Join Our President on an Unforgettable Cruise from Barcelona to Rome

A Personal Invitation From Cindy Anderson, USA River Cruises President

Don and I are inviting you to join us on a special cruise next spring, April 12–19, 2026, aboard the Viking Sea. We’ll be sailing from Barcelona to Rome on Viking’s Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary, and we’d love to have you come along. This is a great chance to explore some incredible places together, enjoy Viking’s relaxed and thoughtful style of travel, and be part of a small hosted group with some nice extras just for us.

The itinerary is a great mix of scenic countryside and iconic landmarks. We’ll visit cities like Marseille, Monte Carlo, Florence, and Rome—beautiful and historic destinations that are also easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Viking includes a complimentary shore excursion in every port, so you’ll get a good introduction without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll have time to explore a museum or two, sip wine in a sunny piazza, or just wander the old streets and soak it all in.

One of the best parts of this trip is that we’ll be doing it together. You’ll be part of a small group, so there’s a built-in sense of community—you can get to know new people, share experiences, and enjoy good company along the way. I’ll be there to offer tips as we go, whether it’s how to make the most of your shore time or little things that can make your cruise smoother and more fun.

You’ll also get extra perks just for being part of our group, like discounts and onboard credits. We’ll host a private cocktail party on board, just for our group. Plus, with an experienced guide on hand, you’ll have support throughout the trip if you need anything.

The Journey: Barcelona to Rome

Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain

Board your ship and get settled into your stateroom. You’ll have time to enjoy Barcelona and explore the Gothic Quarter’s winding medieval streets, where you’ll find Roman ruins, historic churches, and quiet courtyards. Highlights include the Barcelona Cathedral, the old Jewish quarter of El Call, and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evening, grab a bite in the Royal Plaza, where locals and visitors gather to relax and take in the city’s energy.

Day 2 – Barcelona, Spain

Choose from shore excursions that explore Barcelona’s history, unique architecture, and delicious culinary traditions. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas or the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to soak in the city’s rhythm, and take in the creative mark of architect Antoni Gaudí all around, from playful buildings to his famous La Sagrada Família, still rising above the skyline.

Day 3 – Sète, France

Sète is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem. Tucked along France’s southern coast, it’s often called the “Venice of Languedoc” thanks to its pretty canals and colorful buildings. You’ll see boats gently rocking in the water and locals picking up fresh seafood at the lively Les Halles market. The city is enjoyably walkable—you can spend a relaxing afternoon strolling or biking along the canals that stretch from the Mediterranean to the Thau Lagoon.

Day 4 – Marseille, France

Marseille has a great mix of history, grit, and seaside charm. The Old Port is the heart of it all, surrounded by two old stone forts and full of boats of every kind, from fancy yachts to working fishing boats. It’s a delightful place to walk along the waterfront–one of the most beautiful and lively spots in the city with tons of cafés and shops. If you have time, wander up La Canebière, the city’s main boulevard, and try the bouillabaisse—it’s their famous fish stew, and it’s even better when you’re sitting outside with a view of the harbor.

Day 5 – Monte Carlo, Monaco

 

Monte Carlo is known the world over for its glamour, luxury, and royal history—and it lives up to the reputation. From designer boutiques to mega-yachts in the harbor, everything here sparkles just a little. You can stroll through the old town up on “The Rock,” where the Prince’s Palace still stands with all the charm of a fairy tale—it’s where Grace Kelly once lived after marrying Prince Rainier. The views from up on The Rock are stunning, with the Mediterranean stretching out below and the city laid out like a postcard. It’s a fun place to wander, window shop, and soak in the vibe.

Day 6 – Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Tuscany is one of those places that has it all—amazing art, beautiful countryside, and some of the best food and wine you’ll ever have. There’s something wonderful to discover around every turn. In Florence, simply look up to see Brunelleschi’s massive dome towering over the city—a masterpiece that has stood for centuries. Pisa is another favorite—the Leaning Tower is even more impressive in person, and the whole Square of Miracles is a stunning spot to explore. Pisa is home to a trinity of masterpieces—the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery—which comprise some of Europe’s finest art and architecture.

Day 7 – Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Tuscany is impossible to see in just one day, and you won’t have to. Your ship will linger for a second day, allowing you to explore Tuscany’s scenery and charm. Vineyards, olive groves, and wheat fields surround medieval hill towns scattered across gentle, rolling hills. The fertile soil here produces some of the world’s finest wines, like Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Simple, honest food is at the heart of the Tuscan table—from creamy cheeses to thick Florentine steak grilled over a wood fire. Tuscany is often called the birthplace of the farm-to-table movement.

Day 8 – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

On the final day, your cruise comes to an end as you arrive in Rome. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and prepare for your journey home—or, if you’d like, take the opportunity to extend your adventure by joining one of our exciting post-cruise extensions to explore more of this incredible region.

Travel with the President

This cruise isn’t just about the places you’ll see—it’s about the people you’ll travel with. Don and I will be there the whole time, sailing alongside you, joining casual meet-ups, and sharing some of the excursions. It’s a chance to travel with a group that feels more like friends than strangers.

Don and I are excited to share this adventure with you. Whether you’ve cruised with Viking before or this is your first time, this itinerary is something special—and we’d love to experience it together with you.

What’s Included with Viking

Every Viking cruise includes their signature comfort and luxury. Staterooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, and the ship offers delightful spaces to relax, like the light-filled Wintergarden for afternoon tea, cozy lounges with panoramic windows, and the serene Nordic Spa. Dining is a pleasure, with multiple included restaurants offering fresh, regional cuisine in beautiful surroundings. And Viking’s service is consistently warm and attentive—everything you need is taken care of without fuss, so you can truly relax and enjoy the journey.

Viking does a great job of including a lot in the base fare, so you don’t have to worry about pulling out your wallet for each amenity. Here’s what’s already covered when you book this cruise:

• One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
• Port taxes and fees
• Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enrichment lectures and destination performances
• Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center
• Self-service launderettes
• Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
• 24-hour room service

Exclusive Perks Just for You

When you join our group, you’ll get some extra perks that make this cruise an even better value. These are only available through our hosted sailing and are in addition to Viking’s already generous offerings:

• $125 off per person on top of Viking’s current $300 savings, for a $425 total discount
• Onboard credit to use as you like
• Pre-paid gratuities
• A private cocktail party on board for our group

It’s a nice little bundle of extras to make your trip even more special from start to finish.

How to Reserve Your Spot

Simply give us a call at 800-578-1479 to reserve your journey with us on Viking’s Iconic Western Mediterranean cruise. We hope to see you there!