Travel Notices

Athens & 7 Day Greece and Adriatic Cruise

Ancient Athens, then a 7-day cruise to Kefalonia, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Bari, Italy; & Corfu and Katakolo, Greece; independent adventure with exciting optional excursions

Overview

This package is currently closed.

 

Once you've completed your final payment, you'll unlock the opportunity to choose from a wide range of exciting shore excursions available through Celestyal. To browse, visit Celestyal’s Shore Excursions Page.
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 History & CultureSmall 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.
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Embark on a captivating 12-day journey of discovery to some of the most historic and iconic destinations aboard the Celestyal Journey. Immerse yourself in ancient civilizations, follow in the footsteps of significant figures from history, live and breathe the myths and legends of Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean, and journey to places where some of the Seven Wonders of the World once stood, without ever having to pack and unpack as you sail from port to port. Begin in the ancient city of Athens and sail through some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning destinations. Explore the scenic beauty of Kefalonia, Greece; the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, Croatia; the dramatic landscapes of Kotor, Montenegro; the rich history of Bari, Italy; and the vibrant culture of Corfu and Katakolo, Greece. Whether you prefer to discover these incredible locations at your own pace or join daily optional excursions—from winery visits and city tours to Game of Thrones-themed adventures and olive oil tastings—each day promises a new and unforgettable experience.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Cruise
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Round trip flights from New York via Scheduled carries, including taxes & fees, with other gateways available on request.
  • All group transfers
  • 3 nights Deluxe accommodations at the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
  • 7 nights standard inside cabin (cat IA) aboard the Celestyal Journey
  • 23 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
  • Port Charges and Cruise Tips
  • On-board drink package during dining hours
  • Shore excursion discount of $85

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • Upgrade to Celestyal Plus Experience, which includes an additional $85 shore excursion discount, premium drinks package, 1 free hour of WIFI access daily, discounted specialty dining.
  • Optional shore excursions

Why you'll love it

  • Explore ancient Athens on a guided tour, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and more.
  • Wander through the beautiful island of Kefalonia at your leisure, or join optional shore excursions, including a guided tour or a wine tasting.
  • Discover the timeless allure of Dubrovnik independently, or join one of several exciting optional tours, including a walking tour or a behind-the-scenes Game of Thrones tour.
  • Uncover the hidden gem of Kotor, or enjoy an optional shore excursion, including a scenic drive through Montenegro or a tour of Kotor and the coastal town of Budva.
  • Delve into Bari's rich culture and history during your independent exploration, or join optional excursions, including a tour of Alberobello, the caves of Castellana, or a visit of the Basilica of San Nicola.
  • Roam the ancient fortresses and pristine beaches of Corfu, or enjoy one of several optional tours, including visits to the Achilleion Palace, Kanoni, and Corfu Town.
  • Explore Katakolo independently or join in on one of several excursions, including a tour of Olympia or an olive oil tasting.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Price
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 9, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 20, 2025
Apr 9 – Apr 20
$4299 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 16, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 27, 2025
Apr 16 – Apr 27
$4399 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 23, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 4, 2025
Apr 23 – May 4
$4199 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 30, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 11, 2025
Apr 30 – May 11
$4299 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, May 7, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 18, 2025
May 7 – May 18
$4399 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Oct 22, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Oct 22 – Nov 2
$4249 Closed
Departs U.S.: Wed, Nov 5, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 16, 2025
Nov 5 – Nov 16
$4099 Closed
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Price
Starts: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 20, 2025
Apr 10 – Apr 20
$3399 Closed
Starts: Thu, Apr 17, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Apr 27, 2025
Apr 17 – Apr 27
$3499 Closed
Starts: Thu, Apr 24, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 4, 2025
Apr 24 – May 4
$3299 Closed
Starts: Thu, May 1, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 11, 2025
May 1 – May 11
$3399 Closed
Starts: Thu, May 8, 2025
Finishes: Sun, May 18, 2025
May 8 – May 18
$3499 Closed
Starts: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Oct 23 – Nov 2
$3349 Closed
Starts: Thu, Nov 6, 2025
Finishes: Sun, Nov 16, 2025
Nov 6 – Nov 16
$3199 Closed

Options & Fees

Optionals & Upgrades
Rooming Selection/Cabin Categories1
IA (Standard inside) Double Occupancy included
IA (standard inside) Single occupancy $1049
IC (standard inside) Double Occupancy $159
IC (standard inside) Single Occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $1439
All other dates $1269
XA (standard outside) Double occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $249
All other dates $199
XA (standard outside) Single occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $1569
All other dates $1359
XB (superior outside) Double occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $419
All other dates $329
XB (Superior outside) Single occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $1819
All other dates $1569
XC (Superior outside) Double occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $499
All other dates $409
XC (Superior outside) Single occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $1949
All other dates $1669
SJB (Jr Suite) Double Occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $829
All other dates $669
SJB (Jr Suite) Single occupancy
Apr 30, 2025;  May 7, 2025;  Oct 22, 2025 $3729
All other dates $3169
Fare Package Upgrade
Celestyal Plus Experience2 $290

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.

2. Includes an additional $85 shore excursion discount, premium drinks package, 1 free hour of WiFi access daily, discounted specialty dining, port charges and gratuities.

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

  • Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Greece

Day 2 Arrive in Athens, Greece

  • Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar

Day 3 Athens

  • Enjoy a tour of Athens
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the city independently

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Parthenon

Witness the striking contrast between astounding 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 Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympian 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. Conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Athens.

After the tour, spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city independently.

Day 4 Athens and set sail

  • Board your cruise ship

Celestyal Journey Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy the morning at leisure, soaking in the sights and sounds of Athens before transferring to the port to board your cruise ship and start your exciting adventure, embarking on a journey that promises to be both inspiring and unforgettable.

Day 5 Kefalonia

  • Journey to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands
  • Explore the island independently
  • Or, choose from several excursions, including winery visits or an island tour
  • Enjoy the evening at leisure

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Assos, Kefalonia

Explore the stunning island of Kefalonia, where lush fir forests blanket the rolling hills, and picturesque villages dot the landscape. Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, this Ionian gem offers a serene atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. With its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and shoreline towns, Kefalonia invites you to relax and discover its rich past and breathtaking views.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Discover Kefalonia's storied heritage with a visit to local wineries, where you can indulge your passion for wine tasting. Or, join a guided tour showcasing Kefalonia's best, including its remarkable beaches, scenic villages, and quaint countryside.

Day 6 Dubrovnik, Croatia

  • Cruise to Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Explore Dubrovnik independently, walking the city walls and wandering the streets
  • Or, join an optional walking tour or a panoramic drive through the city
  • For fans of Game of Thrones, have the chance to experience an optional behind-the-scenes tour of iconic filming spots

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Sunset over the Stradun, Dubrovnik

Discover the timeless allure of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This UNESCO World Heritage city enchants with its well-preserved medieval architecture, towering stone walls, and labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers a captivating blend of history and culture, from the grand palaces and churches to the bustling Stradun promenade. Whether you're exploring the timeless city walls or soaking in the coastline views, Dubrovnik promises an unforgettable experience steeped in beauty.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Unveil Dubrovnik's storied past with a walking tour through its medieval streets, or take a panoramic drive through the city and surrounding countryside, visiting enchanting villages and local wineries. Fans of the hit series can also embark on the Game of Thrones locations tour for a behind-the-scenes look at iconic filming spots.

Day 7 Kotor, Montenegro

  • Spend the day independently exploring medieval Kotor
  • Or, join an optional tour of Kotor or a scenic drive to view the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic coastline

Celestyal Journey or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Panoramic view of Kotor

Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, Kotor is a hidden gem in Montenegro, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and medieval allure. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its fortified Old Town, where narrow, winding streets lead to centuries-old churches, palaces, and squares. Surrounded by one of the most stunning natural harbors in Europe, Kotor offers visitors a mix of tradition and impressive views. From climbing the ancient city walls to discovering its maritime culture, Kotor provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Adriatic.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Journey through Montenegro’s narrative with a tour of the walled town of Kotor and the winsome town of Budva. Alternatively, explore the highlights of Montenegro with a scenic drive that offers spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic coastline.

Day 8 Bari, Italy

  • Journey to Bari, Italy
  • Independently explore the city
  • Or, join an optional excursion to the fairytale town of Alberobello
  • Or, visit the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari
  • For the more adventurous, discover the caves of Castellana and the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Promenade, Bari

Bari, a vibrant city on Italy’s Adriatic shore, teems with history, culture, and seaside charm. Known for its idyllic old town, Bari Vecchia, where narrow alleyways lead to historic churches and bustling piazzas, the city blends historic traditions with modern flair. Its waterfront promenade, lively markets, and stunning views of the Adriatic make Bari a delightful destination to explore. Whether enjoying fresh seafood, visiting the impressive Basilica of Saint Nicholas, or strolling the charming streets, Bari offers an authentic taste of southern Italy.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Explore the enchanting town of Alberobello, known for its fairytale-like trulli houses, or visit the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari to see the relics of Santa Claus. For an adventure, discover the stunning caves of Castellana and the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare.

Day 9 Corfu, Greece

  • Independently explore the highlights of Corfu, Greece
  • Or, choose from several optional excursions, including visits to the Achilleion Palace, Kanoni, and Paleokastritsa

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Old Fortress of Corfu

Corfu, a lush and scenic island in the Ionian Sea, captivates visitors with its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its verdant landscapes, olive groves, and sparkling turquoise waters, Corfu offers a serene escape with a cosmopolitan flair. The island's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with Venetian, French, and British influences, visible in its elegant architecture and narrow, winding streets. From exploring primitive fortresses to relaxing on pristine beaches, Corfu is a perfect blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Enjoy Corfu’s natural beauty with visits to the Achilleion Palace, Kanoni, and Corfu Town. Take in the picture-perfect landscapes of Paleokastritsa, or explore the island’s green hills, traditional villages, and Corfu Town on a scenic drive.

Day 10 Katakolo

  • Dock in the fishing village of Katakolo
  • Explore Katakolo at leisure
  • Or, join an optional tour of Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games, and the Archaeological Museum
  • For a more indulgent experience, combine your visit to Olympia with an olive oil-tasting session or a wine-tasting tour

Celestyal Journey Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Ancient Olympia

Katakolo, a seaside town on Greece's western coast, serves as the gateway to the ancient wonders of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. While small, Katakolo boasts a scenic harbor, vibrant waterfront cafes, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along its quaint streets, explore local shops, or savor fresh seafood. Whether you're drawn to its relaxed atmosphere or the nearby historical treasures, Katakolo offers a delightful blend of coastal appeal and cultural discovery.

Enjoy the day at leisure or join one of several optional shore excursions: Visit the archaic site of Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games, and tour the Archaeological Museum to explore the region's history. For a more indulgent experience, combine your visit to Olympia with an olive oil-tasting session or a wine-tasting tour at local estates.

Day 11 Athens

  • Disembark the ship and transfer to your hotel
  • Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Athens

Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Plaka, Athens

While your cruise may be ending, the irresistible city of Athens still lies ahead. Dive into the busy side streets, each bursting with life and tradition. Climb the iconic Acropolis for a remarkable view of this thriving, cosmopolitan city, where ancient history meets modern energy. As the sun sets, marvel at the Athens skyline by night, with the Aegean Sea dancing in the background.

Day 12 Athens/Arrive USA

  • Transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotel & Ship

Hotel

Royal Olympic 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.

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
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

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