Mediterranean Grand Tour – Athens & Istanbul
About this cruise
No complicated itinerary, no back-to-back transfers, just the ports, the ship, and the sea in between. This 9-night sailing from Bari on September 5, 2026 visits Trieste, Katakolon, Piraeus (Athens), Kusadasi, Istanbul and Corfu. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. The route threads through 3 countries along the Eastern Mediterranean coast: Italy, Greece and Türkiye. If one port sticks with you, it'll probably be Katakolon, Gateway to ancient Olympia. Around 10 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. MSC Fantasia has 5 restaurants on board, which means you could eat somewhere different nearly every night. Bari itself is worth spending some time in. Don't just treat it as a departure point. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. It's the kind of trip you actually remember afterwards.