Celestyal Cruises 2020/2021 Brochure - English EURO

Day 1: Athens - We leave the historic and classical capital of Greece aboard the Celestyal Crystal and set sail on our overnight voyage to one of the most iconic and evocative places in the world, stunning Istanbul. Your first night will give you the opportunity to relax, indulge in our All-Inclusive hospitality and anticipate the adventures ahead on your very own Aegean Odyssey of discovery. Day 2/3: Istanbul - There is no place on earth like Istanbul. We have two days in this vibrant city. Included in your itinerary is a cruise on the Bosphorus and a visit to the Spice Market. The Greeks, Romans, Venetians and the Ottomans have all held sway over this city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. You will see the stunning Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, Church of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, Galata Bridge, Taksim Square and of course the incomparable Grand Bazaar. And all this just touches the surface of the place once known as Byzantium and Constantinople. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the great food in one the many buzzing restaurants. Day 4: Çanakkale & Troy - Most people know the seaport Çanakkale as the launching point for visiting the Gallipoli battlefields. It has charming and atmospheric cobbled lanes, which are a focal point for eating, drinking and lively conversation, so why not spend a little time here near saat kulesi (clock tower) and take it all in. It was in this region that Helle, the daughter of Athamas was drowned in the legend of the Golden Fleece. The city is the nearest major centre of population to the ancient site of Troy, immortalised by Homer in his epic poem, the Iliad. You will not be short of mythological associations in this part of our voyage. Eclectic Aegean 2020/2021 Day 5: Volos - We arrive in the attractive coastal port city of Volos in the morning. The area’s background will captivate you and features in some of the most remarkable tales of Greek mythology. Volos was the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts. The famous Argonaut expedition set sail from the region which was also the birthplace of the Centaurs, part human, part equine. There is also the opportunity to visit the monasteries of Meteora, perched on the top of vertical rock formations and a wonder to behold. Day 6: Crete (Heraklion) - Welcome to Greece’s largest island, a place of mystery, myths and legends. There’s the chance to take in the bustling capital Heraklion and some of Crete’s extraordinary archaeology and history. You can also learn more of the art and creativity of the Minoans. We have included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, once the home of Europe’s oldest civilisation and the setting for the legend of Greek hero Theseus and the Minotaur. Day 7: Santorini/Mykonos - The beautiful face of Santorini is instantly recognisable across the world. We are sure she will take your breath away, with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital Fira, and of course the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. We set sail after lunch for Mykonos. You will have free time ashore to stroll through the atmospheric Old Town with its immaculate whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely little churches and delightful restaurants. Day 8: Athens - We arrive back in the port of Piraeus at around 9am after our epic journey. For more information on all our excursions, please visit celestyalcruises.com or ask your travel agent. 24 Istanbul