Island Odyssey

Explore five destinations in three days with an Aegean cruise – meals and drinks all included!

Why go?

Sea breezes, sunshine, delectable cuisine, comfy accommodation and a super-friendly crew for starters, but perhaps the true super-stars of Celestyal Cruises’ Iconic Aegean cruise are the stunning destinations: Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini – plus the Turkish coastal resort of Kusadasi. There aren’t many short breaks where you get to pack in such inspiring destinations and experiences. There’s the added bonus of setting off from Athens, one of the most historical cities in the world. The fact Celestyal Cruises is also Greek-owned, adds a distinct and delicious Mediterranean flavour to the experience, setting it apart from other cruise companies. You can sample Ouzo, learn the traditional Greek dance (the syrtaki) and enjoy amazing hospitality.

All aboard

The Celestyal Olympia is midsize, and, at capacity, can accommodate 1,800 people. And you can expect guests from the world over, with a diverse age range, making this an ideal holiday for meeting new people. Cabins are very comfortable and kept spotlessly clean by the crew. Cruisers will find everything they could possibly wish for on board – two outdoor pools and sunbeds on deck, four restaurants, several bars, three nightclubs, a spa, a separate gym, and a kids’ club. Food, drink and the gratuity is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about hidden extras, although certain items – such as premium cocktails or Champagne – will have an additional cost. However, it’s very easy to keep within the allowance. And if you want to spend a day onboard, there are plenty of daytime activities, including craft-making, language classes or dancing. After dinner, sit back with a few drinks and be dazzled by Cirque Fantastic – an incredible circus troupe hailing from Cuba and the Philippines.

Next stop…

Greece is all about the islands– after all, there are 6,000 of them! You’ll visit four of the best on this cruise. The experience of disembarking and immersing yourself in another world each day is a wow-factor for this break. As Celestyal Olympia is midsize, it allows you to explore remote locations that larger ships can’t reach, such as Patmos. If you always wanted to visit a Greek Island, but just weren’t too sure which one, this cruise will help you make up your mind.

First stop is Mykonos, where we got to mingle with the jet set and explore the picture-perfect, white-washed streets of Bougainvillea. Slip into the narrowest street on the island (which is about 40cm wide) if you can, or linger in the luxury shops and high-end cafés and bars. Mykonos is known for being party-central, but it is also home to over a 1,000 churches and places of worship – due to the Mykonian custom of enshrining the bones of their dead within the walls of family chapels. We got to watch the sunset while enjoying Greek treats and delicacies at one of the chic shore-side eateries, before returning back to the ship in the evening.

Next day was the Turkish stop, Kusadasi, where we visited the remains of Ephesus, one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Top tip here – get a guide. Ours evoked the lusty life of the ancient Romans with panache – we visited the remains of the communal lavatories where the movers and shakers of the ancient world would do their business (as it were), before heading to the gym or library.

The island of Patmos offered a more spiritual experience, with the unspoilt scenery taking us back to biblical times and we highly recommend making the trip up the winding hill to Patmos monastery.

We visited Heraklion, Crete, on the third day. There you can get a glimpse into the ancient Greek civilisation of the Minoans, by taking a trip to the Palace of Knossos where the mythology of the Minotaur – the famed half bull, half human creature – sprung from. Rounding off a day of exploration with delicious Greek coffee and bougatsa – a traditional pastry stuffed with salty cheese or a sweet custard, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon –is highly recommended.

Santorini is the last stop-off for Iconic Aegean. This honeymoon-favourite is worth waiting for. A visit to Venetsanos winery to sample local wine in the sunshine, while enjoying the gorgeous views is a must. Next, wander around the village of Oia, with its white-washed houses and churches that snake along the clifftop. Peruse the artisan shops and then perk yourself up with an iced espresso, a favoured Greek treat.

Feast away

Breakfast is buffet-style. You can pile up your plate with bacon, sausage, eggs, pastries – along with healthier options of fruit and classic thick, Greek yoghurt. There’s also a fantastic array of salads, smoked fish, meats, and cheese for lunch, or you can also order à la carte. The dinner menu on board feels extra-special. Grilled pork cutlets, risotto or duck are on offer, along with the wine of your choice.

A super-healthy Greek dish is always available on the à la carte menu, such as Ikarian Longevity Greens Phyllo Pie filled with summer squash, carrots and herbs, as designed by Greek American chef Diane Kochilas. She’s also created a premium My Greek Table Six-Course Tasting Menu, which is available at an extra charge. So, why not treat yourself?

Need to know

Words: Lucy Hunter