Experience the incredible city of Istanbul, a vibrant transcontinental metropolis, filled with traditions, superb landmarks and awe-inspiring views during a hotel stay before your cruise discovering Kuşadası, Rhodes and Crete, on board Costa Venezia.

Istanbul’s over-abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see. Visit the world-famous Grand Bazaar and Spice market, take in the wonders of the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque–one of the most important mosques of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine Hippodrome to name just a few.

Today you’ll embark Costa Venezia for your sensational cruise. Inspired by the grandeur of Venice, this ship shimmers with glamour and beauty, from the gilded statues and fountains in the atrium to the chic atmosphere of the Lido Deck. Enjoy a fine dining experience with a menu designed by Michelin starred chef Umberto Bombana or treat yourself at the spa, which offers a thalassotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and a range of treatments. Tonight, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in port on board the ship.

Enjoy spending some time exploring Turkey’s largest and most populous city, which straddles the continents of Europe and Asia. Lying on the banks of the Bosphorous, Istanbul is a stunning destination with an unrivalled atmosphere. Countless minarets and domed mosques poke out of the hillsides, including the majestic Hagia Sophia, now an unmissable museum.

Kuşadası on Turkey’s Anatolian Coast is where one travels into the past. In Kuşadası, whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district. The palm-lined esplanade is the centre of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Nearby, stand the ruins of ancient Ephesus, you enter the city though the Magnesia Gate entrance and walk down a marble road to the ruins of this Roman provincial capital.

By far the largest and historically the most important of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes abounds in beaches that will transport you back to the days of the Byzantine Empire and beyond. Once you disembark, take the short walk to the Old Town to view its brilliant historic buildings that date back to the 14th century. Rhodes was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes, and there are many ruins left to explore in remote beautiful locations.

The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete was the centre of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, and is characterised by high mountain ranges, verdant countryside and plenty of ancient sites that date back millennia. Explore its coastline, take to the hills on a hike or relax in a family-run taverna sipping the local fire-water, Raki.

With 15 restaurants on board, as well as six bars and lounges, dining on board Costa Venezia is an adventure in itself. Choose from traditional Italian-themed menus, including delicious pizzas, to authentic Chinese and Asian cuisines. Head to Delle Stelle’s balcony to enjoy your favourite cocktail surrounded by incredible ocean views, or at night, underneath a blanket of stars.

Your cruise ends back in Istanbul where you’ll disembark and head to the airport for your flight home.