DAY 1: Embark Cruise Ship ~ Departure from Piraeus Port
Today you will board your home for the next 14 nights – Celestyal Journey ship. Check in is open from 12:00 to 16:00 for a 17:00 departure. Once checked in, grab yourself a cocktail and head to the observation deck as you sail away.
Depart: 17:00
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: N/A
DAY 2: Thessaloniki, Greece
“There is a homeland for everyone, while there is Thessaloniki,” wrote Nikiforos Choumnos, a 14th-century Byzantine dignitary and scholar. And he was right: Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. This historic capital of the Macedonia region was founded in 315 BC by the Macedonian king Cassander and named after his wife who was a half-sister of Alexander the Great. This is the city that in the days of Philip II of Macedon would steal Athens’ thunder. It’s relatively flat but there are simply mountains of history: Roman and Byzantine ruins, early Christian heritage (the Apostle Paul brought the first message of Christianity here in 50 BC), Pontic Greeks and Armenians, remnants of Venetian and Ottoman rule and perhaps most movingly, a remarkable Jewish history too. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.
Arrive 12:30 | Depart 18:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Royal Tombs of Vergina $130 | Land of Alexander The Great $198 | Panoramic Thessaloniki $114
DAY 3: Kusadasi, Turkey
In the great atlas of Mediterranean antiquity, few cities shone as bright as Ephesus, part of Izmir province and the most culturally significant and best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. And Kuşadası, which dominates the gulf of the same name along this stretch of the Aegean coast, is one of the most vibrant and popular destinations in modern Turkey. It’s been an important port for centuries, hosting a variety of civilizations and for a time some of the most infamous pirates of the Mediterranean. The Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai was built in 1618, confirming Kuşadası’s role as a prominent Ottoman trading center. Sizzling beaches next to sparkling blue water, lively bars and a bustling Grand Bazaar add up to exciting times in this buzzing Turkish city, but above all, it is the chief point of entry to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus. South of Kuşadası, ruins of the ancient Greek city of Miletus are located near the mouth of the legendary Meander River.
Arrive 13:00 | Depart 20:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus $182 | Ancient Ephesus & The Terrace House $182 | Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages $158
DAY 4: Heraklion, Crete
The larger cities of Crete, which are the capital, Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania, are all on the north coast. Heraklion, situated along the midpoint of the island’s north coast, takes its name from Herakles—better known as Hercules. Heraklion was the port of the Minoan palace city of Knossos, the site of the Kastro (Castle) and Megalo Kastro (Grand Castle) in Byzantine times, the Arab fortress known as Chandakas, the flourishing Candia under the Republic of Venice. The Venetians built the ramparts which still encircle the city center and the Rocca al Mare fortress, now called Koules, at Heraklion’s inner harbor. Opposite the port, you can still see a series of mighty stone arches, which were the Venetian shipyards. The Republic of Venice invested a lot of time and treasure in defending Heraklion, which finally fell to the Turks, who renamed it Kandiye, in 1669. The heart of Heraklion is Morosini fountain at Liontaria or Lion’s Square but the star cultural attraction of the city, and indeed of all of Crete, is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It is home to the largest collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, the earliest in Europe. You will be amazed at what the islanders created here from around 2700 BC up to around 1450 BC. Ornate Minoan jewelry including the golden bee pendant, the Phaistos Disc and exquisite figurine of the bull leaper—which item will stir your imagination the most? The Minoan palace ruins of Knossos are found just outside the city center at a colossal Bronze Age site that encompasses hundreds of interconnected walls and rooms including what celebrated archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans identified as the megaron or Throne Room. With a little imagination, you can picture legendary King Minos holding court over the labyrinth that housed his son, the mythical half-man, half-bull known as the Minotaur, here. Decorated pithoi storage jars and multicolored frescoes abound on the site too, while many of the original frescoes such as that of the “Prince of Lilies” and famous bull leaper are now housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Another palatial, open-air Minoan archaeological site is at Phaistos, south of Heraklion.
Arrive 10:00 | Depart 19:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Knossos Palace & The Archaeological Museum $130 | Venetian Heraklion & Archaeological Museum $124
DAY 5: Santorini, Greece
Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look with white painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than a thousand feet to the wide caldera. It’s easy to see how this island, the pearl of the Cycladic archipelago, can lay claim to being the source of the legend of Atlantis, either. Santorini, or “Thera” in Greek, is most celebrated for the dramatic views of its volcanic caldera, formed during a massive eruption around 1646 B.C. That eruption shook up the island—making its center actually collapse—but also created some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Arrive 07:00 | Depart 00:30
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Spectacular Oia Village Perched on the Caldera Rim $130 | Cruise to Santorini’s Islands & Volcanos $130 | Akrotiri Village Excavations $130
DAY 6: Mykonos, Greece
There is no Greek island more synonymous with carefree times, glitz and glamour than Mykonos. At just 85 square kilometers Mykonos is a small island but it’s one that positively crackles with excitement, especially in the long Greek summer. Mykonos has a very rocky terrain and its windiness (the meltemia) can sometimes surprise you, but you’ll also find some of the most amazing beaches around and a cosmopolitan vibe you simply won’t find anywhere else. The main town, Chora, is famous for its winding lanes lined with gleaming white cubiform houses with painted blue doors and sophisticated shops and restaurants, but beyond the town, Mykonos retains a refreshingly bucolic atmosphere. In fact, Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, once wrote that “Mykonos is wonderful…the air, the earth, the dry mountain, the simple people, their dialect, the figs, the grapes, the thyme, the mint…” He might have added the madness—in a good way—because from the 1960s onward Mykonos has been a magnet for bohemians, celebrities and revelers of all stripes. A hedonistic playground of beachside DJs and summer partying—an official brochure from 20 years ago says the island shows “a complete lack of restraint and climate truly divorced from anything that resembles an everyday routine.” Just know that you don’t have to actually party from dusk until dawn to experience the best of Mykonos (though that’s certainly an option!)—all you need to do is surrender to the Mykonian sun for a bit, enjoy the breezes and be glad that you can experience a slice of this very special and mythic place.
Arrive 08:00 | Depart 02:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Mykonian Countryside Tour with Chora & Little Venice $124 | Delos: Sacred Island & Apollo Sanctuary $130 | Mykonian Dinner $140
DAY 7: Milos, Greece
The horseshoe-shaped Greek island of Milos, which is the southernmost island of the western Cyclades, is a real unsung pearl of the Aegean. Volcanic by origin, the island has a stunning array of landscapes and beaches with backdrops of multicolored cliffs and water that dazzles with crystalline greens and blues. Its captivating geological formations are the result of undersea eruptions that started perhaps up to three million years ago, which piled up layers of lava that reacted to the island’s geothermal waters and created a kaleidoscope of rock formations and sea stacks like the rock of Arkouda that jut up spectacularly from the sea floor in many places along the island’s 126 kilometers of coastline. Look carefully and you can sometimes even see steam rising from fumaroles on both land and sea, and there are abundant mineral springs on the island too. Milos does not have a caldera like nearby Santorini, but it is full of marvels forged by nature, making it a sensory feast unlike any other.
Arrive 09:00 | Depart 19:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Step Back in Time $130 | Nostalgic Milos Cruise – Land & Sea $214
DAY 8: Piraeus Port City, Athens
Piraeus is located in the Athens Riviera, 8 kilometres southwest of Athens’ city centre, along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. If you did not arrive ealry to explore Athens, you now have the opportunity to take one of the shore excursions into the city of Athens, or explore at your own leisure.
Arrive 07:00 | Depart 17:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Athens Monuments & The Acropolis $140 | Athens Tour & The New Acropolis Museum $140 | Panoramic Athens & Corinth Canal Crossing $148 | The Acropolis & The New Acropolis Museum $156 | Athens Food on Foot $214
DAY 9: At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing couple of days at sea to take advantage of the ships array of amenities. Take full advantage of the onboard activities and indulge in the chef’s exquisite cuisine. Kick back and soak up the sun as you are treated to drinks from the bar.
For relaxation lovers who prefer less hands-on treatment, the Drift Den (relaxation room) is the perfect way to escape within. Soak in the heavenly comfort of a jacuzzi or settle down in the uplifting heat of the steam room and come out feeling like a brand new you. Thermae offers a jacuzzi, showers, steam baths and relaxing stone beds and next door, your Drift away in comfortable sun-chairs and enjoy tea and water. Complimentary one day access to Grand Suite guests and those who have purchased a treatment.
Alternatively, why not participate in handicrafts, language lessons, traditional dancing, games or exercise. There is plenty to do.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
DAY 10: Kotor, Montenegro
Where red roof tops contrast with crystal blue waters and towering peaks. Kotor’s spectacular bay is an awe inspiring backdrop to a medieval maze of stunning architecture, Venetian palaces, ornate churches, museums and squares with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Arrive 09:00 | Depart 19:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Historic Kotor & Budva $124 | Highlights of Montenegro $140 | Meet The Life of The Locals $224
DAY 11: Spilt, Croatia
As our cruise ship approaches Split, the heart of the Dalmatian coast pulses with the rhythms of history and modernity. Prepare to lose yourself in the embrace of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it unfolds its ancient Roman grandeur. Wander through the palaces timeless corridor before emerging into a seaside promenade, vobratnt with the buzz of cafes and lively markets – a perfect snapshot of Splits enduring spirit
Arrive 08:00 | Depart 16:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Shore excursion options available on board
DAY 12: Venice, Italy
As we glide into the embrace of Venice, the dance of light on its cancal ushers in a day of enchantments. Stepping off the cruise, be swept away by the serenade of gondoliers, the grandeur of St Marks Basilica, and the vibrant tapestry of markets. Lose yourself in the labyrinth alleys, where every turn reveals a scene worthy of canvas, and indulge in the city’s rich tapestry, art, and culinary delights.
Arrive 08:30 | Depart 17:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Shore excursion options available on board
DAY 13: At Sea
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
DAY 14: Katakolon, Greece
The sleepy fishing village of Katakolon is remarkably one of the lesser-known Greek islands – despite its unerring boast as the origin of the world-famous Olympic Games. It is here where you will discover the ancient city of Olympia together with a wealth of priceless artefacts and sculptures from the ancient world.
Arrive 08:00 | Depart 16:00
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: Celestyal Journey
OPTIONAL TOURS: Half Day Olympia & Archaeological Museum $138 | Olympia & Wine Tasting $138 | Olympia & Olive Oil Tasting $192 | Olympia Hiking $159
DAY 15: Piraeus Port, Athens ~ Departure
This morning you cruise will pull in to Piraeus Port for the last time and you will disembark from 0800. We wish you a pleasant onward journey, wherever you are headed.
Depart 08:00
MEALS: Breakfast
