Itinerary

Day 1 May 17, 2027 Istanbul Departs 17:30 A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul 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 İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı 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 İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), 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. İstanbul’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 Cembirlitaş Hamamı, 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 Beyoğlu. Istanbul Istanbul port guide Search cruises visiting Istanbul

Istanbul photo — Day 1 May 17, 2027 Istanbul Departs 17:30 A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul 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 İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı 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 İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), 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. İstanbul’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 Cembirlitaş Hamamı, 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 Beyoğlu. Istanbul Istanbul port guide Search cruises visiting Istanbul

Day 2 May 18, 2027 Izmir 13:00 – 19:00 6.0 hrs ashore 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. Izmir Izmir port guide Search cruises visiting Izmir

Day 3 May 19, 2027 Santorini 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Santorini Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 3 May 19, 2027 Santorini 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Santorini Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Day 4 May 20, 2027 Nafplion 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere. Nafplion Nafplion port guide Search cruises visiting Nafplion

Nafplion photo — Day 4 May 20, 2027 Nafplion 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere. Nafplion Nafplion port guide Search cruises visiting Nafplion

Day 5 May 21, 2027 Athens (Piraeus), Greece 07:00 – 23:00 16.0 hrs ashore A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 138-day span: $1,017 · range $1,017–$1,257

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,117

$186 / night

Fare rows

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,117

$186 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,157

$192 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,177

$196 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Oceanview

from $1,347

$224 / night

Fare rows

Oceanview

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,347

$224 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Oceanview

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,397

$232 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

from $1,507

$251 / night

Fare rows

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,507

$251 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,547

$257 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,567

$261 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Suite

from $1,697

$282 / night

Fare rows

Mini Suite with ocean view balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,697

$282 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Suite with ocean view balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,097

$349 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Grand Suite with ocean view balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,567

$427 / night

per person · incl. taxes & fees

Prices verified Aug 26, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Costa Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Price history

Cheaper than 48%

30 days

We've tracked this sailing's fares every day for the past 138 days. Here's what each cabin type has cost — today's fare is cheaper than 48% of days we've recorded.

Price history by cabin type
Cabin	Current	Lowest	Highest
Inside	$1,117	$1,017 · Jul 28	$1,257 · Jul 17
Oceanview	$1,347	$1,247 · Jul 28	$1,487 · Jul 17
Balcony	$1,507	$1,407 · Jul 28	$1,647 · Jul 17
Suite	$1,697	$1,577 · Jul 28	$2,157 · Jun 20

Lowest and highest fares we've recorded for each cabin type · verified 14 hours ago.

○ = last seen (sold out or delisted). · Verified 14 hours ago.

Lowest fares with no residency, age, or service requirement — verify eligibility at booking. How our pricing works

Cabin grades

Lines step when the price changed; a gap means sold out or no public fare that day. Plot up to 6 at once.

Show all 28 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony	B1	Balcony
Balcony	B2	Balcony
Balcony	B3	Balcony
Balcony Group	BA1	Balcony
Balcony Group	BA2	Balcony
Classic Outside with ocean view balcony	BC	Balcony
Premium Outside with ocean view balcony	BP	Balcony
Balcony Guarantee	BV	Balcony
Classic Single Inside	CI	Inside
Interior	I1	Inside
Interior	I2	Inside
Interior	I3	Inside
Interior	I4	Inside
Classic Inside	IC	Inside
Interior Group ( I1 + I2 )	IN1	Inside
Interior Group ( I3 + I4 )	IN2	Inside
Premium Inside	IP	Inside
Inside Guarantee	IV	Inside
Single Oceanview	CE	Oceanview
Oceanview	E1	Oceanview
Oceanview	E2	Oceanview
Classic Outside ocean view	EC	Oceanview
Premium Outside Ocean view	EP	Oceanview
Oceanview Group ( E1 + E2 )	ET1	Oceanview
Outside Guarantee	EV	Oceanview
Grand Suite with ocean view balcony	GS	Suite
Mini Suite with ocean view balcony	MS	Suite
Suite with ocean view balcony	S	Suite