Mediterranean from Istanbul Cruise

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive: Wed 11 December 2024 / Depart: Wed 11 December 2024 at 18:00

A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover ?stanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to ?stanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to ?stanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkap? Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of ?brahim Pa?a), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarn?c?, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapal? Çar??), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. ?stanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlita? Hamam?, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyo?lu.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Corfu

Arrive: Fri 13 December 2024 at 14:00 / Depart: Fri 13 December 2024 at 21:00

The resort island of Corfu, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is renowned for its rocky mountains, beautiful beaches, and utterly romantic atmosphere. It’s capital city, also named Corfu, is one of the ancient jewels of Greece. Here you’ll find a Venetian fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage old town boasting winding lanes, bustling bars, towering houses, and heavenly gardens. Discover ancient remains from eras past, scattered throughout the island.

Day 4 - Bari

Arrive: Sat 14 December 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 December 2024 at 18:00

The Italian port city of Bari, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, lies on the coast of the archaeologically-rich Apulia region. This ancient town offers a remarkable mix of old and new, with historical churches, castles and piazzas positioned near modern galleries, shops, and museums. Further afield, discover an abundance of natural wonders including UNESCO World Heritage site caves. With its breathtaking beaches and world-class restaurants, Bari is a memorable seaside destination.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Athens

Arrive: Mon 16 December 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 16 December 2024 at 18:00

From 2021, the city of Piraeus, one of the oldest ports in the world, will join the list of ports visited by MSC Mediterranean Cruises. Guests will be introduced to the treasures of Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Piraeus, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.

Day 7 - Izmir

Arrive: Tue 17 December 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 17 December 2024 at 18:00

IZMIR Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is located in the Aegean province, which, of all the seven geographical regions of Turkey, enjoys the finest climate. In population it is the third city in Turkey. It is located in an area whose magnificent history has made it a tourist centre. It lies at the centre of the most important land, air and sea communication network in the ancient Aegean region. Izmir is lively and cosmopolitan, also scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Visitors come to see the sights, and haggle in the colourful bazaar.

Day 8 - Istanbul

Arrive: Wed 18 December 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 18 December 2024

A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover ?stanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to ?stanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to ?stanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkap? Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of ?brahim Pa?a), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarn?c?, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapal? Çar??), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. ?stanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlita? Hamam?, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyo?lu.