Explore More UK - Spring 2021

REVIEW
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 ‘The Eye’. The 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
There is so much to see – little streets
opening into wonderful old squares,
canals criss-crossed by little bridges
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. That’s like us
still watching the Olympic games
every four years that were started by
William the Conqueror!
The site is vast, and it was
interesting to see the place where
the present-day
Olympic torch is
lit. The 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!
Above: Katakolon,
a small town on
the coast of the
Ionian Sea
Below: The
monastery of
Paleokastritsa
in Corfu
The 8-day 2022 Venice, the
Adriatic & Greece journey,
from Venice to Athens,
starts from £2,740pp.
12 VIKING.COM | SPRING 2021