Costa Deliziosa
December 30, 2023

Istanbul, Turkey, offers docking at Istanbul Port. Travelers explore Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Excursions visit Blue Mosque. Local markets sell simit. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Ottoman domes and Bosphorus vistas. Dining onboard includes döner kebab, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Byzantine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Istanbul’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic waterways, making Istanbul an engaging destination for exploring Turkey’s cultural hub.

Returning to Istanbul — see Day 1 above for port info.

Izmir, Turkey, has docking at Izmir Port. Travelers explore Ephesus’ ancient ruins, a UNESCO site. Excursions visit the House of Virgin Mary. Local markets sell Turkish delight. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather. Photography captures Roman columns and Aegean shores. Dining onboard includes döner kebab, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like evil eye charms, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover ancient history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Izmir’s historic richness offers a vibrant Turkish stop, blending archaeology with coastal charm.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, offers docking at Gruž Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and Lokrum Island. Excursions include kayaking along Adriatic shores. Local markets sell travarica. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval ramparts and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes pašticada, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance wall walks. Dubrovnik’s historic charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic coasts, making Dubrovnik an engaging destination for exploration.

Bari, Italy, offers docking at Bari Port. Travelers explore Basilica of San Nicola and Bari Vecchia. Excursions visit Alberobello’s trulli houses. Local markets sell orecchiette. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval alleys and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes tiella, an Apulian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Bari’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Bari an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Apulia region.

Trieste, Italy, offers docking at Trieste Port. Travelers explore Piazza Unità d’Italia and Miramare Castle. Excursions visit Postojna Cave in Slovenia. Local markets sell gnocchi. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Habsburg architecture and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes jota, a Triestine favorite. Souvenirs, like glass crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Austro-Hungarian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Trieste’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic plazas and scenic coasts, making Trieste an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Adriatic hub.