Explore More - 2019

CITY GUIDE A magical

CITY GUIDE A magical sunset over Oia SANTORINI From vineyards to lost cities, the Aegean's most dazzling jewel offers so much more than its many iconic views This dreamy crescent-shaped island, the farthest of the Cyclades from Athens, is the result of volcanic eruptions, including one that caused the center of the island to collapse. MUST-SEES There are several marked walking routes. You can pick up a designated map from the information center in port or watch for wooden signposts. EATING With a bevy of Mediterranean sunshine, mineral-rich volcanic soil and a healthy fishing fleet, Santorini has a thriving food scene. Specialties include domatinia (cherry tomatoes), fava (puréed yellow peas) and white eggplants, all washed down with one of the island’s characterful white wines. Pyrgos, the old capital of the island, is the best place to catch a glimpse of island life. Although Boutari is the most extensive winery on the island, the Venetsanos Winery is also fascinating—built before the electrical grid was available, the whole wine-making process here was designed to be hand- or gravity-assisted. The Museum of Prehistoric Thíra is one of the best on the island. Look for original Minoan frescoes on the walls depicting monkeys and elegant women. SHOPPING Santorini has myriad shopping options including clothing, shoes, jewelry and books, and if you shop in Oia or Thíra, you can combine your retail therapy with a stop in one of the many terraces overlooking the photographic blue sea. Go online: To watch a video of what you can expect to see in Santorini, visit the Viking website at voc.com/videos 58 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE 2019

CITY GUIDE VENICE The Italian city is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Here are some insider tips for exploring this "City of Water" Venice may be one of the most visited cities in the world, yet it has retained its charming and unique character. Amid its authenticity, its historic landmarks are still very much alive and brimming with their original character. MUST-SEES The Rialto Bridge, straddling the Grand Canal, is a breathtaking site and is as beautiful to look at as it is to look out from. The Grand Canal, the watery "Main Street" of Venice, is peppered with gondolas and vaporetti, and overlooked by picturesque and stately Renaissance palaces. Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the center of Venetian culture and social life. In this magnificent expanse of true Venetian splendor, you might visit the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government for the Venetian Republic and Courts of Justice. Also within Piazza San Marco, travelers can admire St. Mark’s Basilica, a beautiful cathedral built in the shape of a Greek cross. Facing the lagoon is the Bridge of Sighs —rumor is that the bridge got its name from the prisoners who would sigh as they crossed the bridge to the executioner. EATING It is not unusual to stand up in bars to eat and drink in Venice—in fact, usually, you Above: Venice's Grand Canal, a busy waterway for gondolas and vaporetti pay more to sit down for a cup of coffee. Al Mercà, near Rialto Market, is a serving counter with delicious Aperol spritz and cicchetti (small traditional snacks). In Cannaregio, you will find some of the best local restaurants. Try Anice Stellato, an unassuming frontage on Fondamenta de la Sensa. SHOPPING Venice is known for its masked balls, so visit mask atelier Tragicomica of Gualtiero Dall’Osto and try to gain behind-the-scenes access to the workshop to see true artistry at work. A short boat ride away is Murano, an island known for its amazing handblown glass. Go online: To watch a video of what you can expect to see in Venice, visit the Viking website at voc.com/videos EXPLORE MORE 2019 | VIKING.COM 59