Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1540310
Left to right: A church bell, Santorini, Greece; a view of the rooftops of Zadar; the winding alleys of Santorini. Magnificent MEDITERRANEAN Rich history and stunning scenery abound on the Empires of the Mediterranean journey as Louise Roddon discovers. I do love a sailing that introduces me to new places in the Mediterranean. There's not only that sense of discovery along what is traditionally a well-trodden route, but the ease with which you arrive. Forget the hassle of getting from the airport to your hotel—instead you wake up early, feeling fresh and relaxed as the ship gently deposits you somewhere exquisite and unknown. In our case, that place is Montenegro's charming port town of Kotor. Along with my husband, 26-year-old son Felix and his girlfriend, we are on the Viking Sea's 10 -day Empires of the Mediterranean voyage. It's just after 7pm and many of the guests are up on deck, mimosa cocktails in hand, listening to a commentary from one of the excellent onboard lecturers. As we learn how Kotor was founded by the Romans, taken by the Venetians and endured alongside a pattern of brutal takeovers, including a spell under Serbian control, the town's magical setting unfolds. Located at the end of a narrow 17-mile inlet where tree-freckled limestone mountains drop to a Quink-blue sea, the approach bears a strong resemblance to the Norwegian fjords. Even better, what we find here is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe. Honey-toned Venetian palaces line winding streets. Café-strewn squares are dominated by Romanesque churches, and if you've the energy, you can climb the 1,300 -odd steps up to the fortifications for a wonderful overview of Kotor. Just don't forget to bring water! First though, we're touring Kotor's open-air market with the Viking Sea's executive chef, Willy Moors. "Croatia's Zadar is another delight, filled with Roman ruins and medieval churches. Best of all, it has an incredible sea organ, where pipes cut into the port wall create eerie sounds whenever the waves hit against them." 53 | Viking Explorer Society News