“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her” -Henry Miller
June 2-10, 2023
Greece is made up of thousands of islands scattered throughout the Aegean sea. Sunshine. Seacoast. Exquisite scenery. Food and drink to remember. Incredible ancient architectural masterpieces. Greece is truly a bucket list trip for many of us. Dip your toe into all that Greece has to offer with this weeklong cruise on the Celestyal Crystal. You will start in Athens, where we will gather as a group the night before we sail to meet and mingle with your fellow sailors. Together we will travel to the Port of Pireaus, southwest of Athens on the Greek Riviera. There we will set sail for seven nights of exploration.
Our Itinerary
June 2 - Arrive in Athens at your leisure. Your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to our home for the night - a lovely hotel within walking distance of the the Acropolis. We will gather this evening for food and fellowship at a local restaurant. Hit the town or hit the sack. Tomorrow we sail!
June 3 - As a group we will transfer to the Port where you will board the beautiful, Greek owned Celestyal Crystal. Settle into your balcony junior suite and get ready for our adventure together.
June 4 - Today is a special Aegean Sea surprise as we spend the day in the gorgeous seaside town of Kuşadası, Turkey where you will be treated to an included excursion to experience the ruins of Ancient Ephesus.
June 5 - Today we begin exploring the islands of Greece. We start with the Island of Rhodes, where another included excursion takes you to visit the sites of the Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. Don't worry, there will be time to also take in a half day at the beach as well, if you wish.
June 6 - After two days of included excursions, the rest of your days are unscheduled. Yours to design as you see fit. Enjoy your day in Agios Nikolaos a coastal town on the Isle of Crete. River trekking, Jeep Safaris, and plenty of historical sites stand ready for you on this port day.
June 7 - Overnight in Santorini. On Santorini you may choose to explore the Iconic blue and white village of Oia. Or take a ferry cruise to the volcanic islands. There are excursions for budding archeologists and history buffs and also excursions for lovers of the sea. With a full day and late night in port you will have the opportunity to really explore the island.
June 8 - Venus de Milo may find herself at home in the Louvre today. But she was found in the Cyclades islands, specifically on Milos. On offer today, optional excursions for every interest. Explore the religious ruins, laze at the beach, or hop on a small sailboat for a water tour of the iconic white cliffs. In the evening we will make our way to Mykonos where you will be treated to another opportunity for a late night in port.
June 9 - Mykonos is known for its parties and its windmills. If you didn't stay out too late last night, today you may wish to visit the iconic windmills, or spend the day at the beach, or perhaps a food tour is in order. The choice is yours.
June 10 - Back to Athens and home again, home again. We will transfer as a group back to the airport to fly home independently. Optional extensions are available. Extra days in Athens, explore more of Turkey, head to Western Europe. The possibilities are endless. Just ask!
What's Included?
Transfers: Airport to hotel. Hotel to port. Port to airport.
Pre-Cruise Hotel night in Athens, with breakfast.
Welcome event.
Cruise fare (based on double occupancy in a Jr. Suite Balcony Cat SJA state room).
Two port excursions: Ancient Ephesus and The Acropolis of Lindos.
Onboard dining and classic drinks.
Port fees.
Cruise gratuities.
Not included: Airfare, travel insurance, additional port excursions, transfer and excursion gratuities, and incidentals.
Pricing
$2429 per person
*Based on double occupancy in a Jr. Suite Balcony Cat SJA state room.
**Other state room categories as well as single, triple and quad pricing is available. Please inquire.
***A $600 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking with final payment due Feb 22, 2023. Payment plans are available.