Norwegian Cruise Line Greek islands: 9 nights from Istanbul with Norwegian Viva
May 18, 2026

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the main tourist centers of Turkey and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the west coast of Turkey, 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Aegean Sea, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didima, Priene, Miletus and is ideal for tourists. Numerous beaches of fine sand with warm and clear waters, offer a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of services in the water and on the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball are just some of the choices for lovers of dynamism. After the sun during the day, the city awaits superb sunsets. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants across the palm-lined avenues fill with sounds and voices. It is a great pleasure to watch the comings and goings of boats and ships accompanied by the panoramic view of the sunset.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

Mykonos

Mykonos is an extremely fun and fascinating place, where the frenetic mix of vacationers, fashionistas and celebrities is magically subdued to the cubist charm of the old town.

Mykonos is famous for being a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the meccas of great tourism. It is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early in the season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or from September to mid-October.

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Katakolon

Katakolon is known as the 'gateway to Olympia' in fact it is located just east of the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Katakolon is a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Greece. It is located on a picturesque promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian Sea. It is 11 km west of the center of Pyrgos. The small village of Agios Andreas is located north-west of Katakolon. The port of Katakolon is a very popular stop for cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to visit the site of ancient Olympia. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. In 1865 the Katakolon lighthouse was built. One of the most important sites in Katakolon is the Museum of Ancient Greek technology.

Valletta

Malta is one the smallest States in the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such a concentration of history, architecture and, beautiful beaches in such a small area. Malta is one of the most concentrated areas of historical interest anywhere in the world, for this reason it was called La Valletta when Unesco awarded it the title of World Heritage Site. The city is therefore the ideal city for art lovers and it is renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

One of the most concentrated areas of historical interest elements in the world, so La Valletta was described when Unesco awarded it the title of world heritage site, the city is therefore a guarantee for art lovers and certainly renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

Catania

Set sail from Catania for your Mediterranean Cruise Holiday. Discover on our website all departures with embarkation from Catania and visit Barcelona, Marseille and Naples on board the best cruise ships. The city's Baroque historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Catania is a beautiful city on the east coast of Sicily, the second largest after Palermo, located at the foot of Europe's largest volcanic site: Mount Etna. Besides being really beautiful and full of tourist attractions, Catania is also a very important and complete city.
The hub of the city is the port, the main economic center of the region, and one of the busiest in Italy, it is bustling both day and night. An ideal city to enjoy the pleasures of life and savour true Mediterranean
gastronomy Catania will offer you magical moments. Visit the city's various markets, the colourful and lively Pescheria, where you will find the best fresh fish in town, or stop at the market in Piazza Carlo Alberto, also known as Fera'o Luni, where a characteristic flea market is also held on Sundays.
If you want a snack, don't miss the typical Sicilian cannoli with ricotta cheese or have breakfast with a Sicilian brioche and almond granita, a real treat for your palate before arriving at the port and embarking on your Mediterranean cruise from Catania.

Catania: A Sicilian Symphony for Your Cruise

Set sail from Catania, the vibrant baroque city at the foot of Mount Etna, on Sicily's eastern coast. This bustling port offers a dramatic backdrop for your cruise departure, blending ancient history with a dynamic modern spirit. Before embarking, explore the city's UNESCO-listed architecture, taste its famous street food, and gaze upon the majestic volcano. Catania provides a unique and culturally rich starting point for an unforgettable journey across the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Wonders from the Heart of Sicily

Cruises departing from Catania offer diverse itineraries that span the enchanting Mediterranean. Whether you dream of exploring the Greek Isles, the historical cities of mainland Italy, or the sun-kissed coasts of North Africa, Catania serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Sicily to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Each voyage from Catania promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences on the open water.

Salerno

Salerno is an Italian municipality with 133,693 inhabitants, capital of the province of the same name in Campania, the second municipality in the region by number of inhabitants and the thirtieth at national level. The city of Salerno occupies a spectacular position overlooking the Gulf, where the splendid Amalfi Coast is located, a famous tourist destination in Italian Campania. It has a rich history and a deep-rooted tradition.

During the Middle Ages the city was the capital of the homonymous Lombard principality and then of the Norman duchy of Puglia and Calabria which included a large part of the continental South and was the original nucleus of the future Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies.

Salerno was home to the School of Medicine, which was the first and most important medical institution in Europe at the beginning of the Middle Ages and as such is considered by many a forerunner of modern universities. Ideal heir to the famous medical school is the University of Salerno, located since 1988, in the form of a campus, in the neighboring municipalities of Fisciano and Baronissi.

From February to August 1944 Salerno was the seat of the Italian government,[10] hosting the governments Badoglio I, Badoglio II and Bonomi II which led to the Turn of Salerno.

Starting from the second half of the nineties, the city began a series of policies aimed at improving livability, urban decor and projecting, especially as regards tourism, Salerno at national and international level. The city is therefore a candidate to become one of the poles of cruise tourism and contemporary architecture, hosting works by the greatest architects of the 21st century, such as Fuksas, Zaha Hadid, Bohigas, Chipperfield, Calatrava and Bofill.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.