Athens & 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise 2026
Athens, then a 7-day cruise of the Greek Isles plus Kuşadası, Turkey; independent travel with flights & hotel included. Optional Classical Greece extension.
Overview
| Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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| Departures | April – November 2026 | ||
| Themes | Small Ship Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | Recreational | ||
| What to Expect | This is a moderately-paced, independent package. Excursions with local tour guides include a reasonable amount of walking and requires and average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Embark on an unforgettable 7-night cruise through the Greek Isles aboard the stylish Celestyal Journey, where history, culture, and beauty come together. Discover legendary landmarks like the Acropolis in Athens, stroll through the lively resort town of Kuşadası in Turkey, and soak up the charm of Greece’s most iconic islands. Each day brings a new destination, with the freedom to explore at your own pace or join exciting shore excursions led by expert guides. Best of all, you’ll only unpack once—and with airfare and meals included, it’s an effortless and exceptional way to experience the magic of the Aegean.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) via scheduled carriers including taxes & fees, with other gateways available on request
- 3 nights in Deluxe hotel accommodations in Athens
- 7 nights IA interior cosmos cabin aboard the Celestyal Journey
- Port Charges
- Cruise tips for main dining staff and cabin attendants
- 23 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
- Sightseeing in Athens
- All group transfers
- Celestyal One Package with complimentary essential WiFi and soft drinks, juice, filtered coffee, tea, and water stations during main restaurant dining hours. Plus extra snacks from the Greek Deli and Pizza Oven throughout the day.
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Cabin Upgrades
- Optional shore excursions in Kuşadası, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos
- Optional tour of Cape Sounion
- Celestyal Pay: A pre-purchased specialty food and drink package
- WiFi Data option to send files, share photos or videos to social media, use streaming apps or make video calls
- Optional Classical Greece extension (Value Vacation, groups may be larger)
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy 7 nights aboard the Celestyal Discovery, cruising along the Mediterranean Sea en route to some of Greece's captivating islands.
- Wander through Kuşadası, Turkey, or join an optional excursion to Ephesus.
- Explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes' medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Discover the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus while visiting the largest Greek island, Crete.
- Admire the postcard-worthy landscapes of Santorini.
- Enjoy Mykonos at leisure, exploring winding alleys and serene beaches.
- Spend time in Milos relaxing on the sandy beaches, swimming in a sea cave, and exploring the fishing villages.
- Explore the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens – the Acropolis.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Athens
- 3 Athens and set sail
- 4 Kuşadası, Turkey
- 5 Rhodes, Greece
- 6 Crete
- 7 Santorini
- 8 Mykonos
- 9 Milos
- 10 Athens
- 11 Athens
- Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally), $55
- 12 Depart Athens/Arrive USA
Videos
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your exciting journey to Greece begins this evening as you check in for your overnight flight
Day 2 Athens
- Arrive in Athens, Greece and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar
Full Day ItineraryOur representative will meet you and then escort you to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of Eastern and Western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks, gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.
Day 3 Athens and set sail
- Embark on your cruise ship and set sail to Kuşadası, Turkey and the Greek Isles
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTransfer to the port in the afternoon to board your cruise ship, Celestyal Journey. Enjoy the shipboard facilities as the ship sails in the evening.
Day 4 Kuşadası, Turkey
- Enjoy the day in Kuşadası at leisure or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Kuşadası, Turkey this morning, a vibrant resort town nestled along the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Known for its scenic beauty and extensive history, Kuşadası offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Spend the day at your leisure— stroll along the picturesque promenade lined with cafés and shops, unwind on the golden sands of Ladies Beach, or wander through the lively bazaars filled with spices, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs. Alternatively, join an optional shore excursion to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman archaeological sites in the world. Marvel at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the vast amphitheater, and the Temple of Hadrian as you walk in the footsteps of history.
This evening, return to the ship for dinner and set sail for the island of Rhodes.
Day 5 Rhodes, Greece
- Spend a full day in Rhodes independently or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, wake up in Rhodes and enjoy a full day discovering this enchanting island at your own pace, or opt to join an optional guided excursion for a deeper dive. Wander the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—where ancient stone walls, Ottoman mosques, and Gothic architecture transport you back in time. Relax at a seaside café, shop for local crafts and handmade jewelry, or take a dip in the waters of one of the island’s many inviting beaches.
Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Crete
- Explore Crete's costal city of Agios Nikolaos on your own or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryDiscover the inviting charm of Agios Nikolaos, a coastal gem tucked along Crete’s Gulf of Mirabello. With its relaxed pace and Mediterranean flair, this small city offers plenty to enjoy. You might choose to explore at your leisure—meander through sun-dappled streets lined with artisan boutiques, admire the sea views from the harbor, or settle into a local café near the fabled Lake Voulismeni, said to be bottomless and once favored by goddesses in Greek mythology. Or, you may join an optional shore excursion.
Later, return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Santorini
- Explore the island of Santorini independently, or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryWake up off the coast of the striking island of Santorini, a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques clinging to cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car, or mule. Don't forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for the position at the caldera's edge. Explore this fascinating island at leisure or have the chance to join an optional shore excursion.
Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Note: Tendering may be required when the ship is unable to dock directly at the port. This process involves using smaller boats to reach shore and is subject to weather conditions.
Day 8 Mykonos
- Spend the day at leisure in Mykonos, or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItinerarySpend the day exploring Mykonos independently, enjoying its perfect beaches, immaculately whitewashed houses, winding alleys, lovely churches, and delightful restaurants. You will undoubtedly recognize the picture-postcard white windmills sitting side-by-side overlooking the sea. Or, opt to join an optional shore excursion.
Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 Milos
- Spend the day at leisure in Milos or join an optional shore excursion
Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, arrive at the mesmerizing island of Milos. Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ volcanic landscape, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many beaches, swimming in serene sea caves, and discovering the colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea. Or, have the opportunity to join an optional shore excursion.
Early this evening, return to the ship for dinner and your final evening at sea, setting sail overnight to Athens.
Note: Tendering may be required when the ship is unable to dock directly at the port. This process involves using smaller boats to reach shore and is subject to weather conditions.
Day 10 Athens
- Disembark the ship and transfer to your hotel
- Enjoy a guided tour of Athens, including the Acropolis
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryDisembark from your ship and transfer to your hotel.
This morning, enjoy the striking contrast between the breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and elegant modern structures during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, and the National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.Day 11 Athens
- Spend the day at leisure to explore Athens, or join an optional tour
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy a full day exploring Athens. Your hotel sits in the city's heart, within a short distance of many major attractions and the best shopping and dining. In addition, our Athens representatives will offer you some exclusive optional shore excursions to the city's highlights.
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally), $55Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of Attica's most important archaeological sites. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about this area's rich history as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.
Day 12 Depart Athens/Arrive USA
- Bid farewell to Athens as you’re escorted to the airport to board your return flight
- Your journey comes to an end as your arrive in the USA later today
- Or, take advantage of your included flight and continue on our Classical Greece Extension
Breakfast
Classical Greece Optional Extension
Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare and visit the classical cities of Corinth, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi? Your extension includes superior hotels, most meals, and guided touring of the most fascinating sites, including entrance fees to places visited. This extension is part of our Value Vacation, and groups may be larger than our Small Group Tours.
Day 12 Athens, Mycenae & Olympia
- Drive across the Corinth Canal to Olympia
- En route visit the famous theatre of Epidaurus
- Spend the evening at leisure in Olympia
Amalia Hotel Olympia or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, board your touring coach and begin a tour of Greece's classical cities. Drive across the Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean, to the Peloponnesian Peninsula, where 4,000 years of history are more fully and comprehensibly illustrated than elsewhere in Europe.
Visit the famous theater of Epidaurus, the best preserved in Greece, which reached the height of its fame in the 5th & 4th centuries B.C. The acoustics are so perfect that even from the last of the 55 tiers, every word can be heard. Continue to ancient Mycenae. According to the poets, it was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Drive on to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, for dinner and overnight.
Day 13 Olympia, Nafpaktos & Delphi
- Enjoy a morning tour of the archaeological site and museum at Olympia
- This afternoon, drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion and picturesque Nafpaktos
- Spend the evening at leisure in Delphi
Amalia Hotel Delphi or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, tour the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. and continue today, with the lighting of the Olympic flame that runners carry across the globe. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.
This afternoon, drive via Patras to Rion, Antirion, and picturesque Nafpaktos, where, according to mythology, Hercules slew the Erymanthine boar and where we'll view the lovely circular Venetian harbor. Continue the drive to Delphi for dinner and overnight.
Day 14 Delphi & Kalambaka
- Enjoy a morning tour of Delphi
- Spend the evening at leisure in Kalambaka
Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, explore the ancient site of Delphi, located on the slopes of the breathtaking Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. Here lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the museum, which contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, including the famous bronze Charioteer. The site had been sacred since at least the Bronze Age. According to legend, the shrine was originally guarded by the she-dragon Pytho. She was killed by Apollo, who then took over the oracle. In antiquity, Delphi was regarded as the center of the world.
Later, depart for the small town of Kalambaka, built at the foot of the majestic gray rocks, at the point where the river Pinios leaves Pindos Mountain.
Day 15 Meteora & Athens
- Enjoy a morning tour of Meteora monasteries
- This afternoon, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae
- Spend the evening at leisure in Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit the spectacular Meteora monasteries, perched upon the summits of some steep and isolated rocky pinnacles, which rise above the almost flat valley of the Pinios River, 5.5 miles beyond Kalambaka. The monastic history of Meteora goes back to the 11th century AD when the monks constructed inaccessible eagle's nests in the crannies of these rocks, and today, four are still occupied.
Later this afternoon, drive back to Athens via Thermopylae, a famous battleground from the Persian wars. Arrive in Athens and check in at our hotel.
Day 16 Athens/USA
- Today, you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight back home
- Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
This 5-star, family-run hotel is located directly opposite the Temple of Zeus and the National Garden, overlooking the Acropolis and a short walk to the new Acropolis Museum.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees, Amalia Hotel Olympia is ideally situated not far from the archaeological sites of the Olympic Stadium, the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the archaeological museum.
Superbly located on a mountain slope at the foot of Mount Parnassus, the Amalia Hotel Delphi enjoys a breathtaking view of the green valley below stretching all the way down to the sea and the picturesque ports of Itea and Galaxidi. The Amalia Hotel is also conveniently located near the museum and archaeological sites of Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world.
Located on a 14-acre property just a few minutes away from the town of Kalambaka, the Amalia Hotel Kalambaka boasts extensive gardens and beautiful views of the Meteora Rocks.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
The Celestyal Cruise ship Journey is the perfect vessel for exploring the Mediterranean. Its sleek design and top-of-the-line amenities offer guests an unforgettable travel experience. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring your every need is met. Whether you're looking to relax in one of the ship's many luxurious lounges or indulge in a gourmet meal at one of its restaurants, there's something for everyone. And with stops in some of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus, you'll have ample opportunity to explore ancient ruins, stroll through picturesque villages, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.
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Trip Details
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