Greek Isles: Santorini, Rhodes & Istanbul from Athens (Piraeus), Greece
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
IMPORTANT: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 18 July 2025 (cruise departs 20 July 2025)
- 15 August 2025 (cruise departs 17 August 2025)
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation). The Cruise Concierge team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address.
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Inside Stateroom: 14sqm, with two single beds or a queen bed
- Oceanview Stateroom: 17sqm, with two single beds or a queen bed and a porthole window
- Balcony Stateroom: 25sqm, with two single beds or a queen bed and a private balcony
Pre-Cruise Accommodation:
- Athens – St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel (Budget Room) or similar – Five-Star
IMPORTANT:
- Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms.
- Wheelchair accessible cabins are not available. They are on application only prior to purchase. Surcharges may apply.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- 7-night cruise onboard Norwegian Viva in your choice of stateroom
- Two nights of pre-cruise accommodation at St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) with breakfast
- US$100 onboard credit per person
- All daily meals onboard in select restaurants
- One Specialty Dining meal at select onboard bars, restaurants and eateries
- Premium drinks package onboard, offering select spirits, cocktails, beer and wine
- US$50 shore excursion credit per stateroom in each port
- 100 minutes of Wi-Fi per stateroom across two devices
- All port taxes, service charges, standard gratuities and onboard entertainment
Exclusions
- Roundtrip flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Specialty dining
- Shore excursions (beyond included credit)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities are NOT included in onboard purchases and will be added to your final bill
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Transfers to and from cruise ship
- City taxes or resort fees may apply and are payable directly to the hotel on arrival
Onboard Credit
- Please note that the included onboard credit is limited to US$100 per package (total US$200 per stateroom).
- Included onboard credit is only valid on health and wellness treatments, onboard shopping, drinks (including top-shelf drinks) and dining, entertainment, gratuities, internet charges and shore excursions. Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Credit is only valid for onboard purchases.
Onboard Dining
- Freestyle dining is offered onboard Norwegian Viva. If you wish to make a reservation for non-speciality restaurants, please speak to the maitre d’ once onboard. Non-speciality restaurants include The Local Bar & Grill, Hudson’s, Indulge Food Hall, Surfside Cafe, The Commodore Room and The Haven Restaurant.
- Select menu items at certain restaurants may have an additional charge (Dining Package Supplement) as part of the Specialty Dining Package.
- Your included Specialty Dining meals are applicable to guest ages 2 and older. Guests who book an Inside or Oceanview Stateroom will receive one meal in a specialty restaurant included per person. Guests who book a Balcony Stateroom will receive two meals in specialty restaurants included per person. Any unused dining will be forfeited and is not transferable or redeemable for other cruises or cash.
- There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the Package.
- Specialty Dining Packages are honoured in select restaurants. Package prices are subject to change.
- Any Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year’s, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.
- Packages include one main course per person ONLY at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.
- Guests are responsible for 20% gratuities on the retail value of Specialty Dining food and drinks.
- Premium menu item upcharges may apply. Additional entree charges may apply.
- Specialty Dining Packages do not include alcohol.
- Guests are permitted to pre-reserve Speciality Dining with entertainment included online. However, the guest is responsible for paying the full retail value. If the guest chooses to use the reservation as part of their Specialty Dining Package, they can pre-book via the cruise personaliser prior to the cruise.
Premium Drinks Package
- Premium Drinks Package includes a wide selection of standard soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to the value of US$15 per drink throughout your cruise.
- The retail value of the Premium Drinks Package is US$109 per person, per day, subject to change.
- The retail value of the Soft Drinks Package is US$7.95 per person, per day, subject to change.
- Eligible guests are entitled to two drinks per person, per transaction.
- Guests must be at least 21 years of age at the time of sailing to qualify for the Premium Drinks Package. If guests are under 21, the Premium Drinks Package does not apply and guests will receive a Soft Drinks Package instead.
- Guests who receive the Soft Drinks Package may obtain fountain soft drinks at any bar, lounge or restaurant.
- A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), wine and spirit experiences, tastings or flights purchased onboard.
- Excludes minibar, wine and spirit experiences, tastings or flights, room service, package sales, ship-specific promotions or beer buckets, designated Super Premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, minibar purchases, bottled water, fresh-squeezed juices, specialty coffee beverages, specialty Starbucks locations, Coco’s, energy drinks, vending machines and wine stations.
Itinerary
- In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason, any scheduled sailing or port of call may be subject to change.
- Some itineraries may include tender ports.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is US$.
- A 20% gratuity and speciality service charge will be automatically added to the cost of your drinks and dining, outside the inclusions outlined.
Baggage Restrictions
- Passengers are permitted one piece of checked-in baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg.
- Passengers are permitted one carry-on piece with a maximum weight of 7kg.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Shore Excursion Credit
Shore Excursion Credit is valid for US$50 per excursion, for one guest per stateroom and is applicable to all tours, including debarkation tours. In the event your selected tour is less than the value of the credit, the Shore Excursion Credit will be adjusted to match the tour value. Credit is not combinable and will not rollover to next port. If selected excursion is less than US$50, remaining funds cannot be used towards the second guest’s excursion.
Shore excursion credit can be redeemed by booking online via ncl.com or onboard.
Internet Package
Internet Package can be used any time during the cruise and is valid for 50 minutes per person (for a total of 100 minutes per stateroom), across two devices per stateroom, and includes an activation fee. Internet Package can be used only on one device at a time. Any unused minutes will be forfeited and is not transferable or redeemable for other cruises or cash.
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
Covid Safe Plan:
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line’s Sail Safe policy here.
Deposits
The deposit amount is 10% and the final payment date is due 180 days prior to embarkation. Please note: other deposit options may be available on your package which differ from the above and which will be outlined in the ‘fine print’ and payment section of the specific package.
PLEASE NOTE:
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.