Here is the itinerary for the Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the MSC Fantasia, departing on June 25, 2025, and returning on July 4, 2025, along with a detailed description of each city visited:
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Destination | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 25/06/25 | Trieste, Italy | | 19:00 |
| Thu 26/06/25 | (at sea) | | |
| Fri 27/06/25 | Katakolon (Olympia), Greece | 07:00 | 15:00 |
| Sat 28/06/25 | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| Sun 29/06/25 | Kusadasi, Turkey | 07:00 | 15:00 |
| Mon 30/06/25 | Istanbul, Turkey | 10:00 | 23:00 |
| Tue 01/07/25 | (at sea) | | |
| Wed 02/07/25 | Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece | 13:00 | 21:00 |
| Thu 03/07/25 | Bari, Italy | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| Fri 04/07/25 | Trieste, Italy | 09:00 | |
Details about the Visited Cities
* Trieste, Italy
The capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Trieste is a port city overlooking the eponymous gulf between the Italian peninsula and Istria. It serves as a bridge between Central and Southern Europe, blending Mediterranean, Central European, and Slavic characteristics. The Port of Trieste is one of the most important in Southern Europe for freight traffic. Attractions include the vast Piazza Unità d'Italia, facing the sea, and Miramare Castle.
* Katakolon (Olympia), Greece
Katakolon is a picturesque port in Greece, serving as the main gateway to the archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The town welcomes hundreds of cruise ships annually. Besides visiting Olympia, tourists can explore local shops, enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, and relax on the beaches. The Katakolon Railway Museum is another notable attraction.
* Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Piraeus is Athens' main port and the city's gateway to the Aegean islands. It is the largest port in Greece and one of the busiest in Europe for passenger traffic. Piraeus is a significant maritime, commercial, and industrial center, strategically located near the Aegean Sea, a maritime crossroads between Asia and Europe.
* Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi is a tourist province on the Aegean coast, renowned for its natural beauty, turquoise seas, and historical sites. It is close to important archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary. The city also offers beautiful beaches like Ladies Beach and a vibrant nightlife. Its name means "Bird Island," derived from the nearby Pigeon Island with its Byzantine castle.
* Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a cultural and economic hub, connecting two continents (Asia and Europe) with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. It is the largest city in Turkey and its financial capital. Rich in history, the city has been the capital of numerous empires. Among its most famous attractions are Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar (one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets), and the Bosphorus Strait, the world's busiest waterway.
* Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece
Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is the second-largest island in the Ionian Islands of Greece. It is among the most beautiful and popular islands in the country, with a strong historical connection to Europe. Corfu Old Town is well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is rich in stunning beaches and offers a mix of cosmopolitan ambiance and traditional character.
* Bari, Italy
Bari is an Italian municipality and the capital of the Puglia region, as well as its metropolitan city. It is the most populous city on the Adriatic Sea and an important center for maritime trade with the Balkans and the Middle East. In recent years, Bari has become an international tourist destination thanks to its beautiful medieval alleys in Bari Vecchia, its Romanesque buildings, and the relics of Saint Nicholas, highly revered in the Orthodox world. The Basilica of San Nicola, built to host the saint's remains, is an important pilgrimage site.