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
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.
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 | March – December 2024 | ||
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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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](https://res.cloudinary.com/friendly-planet/image/fetch/q_auto,f_auto,w_520,c_limit/https://www.friendlyplanet.com/media/gallery/maps/athens-7-day-three-continents-cruise-2021.png)
- 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
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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
- 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 ItineraryThis 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.
Full Day ItineraryToday 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 ItineraryArrive 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 ItineraryLocated 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 ItineraryYour 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 ItineraryArrive 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 ItineraryDisembark 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
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
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Trip Details
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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.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Egypt? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Israel? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Turkey? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.