Celestyal Cruise
Our cruises feature authentic, local experiences from each region. You’ll enjoy themed cruises, all-inclusive meals and drinks as well as comfort and extra special touches with our additional services. Our legendary itineraries will show you the best of Greece
Our Iconic Aegean Greek island cruise is the classic experience of discovery for those encountering Greece’s beauty for the first time. Embark on a journey of a life time as you cruise along the emerald waters through a series of enchanting destinations and watch as iconic post card images come too life. Swaying windmills, striking cliffs and legendary ancient cities greet you at every destination inviting you to explore the breadth-taking islands and all that is hidden within them.
Whether you choose a 3 day or a 4 day all inclusive cruise available from March to October our Iconic Aegean cruises will leave you with some of the most cherished memories.
Piraeus (Greece)
The largest port in the Mediterranean and primary departure point for Greek island cruises from Athens. Piraeus is a hub of activities that will bring your senses to life, With sun-soaked promenade, al-fresco cafes and bars and countless shops, its a place where you can easily relax with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.
Excursions:
Athens tour and the New Acropolis Museum
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Discover what lies at the heart of the rich history of Greece and savor the intensity of its proud capital city in a swift bus tour of Athens. Explore the metropolis and some of its most emblematic sights, from the cradle of the modern Olympic Games to the city’s vibrant squares and the archaeological treasury of the Acropolis. The panoramic bus tour will immerse you in the effervescent atmosphere of the city where ancient heritage and modern culture blend seamlessly, as you drive by the gleaming Panathenian Stadium (home of the 1st edition of the modern Olympic Games), the awe-inspiring Temple of Zeus and the lively Omonoia and Syntagma Squares. You will then arrive at the fantastic Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art architectural jewel which tells the fascinating stories of numerous, priceless artifacts retrieved from the Acropolis since 1834. The time spent here will allow you to uncover a powerful visual representation of the life and culture of ancient Greece. Finish the Athenian experience with a stroll through the charming narrow streets of Plaka, where you can use your free time to shop, enjoy a coffee or simply explore the “Neighborhood of the Gods”.
Athens Monuments and the Acropolis
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Explore the best that Athens has to offer with this half-day tour around the historic city center. Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon and many other ancient treasures; enjoy some free time exploring the winding streets of Plaka with its charming traditional tavernas and gift shops selling handmade and locally-produced goods, then embark on a panoramic bus tour around the top sights in Athens. The mighty Acropolis overlooking the rooftops of Athens is a symbol of classical architecture and jewel in Athens’ crown. You’ll visit the city’s most important archaeological site, including the Doric order temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – the one and only Parthenon – as well as other highlights such as the Propylea (gates), Temple of Erechtheoin and Temple of Athena. Then after some free time discovering Plaka, you’ll be taken on a bus tour around the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Panathenian Stadium, National Library, Athens Academy, the University, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament, Omonoia Square and last but not least Syntagma Square.
Mykonos (Greece)
The Greek island, Mykonos flaunts its double personality the moment you set eyes on its coastline. Basking in year-round sunshine, its rugged rocky landscape blends seamlessly with smooth sandy beaches. In the distance, undulating hills host the island’s iconic windmills turning in symphony with the seasonal winds that have branded Mykonos ‘island’s of the winds’.
Excursions:
Mykonos Walking Tour
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
We start our walking tour in Little Venice (Alefkandra), a district located at the sea, famous for its picturesque medieval buildings, adorned with colourful wooden balconies. This western part of Mykonos Town is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on the island, especially as you enjoy a cocktail in one of its many bars and cafes. Then we focus our attention on one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos, the famous Windmills. From as early as the 16th century, the windmills were intensely used in the island’s production of wheat and bread. The area of the windmills has a stunning view of Little Venice and is the most popular place in Mykonos from which to watch the glowing sunsets. The next and final stop is Panagia Paraportianí, a true Byzantine architectural jewel. This whitewashed church, which dates back to 1425, is the most photographed of the 400 churches on the island of Mykonos. You will then have free time to savour a coffee or wander around Chora, the central part of Mykonos Town, with its maze of tiny streets and whitewashed lanes, houses and churches, and numerous little shops, boutiques, art galleries, stylish bars and restaurants.
Mykonian countryside tour with Hora & Little Venice
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
This tour encompasses the best of Mykonos outside its main city. We will drive around the island to get a glimpse into its beaches such as Ornos (one of the most family-friendly on the island), St Anna (protected by two hills called “Aphrodite’s breasts”), and Kalafatis (a paradise for water sports and windsurfing). We will stop briefly at each of these natural splendors for photos. We will then leave the seashore and drive inland to Ano Mera, a village which remains one of the rare unspoiled parts of the island. Home to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery from the 16th century, the village unfolds around its impressive bell tower and marble fountain. Coming back to Chora we will go for a short stop to Panagia Paraportianí, the iconic 15th century Byzantine church. We will conclude our bus tour at the picturesque Little Venice -- the perfect spot for a cocktail on the sea.
Mykonian Feast
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Mykonos is without a doubt the Aegean island for party-lovers and its reputation and popularity make it comparable to the French St Tropez and Spanish Ibiza resorts. Let us take a walk through Mykonos Town (also known as Chora) with its traditional whitewashed Cycladic maze. The snow-white houses are fully decorated with vibrant bougainvillea and geraniums making Chora the perfect landscape for tourist postcards. Amid its maze there are chic boutiques with lovely Greek memorabilia and a couple of photogenic churches. No visit to Mykonos would be complete without a photo of its most iconic attractions: the Windmills scattered around the island -- reminders of the island’s lost history of milling and bread making. Lastly, we will have the opportunity enjoy Little Venice - just as it sounds, this popular spot is home to gourmet restaurants and bars that enjoy crashing waves at their doorstops and offer the most stunning views of Mykonos’ iconic sunsets.
Kusadasi (Turkey)
Arriving in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey you will instantly feel at home. A huge covered bazaar stretches out in front of you at the buzz from trendy sea side bars and restaurants floats through the air. Follow your instincts and loose track of time ambling from cafe to cafe and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites.
Excursions:
Ancient Ephesus & Miletus
Full Day: Up to 8-9 hours
As part of the “Steps of St. Paul” cruise, we take you on a marvelous exploration of the Christian history which adorns the Aegean cities of Miletus and Ephesus. The ancient glory of the city of Ephesus resonates throughout the ages, as Ephesus continues to be an unparalleled venue offering an unforgettable experience. Its architecture and supreme atmosphere evoke the city’s importance as a trading and spiritual capital of the ancient world. Marked by the Greek, Roman and Christian cultures it has welcomed throughout its complex history, Ephesus is an archeological gem of the Aegean. We start our bus tour with a scenic drive to the House of Virgin Mary, miraculously discovered in the 19th century. The modest shrine, built upon the place where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years, will impress you with its simplicity and profound spirituality, just as it has impressed several Popes and numerous Christian and Muslim pilgrims alike. We then continue our journey deep into Ephesus’ history, as we descend in the city’s ancient Agora and discover the beautifully preserved vestiges of the Roman Imperial era: the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the remarkable Houses of the Patricians and the graceful Trajan fountain. We fulfill our exploration of the Roman Ephesus with a stop at St. John’s Basilica, a truly impressive edifice erected by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, as an homage to one of Christianity’s most revered figures. Our next experience will infuse you with the vibrance and artistry of traditional Turkish manufacturing, as we stop at the Rug Village. A special demonstration of traditional carpet weaving will refresh and enchant your sight, as we observe the craftsman’s passion for a highly valued Turkish tradition. We complete our tour with a visit to Miletus, one of the greatest and wealthiest cities of ancient Greece. The city’s numerous rulers (Greek, Persian, Macedonian, Egyptian, Roman and Turk) have influenced its cultural and commercial heritage and make Miletus a rare archaeological gem.
Ancient Ephesus and the Terrace Houses
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
For over 13 centuries the City of Ephesus has been at the heart of intense commerce, spiritual revelations and blooming art, and was the hub of the Christian community in the East established by St. Paul the Apostle. Our bus tour will take you to a selection of the city’s remarkable landmarks, allowing you to get a glimpse of its former glory and the history that still lives within its architectural jewels, inspiring edifices and narrow streets. A must-see highlight while in Kusadasi is the bustling covered bazaar of the city, where a multitude of colors, textures and aromas will surely stimulate your senses – and your bargaining skills. Beautiful carpets, precious jewelry, leather goods and numerous other souvenirs will be laid out before you to take home to remember your cherished time in this fascinating city. On our half-day excursion we will explore some truly memorable locations within the City of Ephesus. One of the most awe-inspiring sites is that of the Terrace Houses. There is so much to absorb here -- we will take some time to walk through the ruins to discover what family life was like for the wealthy Romans who resided in these once opulent homes. Mosaic floors and frescos on the walls of dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms tell lost tales of ancient times. Our visit will include stops at the Ephesus Agora, the Thermal Baths for Scholastica (built in the 1st Century AD), the monumental Great Theatre and Library of Celsus (the 3rd largest library of the ancient world, where 12,000 scrolls were once carefully stored), the Trajan fountain and the Prytaneum (the religious and political center of the city).
Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellinistic and Roman
Half Day :Up to 4 hours
Our Ancient Ephesus bus tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendor of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. You will also experience the traditional bargaining practice, as we conclude our trip with free time to shop for local merchandise, whether you wish to mark your visit to Ephesus with traditional jewelry, leather goods, cosmetics or other Kusadasi souvenirs.
House of the Virgin Mary and Ancient Ephesus
Half Day : Up to 4 ½ hours
One of the largest open-air museums in the world, the ancient city of Ephesus is home to impressive architectural treasures from the Greek, Roman and Hellenistic periods. Join a half-day tour to delve back through the centuries, visit the House of the Virgin Mary and shop for souvenirs in the sprawling Kusadasi bazaar. You’ll travel into the olive grove hills around Kusadasi to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary lived the last few years of her life. Then on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most incredible open-air archaeological sites and museums in the world. Admire ancient relics such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, marble-paved streets, baths, the Magnesia Gate and the Great Theater amongst many others. Enjoy unravelling the layers of history before returning to the bustling seaside city of Kusadasi. Here you’ll have some free time to browse, shop and explore everything from ornaments to jewelry and spices in the maze of shops at the bazaar.
Patmos (Greece)
Approaching the port of Skala you can’t take your eyes of the monumental grid of medieval walls that emerge as if staking their claim over the islands. Itching ever close to Patmos island, your eyes will be drawn further down the hill to the fringes of white houses that circle Chora all the way to the pretty harbor of Skala
Excursions:
Patmos countryside tours with Chora & Grotto
Half Day : Up to 4 ½ hours
We start our tour with a drive through Skala, the only port and the center of Patmos Island where you will also find a beautiful beach, the new modern marina and most cafes, restaurants, tavernas and bars of the island, all clustered together. Our first stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse -- an important place of pilgrimage as it is said to have been the place where St John heard the voice of God and where he received the words of the Revelation. We will then go to Chora, a medieval settlement from where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the Monastery of the Apocalypse, Skala and the northeastern side of the island. Its architectural details have been respectfully restored ensuring full harmony and balance with the sacred Monastery. Our exploration continues with a scenic tour of the rocky, volcanic landscape of the island where we will also stop to take pictures of the ethereal windmills. We will say farewell to Patmos at Arion Bar on the Skala promenade -- the oldest café on the island and the best place to enjoy a classic freddo cappuccino.
Religious visit to St. John's Monastery & the Grotto of Apocalypse
Half Day : Up to 4 ½ hours
After leaving the port of Scala, we will reach the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, a rare example of monastic, fortified architecture which survived the pillaging of pirates and various Aegean conquerors. In 1088, a gifted monk called Christodoulos established a Monastery in honour of St. John the Evangelist and transformed the Cave of the Apocalypse into a sacred place. We will then enjoy the town of Patmos (Chora) with its contrasting mixture of old magnificent mansions and most humble homes built around the wall of the Monastery. Use your free time to enjoy all the town has to offer including unparalleled views of the sea -- equally fascinating at sunrise or sunset – and its charming boutique shops and cafes. Our final stop is the Cave of the Apocalypse, an important place of pilgrimage for Christians around the world. The rock is ragged with three small fissures which symbolize the Holy Trinity, and it is said that in this place the voice of God dictated to St. John the text of the Revelation. The cave was transformed into a devotional site by the founder of the Monastery of Patmos Island, Saint Christodoulos.
Heraklion (Greece)
Sailing into Heraklion port, the intimidating walls of Koules Fortress emerge from the sea to guard the ancient treasures found within the city. Capital of Crete, Heraklion is brimming with landmarks, world class museums, golden beaches and a stylish nightlife scene that shape a destination to please everyone’s taste.
Excursions:
Venetian Heraklion and the Unique Archaeological Museum
Half Day : Up to 4 ½ hours
Heraklion’s Venetian era has enriched the city with beautiful architectural structures and edifices that still stand today, representing its rich history. Our bus tour will immerse you into the Venetian heritage of Heraklion and Crete’s ancient glory and also allow you some free time to walk around Heraklion’s old city center, buy souvenirs or enjoy refreshing drinks in a cafe. We will drive by the proud Koules Fortress (the Venetian fortress dominating the harbour) and continue to the stunning Venetian Loggia, the 17th century administrative centre of the island. The masterfully intertwined Doric and Ionic architectural details on its facade are a sample of the refined Venetian architecture and they underline the importance of Heraklion within the Venetian Republic. We will continue towards the Morozini fountain, another masterpiece from the same creator of the Loggia and the Church of St.Titus. As we approach the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion we approach the best Minoan art museum in the world, and one of the finest museums of Greek history and art. Founded in 1883, the museum brings to life over 5,500 years of Greek and Roman history, through its invaluable artifacts. The Minoan collection features exceptional findings from the archaeological site of Knossos, including ancient jewelry, everyday items, religious artifacts. and the incredible bull’s head Royton.
Experience the Cretan countryside and lifestyle
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
We begin our bus tour from the port of Heraklion, guarded by its Venetian Lions, and continue beyond the city’s landmarks and limits, on a panoramic drive to Peza, the wine valley of Crete. Over 20% of Greece’s wine production originates from the sun-kissed island of Crete and our drive will impress you with beautiful sights of Crete’s countryside and its 4,000 year old vineyards. As we arrive in Stironas, a small traditional Cretan village located at an altitude of 550m, you will embark upon a complete sensorial experience. The Botanical Parterre, a formal garden nesting a multitude of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants native to the mountains of Crete, will reveal to you some of Cretan cuisine’s secrets and indulge you with fragrances of all kinds. Our final and festive stop will be at the traditional Raki distiller of Stironas, where our host will greet you with pure Cretan wine produced and stored in his cellar and will share with you the secret art of wine producing and bottling. Following the Cretan hospitality, we will be invited to experience a traditional Cretan meal, with all the best natural products, while a group of traditional dancers will make you feel right at home.
Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European civilization
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
As we venture into the incredible open-air museum of the Palace of Knossos, our bus tour will take you along the proud Venetian heritage of Heraklion - the Koules Fortress (the stronghold overlooking the Heraklion harbour), the Venetian Loggia (the 17th century administrative and social center), the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus. As you explore the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe’s oldest city, you are entering and experiencing the incredible world of the legendary Minoan civilization. The long and winding roads of Crete’s ancient city gradually expose the remarkable art, architecture and daily life of the Minoan people. Breathe in the millennia of history and imagine the legends of Daedalus, Theseus and the Minotaur come to life in the remarkable Hall of the Royal Guard and the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber or the Queen’s Apartment. Enjoy free time to savour the beauty and uniqueness of Crete’s largest city (and the fourth largest in Greece). The city is brimming with an assortment of museums – but if you feel like you’ve had your fill of ancient ruins and artifacts., plan a visit to one of the nearby wineries for a taste of traditional Greek wine.
Santorini (Greece)
Cruising towards Santorini is like being swept away on a current to somewhere truly magical. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs, promising adventure and legendary trails. The almost vertical towns of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches will rise above the blue Aegean like an oasis of beauty ans calm.
Excursions:
Akrotiri Excavations
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Welcome to a half-day tour of Plato’s source of inspiration for the legend of Atlantis, the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. During our exploration we will discover ancient treasures exceptionally preserved by the same element which led to the destruction of the Akrotiri civilization - volcanic ash. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC, the archeological site of Akrotiri will simply amaze you with the complexity of the edifices and decorations unearthed here since 1967. Delicate art treasures, including vivid frescos, furniture and vessels, tell magnificent stories of the ancient life and society of the Minoan civilization. We will end our immersion in Santorini’s astounding history with free time in the town of Akrotiri, beautifully located close to the famous Red Beach and overlooking the southeastern side of the island.
Cruise to Santorini's islands and volcanoes
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Our half day boat tour takes you on a unique journey around one of the most photographed landscapes in the world - the island of Santorini. This intimate boat tour will allow you to discover this incredibly romantic island from a unique perspective, getting up close and personal with Santorini’s coarse volcanic silhouette. We will pass by Palea and Nea Kameni, two uninhabited and wholly volcanic islands in the Santorini complex. These islands, made of black lava, present an astonishing landscape, violently moulded by the powerful volcanic eruption of circa 1600 BC which created Santorini’s current scenery. The famous Santorini volcano crater is found on Nea Kameni and a brief walk takes the curious visitor to the edge of the still active crater. The raw power, visible among the rugged landscape, is exceptionally impressive and will fill you with a rush of adrenaline as you peer into its seemingly bottomless darkness. We will end our tour of Santorini with a visit to Palea Kameni’s hot springs, where the healing waters can reach up to 35 degrees celsius.
Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
Our tour to Santorini’s jewel, the village of Oia, is a trip into the picture-perfect world of an island where romance and beauty reign supreme. As we board our tour to discover the island’s second largest village, we will drive by the picturesque villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, the “balcony to the Aegean”, and Megalochori surrounded by its famous vineyards, where we will stop briefly to capture the experience with photos. Our tour will continue with a panoramic drive by Santorini’s caldera which offers breathtaking views. We will admire from afar the village of Fira, the capital of the island, as well as Thirassia, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni -- three of the five islands which form the cluster that surround Santorini. As we arrive in Oia we will walk through the gleaming white streets of the village through a beautiful labyrinth of shops, cafes, art galleries and hotels, harmoniously built in the unmistakable Cycladic style. You will have free time to enjoy your moments in one of the world’s best known and loved living postcards -- taking photos of the awe-inspiring scenery, shopping for fine jewelry or art, or simply relaxing and breathing in the beauty of Santorini.
Rhodes (Greece)
Approaching the Rhodes island by sea is an experience all of its own. The cliff top Acropolis at Lindos rises slowly from the still blue waters, evoking the ancient Colossus which once adorned the harbor and modern hill side villages lay in the shadow of the imposing medieval fortification.
Excursions:
Tsambika Beach transfer
Half Day: Up to 4 ½ hours
The golden sands of Tsambika are one of Rhodes’ most prized treasures. Gently embracing the shoreline on the island’s eastern side, Tsambika beach will welcome you with a generous, winding and incredibly soft strip of sand. The shallow waters of Tsambika beach will allow you to fully enjoy their glittering crystal blue color as you admire your astonishing surroundings -- from the sharp cliffs at the edge of the beach, to the church of Panagià Tsambika overlooking the gulf. Several cafes and tavernas will welcome you with fresh, delicious Greek specialities. Perfect for water sports, swimming for children and adults alike, and complete relaxation in the sun, our half-day excursion to Tsambika will be a treat to savour and remember.
Walking tour in the Medieval City of Rhodes
Half Day : Up to 4 ½ hours
On our half-day walking tour we will explore the city’s medieval history and the fascinating story of the Knights of St. John. The citadel, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and the home of the Knights of St. John, will give you a glimpse into the everyday life and challenges of medieval Rhodes. We will walk among two centuries of Knights’ history in Rhodes as we explore the Street of Knights, where the seven lodges of the Order were once housed. At the top of the street we will enter a world of architectural and political might, as we visit the impressive, Gothic-style Grand Master’s Palace, the seat of power during the occupation of the Knights of St. John. Built in the 14th century, atop the ruins of a 7th century citadel, the palace is beautifully preserved as a key feature of the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will end our walking tour with free time in Rhodes’ Old Town, giving you the chance to enjoy a refreshment, take more photographs or search for the best souvenir from magical Rhodes.
Medieval tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Extended Half Day: Up to 6 hours
Centuries of culture and layer upon layer of extraordinary civilizations await to be discovered during our bus tour through impressive Lindos and within the awe-inspiring structure of the Acropolis of Lindos. We will follow the footsteps of heroes as we walk along the Knight's Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. The seven lodges of the Order, still bearing their original coats of arms, are displayed along the cobblestone street where Rhodes’ history was written for over two centuries. Sitting at the top of Knights Street, the Grand Master’s Palace is well worth its name. You will be awed by its imposing Gothic architecture and the strength displayed throughout its structures, as you get a glimpse into the fascinating era of the Knights. We will end our tour of historical Rhodes with free time so that you may fortify your memories of Rhodes at your own pace.