Iconic Aegean I Islands 5 Days Cruise - Celestyal Discovery

Day 1: Larnaca - Athens

Flight Larnaca to Athens. Celestyal Discovery departs from Lavrio port at 13.00

Day 1: Mykonos

The ship arrives at Mykonos port at 18.00 and departs at 23.00

A scooter ride to the beaches of Mykonos will allow you to discover the beauty of the island with ease. You can enjoy a drink with a view of the windmills.
After docking at the old port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. Take advantage of the break to stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the layout of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you.
Not to be missed: The windmills of Mykonos, The beach of Platys Gialos, The Island of Delos

Day 2: Kousadasi (Ephesus)

The ship arrives at Kusandasi port at 07.00 and departs at 13.00

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, amongst several other ancient remnants.
Famous For Kusadasi is most known for its history. Associated with the ministries of Paul, Timothy and the apostle John, the city played a significant role in the spread of early Christianity. The acoustics in the amphitheatres are fantastic.
Ephesus is one of the main centres of early Christianity. St. Paul remained in the city for three years during his third missionary journey. The Apostle John also came to Ephesus to live and was finally buried here.

Day 2: Patmos

The ship arrives at Patmos port at 16.30 and departs at 21.30

Patmos island, which is also known as the “Island of the apocalypse”, has a strong spiritual character. According to the tradition, Saint John the Divine was inspired to write the Book of the Apocalypse inside a cave in Nisyros. Today, the so-called “Cave of the Apocalypse” is one of the island’s main attractions. There’s also a large monastery dedicated to Saint John above Chora, the island’s capital. Thousands of pilgrims come to Patmos island every year to visit these two religious monuments.

Due to its spiritual character, the island plays host to many religious festivals and feasts, which are a perfect opportunity for travelers to introduce themselves to the tradition and history of Patmos.

Day 3: Rhodes

The ship arrives at Rhodes port at 07.00 and departs at 18.00

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.

Day 4: Heraklion

The ship arrives at Heraklion port at 07.00 and departs at 12.00

Crete is part of the history of the Mediterranean. The myth about Theseus, the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Knossos and Ariadne's famous thread is among the best known in the world.
The stop at Heraklion starts with a visit to the port of Crete. Situated in the centre of the island, this former British watchtower has a long history. You cannot land on the island that gave birth to the legend of the Minotaur without visiting the ancient Palace of Knossos. Its ancient Minoan ruins and its maze of corridors and rooms evoke the famous Greek myth of the labyrinth. Equally impressive is the island fortress of Spinalonga, which is well worth a visit. Heraklion embodies the charm of an era both ancient and medieval.
Not to be missed: Discover the Palace of Knossos,The picturesque village of Kritsa, The old town of Heraklion

Day 4: Santorini

The ship arrives at Santorini port at 16.30 and departs at 21.30

The cliffs of Santorini island shine with the bright white of the houses that dominate the Mediterranean from the top of their summit.
Upon arrival at the port of Santorini, you will be enchanted by the charm of the lagoon that surrounds this beautiful volcanic island. The harmony between the crystal blue water and the white villages located at the top of the cliffs is truly exceptional. Make the most of your trip to Santorini by visiting the lava beaches. Their black colour makes them truly spectacular. Archaeology lovers should not miss the chance to visit Akotiri. Excavations have unearthed Minoan ruins and a city that dates back to the Cycladic civilisation.
Not to be missed: The magical village of Oia, Excursions to the slopes of the volcano of Santorini, The ruins of Akrotiri

Day 5: Athens - Larnaca

Arrival at Lavrio port at 06.00. Flight Athens to Larnaca.