Exquisite Mediterranean – Athens & Istanbul

About this cruise

If you want the classic cruise without a massive time commitment, this is a strong option. 9 nights from Bari on November 7, 2026, visiting Trieste, Katakolon, Piraeus (Athens), Kusadasi, Istanbul and Corfu. There's a stretch of back-to-back port days, so those days are busy, but the sea days around them give you time to recharge. 3 countries (Italy, Greece and Türkiye) across the Eastern Mediterranean, each with its own character. Most ports give you about 10 hours, so you can do more than just tick off the main sights. As for the ship itself, You won't go hungry on MSC Fantasia. 2 restaurants come with the fare, plus 3 more when you feel like treating yourself. Being shoulder season helps: golden light, comfortable weather, and shorter queues at the popular spots. 9 nights of not thinking about anything except where to eat next. That's the pitch.