Ancient ruins, medieval cities, iconic blue domes, and an unforgettable overnight stay in Istanbul—Part 2 of our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise might have been the highlight of the entire trip. Join us as we share our favorite ports, excursions, and travel tips from the second half of our 10-night adventure.
Episode Summary
This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle wrap up their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report by diving into the second half of the itinerary.
From walking the remarkably preserved streets of Ephesus in Turkey to wandering the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, chasing the famous blue domes of Santorini, and spending an unforgettable overnight in Istanbul, this episode is packed with destination highlights, excursion reviews, and practical planning tips.
If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line—or any cruise line sailing this region—these ports deserve a spot on your bucket list.
In This Episode
🇹🇷 Kuşadası, Turkey
- Why we booked a private Ephesus tour
- Skip-the-line admission
- Walking through one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities
- Why a private tour was worth it
- Cruise-friendly timing and guaranteed return to the ship
🏰 Rhodes, Greece
- Walking off the ship and exploring on our own
- Touring the incredible medieval Old Town
- Why we spent $0 in port
- Hidden streets, history, and one of our favorite DIY port days
🇬🇷 Santorini, Greece
- Private Blue Domes Tour with Project Expedition
- Visiting the iconic viewpoints
- Tips for navigating one of the busiest cruise ports
- Why Santorini lives up to the hype
🌉 Istanbul, Türkiye
Our overnight stay allowed us to experience even more of this incredible city.
Highlights included:
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise
- Visiting both the European and Asian sides of the city
- Historic neighborhoods and incredible views
- Exploring beyond the typical cruise stop
- Our old city tour with Brit and Berat - They also did our Airport Transfer!
- Our guided Old Town experience
- Airport transfer tips
- Staying at the YOTEL inside Istanbul Airport before flying home
Mediterranean Cruise Tips
- Private tours can provide incredible value and flexibility.
- Book popular excursions well before your cruise.
- Some ports, like Rhodes, are perfect for exploring independently.
- Comfortable shoes are essential—you'll walk more than you think!
- Overnight ports give you a completely different perspective of a destination.
Our Final Thoughts on the Ports
This second half of our Norwegian Viva itinerary featured some of the most memorable destinations we've ever visited. Whether you love ancient history, breathtaking scenery, or experiencing different cultures, this itinerary delivered unforgettable moments at every stop.
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If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at Michelle@TouringandCruises.com
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Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊
