Win a luxury Viking cruise of the Mediterranean with Explore

Who can resist the pull of the Mediterranean? Of the sugar-cube-white houses tumbling down steep cliffs on Greek islands? Or of the timeless palaces of Istanbul where Ottoman history unfolded between the 15th and 19th centuries? Not to mention, the laidback charms of Athens where locals spill out of cafes on whitewashed steps in gorgeous neighbourhoods like Plaka, with views of the honey-hued Parthenon rising in the distance against a clear blue sky.

You can plan individual holidays to each of these bucket-list destinations, or you could sign up for a cruise of the region, because it is a truth universally acknowledged, nothing brings together the jewels of the Med quite like a voyage that weaves its way through the cerulean waterways, stringing together its top sights. And if you've always wanted to tick a Med cruise off your bucket list, we have great news for you.

Explore and Viking Cruises are offering the chance to win a berth for two on board Viking's eight-day Ancient Mediterranean Treasure cruise worth $15,190 a couple, along with $2000 flight credit per person. All you have to do to be in the running is to enter your details (see instructions, below). Oh, and here are some of the most exquisite experiences that await the winner on this eight-day Mediterranean voyage.

Spend a couple of days at the start of the itinerary in the Turkish metropolis, which straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, and is home to sights such as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (pictured), the colourful Grand Bazaar and the 15th-century Topkapi Palace.

Day four of the cruise belongs to ancient Ephesus. Arrive in the morning on the stunning beach resort town of Kusadasi, then head 20 minutes north to Ephesus to travel back in time. A guided excursion here will take you to the site where the Temple of Artemis once stood.

Finish off the adventure with guided excursions to some of the Greek capital's most stunning sights, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the timeless Acropolis.

Whatever you do, don't forget to set aside some time between shore excursions to make the most of Viking's small ship, Saturn, which can carry a maximum of just 930 guests, and boasts a chic Nordic-inspired spa and fine-dining establishments like Manfredi's Italian Restaurant.

The prize: Viking Cruises' Ancient Mediterranean Treasures voyage kicks off on March 13, 2024, in Istanbul and visits ports such as Troy and Ephesus in Turkey as part of the eight-day adventure, before finishing up in the historic Greek capital of Athens on March 20, 2024.

How to enter: Simply follow the link below and enter your details to go in the running to win the cruise. The promo starts on July 29, 2023, and closes on August 31, 2023. The winner will be announced on September 9, 2023, in Explore.

Enter now: exploretravel.com.au/giveaway/viking