Turkey, Galataport Cruise from Istanbul to Piraeus — 11 Days

10 nights · Turkey, Galataport · Departs Istanbul (Turkey) · Visiting Bozcaada Island, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Agios Nikolaos, Santorini Island, Naxos Island, Milos Island, Nafplio, Hydra Island, Piraeus-Athens · Aboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on the ms Europa 2

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ms Europa 2
Istanbul Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide Bozcaada Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide Kusadasi Cruise Port: Ephesus Guide & Expert Shore Tips Bodrum Cruise Port Guide: Expert Shore Excursions & Tips
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Image courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ©

Cruise lineHapag-Lloyd Cruises
Shipms Europa 2
Duration10 nights
Port calls11
Departures1 sailings
Year built2013
Guests516
Cabins251
Crew370
Length225 m
Beam26 m
Cruising speed21.0 kn
  1. Day 1

    Istanbul, Turkey

    Istanbul makes a compelling first impression: minarets rise above the Bosphorus, while ferries cross between Europe and Asia. On the historic peninsula, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace place centuries of empire within walking distance. Istanbul rewards curiosity beyond its landmarks. Browse the Grand Bazaar, linger over Turkish coffee, then take a ferry to the Asian shore. Allow time for traffic and queues; the city’s scale is part of the experience.

  2. Day 2

    Bozcaada Island, Turkey

    Bozcaada lies in the northern Aegean, a short ferry ride from Geyikli on Turkey’s Çanakkale coast. Its harbor is watched by a castle, rebuilt under Ottoman rule and visible as ferries approach. Beyond the waterfront, lanes pass stone houses, cafés and churches that reflect the island’s Greek and Turkish past. Vineyards cover the inland slopes, while Ayazma Beach offers a swim in clear Aegean water.

  3. Day 3

    Kusadasi, Turkey

    Kuşadası puts the Aegean within reach, with a lively waterfront and one of Turkey’s most celebrated ancient cities nearby. Ephesus lies about 20 kilometres inland, where marble avenues lead to the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. Back in town, browse the bazaar, then follow the causeway to Pigeon Island and its historic fortress. The harbour-facing promenade offers an easy place to linger over the Aegean light.

  4. Day 4

    Bodrum, Turkey

    Bodrum brings the Aegean within reach: a handsome harbor, whitewashed houses and the Crusader-built Castle of St Peter. Its Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays finds recovered from ancient shipwrecks. Explore ancient Halicarnassus, whose Mausoleum was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then settle at a waterfront table for grilled fish and a view across the bay.

  5. Day 5

    Agios Nikolaos, Greece

    Agios Nikolaos gives eastern Crete a cosmopolitan face, set around the deep blue waters of Mirabello Bay. At its heart, Lake Voulismeni connects to the harbor, bordered by cafés and a lively waterfront. Beyond town, the Minoan site at Gournia and the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga reveal layers of history. Come ashore for a swim, a lakeside lunch, or a drive through Crete’s olive-covered hills.

  6. Day 6

    Santorini Island, Greece

    Few Greek islands make an entrance like Santorini, where whitewashed villages crown a volcanic caldera above the Aegean. Most cruise ships anchor offshore, and tenders land at the old port below Fira. Ride the cable car, or climb the steps, to reach the island’s capital and its celebrated views. Beyond Fira, Oia’s blue domes, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and volcanic wines reward a longer day ashore.

  7. Day 8

    Naxos Island, Greece

    Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, yet its pleasures feel refreshingly unhurried. From the harbor, the marble Portara frames the sea, while the Venetian Kastro rises above the old town’s narrow lanes. Beyond town, villages such as Halki reveal Byzantine churches, citrus groves, and the island’s distinctive kitron liqueur. Golden beaches, mountain roads, and excellent tavernas make Naxos worth exploring beyond the waterfront.

  8. Day 9

    Milos Island, Greece

    Arrive at Adamas, Milos’s sheltered ferry port, and you step onto an island shaped by fire and sea. Its volcanic geology has carved pale cliffs, sea caves, and beaches across the coast. Visit Sarakiniko’s sculpted white rock, then climb to Plaka for island-wide views and a quiet evening. At Tripiti, visit the early Christian catacombs and ancient theater, near where the Venus de Milo was found in 1820.

  9. Day 10

    Nafplio, Greece

    Nafplion is the Peloponnese at its most inviting: a seafront town shaped by Venetian, Ottoman and Greek histories. In the old quarter, cobbled lanes lead to Syntagma Square, lined with historic façades and cafés. Above the rooftops, Palamidi Fortress commands the view; offshore, Bourtzi guards the harbor. Come ashore for a compact, walkable city, then linger over lunch beside the water.

  10. Day 11

    Hydra Island, Greece

    Hydra is a Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, reached by ferry from Piraeus. Its horseshoe harbor is framed by stone mansions, cafés and fishing boats, with hills rising sharply behind. Cars are forbidden, so the lanes belong to pedestrians, pack animals and water taxis. Walk uphill for quiet courtyards and broad sea views, then return to the waterfront as the harbor lights come on.

  11. Day 11

    Piraeus-Athens, Greece

    Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.

ms Europa 2 Cruises

Published August 21, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard

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