Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
LIVE IT UP
Welcome aboard the all-new Norwegian Viva, the next stunning ship in the brand-new Prima Class, designed for you to live life to the fullest.
Wide-Open Spaces
Explore the greater wide open aboard the most spacious new cruise ship at sea with the most outdoor deck space so you can get up close and personal with the ocean.
Experiences Beyond Expectation
Dip into the horizon in the infinity pools, zoom around our three-story race track and discover new and exciting experiences for everyone from bow to stern.
First-Rate Service
Never have to wait a second for that second round - or anything else. With the highest staff-to-guest levels of any new ship, you'll always feel prioritised and pampered.
Cruise ID: 29539
The work titled, "Every Wing Has a Silver Lining," will be on display on board at Metropolitan Bar, the brand's signature sustainable bar, and will feature Harris' iconic butterfly motifs. The piece will dynamically respond throughout the day to passing movement and create engagement with the viewer.
Created by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris exclusively for the soon-to-debut Norwegian Viva.
For bookings made on or after January 1, 2023:
$25.00 USD per person per day for The Haven and Suites;
$20.00 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suite and below;
For bookings made before January 1, 2023, that pre-pay their service charges before their sail date:
$20.00 USD per person per day for The Haven and Suites;
$18.00 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suite;
$16.00 USD per person per day for all other stateroom types
Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
---|---|---|---|
29 September 2025 | 18:00 | €1,831 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Your private paradise is ready. Relax in chic, luxurious comfort complete with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to let the outside in. Or take in vista after glorious vista from one of the most spacious balconies at sea.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, butler and concierge, three bedrooms, large balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 8 guests
Total Approx. Size: 195 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 77 sq. m.
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of space in your stylish Suite.
Take in the fresh air and spectacular views from your large, forward-facing balcony and relax in stylish accommodations.
Features & highlights
Separate bedroom, double sofa bed, spacious bath, large balcony with forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 38-45 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 14-18 sq. m.
Marvel at the magnificent views from the aft-facing balcony of your luxury Deluxe Owner's Suite located in The Haven. Featuring a separate living and dining area, they also include two bedrooms with king-size beds, two luxury baths with jetted showers, a half-bath, additional bedding to accommodate six total guests and an outdoor hot tub. Butler and concierge service complete your holiday of indulgence.
Pampering all the way. Marvel at glorious vistas from the aft-facing balcony. Get used to being spoilt with butler and concierge service plus access to The Haven amenities.
Features & highlights
Living and dining areas, two bedrooms, access to The Haven amenities, balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 6 guests
Total Approx. Size: 149-162 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 57-68 sq. m.
Located in the exclusive enclave of The Haven, these luxury Owner's Suites feature a stylish master bedroom with king-size bed, a double sofa bed to accommodate two more, luxury bath with jetted shower and incredible views from the large, aft-facing balcony that also features a hot tub. Plus, a concierge and 24-hour butler to tend to your every wish.
Indulge in luxury and pamper yourself in The Haven with spacious accommodations, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and awe-inspiring views from your large, aft-facing balcony.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, master bedroom with king-size bed, aft-facing balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 90-92 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 49-50 sq. m.
*Suites on deck 10 (10352 & 10952) do not include the outdoor hot tub.
These Villas located in The Haven provide the ideal luxury retreat for the whole family. They feature two bedrooms, one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms with jetted showers and a large balcony to gather together and enjoy the beautiful views or snuggle under the stars. Plus, access to The Haven amenities and butler and concierge service to complete your picture-perfect holiday.
Fine luxury and exceptional service await your family. Enjoy The Haven amenities, the attentiveness of a concierge and butler as well as fresh ocean breezes from your large balcony.
Features & highlights
Featuring two bedrooms, one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms with jetted showers and a large balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 6 guests
Total Approx. Size: 56-61 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 13-18 sq. m.
Located in the exclusive enclave of The Haven, retreat to your luxury Penthouse that features a master bedroom with king-size bed, double sofa bed to accommodate two more and an aft-facing balcony offering awe-inspiring views. Also includes the indulgence of butler and concierge service. (ADA stateroom does not have a separate bedroom.)
Your oasis awaits in The Haven. Enjoy stunning views from the aft-facing balcony, a stylish master bedroom (except ADA), luxury bath with jetted shower, The Haven amenities plus butler and concierge service.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, master bedroom with king-size bed (except ADA), double sofa bed, aft-facing balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 46-56 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12-20 sq. m.
These luxury Penthouses have access to The Haven amenities and feature a king-size bed, some with bedding to accommodate one more, luxury bath with jetted shower plus a sitting area and a large balcony to admire the gorgeous views. Includes butler and concierge service for the ultimate luxury holiday.
Marvel at unforgettable views from your large, aft-facing balcony and enjoy The Haven amenities, spacious, luxurious accommodations plus a butler and concierge to tend to your every wish.
Features & highlights
King-size bed, access to The Haven amenities, aft-facing balcony with stunning views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 77 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 46 sq. m.
These luxury Penthouses have access to The Haven amenities and feature a king-size bed, some with bedding to accommodate one more, luxury bath with jetted shower plus a sitting area and a large balcony to admire the gorgeous views. Includes butler and concierge service for the ultimate luxury holiday.
Breathtaking views await. These luxury Penthouses include access to The Haven amenities, a king-size bed, jetted shower, sitting area, large balcony, and butler and concierge service.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, sitting area, some with bedding for one more, large balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2-3 guests
Total Approx. Size: 34-39 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 8-12 sq. m.
Retreat to your sumptuous private oasis in The Haven Owner's Suite, featuring a separate bedroom with king-size bed, a double sofa bed to accommodate two more, living area, luxury bath with jetted shower and a large balcony to gather together and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Butler and concierge service round out your incredible getaway.
Indulge in the ultimate getaway with luxury accommodations, a large balcony to soak in the beautiful views and exclusive access to The Haven amenities. And let your butler and concierge pamper you.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, living area, most with separate bedroom, large balcony with beautiful views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 50-57 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 10-12 sq. m.
Our most affordable Oceanview stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Oceanview stateroom guarantees you'll receive an Oceanview stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
Located mid-ship, two beds convert to a queen.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 17 sq. m.
Lots of space, stunning aft-facing views, just a deck away from the restaurants and activities on Ocean Boulevard.
Experience unforgettable aft-facing views from your private balcony and spacious accommodations to spread out.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, unparalleled aft-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2-4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 42 - 59 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 18 - 34 sq. m.
Enjoy the beautiful views together in these spacious Suites located mid-ship.
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, gorgeous forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 37-40 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12 sq. m.
Plenty of room for the whole family and amazing views from the forward-facing balcony.
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, gorgeous forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 37-40 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12 sq. m.
Plenty of space and beautiful forward-facing views.
Spread out in style, relish your spacious bath and enjoy the incredible views from your private, forward-facing balcony.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, some with a single or double sofa bed to accommodate one or two more, amazing forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 - 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 33-38 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12-17 sq. m.
Plenty of space for the family, amazing views, some can connect, too
All the space you need, and some can connect with another stateroom. Relax in your sitting area. Indulge in your spacious bath. Or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed to accommodate two more, balcony with stunning views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 23-27 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-6 sq. m.
Lots of space, great views and some can connect, too.
All the space you need to relax in style. Indulge in your spacious bath or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views. Some can connect to other staterooms.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, private balcony with amazing views, some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 25-27 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-5 sq. m.
Lots of space, great views and some can connect, too.
All the space you need to relax in style. Indulge in your spacious bath or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views. Some can connect to other staterooms.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, private balcony with amazing views, some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22-25 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 7 sq. m.
A desirable aft location at a balcony rate.
Aft location gives you exclusive access to the most exhilarating — and unforgettable — views. Open your floor-to-ceiling glass doors and enjoy it all from your private balcony.
Features & highlights
Exclusive aft location on the ship, private balcony, two beds convert to a queen, some with a double sofa bed to accommodate two more.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 25 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 9 sq. m.
Our most affordable Club Balcony Suites.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Club Balcony Suite guarantees you'll receive a Club Balcony Suite or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 7 sq. m.
Terrific views and spacious accommodations.
Enjoy stylish, roomy accommodations and beautiful views from your window.
Features & highlights
Spacious Oceanview stateroom, window, two beds convert to a queen. Some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22 sq. m.
Great location near the Spa for the ultimate relaxing holiday.
A spa holiday come true. Indulge at the Spa and enjoy complimentary access to the Spa Thermal Suite—both are close by. Or take in vista after amazing vista from your private balcony.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, access to Spa and Spa Thermal Suite during regular spa hours.
AMENITIES
Occupancy:Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
Our most affordable Balcony stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Balcony stateroom guarantees you'll receive a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
These staterooms feature a large round window and a queen-size bed. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
Enjoy great views from your balcony and plenty of space. Some can connect, too.
Step onto the balcony and enjoy the views and fresh ocean breezes or read a bedtime story under the stars. There's plenty of comfort and space to enjoy quality family time. Some can connect, too.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed to accommodate two more, private balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
Wherever you choose to stay on the ship, your views will be amazing. Some can connect, too.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private balcony with sweeping views. And some can connect. So enjoy breathtaking views and stylish accommodations in a stateroom perfectly designed with you in mind.
Features & highlights
Includes two beds that convert to a queen and a sitting area, plus some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21-33 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-6 sq. m.
Everyone can enjoy the view together from your window.
Wake up to a fabulous view of the latest port from your window and spread out with your family in style and comfort.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed and some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22-34 sq. m.
Picture fantastic views and room for a comfy night's sleep.
Take in the ever-changing seascape from your window and enjoy comfortable, stylish accommodations.
Features & highlights
Window, two beds convert to a queen. Some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 17 sq. m.
Easy access to many exciting activities on board.
A comfortable and affordable option for families with two beds that convert to a queen and two Pullman beds.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, two Pullman beds.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15 sq. m.
Our most affordable Inside stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Inside stateroom guarantees you'll receive an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15 sq. m.
A great value, with many of the same amenities as an Oceanview.
A stateroom priced just right, with many of the same amenities as an Oceanview. These staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15-24 sq. m.
Enjoy the exclusive Studio Lounge, a hangout spot just for Studio guests.
Cool and hip, our studios have just what you need. Plus enjoy access to the private Studio Lounge, a great place to meet your neighbours for a pre-dinner drink
Features & highlights
Private keycard access, shared private lounge, full-size bed, and separate area for your bathroom.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 1 guests
Total Approx. Size: 9 sq. m.
These staterooms include a queen-size bed and the same amenities as other inside staterooms. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
These spacious staterooms include a queen-size bed, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world's most cosmopolitan crossroads. It's often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers' pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that's increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It's also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it's a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Alexandria, Egypt
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was Egypt's capital for over 1,000 years. Now, it is visited by tourists looking to enjoy some diving and those interested in the Great Library, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 4 Alexandria, Egypt
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was Egypt's capital for over 1,000 years. Now, it is visited by tourists looking to enjoy some diving and those interested in the Great Library, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 5 Limassol, Cyprus
A major commercial port, cruise ship port of call, and wine-making center on the south coast, Limassol, 75 km (47 miles) from Nicosia, is a bustling, cosmopolitan town, with some of the liveliest nightlife on the island. Luxury hotels, apartments, and guesthouses stretch along 12 km (7 miles) of seafront, with the most luxurious ones just to the north of town. In the center, the elegant, modern shops of Makarios Avenue (where you'll mainly find clothes and shoes) contrast with those of pedestrian-only Agiou Andreou in the old part of town, where local handicrafts such as lace, embroidery, and basketware prevail; make sure you avoid shopping on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, when many shops close at 2 pm. A luxurious marina that will hold 650 yachts as well as house apartments, shops, and restaurants should further boost the town's lively appeal.
Day 6 Rhodes, Greece
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
Day 7 Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece
Having been controlled by Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years - it's no surprise that Heraklion is a diverse patchwork of exotic cultures and historical treasures. Celebrated as the birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, you can visit to explore the storied ruins of the Minoan empire's capital, and unearth the rich cultural treasures that Crete's bustling modern capital has to offer.
Day 8 Santorini, Greece
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
Day 9 Mykonos, Greece
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
Day 10 Kusadasi, Turkey
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe's most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus' façade is practically intact and it is one of life's great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies' Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra's pools, are definitely worth a visit.
Day 11 Istanbul, Turkey
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world's most cosmopolitan crossroads. It's often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers' pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that's increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It's also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it's a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
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