Greece & Istanbul - Costa Fortuna

Day 1: Larnaca - Athens

Flight Larnaca to Athens. Embark from Piraeus port on the megaship Costa Fortuna at 23.00.

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: Heraklion

The ship arrives at Heraklion port at 09.00 and departs at 19.00.

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 6: Rhodes

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

Historically, Rhodes is celebrated for being the home of one of the most remarkable of the seven wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes – while in the current landscape it’s become one of the most sought after locations for those who actively search social media with the #takemethere. Travelers everywhere have Rhodes on their vision boards because of its bountiful beauty, inspired cuisine, historical significance and a little something we just can’t seem to put our finger on.

With a past sprinkled with legends, (Hercules established one of the first ancient settlements on this very land) the modern scene is just as enticing – and you don’t have to be as strong as Hercules to enjoy all it has to offer. Offroading, rappelling and stand-up paddleboarding allow you to dive into the excitement of Rhodes’ past while immersing yourself in the thrills of its abundant landscape. For the more antiquity at heart, an impressive array of churches, mosques and synagogues offer a fascinating culture caper. 

Of course no Greek isle is complete without the meat (and vegetables, seafood and libations) which are, simply put – out of this world. Traditional dishes with inspired twists from modern Grecian chefs at new and exciting restaurants blend together with classic taverna’s with a “if it’s not broke, why fix it” mentality to guarantee visitors a taste of the old, a taste of the new – and most importantly, a taste of everything in between. 

Day 7: Santorini

The ship arrives at Santorini port at 08.00 and departs at 18.30.

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 8: Athens - Larnaca

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