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GREECE: Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Samos, Chios, Kos, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete | TURKIYE: Istanbul | MONTENEGRO: Kotor
14 nights / 15 days
Set sail from Athens on the ancient waterways of the Mediterranean aboard the luxurious new Celestyal Journey to experience legendary history and breathtaking highlights of Greece, with an overnight in Istanbul, Turkiye and full day in the mesmerizing medieval town of Kotor, Montenegro.
Alongside field experts and opportunities for cultural immersion and captivating explorations, revel in superlative landscapes, geological wonders and dramatic architecture and antiquities amid bustling cities, welcoming locals and incredible wines and cuisines for an unforgettable cruising experience.
Day 1 | Athens, Greece:
Your enchanting voyage begins in this ancient Greek capital city, brimming with sun-soaked shores and lively modern life amid divine history, charming villages and countless ruins including the Acropolis and Parthenon. Following embarkation, indulge in all-inclusive onboard hospitality and anticipate remarkable adventures ahead as you set sail north this evening. Bon Voyage!
Day 2 | Santorini, Greece:
Following a delicious morning breakfast buffet, step ashore to one of the most photographed places on earth on the romantic volcanic island of Santorini. Clusters of blue and whitewash Cycladic architecture abound with views of the caldera and the encircling isles. Discover the preserved village of Akrotiri and its frescoes, and head to the capital, Fira, with its many designer shops, art galleries and wealth of eateries and bars. Choose a day on the beach on a 4x4 adventure or relax on black lava sands and swim in the warm shallow waters. For those perfect selfie or postcard photos, hike to the marble-paved laneways of Oia, found at the highest point of the island, with hilltop ruins and panoramic views for an authentic encounter experience.
Day 3 | Rhodes, Greece:
Arrive in this one-time Byzantine Empire this morning for a full day on this cosmopolitan southeastern Greek island. Walk in the steps of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven ancient wonders, with an expert archaeologist as you wander the maze of cobblestone laneways of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of medieval Old City of Rhodes. Stand in awe at the panoramic views at the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Hill, and enter the Gate d’Amboise to stroll the Street of the Knights, its Gothic-styled Palace of the Grand Master. Travel to Lidos to explore the Acropolis, the Doric Temple of Athena, erected in 300BC, and ornate 15th-century Church of the Virgin Mary before quenching your thirst in lively village tavernas.
Day 4 | Samos, Greece:
Known as the land of the fabled Aesop, Epicurus and Pythagorous, graced off the northeastern coast of Turkiye, discover a lush Aegean Island paradise complete with sumptuous landscapes, exotic beaches, picturesque villages and historic archeological sites. Covered in olive groves, citrus trees and terraced vineyards, imbibe in the famous Samian wine culture, savoring classic delicacies with a feast with welcoming locals and musical accompaniment. Adventure seekers can explore verdant pine regions, valleys and coves on a four-wheel drive adventure or stroll quaint alleyways, seaside villages and cobbled waterside promenade lined with shops and tavernas for a tranquil day of discovery.
Days 5 - 6 | Istanbul, Turkiye:
On the crossroads of both Europe and Asia bounded by the Bosphorus strait, experience this remarkable cultural and historic capital city whose Byzantine and Ottoman legacy, and Mediterranean influences seem as infinite as their monuments, ancient treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover the of 6th-century Hagia Sophia, its iconic dome, religious relics and mosaics, built across from the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and minarets. See the Topkapi Palace and its pavilions and courtyards before heading to the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 covered shops over more than 60 city streets, followed by a relaxing Turkish Hammam or take time to sample the culinary delights of Kadikoy Market's street foods for a true taste of Istanbul.
Day 7 | Chios, Greece:
Rumored as the birthplace of Homer and populated since the Neolithic era with an adventurous pirate, Ottoman and Byzantine history, meander picturesque maze-like laneways, unique medieval architecture woven within stone house-lined towns, arched streets and pebbled beaches. With its laid-back ambience and world-famous windmills, marvel at regions of olive groves and mastic trees growing amid wild landscapes. Visit the Nea Mono Monastery and its spectacular mosaics, Chios Towns' Genoese castle or the medieval villages of Mastichochoria, where mastic (gum) is cultivated from the only place in the Mediterranean and location of the Mastiha Museum.
Day 8 | Kos, Greece:
Following a grand breakfast spread onboard this morning, depart for a relaxing day on Kos, where ancient relics are interwoven with modern life along landmarks, museums, pristine beaches and flourishing vegetation. From the holistic healing center and site of Hippocrates school in Asklepieoin and centuries-old Roman theater and wineries in the City of Kos to Zia's rustic mountain villages, panoramic views, and cobbled laneways of artisan shops, tavernas and churches, there is much to experience on this extraordinary island.
Day 9 | Mykonos, Greece:
An alluring Greek island, delight in a day on the sun-drenched sands of Paradise or Kalafatis Beaches, take a local cooking masterclass or sightsee the whitewashed architecture, quaint churches, shops and superb restaurants. Stroll the Little Venice neighborhood of Alefkhandra for the world-famous white windmills or transport to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. As the sun sets, indulge in traditional Greek flavors, toasting Yamas! to endless ouzo, and opt to participate in lively beachside parties, glittering cosmopolitan bars and vibrant nightclubs for a celebratory evening.
Day 10 | Athens, Greece:
Continue your Athen's exploration with a visit to the major relics featuring the Presidential Palace guarded by the Evzones, Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate, Parliament and the Tomb of the unknown soldier and neo-classical buildings. Then, marvel at the Acropolis complex and its incredible monuments including the Parthenon temple dedicated to Goddess Athena, Erechtheion and the Propylaia.
Day 11 | Day at Sea:
As you set sail to Montengro, celebrate a tranquil day onboard with all the luxurious amenities of Celestyal Journey. Book a pampering spa treatment, relax on deck with a drink or take swim a few laps before savoring world-class cuisine, attending live entertainment or simply socializing with fellow passengers as you plan your activities in your next destination.
Day 12 | Kotor, Montengro:
An enchanting destination with Roman beginnings and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is a spectacular Adriatic jewel that will captivate your heart. An inviting well-preserved fortified town with vivacious culture and cosmopolitan spirit, discover postcard-perfect landscapes, medieval remnants and world's southernmost fjord. Explore narrow streets with Romanesque buildings, Medieval architecture and lively town squares speckled with restaurants, lively cafes and trendy boutiques for an unforgettable day.
Day 13 | Corfu, Greece:
A diverse and modern island in the Ionian Sea, and site where tales of Poseidon's reign and Odysseus' shipwreck, celebrate a warm Greek welcome on this popular island. Immerse in spellbinding land and seascapes, French, British and Venetian influences, historic monuments and cosmopolitan Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get your camera ready for Byzantine monasteries and imposing palaces against nature's dramatic backdrops, stroll seaside villages and muse at noble mansions and charming squares. Be sure to sample Corfu's remarkable gastronomy, savoring local delicacies in charming restaurants and traditional taverns.
Day 14 | Crete (Chiana Souda), Greece:
A place of spellbinding myths and legends, renowned cuisine and home to the ancient Minoan civilization and their priceless antiquities and ruins, Greece's largest island welcomes travelers with captivating archaeological wonders, extraordinary beaches and endless natural beauty. Enjoy picturesque countryside towns, villages and landscapes including Kournas Lake - the island's only freshwater lake. Visit Chiana's Old Town, its Venetian history and Renaissance heritage along cobbled laneways brimming with food shops and taverns, or explore captivating Rethymno and its floral canopies, Medieval architecture and Ottoman past for memorable day on Crete.
Day 15 | Athens, Greece:
Your cruise ends this morning after a leisurely breakfast spread before disembarkation in Athens this morning. Extend your journey with a post-cruise hotel stay with time to immerse in additional Greek treasures and scenic coastlines or journey to your next destination.
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