The Best of the Mediterranean

Trip Code:55966
(AUD) Twin Share from $3,439pp
Days 19
Nights 18

18-night Mediterranean cruise from IST to ROM aboard Sun Princess

  • 04 Aug 2027 – 22 Aug 2027
    from $3,439 pp twin share *

Additional Pricing Information

  • Interior from $3,439 pp twin share
  • Deluxe Balcony from $5,099 pp twin share
  • Mini-Suite from $6,299 pp twin share
  • Suite from $11,811 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Istanbul, Turkey:
    Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world’s largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
  • Day 2 – Istanbul, Turkey (depart 12:00 PM):
    Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world’s largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
  • Day 3 – KU (arrive 09:00 AM, depart 07:00 PM)
  • Day 4 – Santorini, Greece (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 09:00 PM):
    Did the catastrophic volcanic eruption that ravaged Santorini circa 1600 B.C. destroy Crete’s ancient Minoan civilization – and give birth to the myth of Atlantis? In 1967, archaeologists on Santorini unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age city that may have been home to as many as 30,000 people. Whether the Lost Continent of Atlantis is rooted in myth or reality, an undisputed fact remains. The eruption created a caldera – and one of the most dramatic land and seascapes in the entire Mediterranean. On Santorini, whitewashed buildings cling to vertiginous cliffs that plunge to a turquoise sea. Part of the Cyclades Archipelago, the three-island group of Santorini, Thirasia and uninhabited Aspronisi present the traveler with unforgettable vistas.The island has had a number of names throughout history – from Strongyle or “Round” to Thera in honor of an ancient hero. Santorini is more recent and stems from the island church dedicated to St. Irene – Santa Rini to foreign sailors.Note: Santorini is an anchorage port: passengers transfer to shore via shore tender.
  • Day 5 – Mykonos, Greece (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 09:00 PM):
    Thanks to its proximity to the mainland, Mykonos was one of the first Greek islands to become an international travel destination. During the late ’60s and early ’70s, Mykonos was famed as a haunt for the rich. The island’s nightlife – then and now – was a glittering whirl of colored lights, music, and parties. But there’s another side to Mykonos – the neighboring island of Delos. In classical mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Travelers to Delos can stroll among the island’s vast ruins, which include three temples consecrated to the Sun God and the famed Lions Walk.Mykonos town features hip boutiques, restaurants, jewelry stores, souvenirs, taverns and cafés. The island’s famed windmills are found just south of the waterfront.
  • Day 6 – Crete (Chania), Greece (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
    Weaving a tapestry of awe and wonder, Chania is a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. But Chania may be best known as the gateway to the breathtaking 4,000 year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. And around every corner of this idyllic area you’ll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime.
  • Day 7 – At Sea:
    Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship.
  • Day 8 – Sicily (Messina), Italy (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
    Messina has played a major role in European history since its founding as a Greek colony in the 8th century B.C. During the Roman Empire, the city was a major port and commercial center, during the Middle Ages, Messina was the major port of departure for Crusaders. History has also left its scars: a massive earthquake leveled much of the city in 1908 and the World War II campaign for Sicily devastated Messina. Yet Messina emerged from that devastation with some of its historic treasures intact, including the 12th-century Annunziata dei Catalani Church. Messina is also your gateway to the rugged beauty of southeast Sicily, from the seaside resort of Taormina to Mt. Etna.Between the fall of Rome and the 1861 unification of Italy, the Arabs, the Normans, the Germans, the Spanish and the French ruled Sicily.
  • Day 9 – Naples, Italy (for Capri & Pompeii) (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 07:00 PM):
    Italy’s third-largest city, Naples is a bustling metropolis famed for it stately buildings, crowded streets, pizza – and notoriously bad traffic. However, this beautiful city is rich in centuries-old culture and customs. Naples is also your gateway to the Isle of Capri, the fabled Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Naples boasts an ideal location, with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach.
  • Day 10 – Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 09:00 PM):
    Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications.Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome’s Bohemian Quarter.Rome has been a magnet luring the world’s greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.
  • Day 11 – At Sea:
    Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship.
  • Day 12 – Barcelona, Spain (arrive 06:00 AM, depart 05:00 PM):
    The 1992 Summer Olympics revealed to the world what Europeans and seasoned travelers already knew – Barcelona is one of the world’s greatest treasures. Vibrant and earthy, commercial and cultural, this city of two million residents is the capital of Spain’s autonomous region of Catalonia. Stroll along the wide, tree-lined promenades of Las Ramblas and marvel at the spires of Gaudi’s Basilica La Sagrada Familia. Or visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic – also home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler’s paradise.
  • Day 13 – At Sea:
    Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with all the experiences and amenities of your ship.
  • Day 14 – Marseille (Provence), France (arrive 07:00 AM, depart 05:00 PM):
    The largest port on the Mediterranean, Marseille is France’s second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats and pleasure craft of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is also your gateway to Provence. Explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.
  • Day 15 – Corsica (Ajaccio), France (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 06:00 PM):
    In 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte – then Napoleon I, Emperor of the French – made Corsica a department of France. He also moved the capital from Bastia to his hometown of Ajaccio.The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is the island’s largest town (although we know that the capital of Corsica is Paris, and Ajaccio & Bastia are roughly the same size) – and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. One can stroll past the cathedral where the future emperor was baptized–the Casa Bonaparte is a museum devoted to the imperial glory. But Corsica is also the “scented isle” – a place of dramatic shoreline cliffs, small coves, and golden beaches. The island interior consists of stony mountains carpeted in macchia, a low, thick, chaparral comprised of aromatic Corsican mint, rock roses, and myrtle. Everywhere you’ll discover traces of the island’s long and colorful history, from medieval walled towns to seaside villages guarded by 16th-century towers. Though the island has been part of France since the late 18th century, Corsica retains its own distinct culture and flavor.
  • Day 16 – Genoa (for Cinque Terre), Italy (arrive 08:00 AM, depart 08:00 PM):
    Genoa is the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria. Many regard Genoa as having the largest historic city center in Europe as a result of having been, for centuries, a powerful commercial center seaport and city-state. It was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and its maritime roots have fostered a dialect that has, absorbed elements of Neapolitan, Calabrese and Portuguese over the centuries. Genoa’s harbor is a bustling swarm of activity, which makes it a great launching point for the sprawling metropolis of Milan.
  • Day 17 – La Spezia (for Florence/Pisa), Italy (arrive 07:00 AM):
    A former fishing village at the border of two enchanting regions, La Spezia offers easy access to Tuscany and its great cities like Florence and Pisa and the Liguria’s rugged coast and terraced villages known as Cinque Terre. Situated to the east of Cinque Terre, and sidling up to the exquisite Lerici and Tellaro, this hard-working port town is home to Italy’s largest naval base. Unspoiled and unhurried, this hidden gem boasts beautiful scenery, a historical center full of architectural delights, and winding streets dotted with plenty of cozy trattorias showcasing the Ligurian kitchen’s finest.
  • Day 18 – La Spezia (for Florence/Pisa), Italy (depart 05:00 PM):
    A former fishing village at the border of two enchanting regions, La Spezia offers easy access to Tuscany and its great cities like Florence and Pisa and the Liguria’s rugged coast and terraced villages known as Cinque Terre. Situated to the east of Cinque Terre, and sidling up to the exquisite Lerici and Tellaro, this hard-working port town is home to Italy’s largest naval base. Unspoiled and unhurried, this hidden gem boasts beautiful scenery, a historical center full of architectural delights, and winding streets dotted with plenty of cozy trattorias showcasing the Ligurian kitchen’s finest.
  • Day 19 – Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy (arrive 06:00 AM):
    Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications.Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome’s Bohemian Quarter.Rome has been a magnet luring the world’s greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Highlights

  • Handpicked itinerary highlights for The Best of the Mediterranean.
  • Flexible departures designed for easy planning.
  • Limited spots available, reserve your preferred dates early.

18-night Mediterranean cruise from IST to ROM aboard Sun Princess

Inclusions

  • MedallionClass® experience
  • Broadway-style entertainment
  • Multicourse dining and casual venues
  • Fitness facilities
  • Youth and teen clubs (ages 3–17)

FAQs

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 19 days and 18 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 04 Aug 2027 and 22 Aug 2027, subject to live availability.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Provided by: Princess Cruises

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $3,439pp
Days 19
Nights 18

Enquire Now