Cruises From Greece by Celestyal Cruises
Description of the Cruise:
It’s time for some sun-soaked revelry in the miraculous Aegean! When was the last time you really traveled? Jump in, and let us take you to some of the world’s most astonishing destinations. Your inner adventurer will thank you profusely for a 4-day adventure that takes you to six legendary islands like Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini.
We depart from Piraeus and return to Piraeus, so prior to your departure or upon your return you can avail yourself of everything this vibrant, cosmopolitan, historically rich city has to offer. One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is dense with ancient monuments, chic cafés and unique shops. Wander through Plaka to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, one of the world’s great museums. If you love art, history, bustling pedestrian thoroughfares and great food, even a few hours in this thrilling city will dazzle you.
The Celestyal Olympia, your Aegean queen, is a cozy floating resort. We call first at Mykonos, an island so beautiful you’ll think you’ve woken into a dream. Enjoy its cool breezes as you stroll the picturesque alleys of Mykonos Town and, after the sun slips into the sea, enjoy the island’s world-famous nightlife. From Mykonos we sail overnight to arrive for breakfast in quiet Kusadasi, whose white sand beaches and incomparable shopping are a stone’s throw from the legendary excavation of Ancient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses, one of the largest and most complete ancient cities in the world, the House of the Virgin Mary, beautiful Sirince Village and the thrilling metropolis of Izmir. Kusadasi is also home to a fantastic covered bazaar, where you can shop with a view of the town’s picturesque harbor.
We arrive at 16:00 at the blessed island of Patmos, a verdant, mountainous paradise considered one of the world’s loveliest destinations. Many believe John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations in a mountainside grotto on Patmos where he heard the voice of God. At the top of the mountain, within the white walls of Hora, the monastery founded in his honor in 1088 stands guard above this holy island. We leave Patmos and sail for magnificent Rhodes, where we have a full day to explore yet another incomparable island. The Palace of the Grand Masters, in the old walled city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will make you think you’ve stepped back in time, as will the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, high above the sea, and the Citadel of the Knights. Try some delicious local wines and relax at charming Tsampika Beach, or just stroll the old city and enjoy an al fresco lunch and a traditional Greek coffee, strong enough to fortify you for an afternoon wandering through the past.
From Rhodes we sail overnight to Heraklion, an ancient Venetian port and the capital of Crete. Greece’s largest island will greet you like family. It’s a wonderland of secluded beaches, hiking trails, rivers and archeological marvels, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the first civilization in Europe, and the Archeological Museum in Heraklion. However you decide to spend your morning in Crete, you’ll fall in love. And don’t leave the island without a bottle of Cretan olive oil, the world’s finest.
Enjoy a delicious lunch on the pool deck or a traditional Greek coffee at Thalassa Bar, on Deck 10, the bright blue surface of the Aegean glittering beneath you, as we sail from Heraklion for an evening in breathtaking Santorini. Its massive cliffs rise from the blue waters of the Aegean like a dream. Take a jeep safari into the interior or a cruise to Santorini’s smaller islands and volcanoes, visit the Akrotiri Village excavations, or just sit in a café in spectacular Oia Village and watch the sunset from 300 meters above the azure sea. This is what it’s like to visit the sky.
Your magical four days concludes on another glorious Attic morning. So what did you love most? All of it, right?
Cruise vessel’s ( Celestyal Olympia ) information:
Named for the ancient sanctuary that was the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and for the mother of Alexander the Great, there’s no better way to see our iconic Aegean destinations than on the Celestyal Olympia. Want to discover the heart of cruising? Order a drink on the Hera deck, beside the Olympia’s sparkling pool, and watch the Aegean unfurl before her. Two lounges, five bars, three delicious restaurants, our fully-equipped Olympian Gym, Sana Beauty Center and our Kids’ Club…the Celestyal Olympia is a gold medalist at every turn. Want an unforgettable holiday? We invite you and your family to travel the Aegean with her.
Capacity: 1074 passengers in total
Cabins: 400 cabins with en suite bathrooms, TV, radio and air conditioning
Facilities: a la carte restaurant, buffet, two lounges, five bars, casino, two pools, sauna, gym, medical clinic, spa and massage room, saunas, beauty salon, hair salon, Internet area, video arcade, conference room, library, duty free and travel value shop
Equipped: satellite telephone, full air conditioning throughout the ship
