Greece & Istanbul - Costa Fortuna

Day 1: Larnaca - Athens

Flight Larnaca to Athens. Embark from Piraeus port on the megaship Costa Fortuna at 22.00.

Day 2:At Sea

Day at your leisure to enjoy the facilities of Costa Fortuna ship.

Day 3: Istanbul

The ship arrives at Istanbul port at 07.00 and departs at 18.00.

Split between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is truly unique. It boasts lavish Byzantine architecture and imperial mosques with sky-high minarets that make up the city’s skyline; your first sight from the Bosphorus Strait on your Istanbul cruise. There’s an endless list of must-see sights to tick off, all conveniently packed into the Sultanahmet district.
The grand Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque are among the most photographed landmarks in Istanbul, and the perfect places to delve into the city’s vivid history. As the end point of the Silk Road, lots of cultures have made their mark on the city’s tapestry. The modern-day Sultan Ahmet Square is the location of the old Hippodrome of Constantinople – an ancient meeting ground for chariot racing – the neoclassical St George’s Cathedral, subterranean Basilica Cistern and Chora Church all make up the incredible variety of sights in Istanbul.
Best of all are the many tea gardens and coffeehouses where you can rub shoulders with the locals as you unwind between sightseeing sprees. Then there’s the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling labyrinth of lanes filled with 4,000 shops and counting. Wander off the main thoroughfares and you might just catch a glimpse of talented artisans at work.
 

Day 4: Mykonos, Greece

The ship arrives at Mykonos port at 15.00 and departs at 23.00.

Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.

Day 5: Bodrum

The ship arrives at Bodrum port at 08.00 and departs at 18.00.

Take a day trip around the peninsula in clear blue water, then let loose on a strip in the town aptly called Bar Street and take a glimpse of Bodrum’s past with a visit to a castle built during the Crusades.

In Bodrum Old Town, you won't believe how many different souvenirs you can find. Stands display vibrant wares that will, for years to come, bring to mind the sunny coast of Bodrum.

Bodrum Amphitheatre is a historical site, a theatre almost 2,500 years old which hosts concerts in the summer with an audience capacity of several thousand. Tons of ancient sites abound in and around Europe, but Bodrum Amphitheatre is among the few that can claim to still be in use. You can explore the old amphitheatre and catch some amazing views of the city. 

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology is located inside Bodrum Castle, displaying valuable artefacts of various origins. You'll find shipwrecks dating back to the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece, as well as antiquities from the Ottoman and Crusader eras. The oldest shipwreck on display in a museum is here, which is around 3,500 years old.

Day 6: Santorini, Greece

The ship arrives at Santorini port at 08.00 and departs at 18.00.

Santorini was formed from the remains of a volcanic caldera which is evident in its rugged geology and is famous for its sheer cliffs, red beach, and whitewashed houses that contrast strikingly against the blue Aegean Sea. The island is also home to ancient archaeological sites, hot spring swimming, and stunning wineries.

The picturesque village of Oia lies on an edge of the volcanic caldera overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. This excursion takes you to see this fabulous town and its picturesque houses which are carved into the cliffs. Photograph the iconic blue-domed churches and take in the magnificent views. Then, explore little shops and cafes before partaking in a wine-tasting session complete with local food. 
 
If you’re a keen history buff, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri. This Minoan Bronze-Age settlement was covered in ash by the catastrophic Theran volcanic eruption around 16th-century B.C. Only the 1967 excavation revealed the size and value of the site, uncovering exceptionally-preserved frescoes, furniture, and artworks. Wander through this ancient settlement and admire the elaborate drainage system, pottery, and multi-storey buildings.

Day 7: Heraklion, Crete

The ship arrives at Heraklion port at 08.00 and departs at 18.00.

Heraklion offers a wealth of Venetian architecture from their rule in the 13th century, including magnificent fortified walls. The city is famous for the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed.

Relax in a taverna over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki, washed down with local wine or beer. or explore the stunning, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages.

Day 8: Athens - Larnaca

The ship arrives at Piraeus port at 07.00. Flight Athens to Larnaca.