Haifa Egypt LIMASSOL This bustling tourist heart of Cyprus is full of character and history, not least the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones. A short drive away is iconic Aphrodite’s Rock and the striking Crusader castle at Kolossi. The centre of Limassol buzzes with cafes, bars and restaurants that are as popular with locals as with visitors. RHODES The Colossus of Rhodes, the third of our Seven Wonders, once bestrode the harbour but he is long gone. So you can take in the lovely Old Town, a maze of atmospheric cobbled streets that will transport you back to the Byzantine Empire and beyond. ATHENS When we arrive back in Athens for a day of festivities, Greek-style, you can choose how to spend our day together. Visit the monuments you know from legends and history? Marvel at the view of the city from the Acropolis? Shop for last-minute gifts to share your voyage with loved ones at home? It’s all up to you. This is our home city, and we can’t wait to show you around. VOLOS We arrive in the attractive coastal port city of Volos in the morning. The area’s background will captivate you and features in some of the most remarkable tales of Greek mythology. Volos was the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts. The famous Argonaut expedition set sail from the region, which was also the birthplace of the Centaurs, part human, part equine. There is also the opportunity to visit the monasteries of Meteora, perched on the top of vertical rock formations and a wonder to behold. THESSALONIKI The thick Byzantine walls guarding Thessaloniki give way to an inviting mix of architectural landscapes with winding cobbled streets. Approaching the port, you will be captivated by a city that radiates culture and sophistication bathed in golden Greek sunshine. Palm-lined avenues house glamorous shops and gourmet restaurants, and historic cobblestone streets present traditional tavernas and ouzerias to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Beautiful churches appear from every corner, seasonal markets sell colorful local produce and shaded spots on Aristotelous Square are where you can sit back with a homemade ice cream and watch the world go by. 06 DAY 07 DAY ISTANBUL The Greeks, Romans, Venetians and the Ottomans have all held sway over this city straddling Europe and Asia across the mighty Bosphorus. You will see the stunning Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, Hippodrome, Church of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, Galata Bridge and of course the incomparable Grand Bazaar. This only touches the surface of the place once known as Byzantium and Constantinople. St Paul also travelled through the nearby city of Troas many times. KAVALA St Paul came to this northern city and nearby ancient Neapolis on his first journey to Europe. At ancient Philippi he baptised the first Greek and European Christian convert, Lydia. A church and open air baptistery stand on the very site he gave his first sermon. We visit the archaeological site here including the prison where Paul and St Silas were held. St Paul’s Monument is also on our itinerary. SYROS The elegant port city of Ermoupoli, which serves as the capital of the prefecture, was constructed mainly in the 1820s, during the time of the Greek War of Independence. As you approach you’ll notice that two large hills dominate the port: one is the old town of Ano Syros, with the 13th-century Catholic cathedral of St. George, and the other is crowned with a Greek Orthodox church. 87 09 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 08 DAY 11-12 DAY 10 DAY For reservations visit celestyal.com or visit your local travel advisor.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTIyMzU=