Athens & Greek Islands Cruise aboard Celestyal Journey

This morning we'll journey through time back to Ancient Greece on a tour of Athens, including a visit to the legendary Acropolis. Those with an interest in Greek mythology will know it was on top of Acropolis Hill that Athens received its name. You'll be enthralled by the majestic ruins, where the Parthenon - an ancient religious temple the Athenians built for the Greek goddess Athena - stands testament to Greece's long cultural heritage. Its blindingly white columns and perfect symmetry dominate the skyline as we travel up the steep slope of Acropolis Hill. There's so much to see, from the Porch of Maidens - which supports the southern part of the Erechtheion - to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

And, because we know it's not enough to just see these ancient wonders, we'll head to the Acropolis Museum to learn more. Devoted to the Parthenon and surrounding temples, the museum houses over 3,000 famous artefacts and features a glass floor displaying the ancient houses and streets below. 

This afternoon, we'll say goodbye to Athens and hello to the Celestyal Journey, our home for the next seven nights. Here we'll join more like-minded travellers on a journey across the Aegean Sea. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the ship - head down to our Martini Bar and enjoy one of the exclusive Signature Cocktails, catch the evening show or dine in one of seven restaurants on board. Then settle into your newly refurbished room for a good night’s sleep - the first of many on board the Celestyal Journey.

After a relaxing first night on board the Celestyal Journey, we'll explore Thessaloniki - Greece's cultural capital.

Athen's might have the Acropolis, but Thessaloniki is Greece's real cultural capital - and the second largest city in Greece. There are no less than 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 29 museums celebrating everything from archaeology to avant-garde Russian works. Today, we'll spend time at leisure in the city so you can decide for yourself what to see. Maybe you'll choose to wander through its ancient ruins, including the Rotunda - the oldest of Thessaloniki's churches and one of the oldest Christian churches in the world - the Arch of Galerius - the city’s Byzantine Walls, several churches, the Vlatadon Monastery and the Byzantine baths.

You could experience the city's bustling atmosphere with a stroll along Aristotelous Square. If you're a follow-your-stomach kind of traveller, you should head to the Ladadika District. As Greece’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Thessaloniki is famed for perfect pastries, spicy meatballs, wine, frappés and local specialities reflecting a rich cultural heritage - and if you stumble upon one of the many traditional tavernas here, it's well worth a stop. Be warned: dishes, like Bougiourdi, are a bit spicier than in the rest of Greece (and oh, so tasty). We hope you can handle the heat.

And end your visit by watching the waves lap against the promenade from a waterfront cafe before you head back to the ship.

Walking through Ephesus this morning on a guided tour, you get a sense of what life was like in the second century.

If you did nothing else here but gaze up in wonder, it would still be time well spent. Luckily, you have a guide to point out the finer points of this incredible feat of construction - in this open-air museum, history comes to life at every turn.
The crumbling facade of the two-story library glows with a golden hue in the sun. While only parts of the structure remain, it was once thought to hold around 12,000 precious scrolls - which makes it the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world, behind Alexandria and Pergamum. The ruins stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Roman era.

We'll wander through the streets of Ephesus to see the enormous amphitheatre that once echoed with the cheers of thousands of spectators. You can also witness this once highly sophisticated society where opulent houses boast marble-lined halls, exquisite mosaics, and stunning frescoes.

The ruins are still being excavated and you're left with the sense that there's so much more to be discovered.

Before we depart Kusadasi in the early evening, don't miss a chance to stroll through the picturesque Turkish seaside town and along the promenade or feel the thrill of haggling at local shops.

Join our guide this morning for a tour of the ancient city of Knossos, said to be the birthplace of the very first civilisation in Europe - the Minoans, with a human presence since 7000 BC.

In Greek myth, the legendary Minotaur - with the head of a bull and the body of a man - was believed to be confined in a labyrinth that was built underneath the Palace of Knossos.
While no minotaurs roam the complex these days (or so we're told), it is still quite the maze with five acres of multi-story ruins to explore.

As you stand among the marble and crumbling limestone masonry of the Central Court, grand staircase, and throne room, with timeworn murals and paintings still hanging on the walls, you can't help but be in awe of its construction. 

This afternoon you will be free to explore Crete's capital, Heraklion. In ancient times, the city served as a port where the Minoans traded gold, ceramics, and saffron - a precious spice and dye. If you catch Heraklion at the right time of day, the smell of cinnamon fills the air.

While modern Heraklion is a maze of painted concrete, the old city is not hard to find (despite the aged street signs, rarely in English). In the old town, you'll hear a buzz of voices as you pass the busy cafes and tavernas that line the streets. As you stroll along the streets you'll stumble across beautiful architecture, old churches, and Turkish fountains. If you're interested in learning more about the Minoans, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a must-see, displaying even more ancient artifacts from Knossos.

For those looking to relax, you could soak up the Greek sun on a stroll along the re-developed waterfront, stopping at one of the beautiful beaches in and around the city, or lounge in a local café and watch the world go by.

Top tip: Crete is known for its excellent food, so be sure to try some delicious meze dishes with a glass of Cretan raki - a pomace brandy distilled from grapes harvested on the island.

If you’re up on deck early enough this morning, you will be able to watch the ship glide into Santorini's vast caldera - the crescent bay formed by a volcanic eruption that took place over 3,500 years ago.

When you imagine the Greek Islands, Santorini immediately springs to mind, and for good reason. The multi-hued, sheer cliffs rise above the sea, crowned by the blindingly white cubist architecture that is so typical of the Greek Islands. Join a guided tour of the island including a visit to Oia - one of the most photographed places in Santorini. 

For the superstitious, the symbol of the evil eye - known as "kako mati" in Greek - is commonly found on souvenirs in the Greek islands. It is believed to offer protection against negative energy, this belief still holds significant value in Greek culture today.

There'll be ample time to explore more of Santorini, as the ship doesn't sail until late this evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample local cuisine with dinner ashore in one of the local tavernas - we dare you to try something new.

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

Spend the morning on a guided tour of Mykonos and its capital, Hora, where cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses provide idyllic photo opportunities. We'll stop in Alfekandra (lovingly known as Little Venice), with 18th-century homes featuring wooden balconies that hang above the sea, overlooking the island’s famous windmills. These magnificent houses originally belonged to rich merchants or captains - with little basement doors that provided direct access to the sea - and have now been transformed into unique restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs.

Enjoy a free afternoon exploring Mykonos as you please. The maze of lanes and blue-domed churches beg to be explored and, as you wander, you'll happen upon a few sea views to stop you in your tracks.

If you're looking for a more leisurely afternoon, you could relax with a drink or bite to eat in one of its numerous tavernas, bars, and cafes. Or spend the afternoon basking in the Greek sunshine on one of the island's beautiful sandy beaches.

*The ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

Today, you can put your own plans into action to get the most out of Milos with a full day at leisure on this stunning Greek island.

As the southwesternmost of the Cyclades islands, Milos offers a range of beautiful landscapes. You could visit the white volcanic rock formations and turquoise waters of Sarakiniko beach - a lunar landscape that's straight out of sci-fi – or stop at a quaint fishing village with amazing views. Soak up the island’s laid-back charm or Maybe venture to the amphitheatre and catacombs as well as the Plaka area, renowned for its local pastry shops and homemade sweets.

Not sure what to do today? No problem, your Tour Manager is on hand to recommend popular sights and some top-secret local spots.

*Ship is expected to anchor at this port and guests will be tendered ashore.

After 7 nights at sea, we'll put our feet firmly back on dry land today as we disembark Celestyal Journey and head to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

According to myth, this is the spot where Aegeus, King of Athens, fell into the sea - giving the Aegean Sea its name.
Built on the highest point of the hill - with 15 marble columns still standing - there are spectacular vistas out to the Aegean and Saronic Gulf. You can imagine ancient seafarers and warriors turning back for their last look at home before heading out on an adventure, and so it was on Cape Sounion that the Athenians built a temple to appease Poseidon, God of the sea, to ensure their safe return. Although the Persians destroyed the original temple in 480 BC, it was reconstructed 40 years later, and remnants of the temple can still be seen today.

Top tip: Look out for a famous name graffitied on the columns here - the infamous Lord Byron, a serial offender, has etched his name onto historical structures throughout Europe.

We'll continue to our hotel located on the Athens Riviera and spend the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and explore the local area.

After nine days of non-stop adventuring across the Aegean Sea, you deserve a chance to put your feet up and bask in the sunshine - and that’s exactly what’s in store for you today.

Our hotel is located in the picturesque town of Brauron on the eastern part of Attica. It’s graced with idyllic Grecian character and unforgettable views of the beachfront – we'll have private access so you can stroll right from breakfast to the beach. You could lay claim to one of the sun loungers in the gardens or on the terrace and crack open that book you’ve been meaning to read. Unwind in the spa or, for those who refuse to sit still, you could take advantage of the hotel's fitness centre and tennis courts.

And, if you’re still hungry for more history, there’s plenty to see in the local area. Just a 20-minute walk away is the ruins of the Sanctuary of Bauronian Artemis, home of the Cult of Artemis at Brauron. Also nearby is the Archaeological Museum, with exhibits of artefacts found in Brauron, Anavissos, Perati and other parts of Attica. Both are great places to visit to get more of a feel for the local history.

Today will be completely up to you, so throw away the itinerary and go with the flow.