Istanbul is a stunning confluence of the East and the West. It is one of the rare cities in the world, where travelers can find a harmonious co-existence of cross-cultural influences along with a rich ancient heritage and a history that dates back thousands of years. Istanbul is as vintage as it is contemporary and the exotic beauty of this Turkish capital can be best enjoyed by taking one of the several cruise options listed here.

Mediterranean Blast

For a long Mediterranean sojourn, opt for the 51-day Grand Mediterranean Segment Cruise aboard the HAL Prinsendam operated by Holland America. The cruise commences from Fort Lauderdale and covers the ports of Gustavia, Barcelona, St Tropez, Istanbul and Lisbon among a host of others. A good option for an in-depth discovery of the Mediterranean gems.

Short Italian Delight

For a shorter trip covering Italian and Turkish ports, book on the 7-nights- Venice to Venice Cruise on the MSC Magnifica run by MSC Italian. The cruise starts at Venice and visits Bari, Izmir, Istanbul and Katakilon, apart from a few other ports in the 2 countries.

African Discovery

To include African ports in the itinerary, consider the 33-nights-Africa and Eastern Mediterranean Cruise that sets out from North America by air and makes port calls at Nairobi, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park, Sharm el Sheikh, Istanbul, Mahe, Praslin, Port Suez and a series of other Mediterranean and East African ports. A great option to discover the rustic beauty of African towns and national parks.

Parisian Holiday

To combine Paris along with your Mediterranean cruise, the best option is the 30-nights Paris to Istanbul Amadolce Crusie that embarks from USA with visits to Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Istanbul and a few other Eastern European ports.

Just Turkey

If you want to keep your cruise holiday exclusively Turkish, take the 7-nights Istanbul to Istanbul Cruise with stops in Odessa, Sevastopol, Nessebur and Yalta. A short and sweet way to discover a fascinating country that is split between 2 continents and cultures.

Biblical Journey

To discover Biblical lands and legendary towns, book on the 8-nights- Steps of Paul and the Book of Revelation Alive Cruise aboard the Steps TWO by the Steps of Paul Cruises. The cruise commences from Piraeus and covers the ancient and mystical lands of Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Kavala, Kusadasi, Dikili and Patmos.

Greek Fiesta

Take the 28-nights- Grand Voyage Athens to Venice Cruise to include Greece in your cruise holiday. Organized by Seabourn Cruises, the ship Seabourn Odyssey embarks from Piraeus and anchors at various ports including Odessa, Bosporous, the Black Sea, Constanta, Nesebur, Istanbul, Ravenna and a host of others.

Istanbul is strategically located to give holiday-makers a chance to cruise through the Mediterranean and East European countries along with an opportunity to see wonders from Asia and Africa as well.

Contributor : Sameera Kumar