Celestyal Cruises

Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ contrasting volcanic landscape that’s full of refreshing surprises. Its coastline reveals surreal shapes of sculpted rock that captivate viewers for hours, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Stepping off the cruise ship, a laid-back Cycladic island retreat awaits. Find peace and tranquility on one of the many beaches and feel the cooling, refreshing effect of the Aegean as you swim in its serene sea caves. Marvel at Cape Vani’s geological formations and travel along its ever-changing coastline to admire multi-colored sea cliffs at Paleochori and see evidence of how the island’s history was shaped by mining.

Arching its way around a central caldera, the island’s volcanic coastline spoils you for choice. Near Trypiti village, you’ll be able to explore one of the most ancient monuments in Christianity – the Milos Catacombs, where expansive underground chambers and passages were carved into the volcanic rock. Or sit back and relax in one of Milos’ quality terraced tavernas serving only the freshest catch of the day, discover colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea in Klima and stroll along Plaka’s hilltop cobblestone streets.

The Greek Island, Mykonos, flaunts its double personality the moment you set eyes on its coastline. Basking in year-round sunshine, its rugged rocky landscape blends seamlessly with smooth sandy beaches. In the distance, undulating hills host the island’s iconic windmills turning in symphony with the seasonal winds that have branded Mykonos ‘island of the winds’.

On appearance, traditional white-washed villages seem untouched by time, but delve deeper into their maze of cobbled streets and you’ll find cosmopolitan bars, exclusive boutiques and gourmet restaurants. High-energy nightlife gives way to calming, picture-perfect beaches where it’s easy to find your inner peace.

And travel back through the centuries at Mykonos’ archaeological sites where you’ll encounter the Sanctuary of Apollo and many other fascinating ancient relics that reveal the island’s varied past. Then explore traditional villages such as Ano Mera where the pure white walls of Panagia Tourliani monastery appear crafted from the landscape.

The largest port in the Mediterranean and primary departure point for Greek Island cruises from Athens, Piraeus is a hubbub of activity that will bring your senses to life. With a sun-soaked promenade, al-fresco cafes and bars and countless shops, it’s a place where you can easily relax with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

A port since antiquity, its seemingly infinite rows of quays are filled with luxury yachts and the comings and goings of people visiting the city of Athens or heading out to the blissful Greek islands. Further along the bay, you’ll find the charming port of Pasalimani where the laid-back atmosphere provides an escape with boutiques and secluded eateries.

Piraeus is your gateway into one of the world’s oldest cities. Venture into Athens alone or join a guided excursion from the cruise ship to discover the city’s ancient monuments, iconic landmarks and an open-air museum that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Approaching Rhodes island by sea is an experience all of its own. The clifftop Acropolis at Lindos rises slowly from the still blue waters, evoking the ancient Colossus which once adorned the harbor, and modern hillside villages lay in the shadow of the imposing medieval fortification.

Stepping off the cruise ship, an island of contrasts awaits; a tranquil paradise, rich with nature and layered with history. Wandering the Old Town, you’ll feel the presence of the Crusaders who once walked the same cobbled streets. The ruins left behind by Byzantines, Romans and ancient Greeks will whisk you even further back in time.

Alternatively, find peace and seclusion on the miles and miles of sandy beaches, or feel your cares drift away in the mineral-rich waters at one of the island’s many natural spas. Then head into the forested inland, where rivers and waterfalls flow, butterflies surround you in the Valley of the Butterflies, and native deer still roam free on the wild hills and mountains.

Tucked in below Mt Pelion – land of the mythical centaurs – Volos embraces the Pagasetic Gulf to one side and the dramatic, mountainous Pelion Peninsula to the other. Step off your Volos cruise, and you’re greeted by a thriving university city whose energetic pace will whisk you up into its whirlwind of activity, both at the port and in the tsipouradika – traditional tavernas – and set you on course to uncover some real architectural gems, both ancient and neoclassical.

Wander around and you’ll find grand urban mansions sitting beside nods to the city’s long-lasting industrial heritage. And following the hum of activity will see you in Volos’ favorite local hangout, Kontaratou, which is brimming with countless cafes and eateries of all kind.

Do as the locals do and stroll along the seafront Argonauts Avenue to take you to some of the best tsipouradika tavernas – a Volos institution. These relaxed eateries serve up some of the city’s most delicious food accompanied by a tsipouro, or pomace brandy. There may well be impromptu singing and table sharing, but with just under 600 tsipouradika in Volos, they’re a gastronomic destination in their own right. Heading out of the city and into foothills of Mt Pelion, there is a potpourri of traditional villages sprinkled down forested hillsides, where you can hike in the summer or even ski in the winter when the hills are veiled in snow.

Arriving in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey you’ll instantly feel at home. A huge covered bazaar stretches out in front of you and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Follow your instincts and lose track of time ambling from café to café and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites.

Find time for yourself on one of the many white sandy beaches in and around Kusadasi such as Diamond Beach, Paradise Beach or Love Beach, where you can try your hand at windsurfing or even jet skiing. And there’s no shortage of good times in Kusadasi: weather that’s always on your side, a chilled, laid-back atmosphere and ancient sites on its doorstep.

In the city, itself, stroll around the Fortress of Kusadasi on Pigeon Island and discover city walls that protect historic gems such as the Fortress Mosque. But head out into the sun-soaked hills above the Aegean coast, and you’ll come across some of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.

Cruising in through the Dardanelles strait – straddling Asia and Europe – Çanakkale may sit at the narrowest part, but its history is one to broaden the mind. From the cruise ship, you can spot the wooden Trojan horse on the vast yacht-lined waterfront promenade – serving as a taster of what awaits.

Travelling into Çanakkale Province is where you’ll encounter a roll-call of sites that have marked the city on a map. It’s your gateway to the ancient city of Troy and the ancient Aeolian city of Assos. Set above the village of Behrankale, Assos promises a retreat from city life, vistas across the sparkling bay of Edremit, and the photogenic Temple of Athena.

From one remarkable battle to another, the Gallipoli Battlefields were witnesses to the WWI Battle of Çanakkale. The area is now a national park with poignant memorials and monuments to both Turkish and Allied troops. You can also visit Brighton Beach, now a memorial, where Anzac troops landed on April 25, 1915 and learn more about the Gallipoli Campaign right where it all happened.

Sitting on Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, Alexandria, the ancient capital of Egypt, is where you’ll join a guided excursion to Cairo and beyond. From here, there’s everything at your fingertips – the mighty Suez Canal, Egypt’s capital and the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Giza Pyramid.

In Cairo, you’ll come head on with frenzied commotion, but delve deeper and this global city will excite and seduce you with its history, both old and new. Step into Islamic Cairo, where there are over 400 historic monuments in the neighborhood alone, including the impressive Citadel – home to the extensive Egyptian National Military Museum and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, built from glittering Alabaster marble.

There’s no shortage of sights and museums, and any route will take you past Tahrir (Liberty) Square, a focal point of activity, into the Egyptian Museum and out to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which are just a stone’s-throw away. Afterwards, rejoin your Cairo cruise in Port Said.

Sitting on Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, Port Said is your last stop after an excursion into Cairo. A stroll along the Corniche before you re-embark your cruise will reveal the city’s maritime prowess and power. And with faded 19th century colonial consulates and mansion houses lining the entry into the mighty Suez Canal, you can’t help but stop and stare at the activity, noise and sounds around you.

Meanwhile, the historic center urges you along into its waves of commotion with locals shopping and selling in the bustling bazaar and new boutiques springing up next to the old. The National Military Museum gives an insight into the canal’s history, while the sandy beach bedecked with parasols and deckchairs seems a world away from the unrelenting action in the water.

The face of Port Said is ever-evolving, yet its heart remains true to its maritime past and present. A fitting grand finale to your time in Egypt.

The most important landmark in Port Said is one that your eye will be drawn to as soon as you arrive. Piercing the sky above the rest of the buildings at 56 meters tall, the octagonal lighthouse was built in 1869 to help guide boats into the Suez Canal. It’s still as iconic today.

Lying on the western outskirts of Port Said is the Commonwealth War Graves with burials from both World War I and World War II. Its location between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Manzala lays testament to Port Said’s strategic use as a hospital center during the wars, receiving casualties from Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine.

Wandering along the pedestrianized walkway, which snakes its way along the waterfront, transports you into Port Said’s glamorous yesteryear. Watch in awe as huge ships negotiate their way into the canal, and remember to look inland to spot once-decadent colonial buildings reminiscent of Europe by your side.

Note: the excursion begins from Alexandria and finishes in Port Said