My recent adventure aboard Costa Venezia allowed me to dive deep into a captivating new cruise itinerary through Turkey and Greece. In this piece, I’ll walk you through each amazing stop, sharing insights and tips that’ll help enhance your own cruising experience.
Disclosure: My trip was graciously hosted by Costa Cruises, but all opinions shared are genuinely my own.
This itinerary stood out to me for several reasons, not least because of my passion for Greece. What particularly caught my eye was the extended time in both Turkey and Greece. Starting with an overnight in Istanbul, we had the chance to explore the city right after boarding. With three stops in Turkey and two in Greece—some lasting over ten hours—I felt more connected to these destinations than a typical cruise, which often skims over many countries.
The views from the ship were stunning, particularly from Bodrum, where my balcony offered a glimpse of the vibrant coastline.
The sea day at the end of our journey added a sense of adventure as we sailed by Gallipoli, crossing under the world’s longest suspension bridge.
If that piques your interest, let’s dive into the details of our journey.
Day 1 – Istanbul
My late arrival meant I missed out on Istanbul on the first day. If you’re considering this cruise, I highly recommend getting there a day early to fully enjoy this iconic city.
The ship docks conveniently at Galataport Istanbul, only a 15-minute drive from major attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it easy to explore independently after boarding.
If you arrive later, another excellent option is the Bosphorus by Night excursion. Cruising past historic palaces and minarets where Europe meets Asia sounds heavenly.
Day 2 – Istanbul
On my first full day, I joined the Unmissable Istanbul shore excursion, a three-hour guided tour. This was the perfect introduction, letting us delve into three major attractions: Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sofia, and The Blue Mosque.
The Basilica Cistern was a fascinating highlight. Dating back to the 6th century, it is the largest covered cistern in Istanbul, with a breathtaking vaulted ceiling supported by 336 columns. A dazzling light and sound show brought its history to life, illustrating its importance to the city.
The Blue Mosque, with its six elegant minarets and turquoise tiles, was simply stunning. Don’t let its formal title—Sultan Ahmed Mosque—fool you. It’s exceptionally beautiful.
However, the day’s standout was Hagia Sofia, a structure rich with history. Originally built as a Christian basilica in 537 AD, it was a remarkable achievement for its time. With colossal domes and columns, it’s both awe-inspiring and humbling to stand inside.
Its history has shifted dramatically over the centuries. Captured by the Ottomans in 1453, it became a mosque, adorned with Islamic calligraphy that concealed earlier Christian mosaics. For decades it operated as a museum before being reclassified as a mosque in 2020, keeping its status as a World Heritage Site.
Visiting this site teeming with worshippers and tourists made for a bustling atmosphere. I appreciated our knowledgeable guide, who intricately detailed the stunning architecture that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Day 3 – Izmir
Next, we docked in Izmir, a fantastic stop for history enthusiasts. This is your opportunity to visit Ephesus, where well-preserved Roman ruins reveal the daily life of an ancient Mediterranean trading hub.
As a child, I marveled at Ephesus. Its massive structures, like the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus, left a lasting impression. I suggest taking a shore excursion that highlights the archaeological treasures of Ephesus and the believed final residence of the Virgin Mary.
This time, I ventured to the charming village of Alaçati, an hour’s drive from Izmir. Known for its quaint stone windmills and lovely streets filled with jasmine, Alaçati turned out to be a delightful and unexpected discovery.
The local cafes and boutique shops invite leisurely exploration. I had a wonderful time at a shop filled with rustic olive pots and serving boards, reminiscent of pieces in my own home. This visit to Turkey felt refreshingly distinct from my time in bustling Istanbul.
Catch a glimpse of our excursion highlights in Alaçati here.
Day 4 – Bodrum
By day four, I was ready for a more relaxed pace, so I enjoyed a sailing excursion along the Bodrum coast on a traditional gulet.
This trip allowed me to soak up Bodrum’s beauty while listening to a guide share its historical context, all while relaxing on the deck. We made stops at three picturesque bays for swimming, although I found the water too chilly for a dip!
Some friends opted for a day at a five-star resort, which also looked like a great option for a mid-cruise getaway. If I had the chance to repeat this cruise, I’d choose this sailing experience.
Day 5 – Mykonos (Athens)
On day five, we faced unexpected weather, preventing us from docking in Mykonos. Though disappointing, our captain had the foresight to re-route for safety.
We ended up with unanticipated extra time in Athens.
Having visited Mykonos before, I intended to explore the Old Port, admiring the iconic windmills and enjoying time in Little Venice. Costa Cruises offers fantastic tours on Mykonos, but my recommendation is simply to wander the charming streets and lose yourself in the island’s beauty.
Instead, I made my way to Mikrolimano, a beautiful harbor near our docking area in Athens, known for its seafood eateries. My main objective was to indulge in tzatziki upon arriving in Greece. With no specific plans, I savored delicious Greek cuisine against a stunning backdrop, and it was absolutely worthwhile.
Day 6 – Athens
The following day was packed with a ‘Sights and Flavours of Athens’ excursion. We ventured along the picturesque Athenian Riviera to Cape Sunio, where we explored the Temple of Poseidon. Then we returned to the city to explore iconic Athens landmarks like the first modern Olympic stadium and more views of the Acropolis.
This excursion is ideal for repeat visitors to Athens, showcasing parts of the city you might miss otherwise. For first-timers, I suggest an Acropolis tour followed by a chance to wander the Plaka, perhaps indulging in the views from a rooftop restaurant like Attic Urban Rooftop.
Witnessing the Acropolis from Areopagus Hill stirred my excitement for a return visit. Athens was wonderfully surprising—historical treasures were everywhere, yet the city maintained a relaxed atmosphere despite being home to over half of Greece’s population.
Day 7 – At Sea
Our final full day onboard was spent cruising back to Istanbul, a perfect opportunity to enjoy all the amenities on the ship—like a spa visit, shopping, or dining at a specialty restaurant.
I utilized this time to finish the book I had started while admiring the breathtaking views of the Turkish coastline. I tracked our journey via the Costa App, taking note of various castles, fortresses, and national parks we passed.
Be sure to check out my in-depth review of Costa Venezia for further details on everything this ship has to offer.
Day 8 – Istanbul
On our last day, I awoke to the view of Istanbul’s domes and minarets outside my window again. It’s a joy that never fades—going to sleep in one city and waking up in another.
I hope this detailed overview of one of Costa Cruises’ new itineraries through Turkey and Greece sparks your interest. Ready to book your adventure? Click here for the latest packages and pricing.
