Athens & 7 Day Three Continents Cruise

Athens, then voyage to 3 continents: Asia, Europe & Africa. Visit Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Rhodes & Turkey; independent travel with flights & hotel

Overview

This package is currently closed.

Important Update: In light of current events, the itinerary for this program has been modified for the following departures: Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 16, Nov 23, and Nov 30, 2023. If you are booked on one of these departures, our team will contact you with updated information and schedules.

Revised Schedule:
Day 4: Crete-Heraklion (instead of day at sea)
Day 5: Day at sea (instead of Port Said, Egypt)
Day 6: Egypt-Alexandria (instead of Ashdod, Israel)

All other days remain unchanged.

Travel your way: Additional Departure Dates are available. Please speak to one of our Travel Specialists at 1-800-555-5765 for details.

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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
Departures
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.

Get updates about this package

Three different continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa; one fantastic journey. Start your adventure in Greece and visit the iconic sights of Athens, from its colorful cafes, street bazaars, and beautiful gardens to a powerhouse of historical monuments, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Propylea. Then, board your cruise ship, the stunning Celestyal Journey, and set sail! Stop in Egypt for a chance to uncover the mysteries of an ancient world as you visit the sand-covered tombs, great pyramids, and towering temples. Next, visit Ashdod, Israel, the gateway to the Holy Land, where you can explore this beautiful Mediterranean coast city or take off on a pilgrimage of your own to Jerusalem & Bethlehem or Jaffa & Tel Aviv. Then, head to the sun-soaked island of Cyprus and discover medieval ruins and pristine forested mountains offering a wealth of unique opportunities. Arrive on the island of Rhodes, well-known for the Acropolis of Lindos and its Medieval Old Town archaeological site. And last but not least, stop in Turkey, where your expert guide will show you around the impressive Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian era relics of ancient Ephesus.

If you’re interested in archaeology, religion, and culture, this is an opportunity you can’t miss! Our incredible independent package includes international, round-trip flights, 5-star hotel accommodations in Athens, a 7-night deluxe cruise with included shore excursions, and much more! Explore on your own, or take interesting and inexpensive optional excursions. All the flexibility and fun are yours for incredibly low prices.

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 accommodations in Athens
7 nights standard inside cabin (cat. IB) aboard the Celestyal Journey
Port Charges and Cruise Tips of $339 per person included
23 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
On-board drink package during dining hours
2 Shore excursions: Classic Cairo, Ancient Ephesus
Sightseeing in Athens
All group transfers
Enjoy extra benefits during your Celestyal Cruise include the Enhanced Drink Package*, 1 free hour of complimentary internet access per day, and 25% off specialty cruise dining.

Optional add-ons

Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Optional tour of Cape Sounion

Why you'll love it

Tour ancient Athens and see the Acropolis, the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium, the Parliament House on Constitution Square and more.
In Cairo, marvel at the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramid of Giza, as well as the Sphinx.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum, admiring the plethora of ancient treasures including those of King Tutankhamen.
Explore Ashdod, the largest port in Israel, or join an optional excursion to Jerusalem & Bethlehem or Jaffa & Tel Aviv.
Travel to Old Town Limassol and visit the Medieval Museum, the Chantara Waterfalls, Polemidia National Park, and the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Discover the immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era in Ephesus as you explore the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and more.

Itinerary at a Glance

Athens & 7 Day Three Continents Cruise map

1 Depart USA
2 Athens
3 Athens and set sail
4 At sea
5 Port Said, Egypt
6 Ashdod, Israel
7 Limassol, Cyprus
8 Rhodes, Greece
9 Kuşadası, Turkey
10 Athens
11 Athens
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)
12 Athens/USA

Videos

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Price
Departs U.S.: Thu, Nov 21, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 2, 2024 Nov 21 – Dec 2	$3999	Closed
Departs U.S.: Thu, Dec 5, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 16, 2024 Dec 5 – Dec 16	$3949	Closed

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Price
Starts: Fri, Nov 22, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 2, 2024 Nov 22 – Dec 2	$3599	Closed
Starts: Thu, Dec 5, 2024 Finishes: Mon, Dec 16, 2024 Dec 5 – Dec 16	$3549	Closed

Options & Fees

Optionals & Upgrades
Rooming Selection/Cabin Categories¹
IB (standard inside) Double Occupancy	included
IB (standard inside) Single Occupancy	$1049
IC (standard inside) Double	$199
IC (standard inside) Single	$1099
XA (standard outside) Double	$249
XA (standard outside) Single	$1199
XB (standard outside) Double	$299
XB (standard outside) Single	$1299
XC (standard outside) Double Occupancy	$349
XC (standard outside) Single Occupancy	$1399
XD (superior outside), Double Occupancy	$399
XD (superior outside), Single Occupancy	$1499
SJB (Jr Balcony Suite) Double	$499
SJB (Jr Balcony Suite) Single	$3249

1. Cabin upgrades are subject to availability. If the category you selected is unavailable, you'll have the option to select a different category (at the prices shown) or cancel your reservation and receive a refund of your deposit. Triple occupancy may be available upon request.

Taxes & Fees
Port charges & tips of $339 per person¹	included

1. All port charges included in tour price.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

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 Itinerary

Our 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

Morning tour of Athens, including the Acropolis
Embark on your cruise ship and set sail to Port Said, Egypt

Celestyal Journey Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy the striking contrast between 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, University, and 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.

Transfer 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 At sea

Day at sea

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the ship and enjoy the entertainment as you cruise from Athens to Port Said. Entertainment and music performances, fine dining, exercise programs, games, handicrafts, language lessons, and contests. Take the time to relax and enjoy the decks at night to revel in the splendor of a starlit sea sky.

Day 5 Port Said, Egypt

Arrive in Port Said in the morning
Full day of sightseeing in Cairo
Return to the ship in the evening to continue on your cruise

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive this morning in Port Said and enjoy a full-day excursion. Board a luxury air-conditioned coach and journey south towards Cairo. Sightseeing begins with the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the mighty Pyramid of Giza. From the base of Chephren's pyramid, independently explore these ancient marvels. Roam the complex on foot, or if you wish, climb aboard a camel (on your own account). Then, continue through the valley and spot the supreme Sphinx guarding the land. Enjoy lunch at a 5-star hotel before continuing the tour – this time in the heart of Cairo. From the bustling Tahrir (Liberty) Square, you'll head to the National Archaeological Museum to become acquainted with Egypt's ancient history - spanning an incredible 50 centuries - through eye-catching antiquities, including the collection of King Tutankhamen. After visiting the Papyrus Institute, there's some time dedicated to souvenir shopping before traveling back to Port Said to board the cruise ship.

Sitting on Egypt's Mediterranean coastline, Port Said is your last stop before boarding your ship. An independent stroll along the Corniche will reveal the city's maritime prowess and power. With its faded 19th-century colonial consulates and mansion houses lining the entry into the mighty Suez Canal, you can't help but stop and stare at the activity, noise, and sounds around you.

Day 6 Ashdod, Israel

Full day at leisure in Ashdod, the gateway to Jaffa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Located on the sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline, Ashdod is the starting point for a pilgrimage all of your own. A melting pot of religious monuments and cultural offerings can all be found within a short trip, and there's something for every taste. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore. Alternatively, optional shore excursions to Jerusalem and Bethlehem or Jaffa and Tel Aviv are available for purchase on board your ship.

Day 7 Limassol, Cyprus

Full day at leisure in Limassol (Cyprus)

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Your first glimpse of Limassol from the cruise ship is its shiny, modern marina, filled with row upon row of yachts and fishing boats. You'll be greeted by busy bars and restaurants that make optimum sunset-watching settings. Walk further along the never-ending seafront promenade, Molos, and Limassol's past will soon reveal itself.

The crown jewel of Old Town Limassol is the medieval castle from where everything begins and ends. The castle houses the Medieval Museum, and legend is that it was the site of the royal wedding between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre. The cobbled streets also lead you to the old fishing harbor and market where locals congregate.

Travel out of the city limits, and you're spoiled for choice. The forested Troodos Mountains are just on its doorstep and hidden natural gems like the Chantara Waterfalls. Polemidia National Park features nature trails and picturesque picnic points to take it all in. And then the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates perfectly combines ancient monuments and a seafront setting worthy of any postcard from your Cyprus cruise.

Day 8 Rhodes, Greece

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the Greek island of Rhodes

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This afternoon, enjoy time to explore Rhodes at your leisure.

Day 9 Kuşadası, Turkey

Half day tour of ancient Ephesus

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Kuşadası, Turkey this morning. Just ten kilometers from the port is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian eras. At the archaeological site, tour the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian.

The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. The excavation findings, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in Seljuk.

During the excursion, have the opportunity to ramble and bargain for jewelry, cosmetics, or leather products at small shops.

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 10 Athens

Disembark ship and transfer to your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Athens

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Disembark from your ship and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a full day exploring Athens. Your hotel is 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.

Day 11 Athens

Leisure to explore Athens, or join an optional tour

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)

Drive 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 as the place 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.

€49 per person

Day 12 Athens/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

Breakfast

Hotel & Ship

Hotel

Royal Olympic Hotel

Deluxe

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. If you prefer to enjoy a cocktail by the pool while listening to relaxing music, try out the Pool Bar. The Royal Olympic features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a cozy library with a comfortable reading area, a fitness center and a spa.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

Celestyal Journey

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.

More information

Reviews & Photos

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Egypt? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Israel? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Turkey? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.