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Cruise Europe | Celestyal Cruises' Marvels of the Aegean

Sample Itinerary

Destinations

GREECE: Athens, Thessaloniki | TURKIYE: Kusadasi | GREECE: Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos

Trip Duration

7 nights / 8 days

Set sail from the ancient city of Athens on the glittering waters of the Aegean Sea aboard the luxurious new Celestyal Journey to experience legendary history and breathtaking highlights of Greece, with a day in vibrant Kusadasi, Turkiye. Discover secluded hideaways, scenic coastlines, time-honored traditions and authentic adventures led by certified guides and expert archaeologists who will escort you on carefully crafted excursions to reveal the true beauty and culture of the Mediterranean.

Itinerary

Day 1 |  Athens, Greece:

Your enchanting voyage begins in this ancient Greek capital city, brimming with sun-soaked shores and lively modern life amid divine history, charming villages and countless ruins including the Acropolis and Parthenon. Following embarkation, indulge in all-inclusive onboard hospitality and anticipate remarkable adventures ahead as you set sail north this evening. Bon Voyage!

Day 2 |  Thessaloniki, Greece:

Following a delicious morning breakfast buffet, step ashore to the second largest city in Greece, located along the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, to discover the remains of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remnants along winding cobbled streets of this modern cosmopolitan. Deemed as the cultural capital for its past and present integration, immerse in a wealth of cultural and sensory experiences from ancient artifacts and UNESCO monuments to a notable wine and foodie scene, high-end shopping district and festive nightlife.

Day 3 |  Kusadasi, Turkiye:

Arrive in this colorful beach town this morning for a full day in Kusadasi. Walk in the steps of the ancients with an expert archaeologist at the well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus, including the House of Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Stroll the seafront promenade and Grand Bazaar, go wine tasting or try a new dish along a waterfront restaurant. For kids of all ages, delight in the country's largest themed waterpark at Adaland or venture off the beaten track on a buggy ride safari through natural terrain.

Day 4 |  Crete (Heraklion), Greece:

A place of spellbinding myths and legends, renowned cuisine and home to the ancient Minoan civilization and Palace of Knossos, Greece's largest island welcomes travelers with captivating archaeological wonders, extraordinary beaches and endless natural beauty. Enjoy picturesque countryside towns, villages and local lifestyles, with wine tastings and raki samples right from the distillery barrel as traditional Cretan dancers entertain. Visit the fortification of Heraklion, see Venetian crown jewels, delve into history at the Archaeological Museum, and marvel at a medieval monastery for an enthralling day on Crete.

Day 5 | Santorini, Greece:

Your Aegean odyssey continues with one of the most photographed places on earth on the romantic volcanic island of Santorini. Clusters of blue and whitewash Cycladic architecture abound with views of the caldera and the encircling isles. Discover the preserved village of Akrotiri and its frescoes, and head to the capital, Fira, with its many designer shops, art galleries and wealth of eateries and bars. Choose a day on the beach on a 4x4 adventure or relax on black lava sands and swim in the warm shallow waters. For those perfect selfie or postcard photos, hike to the marble-paved laneways of Oia, found at the highest point of the island, with hilltop ruins and panoramic views for an authentic encounter experience.

The Celestyal Journey will be anchored late tonight in Santorini, giving guests an opportunity to continue their exploration at leisure. Experience the magnificent sunsets over the caldera as you dine under the stars at one of the many restaurants along the rim or relax onboard with fine wines and scintillating gastronomy for a magical evening.

Day 6 |  Santorini/Mykonos, Greece:

With an early morning departure from Santorini, the ship arrives in Mykonos just in time for a mouthwatering breakfast before your day of fun and exploration on the island. An alluring Greek island, savor your final day on the sun-drenched sands of Paradise or Kalafatis Beaches, take a local cooking masterclass or sightsee the whitewashed architecture, quaint churches, shops and superb restaurants. Stroll the Little Venice neighborhood of Alefkhandra for the world-famous white windmills or transport to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. As the sunsets, indulge in traditional Greek flavors and toasting Yamas! to endless ouzo, and opt to participate in lively beachside parties, glittering cosmopolitan bars and vibrant nightclubs for a celebratory evening.

Day 7 |  Mykonos/Milos:

Sail into port this morning for a full day adventure on the incredible volcanic island of Milos. Famous for the discovery of the Venus de Milo statue, now housed in Paris' Louvre Museum, and blessed with extraordinary photogenic coastline and geological wonders, discover it all. Stroll cobbled labyrinth streets of the hillside village of Plaka, and sample sweet homemade delicacies from local pastry shops. Embark on a four-wheel drive adventure to sulphur mines, salt fields, and Kalamos fumaroles. Paddle your way on a kayak in turquoise bays exploring smalls caves, dazzling rock formations and sea caves or be captivated by the lunar-like landscape of Sarakiniko Beach. As your day winds down, imbibe in fine wines at a local taverna and savor delicious traditional fare from renowned island restaurants before your final festive evening onboard.

Day 8 | Athens, Greece:

Your cruise ends this morning after a leisurely breakfast spread before disembarkation in Athens this morning. Continue with a post-cruise hotel stay with time to immerse in additional Greek treasures and scenic coastlines or journey to your next destination.

Distinguished Recognitions, Pleasant Holidays Family of Brands