Description

Full Itinerary

Monday:  ATHENS (Piraeus) – MYKONOS
Board the cruise ship in the morning for 11h30 departure from Piraeus. Cruise through the Aegean Sea and arrive in Mykonos at 18h00. The evening is at leisure to explore Mykonos. Welcome to Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Explore the island’s capital town, Hora. Stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames, bougainvillea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches. Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of Hora, always colourful and busy. The most glamorous of all is Matoyanni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants. Soak up the atmosphere along the lively waterfront and admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters.  Return to the cruise ship for departure from Mykonos at 23h00.
Overnight:  Celestyal cruise ship  (LD)

Tuesday:  KUSADASI – PATMOS
In the morning the ship will arrive at 07h30 at Kusadasi, a popular port and holiday town on the Turkish coast. The main attraction of Kusadasi is the proximity to Ephesus which you will visit by bus. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian. It is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. As you 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. Thereafter you will have a little time at leisure both at Ephesus and then back in Kusadasi before the ship leaves again at 13h00 bound for Patmos. The ship should arrive in Patmos at 17h45 after which you will have a few hours at leisure. Patmos is popular amongst pilgrims since it is on this island that the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelations, which is also where the island’s nicknames of “Jerusalem of the Aegean” and “Island of the Apocalypse” come from. The stunning beauty of Hora, a carefully preserved medieval settlement with narrow, maze-like alleys and stone-built houses will take your breath away but make sure to be back on board in time for the ship’s departure at 21h30.  
Overnight:  Celestyal cruise ship  (BLD)

Wednesday:  RHODES
Arrive in Rhodes at 07h00, and spend the day on this beautiful island. Construction of the ancient city of Rhodes began in 407 BC and Rhodes soon developed into one of the most important seafaring and trading centres in the Eastern Mediterranean. This importance meant that there was always someone looking to conquer and rule this island, each leaving their own mark on the island making the old Town of Rhodes a mosaic of various cultures and civilisations deeming it worthy of protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Here the excursion package includes a guided tour to the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes on top of the hill of St. Stephanos. See the Temple of Apollo, Stadium of Diagoras, Monastery of Our Lady Philerimos and the Byzantine Church of St. George Hostos. The excursion will then return to the city where you will stroll along the well-preserved medieval Street of the Knights leading up to the Grand Master Castello, the Old Town’s most notable highlight. You will then have some time at leisure to continue exploring before the ship departs at 18h00.
Overnight:  Celestyal cruise ship  (BLD)

Thursday:  CRETE – SANTORINI
The ship will arrive at Heraklion (Crete) at 07h00. Cruising into Heraklion port you will see the intimidating walls of Koules Fortress emerging from the sea to guard the ancient treasures found within the capital city of Crete. Heraklion is brimming with landmarks and world-class museums you will be able to explore on your time at leisure here. At12h00 the ship will depart for the volcanic Greek paradise that is Santorini where it should arrive at 16h30. Spend some time at leisure in romantic and alluring Santorini. The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano and probably the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea. The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one approximately every 20,000 years, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). Fira is the picturesque capital of the island; perched high up on the edge of the Caldera, it looks like a marvelous painting. Fira, together with Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani located high above on a cliff, make up the so-called “Caldera’s eyebrow”, the balcony of Santorini, which offers an amazing view of the volcano. Make sure you don’t miss seeing the amazing sunset that can usually be seen from Oia. At 21h30 the ship will depart from Santorini.
Overnight:  Celestyal cruise ship  (BLD)

Friday:  SANTORINI – ATHENS (Piraeus)
Unfortunately today the cruise will have come to an end and the ship will dock back in Piraeus (Athens) at 07h00.  (B)

Celestyal Olympia

Ship description:
The ship is home to 724 cabins and is capable of carrying a total of 1664 passengers. All enclosed passenger areas are fully air-conditioned and a satellite telephone system is also onboard.

The following facilities are available:
Kid’s Club; two lounges; five bars; three restaurants; fully equipped gym; two pools; medical clinic; spa facilities including saunas and a massage room; hair salon; beauty salon; internet area; video arcade; conference room; library; duty-free and travel value shop.

Cabin specifications:
En-suite bathroom; television; air-conditioning; radio.

Rates

Includes:4-night Cruise in designated cabin category (additional cabin types available at a premium); shore excursion package (3 excursions)(obligatory); All-inclusive drinks package (unlimited select non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks) (complimentary); all meals as per itinerary

All rates will be converted at time of final payment according to ITT’s bank selling rates.  Please double check the final ZAR amount with us on day of payment.  All services are subject to availability at time of booking and subject to the General Terms and Conditions of ITT Inspirations Travel & Tours (PTY) LTD.