Istanbul to Rome

The Istanbul to Rome is a 9-night Europe cruise aboard Sirena, operated by Oceania Cruises. Departing Istanbul on March 29, 2027, the voyage visits 9 ports. Fares start from $2,899 per person.

Length: 9 nights
Departs: Mar 29, 2027
Returns: Apr 7, 2027
Ports of call: 9

from $2,899

$322 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 May 15, 2027 Istanbul 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 port guide Search cruises visiting Istanbul

Istanbul photo — Day 1 May 15, 2027 Istanbul 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 port guide Search cruises visiting Istanbul

Day 4 May 18, 2027 Kusadasi Departs 17:00 Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Kusadasi port guide Search cruises visiting Kusadasi

Kusadasi photo — Day 4 May 18, 2027 Kusadasi Departs 17:00 Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Kusadasi port guide Search cruises visiting Kusadasi

Day 5 May 19, 2027 Milos, Greece 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Milos, Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Milos, Greece photo — Day 5 May 19, 2027 Milos, Greece 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Milos, Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Day 6 May 20, 2027 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Olympia (Katakolon), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece photo — Day 6 May 20, 2027 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Olympia (Katakolon), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Day 7 May 21, 2027 Messina, Italy 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore Messina may well be your first sight of Sicily, and – from your MSC holiday cruise ship – it’s a fine one, the glittering town spread up the hillside beyond its sickle-shaped Mediterranean harbour. On a shore excursion you can discover Messina’s most important monument, the Duomo, which epitomizes the city’s phoenix-like ability to re-create itself from the ashes of its last disaster. It’s the reconstruction of a twelfth-century cathedral erected by Roger II, one of a series of great Norman churches of Sicily that include the sumptuous cathedrals of Palermo and Cefalù. The Duomo’s detached campanile, or bell tower, claims to be the largest astronomical clock in the world, and puts on its best show at noon every day, when a bronze lion (Messina’s ancient emblem) unleashes a mighty roar over the city that can be quite alarming if you’re not expecting it! Just back from the Duomo, the truncated section of the twelfth-century Chiesa Annunziata dei Catalani squats below pavement level, and is Messina’s only surviving example of Arab/Norman church-building. When you are cruising the Mediterranean Sea with MSC Cruises, the most obvious excursion from Messina is to the almost too charming hill town of Taormina, spectacularly located on a rocky bluff between the Ionian Sea and the soaring peak of Mount Etna, whose summit with its bleak lava wilderness is one of the most memorable landscapes Italy has to offer. Once the beloved retreat of poets and writers, Taormina is now the most illustrious resort on the entire island, captivating its visitors with its famous ancient theatre, grand hotels and engaging small-town charm. Messina, Italy port guide Search cruises visiting Messina, Italy

Messina, Italy photo — Day 7 May 21, 2027 Messina, Italy 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore Messina may well be your first sight of Sicily, and – from your MSC holiday cruise ship – it’s a fine one, the glittering town spread up the hillside beyond its sickle-shaped Mediterranean harbour. On a shore excursion you can discover Messina’s most important monument, the Duomo, which epitomizes the city’s phoenix-like ability to re-create itself from the ashes of its last disaster. It’s the reconstruction of a twelfth-century cathedral erected by Roger II, one of a series of great Norman churches of Sicily that include the sumptuous cathedrals of Palermo and Cefalù. The Duomo’s detached campanile, or bell tower, claims to be the largest astronomical clock in the world, and puts on its best show at noon every day, when a bronze lion (Messina’s ancient emblem) unleashes a mighty roar over the city that can be quite alarming if you’re not expecting it! Just back from the Duomo, the truncated section of the twelfth-century Chiesa Annunziata dei Catalani squats below pavement level, and is Messina’s only surviving example of Arab/Norman church-building. When you are cruising the Mediterranean Sea with MSC Cruises, the most obvious excursion from Messina is to the almost too charming hill town of Taormina, spectacularly located on a rocky bluff between the Ionian Sea and the soaring peak of Mount Etna, whose summit with its bleak lava wilderness is one of the most memorable landscapes Italy has to offer. Once the beloved retreat of poets and writers, Taormina is now the most illustrious resort on the entire island, captivating its visitors with its famous ancient theatre, grand hotels and engaging small-town charm. Messina, Italy port guide Search cruises visiting Messina, Italy

Day 8 May 22, 2027 Amalfi, Italy 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Spectacular tiers of colour splashed houses cascade down to immeasurably blue seas and hidden coves, along Italy’s premier coastline. Lemon groves and vineyards bask in the country’s generous southern sun, running alongside dramatic mountain precipices, and dazzlingly romantic fishing villages. The Amalfi Coast is rightly celebrated as a treasure of Italy, and you can enjoy the true scale of it, and the feel of the salty sea breeze in your hair, as you hike the Path of the Gods - where some of the best heavenly views of the beautiful beaches and improbably teetering villages open up below you. The call of beachside bliss is never far away, and descending down to Duoglio Beach is a mesmerising introduction to the coastline’s jagged rock setting and crystalline waters. A dramatic ramp of steps rears up to Amalfi's distinctive black and white striped, Moorish-influenced cathedral, which stands at the heart of the town. Inside, tranquillity awaits amid the arches and columns of the Cloister of Paradise. Chattering piazzas, where ice cubes clink in glowing spritz cocktails, and strong espressos are savoured, hum with life nearby. Enjoy plates of shellfish tangled spaghetti or spicy pezzente salami in your choice of the Amalfi Coast’s celebrated restaurants, before tasting locally-squeezed limoncello - the perfect denouement to any meal here. Grand villas, spectacular restaurants and well-heeled visitors have long given Amalfi a reputation for refined luxury, but things haven’t always been so peaceful here. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Amalfi was an independent maritime republic, and the Municipal Museum of Amalfi is the place to learn of the region’s rise to global trading prominence, and the devastating tsunami that washed it all away in 1343. Amalfi, Italy port guide Search cruises visiting Amalfi, Italy

Day 9 May 23, 2027 Olbia/Sardinia 11:00 – 20:00 9.0 hrs ashore Situated on the beautiful North East coast of Sardinia, Olbia is often ignored in the dash for the fashionable Costa Smeralda resort, but the port has more to offer than first meets the eye. This handsome city, with its centro storico (historic centre), is laden with chic boutiques, wine bars and cafe-rimmed piazzas. It also has a number of historic structures and archaeological sites well worth discovering. These include the beautiful 11th century Basilica of San Simplicio and the Church of St. Paul Apostle. Several of Sardinia's impressive, fortress-like Nuraghes still remain including the hilltop Nuraghe Riu Mulinu. Called the ‘happy city’ by the Greeks, ancient Olbia is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy in the soothing Sardinian sunshine. On the palm-lined waterfront to the east, the Museo Archeologico di Olbia has Roman warships to discover.Show less Just north from the city is Costa Smeralda, a millionaire’s paradise which is popular with celebrities and wealthy business people who visit to top-up their tan on the gorgeous golden-sand beaches – said to be among the finest on earth – and make the most of the warm, crystal clear waters. Olbia/Sardinia port guide Search cruises visiting Olbia/Sardinia

Olbia/Sardinia photo — Day 9 May 23, 2027 Olbia/Sardinia 11:00 – 20:00 9.0 hrs ashore Situated on the beautiful North East coast of Sardinia, Olbia is often ignored in the dash for the fashionable Costa Smeralda resort, but the port has more to offer than first meets the eye. This handsome city, with its centro storico (historic centre), is laden with chic boutiques, wine bars and cafe-rimmed piazzas. It also has a number of historic structures and archaeological sites well worth discovering. These include the beautiful 11th century Basilica of San Simplicio and the Church of St. Paul Apostle. Several of Sardinia's impressive, fortress-like Nuraghes still remain including the hilltop Nuraghe Riu Mulinu. Called the ‘happy city’ by the Greeks, ancient Olbia is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy in the soothing Sardinian sunshine. On the palm-lined waterfront to the east, the Museo Archeologico di Olbia has Roman warships to discover.Show less Just north from the city is Costa Smeralda, a millionaire’s paradise which is popular with celebrities and wealthy business people who visit to top-up their tan on the gorgeous golden-sand beaches – said to be among the finest on earth – and make the most of the warm, crystal clear waters. Olbia/Sardinia port guide Search cruises visiting Olbia/Sardinia

Day 10 May 24, 2027 Civitavecchia, Rome Arrives 07:00 All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil. Civitavecchia, Rome port guide Search cruises visiting Civitavecchia, Rome

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 92-day span: $2,430 · range $2,430–$2,899

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $2,949

$327 / night

Fare rows

Inside Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,949

$327 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Inside Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,049

$338 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $2,899

$322 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,899

$322 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,099

$344 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,199

$355 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Solo Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,899

$655 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $4,499

$499 / night

Fare rows

Veranda Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,499

$499 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Veranda Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,649

$516 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Concierge Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,899

$544 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Concierge Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,049

$561 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Concierge Veranda

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,199

$577 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $6,399

$711 / night

Fare rows

Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,399

$711 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,649

$738 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Penthouse Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,699

$744 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Vista Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,199

$1,133 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,949

$1,327 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 24, 2026

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

Show all 16 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Concierge Veranda	A1	Balcony
Concierge Veranda	A2	Balcony
Concierge Veranda	A3	Balcony
Veranda Stateroom	B1	Balcony
Veranda Stateroom	B2	Balcony
Inside Stateroom	F	Inside
Inside Stateroom	G	Inside
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom	C1	Oceanview
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom	C2	Oceanview
Ocean View Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Solo Oceanview Stateroom	S	Oceanview
Owner's Suite	OS	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PH1	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PH2	Suite
Penthouse Suite	PH3	Suite
Vista Suite	VS	Suite