Idyllic Aegean 8 Days Cruise - Celestyal Journey

Day 1: Larnaca - Athens

Flight Larnaca to Athens. The Celestyal Journey departs from Piraeus port at 17.00.

Day 2: Thessaloniki

The ship arrives at Thessaloniki port at 12.30 and departs at 18.00.

The thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house glamorous shops and gourmet restaurants, and historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzeria’s to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with a homemade ice cream and watch the world go by.

Day 3: Ephesus

The ship arrives at Ephesus port at 13.00 and departs at 20.00.

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 4: Heraklion, Crete

The ship arrives at Heraklion port at 10.00 and departs at 19.00.

Heraklion offers a wealth of Venetian architecture from their rule in the 13th century, including magnificent fortified walls. The city is famous for the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed.

Relax in a taverna over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki, washed down with local wine or beer. or explore the stunning, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages.

Day 5: Santorini

The ship arrives at Santorini port at 07.00 and departs next day in the morning at 00.30.

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 6: Mykonos

The ship arrives at Mykonos port at 08.00 and departs at 02.00.

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 7: Milos

The ship arrives at Milos port at 09.00 and departs at 19.00.

Milos is a volcanic island, sitting at the southernmost part of the Cyclades island complex. Thanks to its volcanic origin, Milos boasts a magnificent colorful landscape and a coastline that counts more than 40 exotic beaches.

Standing out for its majestic ambiance, rich history, picturesque fishing villages, amazing food, and indigo bays, Milos island is a timeless Cycladic gem that will steal your breath with its enchanting beauty. The variety of landscapes in Milos is unreal- you’ll see nothing twice, there’s always something new to discover. Being home to the Venus of Milo statue, which was discovered on the island and the stunning Sarakiniko beach, Milos’ beauty is expressed in many ways!

Day 8: Athens - Larnaca

The ship arrives at Piraeus port at 07.00. Flight Athens to Larnaca.