Viking Ocean’s Mediterranean Odyssey Day 4 of 13

Weather Report

Sunny and a warm 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Today’s Plan

This morning, we were going on the Viking included excursion Walking Tour of Monaco. Then we planned to return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we planned to go on our own to the Oceanographic Museum and Prince’s Palace if we have time. This evening, we have reservations at Manfredi’s, Viking’s Italian specialty restaurant.

However, we decided after the long day yesterday, to change to the afternoon Walking Tour of Monaco and have a leisurely breakfast and morning aboard. We are in port until late evening.

Viking Daily

Port Arrival

We arrived at the port around dawn/sunrise and I got some great pictures from our aft balcony as we backed into our docking spot in the harbor.

Walking Tour of Monaco

Cost/person: $0

Viking Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Duration: 3 Hours

Set out on a walking tour through the heart of the medieval quarter of Monaco, known as The Rock.

The Mediterranean will make a spectacular backdrop as you stroll to the foot of The Rock, then head uphill with your guide. In Monaco’s main square, the Place du Palais, see the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, home to the House of Grimaldi since 1297. Then pass St. Nicholas Cathedral. A young church by European standards, it was consecrated in 1875. This is the burial site of the royal family, including American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. Also admire the majestic Oceanographic Museum, soaring above the sea on a cliffside. Returning to the Place du Palais, depending on the time of your tour, you may have the opportunity to watch the daily changing of the guard outside the palace walls. Remain in town to shop or have lunch on your own before returning to your ship.

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We had a great guide, a middle school history teacher, who met us at the dock and led our group of 32 up into the old part of town known as The Rock. Thankfully there are escalators and elevators!

It was quite warm, and we were glad to be here in October instead of July! Even so, we decided to skip the Palace and Oceanographic Museum – which Jacques Cousteau led – and return to the ship and enjoy the views of the fabulous yachts and small sailboats going in and out of the harbor past our ship.

Dinner at Manfredi’s

The Italian specialty restaurant Manfredi’s is probably our favorite place to eat on the ship. We booked one night before boarding (tonight), then when we boarded, we booked 2 more nights during the cruise to eat here again. Reservations are required, but sometimes there are last-minute cancellations and if you just check with the desk you might get in without a prior reservation.

We love the calamari/shrimp appetizer here, the variety of the bread basket, the choices of soups, pastas, seafood, steak, osso buco, and pork chop. Then, of course, the desserts – Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Caramello, Millefoglie, Gelato, and Sorbet. Yum!

Monaco Night Lights

Our 9:30pm departure provided a spectacular view of the lights of the city and surrounding area. The Prince’s palace was lit in purple, hotels and bars also lit in pinks, reds, and purple, as we cross the Ligurian Sea to our next destination – La Spezia, Italy.

P.S. No, we didn’t go to the casino or see anyone famous – at least that we recognized!