DAY 01 ISTANBUL GALATAPORT
Meeting with MSC Cruises officials at Istanbul Galataport Passenger Terminal at 11:00. After check-in, passport, and luggage procedures, boarding the ship and settling into cabins. Free time afterwards. Guests who wish may enjoy the ship's open buffet for lunch and watch the unique view of Istanbul from the deck after the meal. Our ship will depart from the port at 20:00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 02 CRUISING AT SEA
On this day spent at sea, you can take advantage of the various activities offered by our ship. Guests who wish can spend pleasant time in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, and sunbathing areas. Those who wish can shop at duty-free stores, try their luck at the casino, or participate in music and entertainment events organized at different points of the ship. Restaurants offering different flavors throughout the day will also be waiting for our guests. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 03 CORFU
Our ship will dock at Corfu Port at 13:30. After breakfast, free time for personal activities. Guests who wish can join the Corfu City Tour, which will be organized as an extra by our guide.
During our tour, we visit the palace built for Queen Elizabeth of the Habsburg Dynasty, which attracts attention with its neoclassical architecture and Italian gardens. Then, we see the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the island's important religious structures. Upon returning to the city center, after seeing important structures such as the St. Michael and St. George Palace from the British period and the St. Spyridon Church panoramically, we explore the narrow streets and small squares of Corfu. Return to our ship after the tour. Our ship will depart from the port at 20:00. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
DAY 04 BARI
Our ship will dock at 08:00 in the morning in Bari, the capital of the Puglia Region in southern Italy and one of the important port cities on the Adriatic Sea coast. The city, which stands out with its historical texture, narrow stone streets, traditional Italian architecture, and coastline, attracts attention with its important structures such as the historical Bari Vecchia district, the Basilica of San Nicola, and the Norman-Swabian Castle. After our disembarkation procedures, we will be transferred to our hotel by our private vehicle. Overnight stay at our hotel.
DAY 05 BARI – POLIGNANO A MARE
After breakfast, we depart for Bari city center at the time specified by our guide. In our panoramic tour of Bari, which is located on the Adriatic coast and is the administrative center of the Puglia Region, places to see include the historical Old Town (Bari Vecchia), the Basilica of San Nicola built in the 11th century, Teatro Petruzzelli, one of the largest private opera houses in Europe, Palazzo di Città, Palazzo della Provincia, and Lungomare di Bari.
After our tour, we depart for Polignano a Mare, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. We take a pleasant trip in this charming coastal town famous for its deep blue sea, white houses, natural beaches hidden among the cliffs, and impressive views. We also explore the town, which is the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, known for the world-famous song “Volare”. Return to our hotel in Bari after our trip. Overnight stay at our hotel.
DAY 06 BARI – ALBEROBELLO – MONOPOLI
After breakfast, we start our full-day trip at the time specified by our guide. Our first stop is Alberobello, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and famous for its unique conical-roofed stone houses. We take a pleasant walk in this historical town, which attracts attention with its traditional houses called Trulli. Trullo Sovrano and the Trulli Museum are among the places to see.
After our trip, we depart for Monopoli on the Adriatic coast. After a walk and free time in Monopoli, a typical Southern Italian town with its port, fishing boats, small squares, and colorful houses lined up along the coast, we return to Bari. Overnight stay at our hotel.
DAY 07 BARI – MATERA – LECCE
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our full-day trip. Our first stop is Matera, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its houses carved into rocks and cave churches. We take a walk in Sassi, one of the most impressive historical districts of the city.
After our Matera trip, we depart for Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. In the city, which stands out with its Baroque architecture, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Sant'Oronzo Square, and the amphitheater dating back to the Roman period are among the places to be seen panoramically. Return to our hotel in Bari after our trip. Overnight stay at our hotel.
DAY 08 BARI – ISTANBUL AIRPORT
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide. After ticket and luggage procedures, departure to Istanbul at 20:15 with Turkish Airlines flight TK1466. Arrival in Istanbul at 00:20 local time and end of our tour.
