Start planning your cruise from Istanbul or choose an itinerary that includes this historic city and book your excursion to explore the area

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, a place where the ancient East meets the contemporary West. Spanning both Asia and Europe, this charismatic metropolis is a banquet for the senses — from its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage to its dazzling array of mosques and palaces.

Discover opulent museums, sail cobalt blue waterways, or sample delectable Turkish cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant. An MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, Istanbul is a cultural melting pot.

Select an unforgettable tour from a list of MSC Cruises excursions including:

• Topkapi Palace 
• Kumkapi Dinner
• Bosphorus Cruise

Explore Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s masterpiece museum, home to the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries. Boasting four courts, a harem complex, and an imperial treasury, this architectural icon seduces the eye with its fairy tale turrets, mesmerising mosaics, glorious gardens, and the fifth biggest diamond in the world: the 86 carat Spoonmaker.

Seafood lovers can experience an authentic taste of Istanbul with a visit to Kumkapi. This vibrant institution is home to a vast range of fish restaurants serving up the freshest catches of the day in buzzing al fresco environs.

Feel the breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin on a breathtaking Bosphorus cruise. See Istanbul’s stunning sights and landmarks from the comfort of a boat as it skims along the strait (dining option can be included).

CRUISES FROM ISTANBUL IN 2023

Explore Istanbul’s wonders with MSC Splendida

From April to October, MSC Splendida will take you on a journey of discovery between Europe and Asia with an enchanting 9-night cruise experience. Be mesmerized by Turkey’s incredible cultural heritage and savor the mysterious charm of Istanbul, while from Kusadasi, wander the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus.

MSC Splendida will also take you to explore Greece, in Piraeus (Athens) and Corfu, as well as Italy, in Bari and Trieste (Venice).

Uncover the beauty of Istanbul with MSC Poesia

Looking for a memorable autumn cruise at the gates of the East? From September to November, set sail onboard MSC Poesia for an 11-night journey through TurkeyGreece and Italy. With MSC Poesia, you will spend an entire night in Istanbul with a long anchorage spanning two days in which you can fully experience the magic allure of the city.

Your discovery of Turkey continues at Kusadasi, while in Greece you will visit Piraeus (Athens) and in Italy, PalermoCivitavecchia (Rome) and Genoa.

starts from

 $609*

per person

price includes port taxes,

price does not include service charges

starts from

 $629*

per person

price includes port taxes,

price does not include service charges