Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 21, 2026 Athens (Piraeus), Greece 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 3 Aug 23, 2026 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 3 Aug 23, 2026 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 Aug 24, 2026 Mykonos 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 4 Aug 24, 2026 Mykonos 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 5 Aug 25, 2026 Heraklion 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 6 Aug 26, 2026 Rhodes Located only seven miles from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is one of Greece's favored vacation centers. In ancient times, the entrance to its harbor featured a celebrated landmark, the Colossus of Rhodes. The 105-foot statue rose from a 35-foot stone base and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rhodes was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such historical figures as Cicero and Caesar. From a school for sculptors came the famous Laocoon group, which is now in the Vatican Museum. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1308 to 1522. As their legacy they left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Knights' Hospital. The Old Town is encircled by one of the best-preserved walls in Europe. In addition to buildings that showcase the legacy of the Knights of St. John, there are plenty of shops and dining opportunities throughout the Old Town. Rhodes port guide Search cruises visiting Rhodes

Rhodes photo — Day 6 Aug 26, 2026 Rhodes Located only seven miles from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is one of Greece's favored vacation centers. In ancient times, the entrance to its harbor featured a celebrated landmark, the Colossus of Rhodes. The 105-foot statue rose from a 35-foot stone base and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rhodes was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such historical figures as Cicero and Caesar. From a school for sculptors came the famous Laocoon group, which is now in the Vatican Museum. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1308 to 1522. As their legacy they left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Knights' Hospital. The Old Town is encircled by one of the best-preserved walls in Europe. In addition to buildings that showcase the legacy of the Knights of St. John, there are plenty of shops and dining opportunities throughout the Old Town. Rhodes port guide Search cruises visiting Rhodes

Day 7 Aug 27, 2026 Santorini 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 port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 7 Aug 27, 2026 Santorini 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 port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 104-day span: $1,319 · range $1,319–$1,914

Lower than 67% of peers This week-long sailing's from-price per night is lower than 67% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jul 6, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,450

$207 / night

Fare rows

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,450

$207 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $1,600

$228 / night

Fare rows

Oceanview

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,600

$228 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,690

$241 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $2,080

$297 / night

Fare rows

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,080

$297 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,200

$314 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $2,450

$350 / night

Fare rows

Mini Suite with ocean view balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,450

$350 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Sauite with ocean view balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,965

$566 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jul 6, 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

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 Ocean View Balcony	BC	Balcony
Premium Ocean View Balcony	BP	Balcony
Balcony Guarantee	BV	Balcony
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 Ocean View	EC	Oceanview
Premium Ocean View	EP	Oceanview
Oceanview Group ( E1 + E2 )	ET1	Oceanview
Outside Guarantee	EV	Oceanview
Grand Sauite with ocean view balcony	GS	Suite
Mini Suite with ocean view balcony	MS	Suite
Suite with ocean view balcony	S	Suite