The Costa Venezia's new itineraries to Turkey and Greece debuted from Istanbul on May 1st. These itineraries feature a new package holiday format, a collaboration between Costa Cruises, Turkish Airlines, the Turkish National Tourism Organization, and the Galataport Istanbul port authority.
A "flight+cruise" package, available from major European countries, including Spain, offers direct flights with Turkish Airlines from several Spanish cities to Istanbul, followed by boarding the Costa Venezia from the new Galataport cruise terminal, equipped with all the latest amenities and services.
“Our summer restart program is bolstered by a truly unique offering. The main novelty of the Costa Venezia is the opportunity to visit the best of Turkey in a single vacation, departing from Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We believe Turkey has great potential for cruises, and we are striving to be the first to develop it. Istanbul is easily accessible from major European countries in just a few hours by plane, boasts excellent air connections and modern ports, as well as a mild climate that allows for year-round operations, and above all, offers an incredible array of experiences and attractions,” said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.
The Costa Venezia's program in Turkey includes three different itineraries, all embarking and disembarking in Istanbul, designed to include longer stops in ports to enjoy the destinations at ample time, among cities rich in history, splendid UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites and crystal clear waters.
From May 1 to November 13, 2022, the Costa Venezia will offer two week-long itineraries dedicated to Turkey and Greece, interchangeable with each other, which can be combined into a single 15-day “super tour”, with 8 port calls of more than 10 hours:
- The first itinerary allows you to explore the best of Greece and Turkey in one vacation. It includes a two-day, one-night stopover in Istanbul, the Turkish destinations of Izmir and Bodrum, the island of Mykonos, and Athens in Greece.
- The second option allows you to explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Greece and the best of Turkey. It includes two two-day, one-night stopovers in Istanbul and Kusadasi (Turkey), before departing to explore Rhodes and Heraklion (Greece).
In the winter of 2022-23, the Costa Venezia will offer a third 12-day itinerary to Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus, visiting Istanbul (with a two-day and one-night stopover), Bodrum, Limassol, Haifa (also with a two-day and one-night stopover), Alexandria and Kusadasi.
The range of available excursions has been redesigned to explore hidden and less-visited places, and to experience the most authentic traditions, flavors, and colors. Thanks to these offers, it's possible, for example, to attend a private concert in a Roman amphitheater in Ephesus; experience Istanbul by night; take a cruise on the Bosphorus, between the two continents; sleep in typical rock-hewn houses in the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia; relax in the natural pools of Pamukkale; snorkel among the sunken ruins of the city of Mindo with an archaeologist; stroll through the vineyards of Kusadasi with a wine expert; ride a horse through the pine forests and along the sandy shores of Pamucak Beach; explore the coast of the Bodrum Peninsula in a private caique; discover the secrets of the Acropolis of Athens; or relax in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete.
The Costa Venezia, built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, is a 135,000-ton vessel with 2,116 cabins. It boasts 13 different restaurants and 8 bars, one of the most extensive culinary offerings in the fleet. Onboard, guests can savor dishes and menus created specifically for Costa by three world-renowned chefs: Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze, and Ángel León, allowing them to explore each destination through its cuisine. The ship offers ample outdoor spaces to fully enjoy the experience on days at sea. Families with children will find a variety of onboard activities, while couples seeking relaxation can enjoy a private spa, swimming pools, and plenty of space to unwind.
