Sunny beaches, beautiful islands, some of Europe’s oldest civilizations, fascinating archaeological treasures, and much more awaits you on this marvelous Greece cruise tour.
Your tour starts and ends in Athens and includes guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide. Among the sights you will see, you’ll visit the Acropolis, located on a rocky promontory and dating to the 5th century BC. Then enjoy the highlight of your vacation, a 3-night cruise on the Aegean Sea cruising to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. Visit Mykonos, Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses. Wander through the picturesque alleys and narrow streets; take photos of the windmills that overlook the embankment; relax at a waterfront café; and watch for the official mascot of Mykonos, a pelican. In Kusadasi, on the Turkish coast, enjoy the white-sand beaches and shopping in the covered bazaar, and visit ancient Ephesus, with its fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations.
You’ll also cruise to Heraklion, Crete’s capital nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges with archaeological treasures and beautiful scenery, and Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. In Santorini (weather permitting), still an active volcano offering one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas, you’ll see bright white buildings and cliffs rising from the Aegean Sea—one of Greece’s most beautiful spots.
When not on an island, enjoy the ship’s many amenities. Sunbathe, sip a cool drink, sit back, and relax. The Greek Islands are calling you, and now is your chance to experience their beauty and fascinating histories. Stunning scenery, ancient monuments, and the chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful Greek Islands…this Greece cruise tour is sure to delight all of your senses!
All cruise services are provided by Celestyal Cruises. Your cruise ship is Celestyal Olympia.
CELESTYAL OLYMPIA Gross tons: 37,584; 9 decks; fully air-conditioned; swimming pool; gift shop; 724 staterooms with private facilities; fitness centre, sauna, and wellness centre. The Celestyal Olympia features various restaurants and dining areas, duty-free shop, and bars.
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travelling companions for a welcome drink.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the world-famous ACROPOLIS, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Here, see the Parthenon, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and enjoy a panoramic view that includes glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theatre of Dionysus, and the beautifully preserved Theseum, where Socrates taught. Later, a city orientation tour features the Parliament House and a picture stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and was host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The rest of the day is at leisure. How about a Greek dinner tonight? Your local host knows where to find local fare and entertainment reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. (B)
This morning, head for Lavrion/Piraeus, where you will sail into the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Later, dock at the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets before returning on board. (B,L,D)
Two ports of call today. First, Kusadasi on the Turkish coast. Visit the fascinating Greek, Roman, and Byzantine excavations of EPHESUS. Next, discover the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. Also see the Grotto of the Apocalypse. (B,L,D)
First port of call today is Heraklion on Crete. A few miles away is KNOSSOS, the centre of the 3000 BC Minoan civilisation. Afternoon call (weather permitting) at Santorini, the “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” The optional shore excursion takes you to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world’s most breathtaking panoramas. (B,L,D)
After breakfast on board, disembark at Lavrion/Piraeus and return to Athens. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner at a local restaurant. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
After your orientation walk with your Tour Director, there is the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the Amalfi coast. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your holiday.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Naples).
