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 unavailable.

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

3 different continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, one amazing journey. Start your adventure in Greece where you’ll 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 Crystal, 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. 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. Head to the sun-soaked island of Cyprus where you can discover medieval ruins and pristine forested mountains offering a wealth of unique opportunities. Arrive on the island of Rhodes which well known for the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Lindos and its Medieval Old Town. 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, 7 nights deluxe cruise with included shore excursions and so much more! Explore on your own, or take interesting and inexpensive optional excursions. All the flexibility and fun is 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 fuel surcharges and taxes and fees, with other gateways available on request
3 nights in Deluxe accommodations in Athens
7 nights standard inside cabin (cat. IB) aboard the Celestyal Crystal
Port Charges of $289 per person included
Cruise Tips of $10 per person per day included
23 Meals: 10 buffet breakfasts daily, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
On-board all-inclusive alcoholic drink package
3 Shore excursions: Classic Cairo, Medieval Tour of Lindos, Ancient Ephesus
Sightseeing in Athens
All group transfers

Optional add-ons

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.
Wander along Knight's Street in Rhodes, admiring the seven lodges of the Order and the Grand Master's Palace.
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
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion (purchased locally)
4 Athens & Piraeus
5 At sea
6 Alexandria & Port Said, Egypt
7 Ashdod, Israel
8 Limassol, Cyprus
9 Rhodes, Greece
10 Kusadasi, Turkey
11 Piraeus & Athens
12 Athens/USA

Videos

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 and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure

Full Day Itinerary

You’ll be met by our representative and then escorted 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 and gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions and ancient ruins.

Day 3 Athens

Full day at leisure to explore Athens, or join an optional tour

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 the most important archaeological sites in Attica. 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 the rich history of this area as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.

€49 per person

Day 4 Athens & Piraeus

Late morning tour of Athens, including the Acropolis
Embark on your cruise ship and set sail to Alexandria, Egypt

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy the striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant 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 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, University, and National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.

Later today, transfer to Piraeus port to board your cruise ship, Celestyal Crystal. Enjoy the on board facilities as the ship sails in the evening.

Day 5 At sea

Day at sea

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

A wonderful opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the ship and enjoy the entertainment as you cruise from Piraeus to Alexandria. 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 time to revel in the splendor of a starlit sea sky.

Day 6 Alexandria & Port Said, Egypt

Arrive in Alexandria in the morning
Full day of sightseeing in Cairo
Depart from Port Said in the evening to continue on your cruise

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive this morning in Alexandria 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 own account). Then, continue through the valley and spot the supreme Sphinx guarding the land. Enjoy a buffet 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 a Papyrus Institute, there’s some time dedicated to souvenir shopping before travelling to Port Said to meet 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 7 Ashdod, Israel

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

Celestyal Crystal 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 & Bethlehem or Jaffa & Tel Aviv are available for purchase on board your ship.

Day 8 Limassol, Cyprus

Full day at leisure in Limassol (Cyprus)

Celestyal Crystal 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, but 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 has it 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 as well as hidden natural gems such as 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 9 Rhodes, Greece

Half day medieval tour of Lindos
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the Greek island of Rhodes

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This afternoon, experience the impressive Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights on a half day tour. Follow in the footsteps of heroes while walking along the Knight's Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. The seven lodges of the Order, still bearing their original coats of arms, are displayed along the cobblestone street where Rhodes’ history was written for over two centuries. Sitting at the top of Knights Street, the Grand Master’s Palace is well worth its name. You will be awed by its imposing Gothic architecture and the strength displayed throughout its structures, as you get a glimpse into the fascinating era of the Knights. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore Rhodes at your leisure.

Day 10 Kusadasi, Turkey

Half day tour of ancient Ephesus

Celestyal Crystal Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Kusadasi, 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 era. At the archaeological site you will be given a guided tour of 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 finds from the excavations, which have yet brought to light only 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, in the city of Seljuk.

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

Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 Piraeus & Athens

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

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Disembark from your ship at Piraeus and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a full day to explore Athens. Your hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. Our Athens representatives will offer you some exclusive optional shore excursions to the city’s highlights (see descriptions on Day 3 above)

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

Cruise Ship

Celestyal Crystal

If you've taken a few cruises before, you may be accustomed to large, luxurious ships appointed with every possible amenity. Celestyal Cruise ships are generally smaller and more agile, better suited for navigating the shallow waters and small ports of the Mediterranean, Aegean & Caribbean Seas. These mid-sized ships are practical, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary modern conveniences but offer more basic cabin amenities, less on-board entertainment, and fewer dining options than larger ocean liners. Some restaurants may feature buffet style service and limited a la carte selections.

More information

Reviews & Photos

We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.

Check out independent, verified reviews from real travelers on Feefo.

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.