Mediterranean Grand Tour – Athens, Istanbul & Venice

About this cruise

Long enough to properly switch off but not so long you need to reorganise your entire life. This 9-night round-trip sailing from Piraeus (Athens) on September 27, 2026 visits Izmir, Istanbul, Corfu, Bari, Trieste and Katakolon. Expect a run of consecutive ports, 6 stops total, with the busiest days packed close together. The sea days around them feel earned. Crossing 3 borders through the Eastern Mediterranean: Türkiye, Greece and Italy. You'll notice the culture shift at every stop. People come back from this cruise talking about Izmir: Turkey's laid-back Aegean metropolis. Roughly 9 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. MSC Fantasia takes the food seriously, with 5 restaurants to choose from. 2 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. And September is a good call. Still warm, less crowded, and usually cheaper too. 6 ports, 3 countries, one suitcase. That's the appeal.