Eastern Mediterranean with Istanbul - from/to Heraklion

The Eastern Mediterranean with Istanbul - from/to Heraklion is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard Mein Schiff 5, operated by TUI Cruises Mein Schiff. Departing Heraklion on August 7, 2026, the voyage visits 5 ports.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Aug 7, 2026
Returns: Aug 14, 2026
Ports of call: 5
Days at sea: 2

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 7, 2026 Heraklion Departs 22:00 It may not be the prettiest place in Crete, but Heraklion's patchwork of history, bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village, and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums, ancient ruins from antiquity, and a lively culture of its own. View less A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping, extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years, Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress, which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean, welcomes you ashore. A stroll out along the seawall, alongside creaking fishing boats, will take you out to the squat fortifications that have stood since 1540. Climb to the top for views out across the water, back towards the city's waterfront. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history, including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city, Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere, Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops, with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy. Heraklion port guide Search cruises visiting Heraklion

Day 3 Aug 9, 2026 Istanbul 08:00 – 23:30 15.5 hrs ashore 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 3 Aug 9, 2026 Istanbul 08:00 – 23:30 15.5 hrs ashore 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 5 Aug 11, 2026 Mykonos 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Think of a trip to Greece and you will imagine Mykonos. The port of Mykonos, or perhaps it would be more correct to say of Chora, is located on the west coast of the island. The Cyclades islands in the Aegean are wonderful and the beaches are no less marvellous, with the pleasant distinction of being among the most festive in the archipelago. After docking at the port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. You can enjoy the clean, azure sea of Paradise Beach, while in the evening let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this cosmopolitan and youthful island. The harbour district, the Kastro, is known as the 'little Venice'. In its alleys, the shops and restaurants alternate with white houses with blue doors and windows. On a trip to Mykonos, take advantage of the stop to go on shore excursions, stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the design of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you. Mykonos port guide Search cruises visiting Mykonos

Mykonos photo — Day 5 Aug 11, 2026 Mykonos 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Think of a trip to Greece and you will imagine Mykonos. The port of Mykonos, or perhaps it would be more correct to say of Chora, is located on the west coast of the island. The Cyclades islands in the Aegean are wonderful and the beaches are no less marvellous, with the pleasant distinction of being among the most festive in the archipelago. After docking at the port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. You can enjoy the clean, azure sea of Paradise Beach, while in the evening let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this cosmopolitan and youthful island. The harbour district, the Kastro, is known as the 'little Venice'. In its alleys, the shops and restaurants alternate with white houses with blue doors and windows. On a trip to Mykonos, take advantage of the stop to go on shore excursions, stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the design of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you. Mykonos port guide Search cruises visiting Mykonos

Day 6 Aug 12, 2026 Athens (Piraeus), Greece 05:30 – 19:00 13.5 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 port guide Search cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 7 Aug 13, 2026 Chania, Crete 08:00 – 19:00 11.0 hrs ashore The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale. Chania, Crete port guide Search cruises visiting Chania, Crete

Chania, Crete photo — Day 7 Aug 13, 2026 Chania, Crete 08:00 – 19:00 11.0 hrs ashore The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale. Chania, Crete port guide Search cruises visiting Chania, Crete

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

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Show all 60 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Balkonkabine Kategorie A	BAA	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie B	BAB	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie C	BAC	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie D	BAD	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie E	BAE	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie F	BAF	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie G	BAG	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie H	BAH	Balcony
Kombi Balkonkabine	BAK	Balcony
PLUS Balkonkabine Plus	BAP	Balcony
SPA Balkonkabine	BAS	Balcony
Balkonkabine	BAU	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie A	BKA	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie B	BKB	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie C	BKC	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie D	BKD	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie E	BKE	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie F	BKF	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie G	BKG	Balcony
Balkonkabine Kategorie H	BKH	Balcony
Kombi Balkonkabine	BKK	Balcony
PLUS Balkonkabine Plus	BKP	Balcony
SPA Balkonkabine	BKS	Balcony
Balkonkabine	BKU	Balcony
Familienkabine Balkon	FAM	Balcony
Familienkabine Balkon	FKM	Balcony
Premium Verandakabine	VEP	Balcony
Premium Verandakabine	VKP	Balcony
Innenkabine Kategorie A	IKA	Inside
Innenkabine Kategorie B	IKB	Inside
Innenkabine Kategorie C	IKC	Inside
Innenkabine	IKU	Inside
Innenkabine Kategorie A	INA	Inside
Innenkabine Kategorie B	INB	Inside
Innenkabine Kategorie C	INC	Inside
Innenkabine	INU	Inside
Außenkabine Kategorie A	AKA	Oceanview
Außenkabine Kategorie B	AKB	Oceanview
Außenkabine Kategorie C	AKC	Oceanview
Außenkabine	AKU	Oceanview
Außenkabine Kategorie A	AUA	Oceanview
Außenkabine Kategorie B	AUB	Oceanview
Außenkabine Kategorie C	AUC	Oceanview
Außenkabine	AUU	Oceanview
Familienkabine Außen Kategorie A	FAA	Oceanview
Familienkabine Außen Kategorie B	FAB	Oceanview
Familienkabine Außen A	FKA	Oceanview
Familienkabine Außen B	FKB	Oceanview
Junior Suite Balkon	JBA	Suite
Junior Suite Balkon B	JBB	Suite
Junior Suite Balkon C	JBC	Suite
Junior Suite Balkon	JKA	Suite
Junior Suite Balkon B	JKB	Suite
Junior Suite Balkon C	JKC	Suite
Diamant Suite	SKD	Suite
Himmel & Meer Suite	SKH	Suite
Themen Suite	SKT	Suite
Diamant Suite	SUD	Suite
Himmel & Meer Suite	SUH	Suite
Themen Suite	SUT	Suite

Ship

Your ship Mein Schiff 5 4★ **99,800** GT Built **2016** Find out everything about the Mein Schiff 5, its current position and see the webcam. You will also find information about the current weather and which route the Mein Schiff 5 is currently on. Have fun exploring! Mein Schiff 5 ship guide Search cruises on Mein Schiff 5

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