Celestyal Cruises prides itself on its broad range of Authentic Excursions, as well as its simple fare structures, with so much already included in the fare price.
Here is a look at some of the unique adventures you will experience in different ports of call.
Athens Food on Foot is a truly special journey, where we share our love for Greece’s capital city and its cuisine on a tour that brings the senses alive. We start in Classical Athens, the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of democracy. On this panoramic tour, guests experience some of the world’s most magnificent and historic sites, such as The Acropolis and the majestic Parthenon. See the Changing of the Guard outside Parliament, Syntagma Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, National Academy, Academy University, Old Parliament, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
But there’s also plenty of time to share the evocative tastes and smells of traditional Greek cuisine. Stop by a traditional kafenio for a Greek coffee and some great hospitality. Stroll through the bustling central market and the spice market. Then take in the air on Evripidou Street, with its hard to forget and distinctive scent—a mix of foods and spices wafting out from the open-fronted stores. And visit a traditional sweet shop for a mouthwatering taste of delicious loukoumades, yeast-risen dough puffs, deep fried to golden brown, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Whirling Dervishes & dinner is a mesmerizing, bizarre, and beautiful experience. Whirling Dervishes are an integral part of Turkish culture. Guests visit the Hodjapasha Culture Centre for traditional entertainment with complimentary drinks. Visitors will be dazzled and transfixed by the color and vibrancy of this sacred ritual. Some are even moved to tears by its beauty.
Mevleviye of the Sufi branch of Islam is known for its famous practice of whirling dances and dervishes, spinning faster and faster. This 800-year-old Sema Ceremony has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. With their eyes closed, they cross their arms over their chest and bow when they are finished. The bow signifies their return to subservience. After the show, dinner is served at Hamdi Restaurant with a spectacular view of Bosphorus and Galata.
The thrill of the Ride Buggy Safari in Kusadasi may not have been on your agenda, but it’s another experiential option that is a little out of the ordinary. Here, guests will experience a thrilling ride over the natural terrain, while absorbing the fascinating and varied landscape.
Sit behind the wheel, strap in and feel the wind in your hair as you really go off the beaten track.
Guests ride through forest, marshes, dusty roads, creeks and mud, spotting wildlife on the way and seeing spectacular views of the Aegean. The buggies are comfortable, safe and easy to steer and maneuver. A stop at a local beach for a swim or a bit of relaxation is also on the itinerary.
Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey (Photo Credit: muratart/Adobe Stock)
Ancient Civilizations with an expert archaeologist, in Ephesus, is the very essence of experiential travel and Celestyal is proud to offer it in the company of an expert archaeologist-guide. Ephesus ranks among the world’s most beautiful classical cities; St. John and the Virgin Mary visited it, and here, St. Paul wrote one of his most celebrated epistles, the Letter to the Ephesians. Beginning at the Magnesium Gate, walk downhill through Ephesus’ marble streets, passing historically significant sites such as the gymnasium, Temple of Hadrian, Upper Agora, and Roman Baths.
Opposite Hadrian’s Temple, at the foot of the Bulbul Hill and the covered part of the archaeological site, protected from the heat and natural elements, lie the Houses of Koressus or Terrace Houses. It was here that the wealthy families of Ancient Ephesus lived. These villas are excellently preserved, especially the interior decor. The oldest houses so far unearthed date from the 1st Century BC.
Celestyal Journey in Piraeus (Photo Credit: Celestyal Cruises)
Two Sailing Choices
Cruising packages can be complex affairs, but Celestyal makes things easy, with the Celestyal Experience and the Celestyal Plus+ Experience. The Celestyal Experience includes all meals, drinks with meals, gratuities, and a shore excursion credit. Or for those guests who upgrade to the Celestyal Plus+ Experience, they will enjoy more dining options, drinks throughout the day, Wi-Fi connectivity, and additional shore excursion credits. Note that in order to use credits toward excursion, these must be pre-booked prior to the sailing departure.
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