We did the Empires of the Mediterranean tour with a couple days under Viking's care on each end. Prior to the cruise, we arrived in Istanbul and were bused another 6 hours out to Turkey's Aegean coast. It was a very long day, Philadelphia through London to Istanbul and then the bus ride. Nice hotel, what I saw of it. The next morning, up and at 'em, we toured the ruins of Troy, and then the Gallipoli Battlefield National Park. Eye-popping, both of them.

The next day, back on the bus, back to Istanbul, with stops at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, then finally to the ship. Stateroom was great, but we could have used a tip that you put your key card in a slot by the door to work the lights! The next day, we took a cruise up and down the Bosporus. What vistas, what history!

When we returned, our luggage had finally caught up with us. This was a weak spot in the travel arrangements. Viking booked us through Heathrow, with a change of airlines, and only one and a half hours layover. We made our flight (barely). Our luggage did not. If you have Viking make air arrangements (generally a good idea since it includes airport pick-up and return) don't let them do this. More layover equals more luggage. Read more