Mediterranean Voyage with Istanbul Stay

9 nights - 02 Mar 2026

Istanbul | Corfu | Bari | Piraeus | Izmir

MSC Lirica | Mediterranean

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Direct return flights with luggage allowance

Private overseas transfers

Two-night 4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

Seven-night full-board cruise

View prices as:

PER PERSON TOTAL PRICE

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HOLIDAY PRICE

Select Cabins

inside

From £1139PP

outside

From £1245PP

balcony

From £1469PP

suite

From £1629PP

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(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

This fly cruise holiday is financially protected by Worldchoice Travel Ltd (t/a The Cruise Club) under ATOL number T7495

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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

What's Included

Direct return flights with luggage allowance

Private overseas transfers

Two-night 4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

Seven-night full-board cruise

Itinerary

List Timeline

4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

Shore excursions

Day 1

02 March 2026

4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

More Info

Day 2

03 March 2026

4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

More Info

Day 3

04 March 2026

Check-out of your hotel and board the MSC Lirica

More Info

Day 3

04 March 2026

Istanbul

More Info

Day 4

05 March 2026

At Sea

More Info

Day 5

06 March 2026

Corfu

More Info

Day 6

07 March 2026

Bari

More Info

Day 7

08 March 2026

At Sea

More Info

Day 8

09 March 2026

Piraeus

More Info

Day 9

10 March 2026

Izmir

More Info

Day 10

11 March 2026

Istanbul

More Info

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

02 March 2026

4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

Shore Excursions

03 March 2026

4* hotel stay in Istanbul - Old City

Shore Excursions

04 March 2026

Check-out of your hotel and board the MSC Lirica

Shore Excursions

04 March 2026

Istanbul

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

Shore Excursions

05 March 2026

At Sea

Explore Ship

06 March 2026

Corfu

Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO...

Shore Excursions

07 March 2026

Bari

Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, o...

Shore Excursions

08 March 2026

At Sea

Explore Ship

09 March 2026

Piraeus

It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.

Shore Excursions

10 March 2026

Izmir

Composed of nine metropolitan districts, Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and the country’s second largest port after Istanbul.

Shore Excursions

11 March 2026

Istanbul

Shore Excursions

Whats Included with MSC Cruises

When you take a well-deserved holiday with the MSC cruise line, you can benefit from an abundance of inclusions while on-board. Plus, if you upgrade to a drinks package, you will enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive experience. Talk to our cruise concierge about all the various types of MSC drink packages that will best suit your needs.

Accommodation

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in a choice of included dining venues

Entertainment throughout the day and evening

Use of swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centre and leisure facilities where available

Return flights included from a choice of UK airports (fly cruise bookings only)

Port taxes

Selected hot drinks, iced tea, lemonade, juices, and water in selected venues

Porterage of luggage from port to cabin

Adult only areas

Youth programmes for babies to 17-year-olds

Sailaway parties, themed nights and deck parties

Shuttle service to and from ports and airport where available

Explore MSC Lirica

Buffet Restaurant

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A cafeteria style, self-service buffet.

Responsible Shore Excursions: Protectours

MSC Bike Adventours

One of the best ways to explore a city is from the seat of a bicycle. Hit the road on your next MSC Cruise on a MSC BIKE ADVENTOURS experience.

See, hear, smell and feel the destination like never before. You’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper connection.

Our carefully curated small group tours offer both active adventures and easy city sightseeing on electric bicycles.

Reserve today and ride into your next adventure with MSC Bike Adventours.

MSC Bike Adventours Clothing

Ride longer and feel stronger with our pro cycling jersey and race ready bib, designed by Essor Design studio and available exclusively onboard. Available in S – XL.

You can have yours with our MSC Bike Adventours.

The Broadway Theatre

You’d normally have to travel to New York to see top-end shows, but thanks to our Broadway-style theatres you can enjoy superlative entertainment with an international line-up of artists without having to leave the ship. Take your pick from a fabulous programme, there’s sure to be a show you love.

MSC Aurea Spa

MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. Being pampered by a traditional Balinese Massage is a truly unique experience. Thanks to a blend of scented essences and aromatic oils, your body is enveloped in an endlessly peaceful and relaxing aura.

Baby Club

Our partnership with leading baby care brand Chicco provides a dedicated play area with facilities for babies and toddlers under 3 years old. You can leave your toddlers with our MSC Babycare staff*, or stay with them and enjoy the special Chicco toys and games. They'll love our music and rhythm activities, designed to awaken their curiosity.

Deck 13 - Sun Deck

Sun Deck
Mini Golf
Top 13 Exclusive Solarium

Deck 12 - Rossini

Power Walking Track
Shuffleboard
Young & Teen Club
Karaoke
The Blue Club Disco
Junior Club
Deluxe Suite Aurea
Lift

Deck 11- Vivaldi

Relaxation Room
Gym
MSC Aurea Spa
Thermal Suite
Baby Club
Mini Club
Beauty Parlour
The Vitamin Bar
The Italian Ice Cream Bar
La Canzone del Mare Bar
Pool Bar
Le Piscine
Whirlpool Bath
Doremi Spray Park
La Pergola Outside Cafeteria
La Pergola Hamburger Paradise
La Pergola Pizza & Pasta
Le Bistrot Buffet
Lift

Deck 10 - Bellini

Deluxe Suite Aurea
Junior Balcony
Junior Interior
Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View Cabin
Lift

Deck 9 - Albinoni

Premium Ocean View
Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View Cabin
Junior Balcony
Junior Interior
Lift

Deck 8 - Paganini

Junior Interior
Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View
Lift

Deck 7 - Scarlatti

Medical Center
Junior Ocean View
Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View
Junior Interior
Lift

Deck 6 - Puccini

The Broadway Theatre
The Coffee Corner
Le Cabaret
Casino Vip Lounge
Las Vegas Casino
Shopping Arcade
L'Atmosphere Piano Bar
Kaito Sushi Bar
Photo Shop
Photo Gallery
Video Games Arcade
L'Ippocampo Restaurant
Lift

Deck 5 - Verdi

La Bussola Restaurant
The Beverly Hills Bar
Shopping Arcade
Voyagers Club Info Point
Shore Excursion Office
Card Room, Library & Internet Cafe
Lord Nelson Pub
The Broadway Theatre
Lift

MSC Lirica Cabins & Suites

Junior Interior

Surface 13 sqm, deck 7-8
Relaxing armchair
Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)
TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

* Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have single beds only.

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

FLOORPLANS

Facilities

Queen or Twin Configuration
Shower
Room Service Available
TV
Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
Media/Entertainment Station
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Vanity Area
Toiletries Provided
Free Mini Bar
Air Conditioning

Premium Ocean View

Surface 22 sqm, deck 9.
Window with sea view
Relaxing armchair
Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

FLOORPLANS

Facilities

Queen or Twin Configuration
Shower
Room Service Available
TV
Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
Media/Entertainment Station
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Vanity Area
Toiletries Provided
Free Mini Bar
Air Conditioning

Junior Balcony

Surface 13 sqm, balcony 3 sqm, deck 9-10
Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

FLOORPLANS

Facilities

Lounge Area
Shower
Room Service Available
TV
Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
Media/Entertainment Station
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Double or Twin Configuration
Vanity Area
Toiletries Provided
Free Mini Bar
Air Conditioning

Junior Suite Aurea

Surface 23 sqm, balcony 5 sqm, deck 10
Sitting area with sofa
Spacious Wardrobe
Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer
Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

FLOORPLANS

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
Suite Benefits
TV
Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
Safe
Hair Dryer
Desk
Bath
Vanity Area
Free Mini Bar
Butler Service
Media/Entertainment Station
Telephone
Air Conditioning