awestruck by the spectacle and size of the site. Back on Viking Sun, we went to a discussion about the Elgin Marbles led by the onboard resident historian; there was an extensive programme of historical, geographical and political talks during the trip to suit all interests. All too soon our journey was over but we had a fabulous time. Everything about the ship, her staff and our journey was truly memorable. We loved it so much we are booked to do it again! The 8-day 2022 Venice, the Adriatic & Greece journey, from Venice to Athens, starts from £2,740pp. ere is so much to see – little streets opening into wonderful old squares, canals criss-crossed by little bridges $4,795pp. 8-day Venice, the Adriatic & Greece voyage from $4,695pp in Veranda stateroom. 30 VIKING

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