Istanbul
Start planning your cruise from Istanbul or choose an itinerary that includes this historic city and book your excursion to explore the area
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, a place where the ancient East meets the contemporary West. Spanning both Asia and Europe, this charismatic metropolis is a banquet for the senses — from its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage to its dazzling array of mosques and palaces.
Discover opulent museums, sail cobalt blue waterways, or sample delectable Turkish cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant. An MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, Istanbul is a cultural melting pot.
Select an unforgettable tour from a list of MSC Cruises excursions including:
• Topkapi Palace
• Kumkapi Dinner
• Bosphorus Cruise
Explore Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s masterpiece museum, home to the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries. Boasting four courts, a harem complex, and an imperial treasury, this architectural icon seduces the eye with its fairy tale turrets, mesmerising mosaics, glorious gardens, and the fifth biggest diamond in the world: the 86 carat Spoonmaker.
Seafood lovers can experience an authentic taste of Istanbul with a visit to Kumkapi. This vibrant institution is home to a vast range of fish restaurants serving up the freshest catches of the day in buzzing al fresco environs.
Feel the breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin on a breathtaking Bosphorus cruise. See Istanbul’s stunning sights and landmarks from the comfort of a boat as it skims along the strait (dining option can be included).
Cruises from / to Istanbul in 2023
Explore Istanbul's wonders with MSC Splendida
Until October 2024, MSC Splendida will take you on a journey of discovery between Europe and Asia with an enchanting 9-night cruise experience. Be mesmerized by Turkey's incredible cultural heritage and savor the mysterious charm of Istanbul, while from Kusadasi, wander the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus.
MSC Splendida will also take you to explore Greece, in Piraeus (Athens) and Corfu, as well as Italy, in Bari and Trieste (Venice).
Explore Istanbul's wonders with MSC Splendida
Uncover the beauty of Istanbul with MSC Poesia
Looking for a memorable autumn cruise at the gates of the East? Until November 2023 set sail onboard MSC Poesia for an 11-night journey through Turkey, Greece and Italy. With MSC Poesia, you will spend an entire night in Istanbul with a long anchorage spanning two days in which you can fully experience the magic allure of the city.
Your discovery of Turkey continues at Kusadasi, while in Greece you will visit Piraeus (Athens) and in Italy, Palermo, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Genoa.
Uncover the beauty of Istanbul with MSC Poesia
cruises to istanbul
Excursions & Activities Istanbul
TRAVEL TO THE Istanbul CRUISE TERMINAL
From the European side:
Exit the O-3/E-80 at the junction for the E-5, then turn off at the junction for Besiktas, which leads to Barbaros Boulevard. Keeping to the right at the end of the Boulevard, drive straight on for approximately 10 minutes. When you reach Meclis-i Mebusan Street you will see the port on your left.
From the Asian side: Take the E-5 across the bridge and take the first exit after the bridge, signposted Besiktas, which leads to Barbaros Boulevard. Keeping to the right at the end of the Boulevard, drive straight on for approximately 10 minutes. When you reach Meclis-i Mebusan Street you will see the port on your left.
Atatürk Airport is approximately 24 km (15 miles) from Salıpazarı Port. There is a 24-hour tram / underground service linking Atatürk Airport and Salıpazarı Port.
Findikli station is the closest to the port, being just a 3-minute walk away.
There is also a taxi rank immediately outside the airport building.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is approximately 45 km (28 miles) from Salıpazarı Port.
You can take a taxi from outside the airport building.
