Savour Aegean splendour as you island hop all the way to Istanbul – passing enchanting towns, sun-kissed beaches and sprawling souqs – across a week’s voyage departing Athens return onboard the brand-new Norwegian Viva. Begin your journey in Greece’s extraordinary capital with two exclusive nights of pre-cruise accommodation at five-star St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel before departing east aboard your cruise vessel. Wander through the ancient remains of Ephesus in modern-day Kusadasi, then set off for Istanbul – a vibrant city brimming with marketplaces, bathhouses and mosques – before sailing out among the Cyclades’ best, from the shimmering white-and-blue vistas of Mykonos to Santorini’s soaring cliffsides.
When you’re not exploring the extraordinary, you’ll be staying in the most spacious accommodations at sea in your own stateroom. Plus, savour mouthwatering cuisine, with all daily meals at select onboard restaurants, a premium drinks package – including standard soft drinks, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draught beer – along with US$200 onboard credit per stateroom (US$100 per passenger) to put toward specialty dining, spa treatments and entertainment.
Unbeatable Value: We’re confident this exclusive Norwegian Cruise Line package offers more value than you’ll find anywhere else. If you come across a better offer, give our Cruise team a call on 1300 820 853.
Your journey takes you to: Athens, Greece – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkiye – Istanbul – Mykonos, Greece – Santorini – Rhodes – Athens.
The Experience – Embark on the odyssey of a lifetime and discover the beauty of Istanbul and Greece
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through countless ancient and modern wonders as you cruise the Aegean Sea with Norwegian Viva. With ports across Turkiye and Greece, it’s a whirlwind tour of the region’s very best: explore Athens’ historical marvels before setting sail. After, delve into the ruins of ancient Ephesus, including the legendary Temple of Artemis. Experience the classic beauty of Mykonos, become enchanted by Santorini’s caldera cliffsides, and fall in love with the east-meets-west spirit of Istanbul, a city straddling two continents.
Norwegian Viva – Welcome aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s all-new ship
A brand-new class of ship from the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, Norwegian Viva offers an unforgettable experience, with wide-open spaces and the highest staff levels of any new Norwegian ship. This extraordinary vessel is designed to provide experiences beyond your expectations.
Your package includes dining at a wide range of restaurants, inviting you to embark on a global culinary expedition. Come evening, you certainly won’t be short of options, with a host of bars onboard. Kick back, drink in hand, as you take in live music and comedy, dance the night away at Viva Theatre & Club or take in a broadway-style production.
Luxury Escapes Upgrade – Take advantage of US$200 onboard credit per stateroom, a premium drinks package, specialty dining and more
Spend your time onboard however you please: everything you could wish for is at your fingertips – especially with US$200 onboard credit per stateroom (US$100 per passenger). Unwind under the sun beside the pool, treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at the spa or indulge in a shopping spree at the onboard boutiques. Your Premium Drinks package means you can enjoy your fill of standard cocktails, along with wines by the glass, beers and spirits (up to the value of US$15 per drink). Plus, you can stay connected while you cruise with 50 minutes of free Wi-Fi per package spread across two devices (for a total of 100 minutes per stateroom).
With one Speciality Dining meal included in your package, you’re all set to sample the Norwegian Viva’s superb onboard dining. There’s a venue for everyone – head to Cagney’s Steakhouse for classic cuts grilled to perfection, casual cocktails and ice-cold beers, or Los Lobos, the ship’s onboard tacqueria, for something a little zestier. Asian-Latin fusion is the name of the game at tapas house Food Republic, and for those craving Japanese, Nama Sushi & Sashimi offers an omakase-style experience at sea, while Hasuki offers a more relaxed teppanyaki experience for the whole family.
Dining
- Indulge Food Hall
- The Local Bar & Grill
- Hudson’s
- Surfside Café
- The Commodore Room
- The Haven
Specialty Dining
- Palomar
- Hasuki
- Le Bistro
- Food Republic
- Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Nama Sushi & Sashimi
- Room service
Bars
- Waves Pool Bar
- Vibe Beach Club
- Viva Speedway Bar
- Observation Lounge
- Belvedere Bar
- Luna Bar
- Metropolitan
- Penrose Atrium
- Penrose Bar
- Soleil Bar
- Whiskey Bar
- The Local Bar & Grill
- The Haven Bar & Lounge
- The Humidor Cigar Lounge
Ocean Boulevard
- Oceanwalk
- Indulge Outdoor Lounge
- Starbucks
- Seaside Rotisserie
- Coco’s
- The Garden
- Onda by Scarpetta
- Los Lobos
Entertainment
- Viva Theater & Club
- Syd Norman’s Pour House
- Casino
- The Stadium arcade
- The Drop & The Rush dlides
- The Wave waterslide
- The Improv at Sea
- Viva Speedway
- The Bull’s Eye (darts pub)
- Tee Time (mini golf)
- Galaxy Pavilion
- TopGolf Simulator
- Vibe Beach Club
Kids Clubs
- Splash Academy
- Entourage (13–17)
- Guppies (under 4)
Activities
- Aqua Park
- Main Pool
- Infinity Beach Pools
- Sauna
- Hot Tubs
- Mandara Spa & Salon
- Barbershop
- Perspectives Photography Studio
- Internet Cafe
- Shops
- Boutiques
- Mandara Spa and Salon
- Pulse Fitness Centre
Surcharges apply to select services and facilities
Your cruise begins and ends in Athens, Greece, with two nights of pre–cruise accommodation in Athens.
Check-in at your pre-cruise stay in Athens is available from 3pm on Day 1. Your cruise then departs from the Port of Piraeus at 5pm on Day 3 and returns at 7am on Day 10. Information on boarding times will be provided prior to your departure date; please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
Airport and cruise port transfers are NOT included with your package, please plan accordingly.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens! The oldest city in Europe, Athens is home to historical marvels and modern wonders alike, dazzling with galleries, museums, restaurants and more. Upon checking in to your pre-cruise accommodation, take the time to explore what the city has to offer – a visit to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon is highly recommended.
Accommodation: St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel (Budget Room) or similar
Meals: N/A
Day 2: Athens, Greece
Before embarking on your Norwegian Viva cruise, spend time unearthing the beauty of the City of Gods. Follow in Socrates’ footsteps and explore more than three millennia of history as you bask in the shadow of the mighty Acropolis, honour Athena at the Parthenon, gaze upon the colossal Panathenaic Stadium and savour delicious souvlaki from one of the many tavernas that fill the streets.
Accommodation: St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel (Budget Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Athens (Piraeus), Greece (cruise embarkation)
Enjoy the morning at leisure and soak up Athens’ inimitable spirit. Steeped as it is in history and folklore, the city’s markets, tavernas and galleries stand begging to be explored. In the early afternoon, make your way to Piraeus Port for departure. Embarkation is at 5pm, and your magnificent ship, Norwegian Viva, awaits.
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkiye
Travel into the distant past on a visit to modern-day Kusadasi, once known as the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, renowned for its Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s a city that’s packed to the brim with ancient treasures, half-forgotten ruins and fascinating archaeological sites. Explore the remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, walk in the shadow of the Arch of Augustus and delve into the Basilica of Saint John and the tomb of John the Apostle.
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 & 6: Istanbul
The following two days offer a special treat, as you arrive at the one-time capital of the Ottoman Empire, now a modern metropolis packed with art galleries, fashion boutiques, fine dining restaurants and spectacular nightlife. Travellers nostalgic for the time of the sultans will find this city is home to a tremendous amount of ancient monuments and grand frescoed mosques (including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque). Istanbul is also famous for its tulips – an enduring symbol of the city – and Turkish baths (called hammams). Both are well worth experiencing for first-time visitors.
Visit Topkapi Palace for a glimpse into one of the Arabic world’s most salacious courts – the home of countless tales of opulent sultans, devious courtesans and more than a touch of magic – or head to the Istanbul Modern a contemporary art gallery showcasing the city’s soaring art scene.
You’re at the meeting place of two continents – Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia – which guarantees an abundance of delicious food, so don’t forget to try the city’s delicacies, including pomegranate juice, simit (Turkish pretzels), boat-shaped pide flatbread and Turkish delight. Yum!
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Mykonos, Greece
Greek islands don’t get more classic (or more beloved) than Mykonos, where you’ll find whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and sun-kissed beaches gently caressed by the salt breeze. You have the whole day to soak up this island’s splendour. Perhaps take a ferry to the nearby island of Delos, wander through Mykonos Town’s sun-bleached streets or simply spend the day lazing by the island’s irresistible coastline.
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Santorini
Immortalised by modern photography and ancient myth, Santorini has enchanted visitors for centuries with its caldera cliffsides that rise dramatically from shimmering waters and the local villages perched on the edge in their iconic shade of bone white.
The island’s quiet mystery and inimitable charm only add to its allure. Visit the ancient ruins of Thera, check out any of the island’s first-rate art galleries or spend some time getting to know its spectacular beaches, often surreally tinged with charcoal, a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins.
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Rhodes
Just off the coast of Turkey stands Rhodes, one of Greece’s most spectacular islands and historically vital to the success of the ancient city-states. Stand in the shadow of the Grand Master’s Palace, built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. You could spend the day in sunny Lindos, known for its clifftop acropolis and relaxed seaside culture, or seek out the remains of the Colossus of Rhodes, once believed to be the height of the modern-day Statue of Liberty.
Accommodation: Norwegian Viva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Athens (Piraeus)
Today, your cruise comes to an end in bustling Athens. If time permits, the city – steeped as it is in history and folklore – stands begging to be explored. Disembark after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast