Day-by-day itinerary
Eastern Mediterranean cruise
New Year 2027 with the fragrance of the Orient and the warmth of Southern Italy
Athens (Piraeus) - Izmir - Istanbul - Corfu - Bari
Travel dates: 27 December 2026–4 January 2027
Cruise dates: 28 December 2026–4 January 2027
7 nights aboard the cruise ship MSC Orchestra
Full board + drinks included according to the package
Bonus panoramic tour of Athens
Coach transport Sofia - Athens - Sofia
Celebrate New Year differently! This year we exchange the traditional festive evening for the sea, lights and new horizons.
We will bid farewell to 2026 in the middle of the Mediterranean, begin 2027 on the green island of Corfu and experience Athens, the Orient and Southern Italy in just a few days.
One New Year. Five destinations. Seven nights on MSC Orchestra. And plenty of stories to tell afterwards.
EARLY-BOOKING PROMOTIONAL PRICE until 15.10: €1,450
Package price per tourist: from €1,552
Cruise itinerary:
Day
Date
Port
Arrives
Departs
Monday
28.12.2026
Piraeus, Greece
–
17:00
Tuesday
29.12.2026
Izmir / Ephesus, Turkey
07:00
16:00
Wednesday
30.12.2026
Istanbul, Turkey
09:00
20:00
Thursday
31.12.2026
At sea
–
–
Friday
01.01.2027
Corfu, Greece
12:00
19:00
Saturday
02.01.2027
Bari, Italy
07:00
19:00
Sunday
03.01.2027
At sea
–
–
Monday
04.01.2027
Piraeus, Greece
07:00
–
Travel programme:
Day 1 — 27.12.2026 | Sofia - Athens
Departure at 19:30 from Saint Alexander Nevsky Square, on the Oborishte Street side. Overnight journey towards Greece.
Day 2 — 28.12.2026 | Athens - Piraeus
Welcome to Athens! After arrival we will have time for morning coffee and breakfast in the atmosphere of picturesque Plaka. Next is the included panoramic tour of Athens with a Bulgarian-speaking guide. We will see some of the Greek capital’s landmarks — Parliament and Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, where there will be an opportunity for photographs.
We head for Piraeus port.
Around 13:00 — embarkation on MSC Orchestra, settling into the cabins and time for a first walk to get to know the ship.
At 17:00 MSC Orchestra sails for Turkey and our New Year cruise adventure begins.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3 — 29.12.2026 | Izmir, Turkey
07:00 - 16:00
A city where the Aegean meets history
We arrive in Izmir — a modern coastal city with Oriental character, lively streets and centuries of history.
Meals on board according to the programme and free time for independent sightseeing, or an optional extra excursion: IZM01 — Introductory tour of Izmir.
Return to the ship and departure at 16:00. Overnight on board.
Day 4 — 30.12.2026 | Istanbul, Turkey
09:00 - 20:00
A full day in magical Istanbul. A city between two worlds, where Europe and Asia meet, and palaces, mosques, markets and modern neighbourhoods tell the story of one of the world’s most exciting capitals.
Meals on board according to the programme and free time, or an optional extra excursion: IST03 — Panoramic journey along the Bosphorus and visit to the Spice Bazaar.
Departure at 20:00. Overnight on board.
Day 5 — 31.12.2026 | At sea
The last day of 2026 — in the middle of the sea!
Today there is no rush. The whole day is yours to enjoy MSC Orchestra — pools, whirlpools, sun decks, spa, sports, bars, restaurants and a varied entertainment programme. The evening is special.
We welcome New Year 2027 aboard MSC Orchestra! A festive atmosphere, music and New Year cheer accompany the year’s final hours.
Overnight on board.
Day 6 — 01.01.2027 | Corfu, Greece
12:00 - 19:00
Happy New Year!
Our first destination of 2027 is Corfu — the green jewel of the Ionian Sea.
The island combines Venetian architecture, Mediterranean scenery, beautiful panoramic views and one of Greece’s most charming old towns.
Free time or an optional extra excursion: COR56 — Enchanting monasteries, panoramic views and Corfu Old Town.
Departure at 19:00. Overnight on board.
Day 7 — 02.01.2027 | Bari, Italy
07:00 - 19:00
The authentic spirit of Southern Italy. Welcome to Bari — capital of the Puglia region and gateway to one of Southern Italy’s most beautiful areas.
Walk through Bari Vecchia’s narrow lanes, feel the atmosphere of the real Italian south or join the optional excursion: BAR02 — Alberobello and its incredible trulli houses.
Alberobello is famous for fairytale white stone houses with conical roofs — one of Puglia’s most recognisable landscapes.
Return to the ship and departure at 19:00. Overnight on board.
Day 8 — 03.01.2027 | At sea
Another day to simply enjoy the journey.
Time for your favourite spot beside the pool, spa, sports, delicious food, a walk on deck or a final cocktail overlooking the sea.
Dinner and the last overnight aboard MSC Orchestra.
Day 9 — 04.01.2027 | Piraeus - Sofia
Arrival in Piraeus at 07:00. Breakfast on board, vacating the cabins and disembarkation. Coach departure for Bulgaria.
For detailed information about additional excursions and services, see here >>>
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MSC ORCHESTRA CRUISE SHIP — LIFE ON BOARD
On MSC Orchestra, the ship itself is part of the journey.
During the day, choose tranquillity by the pool, a walk on the open decks or an organised activity — games, dancing and sports.
In the evening, the ship comes alive with theatre performances, live music, bars, dancing and a casino.
Among the most popular venues on board are:
Covent Garden Theatre — theatre shows, music and dancing.
Cala Blanca Pool Area — one of the main outdoor areas for swimming, sunshine and relaxation.
Palm Beach Casino — a little extra evening excitement and adrenaline.
MSC Gym Powered by Technogym® — fitness facilities for guests who prefer an active holiday.
Sport Center and Minigolf — outdoor sport and entertainment.
Top 16 Exclusive Solarium — a panoramic sunbathing and relaxation area on one of the highest decks.
The ship has 3 swimming pools, including a children’s pool, and 7 whirlpools.
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RESTAURANTS AND BUFFETS
Flavour is also part of the cruise
The main restaurants L’Ibiscus and Villa Borghese offer menus that change daily, focusing on Mediterranean and international cuisine.
For more casual dining, La Piazzetta and 4 Seasons offer a variety of hot and cold dishes, pasta, salads, main courses and desserts.
There is also a speciality Asian restaurant on board, available at extra cost.
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BARS AND LOUNGES
From morning coffee to an after-dinner cocktail, MSC Orchestra has a place for every mood.
Popular bars and lounges include The Savannah Bar, La Cantinella Wine Bar, L’Incontro Bar, The Amber Bar, The Purple Bar, The Shaker Lounge and Zaffiro Bar.
Barracuda Bar and El Sombrero Pool Bar are by the pools.
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CABINS: All MSC Orchestra cabins have a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning, television, safe, minibar, hairdryer and luggage storage space. The double bed can be configured as two separate beds on advance request.
Standard Cabin — IR1. A cosy inside cabin of approximately 14 m² on decks 5–11.
Standard Plus Cabin — IR2. A comfortable inside cabin of approximately 14 m² on the higher decks, 12–15.
Window Cabin — OR1. A bright cabin of approximately 16 m² with a window facing the sea.
Sea View Cabin — OR2. A comfortable cabin of approximately 16 m² on deck 8, with a large window and sea views.
Balcony Cabin — BR1. Approximately 15 m² of interior space and a private balcony of approximately 5 m².
An excellent choice for those who want to start the day with coffee and sea views or watch arrival at the next port from their own balcony.
Size and layout may differ slightly between individual cabins of the same category.
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ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS:
IZM01 — Introductory tour of Izmir. Price: €77 adult, €54 child up to 11.99 years.
IST03 — Panoramic journey along the Bosphorus and the Spice Bazaar. Price: €80 adult, €56 child up to 11.99 years.
COR56 — Enchanting monasteries, panoramic views and Corfu Old Town. Price: €79 adult, €55 child up to 11.99 years.
BAR02 — Alberobello and its incredible trulli houses. Price: €91 adult, €65 child up to 11.99 years.
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Booking conditions:
Deposit of 40% of the trip price on booking and confirmation;
Balance up to 100% — 60 days before the sailing date;
Deadline for booking and full payment: 25.10.2026;
All required passenger details must be provided by 25.10.2026.
Accommodation of a 3rd and 4th person in a cabin requires additional confirmation by the cruise company.
Required travel documents: a valid international passport or identity card with at least 6 months’ validity.
The programme operates with at least 20 registered tourists. If the required number is not reached and the programme will not operate, paying tourists will be informed 10 days before departure.
Cancellation conditions: If the CUSTOMER cancels the trip and terminates the organised travel contract, the TOUR OPERATOR retains the following penalties:
Cancellation from the day after booking until 61 days before the travel date — a penalty equal to the deposit paid.
Cancellation from 60 days before the trip until the check-in date — a penalty of 100% of the trip price.