Explore Greece
A comprehensive tour of Greece would take months. The absolute minimum stay for a quick look at the main sights is one week, although we strongly recommend at least two. Plenty of time should also be allowed for simply relaxing in this warm, balmy climate and watching the world go by.
We have several options outlined below for you to review. It depends on how much time you can spend in Greece and what interests you have for this destination. We excel at crafting a custom itinerary designed just for you! Contact us to get started today.
For those with tight schedules, cruises are the best way to see the islands, but if a long stay is possible, visit several islands and spend about three nights on each to get a real feel for them. Part of the reason for visiting them is to slow down, relax and meet the people.
A preferred itinerary would be at least two weeks long, including the following:
- Day 1: Arrive Athens from the USA. Overnight in Athens.
- Day 2: Overnight in Athens.
- Day 3: Overnight in Athens.
- Day 4: Drive via the towns of Thebes, Livadia and Arakhova to Delphi. Overnight in Delphi.
- Day 5: Depart for Olympia and cross the “Little Dardanelles” between Rion and Antirion. Overnight in Olympia.
- Day 6: Depart for Nauplia via the towns of Megalopolis and Tripoli, through the region called Arcadia (home of the nymphs and Pan).
- Day 7: Depart for Athens via Mycenae and Corinth. Overnight in Athens.
- Day 8 / Cruise Day 1: CRUISE START. Board a 7-night/8 day cruise of the islands. Athens, Greece. (Idyllic Aegean by Celestyal Cruises)
- Day 9 / Cruise Day 2: Kusadasi, Turkey.
- Day 10 / Cruise Day 3: Rhodes, Greece.
- Day 11 / Cruise Day 4: Crete (Heraklion), Greece.
- Day 12 / Cruise Day 5: Santorini, Greece.
- Day 13 / Cruise Day 6: Santorini/Milos/Mykonos, Greece (depends on weather for tendering ports)
- Day 14 / Cruise Day 7: Mykonos, Greece.
- Day 15 / Cruise Day 8: Athens, Greece. CRUISE END. Depart for USA.
You could also only do the cruise portion of this itinerary and make this a 7-night trip. Here are the voyage details!
Idyllic Aegean by Celestyal Cruises
Fares start at $1,250 USD per person
Seven night All-Inclusive cruise aboard Celestyal Crystal. Come and be serenaded by the romance of the Aegean on this exciting new cruise. Visit the most enchanting Greek island destinations dotted around the Aegean Sea, where culture, history, pristine beaches, and fishing villages suspended in time all await.
Voyage highlights
- Over-night stay in glamorous Santorini
- 24 hours in Mykonos
- A full day to explore Rhodes
What’s Included
- All meals onboard
- Unlimited drinks package
- Select excursions
- Entertainment onboard
- Gratuities
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Athens – We leave the historic and classical capital of Greece aboard the Celestyal Crystal and set sail on our overnight voyage to Turkey. Your first night will give you the opportunity to relax, indulge in our All-Inclusive hospitality and anticipate the adventures ahead on your very own Aegean Odyssey of discovery.
Day 2: Kusadasi – Our morning arrival gives us all day in Kusadasi, plenty of time to explore the colorful beach town that is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. A complimentary excursion is included and is not to be missed.
Day 3: Rhodes – If Kusadasi gave us just a glimpse of the Ancient World, then this destination leaves it to our imagination. The Colossus of Rhodes once bestrode the harbor but he is long gone. So you can take in the lovely Old Town, a maze of atmospheric cobbled streets that will transport you back to the Byzantine Empire and beyond. We have a whole day here, giving you plenty of time to discover the crystal clear waters, wonderful beaches and lush wooded valleys. Complimentary excursion to Lindos is included.
Day 4: Crete (Heraklion) – Welcome to Greece’s largest island, a place of mystery, myths and legends. There’s the chance to take in the bustling capital Heraklion and some of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and history. You can also learn more of the art and creativity of the Minoans. We have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home of Europe’s oldest civilization and the setting for the legend of Greek hero Theseus and the Minotaur.
Day 5: Santorini – Santorini is instantly recognizable and we are sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, incredible sunsets and of course the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. And don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera. In the evening you can explore at leisure or simply relax on deck sipping cocktails or a glass of fine wine.
Day 6: Santorini/Milos/Mykonos – You may be asleep when we depart Santorini but we will be in Milos, the Island of Colours, at breakfast time. You will have time to explore the capital Plaka, 2,000 year old catacombs or simply soak up the sun on the flat rocks of stunning Sarakiniko Beach. The real beauty of this truly gorgeous island is to be found in its stunning landscapes, wind and sea sculptured rock formations, soft sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear aquamarine waters. The island’s most famous export is the Venus de Milo.
Day 7: Mykonos – The Island of the Winds awaits. We have a full day for sightseeing or just strolling through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture postcard white windmills sitting side by side, overlooking the sea. You may want to see the ancient temples on neighboring Delos.
Day 8: Athens – We arrive back in Athens at 9am.
For more information on all our excursions, please contact us!
Why Celestyal Cruises?
- DESTINATIONS: For some travelers their cruise is all about the ship. For others the destinations count more than anything. Or indeed the service and the style, the care and the comfort. However at Celestyal we are all about the entire experience from start to finish – and delivering authenticity. And although we say it ourselves, the places we visit are rather special.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE: The Celestyal All-Inclusive Experience offers a combination of outstanding value for money along with the highest standards.
- DINING: Onboard, you can enjoy complimentary meals with locally inspired regional cuisine all freshly prepared for our restaurants and bars throughout the day and evening.
- DRINKS: Enjoy complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, teas, coffees, cocktails and branded spirits while onboard.
- ENTERTAINMENT: Every night onboard our ships you can sit back and enjoy a fantastic show from our entertainment team the Cirque de Fantastique.
- EXCURSIONS: Two complimentary excursions are included on our 3 & 4 night cruises and three excursions are included on our 7 night cruises.
- GRATUITIES: Included in the price of the fare are all onboard gratuities.
- STAFF: From the Captain down, every single member of the crew will greet you with a warm smile, and is dedicated to making sure your Celestyal cruise is perfect from beginning to end. They are always on hand to answer questions or help with any special arrangements or requests.
- AWARDS: Whether it be onboard or ashore Celestyal Cruises is continuously being recognised for leading the way with over 50 accolades to its name in the past 4 years.
- EXPERTISE: We lead the way in showcasing the region like no other with an unbeatable mix of destinations, durations and experiences on and off the ship that all come together to make one unique and unforgettable holiday.
- HISTORY: Celestyal Cruises was born in 2014, built on 84 years of experience by one of the leading travel groups in Cyprus. Home to the city of Athens – the heart of ancient Greece and gateway to the Mediterranean, welcoming over 100,000 guests onboard each year
- SHIP: The Celestyal Crystal with her yacht like design and intimate feel makes her stand out from the crowd. The Crystal can fit neatly into smaller harbours and ports that bigger vessels cannot access. She is bright and airy and feels like home from home. The Crystal can be home to a maximum of 1,200 guests on any one cruise being looked after by a crew of just over 400 ensuring a truly memorable personal experience.
There are many options for a cruise in Greece and the Mediterranean. You can hop on board one of their 3 or 4-night options which are easy to combine with a land-based stay. Or you can choose to stay on board for a whole 14-nights. The choice is yours!
Are You Ready Or Need More Information?
We are happy to book this itinerary option for you or one of the many other cruises Celestyal offers. Many of these pre-set itineraries are merely a starting point for us to customize your own trip. Our consultation fee includes setting aside time to get to know you, your travel style and your travel desires to create a personal and tailor-made itinerary that you will love. Contact us today for more information about this itinerary or for our Greece Specialist to create your very own customized itinerary.
Terms and conditions: Some restrictions may apply.