Riviera Travel Athens & Greek Islands Cruise

– Return flights and transfers
– 3nts in 5* accommodation
– 7nts aboard the Celestyal Journey
– Selected Meals: Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 6 dinner
– Selected drinks with meals on board
– 8 tours and visits
– Services of an expert tour manager
– Checked luggage

– Uncover the ruins of the Palace of Knossos
– Spend 2nts relaxing at an oceanfront resort
– Explore the beautiful islands of Mykonos and Milos

Day 1 – Arrive in Athens
Fly to Athens and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to begin exploring the city.

Day 2 – Athens
This morning, journey back in time with tour of the city, along with a visit to the ancient Acropolis. See the ruins of the Parthenon, and wander through the Acropolis Museum, which house thousands of artifacts. After, you’ll have some free time to want the streets of Plaka at leisure, perhaps stopping for lunch at a local taverna.

In the afternoon, say goodbye to Athens, and hello to the Celestyal Journey. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the ship.

Day 3 – Thessaloniki
After a relaxing night onboard, explore Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. The whole day is at leisure, giving you the choice of what to explore. You could wander through the ancient ruins that dot the city or try some local culinary specialities that the city is famous for. Return to the ship later on.

Day 4 – Kusadasi & Ephesus
Wake this morning of the Turkish coast, where you’ll head to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here you’ll discover ancient ruins in the company of a guide, including its famous Celsus Library, the third largest in the Greco-Roman world. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to wander through the seaside town of Kusadasi before boarding the ship.

Day 5 – Heraklion
Today’s guided tour explores the ancient city of Knossos on Crete. See the ruins of the Palace apartment and marvel at the marble and limestone masonry of the complex. This afternoon, you’re free to explore the capital of Crete, Heraklion, at leisure. If you want to learn more about the Minoans, head to the Archaeological Museum or simply relax on the waterfront.

Day 6 – Santorini
Early risers can watch the ship glide into the bay of Santorini. Join a tour of the island, from the unspoilt village of Megalochori to the marble paved alleys of Oia. The grand finale of the tour is a visit to the traditional buildings carved into the rocks in Ammoudi. After the tour, you’ll have more time to explore independently.

Day 7 – Mykonos
Mykonos is your destination today. Explore the capital, Hora and the town of Alfekandra, where the houses feature balconies suspended above the sea. In the afternoon, you can explore the island at your own pace or relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches

Day 8 – Milos
Today is free for you to spend as you wish on the island of Milos. There is plenty to discover, from quaint fishing villages to Venetian forts as well as plenty of ancient artifacts and ruins. If you’re not sure what to do, the tour manager will be on hand to give some recommendations

Day 9 – Athens
Disembark the ship today in Athens, and head to the famous Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. From here, you can enjoy brilliant views of the Aegean Sea. Continue on to your hotel on the Athenian Riviera where the rest of the day is at leisure to settle in.

Day 10 – Free Day
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. You may want to relax on the hotel’s beach or unwind in the spa. Or, if you’re searching for more history, head to the nearby ruins of the Sanctuary of Brauronian Artemis or the Archaeological Museum.

Day 11 – Return home
Leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home

Celestyal Journey
Be among the first to experience the extensively refurbished Celestyal Journey, designed with one goal in mind – a guest experience worthy of the gods.

Wyndham Grand, Athens – 5*
This superb central hotel is located next to the Metaxourgeio metro station and is the ideal base to explore this magnificent city. All the air-conditioned rooms are smartly furnished in a cool palette of contemporary tones with safe, minibar, satellite TV and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Dolce by Wyndham Athens, Brauron – 5*
The Dolce Athens Attica Riviera is nestled in the picturesque town of Brauron on the eastern shoreline of Athens. There is no shortage of beauty and history to discover, with a myriad of beaches, coves, marinas, and parks to explore nearby and, of course, ancient Greek ruins

Fact File

• Countries: Greece and Turkey
• Currencies: Greece – Euro; Turkey – Turkish Lira (Euros are widely used in Turkey but at a poor exchange rate)
• Flight time: Approx 3 hrs 40 mins
• Languages: Greece – Greek, Turkey – Turkish
• Time zone: Greece and Turkey – GMT+2

Visa information
British Citizens travelling to Greece and Turkey for tourist purposes are currently able to travel without a visa, however, must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

*All transfer times listed below are approximate and dependent on traffic