Whispers of Byzantium – Istanbul, Bari & Split

About this cruise

A week or so at sea, a few great ports, and nothing to organise once you're on board. This 9-night sailing from Piraeus (Athens) on July 24, 2027 visits Kusadasi, Istanbul, Corfu, Bari, Trieste and Split. Expect a run of consecutive ports, 6 stops total, with the busiest days packed close together. The sea days around them feel earned. Crossing 4 borders through the Eastern Mediterranean: Türkiye, Greece, Italy and Croatia. You'll notice the culture shift at every stop. Don't rush through Kusadasi, which is known as Turkey's gateway to the ruins of Ephesus. Roughly 9 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. MSC Splendida takes the food seriously, with 6 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 July means long, warm days. Good for the ports, good for the pool. All told, 6 ports across 9 nights covers a lot.