Eastern & Western Mediterranean Cruise - NCL Viva - NEW SHIP

Day 1: Piraeus

Embarkation on Norwegian Viva from Piraeus port. The ship departs at 17:00

Day 2: Ephesus

The ship arrives at Ephesus port at 06.30 and departs at 12.30

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Ephesus was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, amongst several other ancient remnants.

Famous for its history. Associated with the ministries of Paul, Timothy and the apostle John, the city played a significant role in the spread of early Christianity. The acoustics in the amphitheatres are fantastic.

Day 3: Istanbul

The ship arrives at Istanbul port at 09.00 and departs at 18.00

There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this centre has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Agia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. 

Famous for its Byzantine art, bustling bazaars, lavish palaces and exotic food, Istanbul has thousands of years of history to see with just a leisurely stroll.

Fun Fact: Don't miss the Agia Sophia, built in 537 CE, which was the largest church in the world for 900 years before the Seville Cathedral was built.

Fun Fact: Located on two continents, Europe and Asia and straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only transcontinental city in the world.

Day 4: Mykonos

The ship arrives at Mykonos port at 13.30 and departs at 22.00

A scooter ride to the beaches of Mykonos will allow you to discover the beauty of the island with ease. You can enjoy a drink with a view of the windmills.

After docking at the old port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. Take advantage of the break to stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the layout 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.

Not to be missed: The windmills of Mykonos, The beach of Platys Gialos, The Island of Delos

Day 5: Santorini

The ship arrives at Santorini port at 08.00 and departs at 22.00

The cliffs of Santorini island shine with the bright white of the houses that dominate the Mediterranean from the top of their summit.
Upon arrival at the port of Santorini, you will be enchanted by the charm of the lagoon that surrounds this beautiful volcanic island. The harmony between the crystal blue water and the white villages located at the top of the cliffs is truly exceptional. Make the most of your trip to Santorini by visiting the lava beaches. Their black colour makes them truly spectacular. Archaeology lovers should not miss the chance to visit Akotiri. Excavations have unearthed Minoan ruins and a city that dates back to the Cycladic civilisation.

Not to be missed: The magical village of Oia, Excursions to the slopes of the volcano of Santorini, The ruins of Akrotiri 

Day 6: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore and enjoy the facilities and entertainment of the megaship NCL Viva. 

Day 7: Messina, Italy

The ship arrives at Messina port at 07:00 and departs at 18:00

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbor, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina's Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. 

Messina, the third biggest city in Sicily, includes sights such as the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, Fontana di Nettuno and the Fort of San Salvatore.

The city was recently ranked by Forbes amongst the top five cities in the world with great street food. It was also elected the European Capital of Street Food.

Day 8: Naples

The ship arrives at Naples port at 06:30 and departs at 16:30

Cruise to Naples, located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples' grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old centre will take you back centuries.

Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets. Buildings, churches, streets, ancient fortresses and castles in the sea, as well as natural caves make Naples unforgettable. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy. The margherita pizza, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, was named after Queen Margherita. The Funicular in Naples is one of the longest funicular lines in the world. 

Day 9: Livorno, Florence

The ship arrives at Livorno port at 09:00 and departs at 20:30

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, symbolizes the wealth and power of Italy's golden age more than any other city in Italy. It offers much more than the famous leaning tower.
The Leaning Tower was designed many centuries ago as a Campanile - a free-standing bell tower of Pisa Cathedral. Although designed to be standing vertically, the tower started to lean the southeast direction shortly after its construction began.
Cathedral of Santa Marla Del Flore is the second largest cathedral in the world, capable of holding 3,000 people. Begun in 1296, it took 140 years to complete.

Day 10: Nice/Monaco

The ship arrives at Nice port at 06:00 and departs at 16:00

At the foot of the Alps is the jewel of the French Riviera. Luxuriate on long sandy beaches and terrace cafes. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Savor pissaladis and caillettes on your cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche).

The Nice’s main attractions are the Promenade des Anglais (Walkway of the English) – a beautiful seaside promenade and the Old Town of Nice – the historic part of Nice, full of delicious restaurants, pubs, and souvenir shops. Here you will find the main city market (Cours Saleya) and narrow streets created by high and colorful tenement houses.

Do not miss the Place Masséna – the main city square, ideal as a starting point to explore the city. It is also a meeting place for the inhabitants of Nice.

Day 11: Rome

The NCL Viva arrives at Rome port at 06am