The Reality Reports

Start Your Morning at the Duomo: Begin your day at Milan's stunning cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. This Gothic masterpiece took nearly six centuries to complete and stands as the third-largest church in Europe.  Arrive early, around 8 AM, to beat the crowds and enjoy the intricate marble facade in peaceful morning light. If you have time, buy tickets to climb to the rooftop terraces where you can walk among the spires and see the city spread out below you.  The golden Madonnina statue at the highest point has watched over Milan since 1774.

The Story Behind Viking Cruises : Viking Cruises started in 1997 when Torstein Hagen, an experienced cruise executive, bought four river ships in Russia.  His goal was to create a cruise company focused on cultural exploration and comfortable travel, rather than flashy entertainment.  The company quickly grew, especially after acquiring the German company KD River Cruises in 2000, which helped Viking expand its fleet and secure prime docking spots in Europe.