Grüß Gott, Kalimera, and Greetings from Jake and Pete at Bavaria & Beyond Tours!

Thank you for choosing to join us on our upcoming Greek Island Cruise adventure! We are excited to welcome you on this unforgettable journey across the Aegean Sea with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.

To help you prepare for the trip, we’ve included some important details below, along with a request for a few pre-tour details from you.

Below, we’ve included an overview of our exterior cabins we have booked, a raffle form if you would like to upgrade to a Balcony Cabin, a PDF document listing all optional excursions for the cruise and information about what is included in with the cruise along with Celestyal Pay Packages.

We will also be contacting you directly with your cruise booking number and link to your portal for purchasing additional excursions and Celestyal Pay Packages.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Cruise Embarkation and Mykonos - Monday, May 5th

Enjoy the start to your Greek Islands Extension as we begin an exciting 5-day cruise, where you'll explore the idyllic Greek islands and experience the stunning beauty of the Aegean Sea. This day marks the perfect transition from an unforgettable journey through Greece.

10:00 - Expected Hotel Departure for Cruise Guests

16:00 - 19:00 - Mykonos Visit

Optional Excursions: Mykonian Dinner : Mykonian countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice : Transfer to Kalafatis Beach : Transfer to Paradise Beach

Overnight: Celestyal Discovery

Day 2 - Kusadasi, Turkey, Ephesus, and Patmos - Tuesday, May 6th

Today, we explore the wonders of Ephesus, the fourth of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located in modern-day Turkey. Once a thriving Ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia, Ephesus is renowned for the Temple of Artemis, completed around 550 BC, which featured over 100 towering marble pillars and earned the city the name ‘Servant of the Goddess’. Although only a single pillar remains from this magnificent structure, Ephesus boasts many other remarkable sites, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and Hadrian’s Temple. It is also significant in Christianity, as it is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her final years here, a recognition formalized by the Vatican in 1957, with three Popes visiting since. Additionally, the apostle Paul lived and preached extensively in Ephesus, writing his Letter to the Corinthians. As one of the largest and most inspiring open-air archaeological museums in the world, this excursion promises unforgettable experiences. In the afternoon, our journey brings us to Patmos and Chora, a picturesque village characterized by whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Group Excursion Included in Kusadasi: House of Virgin Mary & Ephesus

Alternative Optional Excursions in Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus through the ages - Hellenistic and Roman :  Ancient Ephesus & Terrace Houses : Adaland Water Park : Ancient Civilisations with an expert archaeologist

Optional Excursions in Patmos: Religious visit to St John’s Monastery - Grotto of Apocalypse : Countryside tour with Chora and the Grotto of Apocalypse : Capturing the true spirit of Chora : Transfer to Agriolivadi Beach : Traditional feast in Patmos

Overnight: Celestyal Discovery

Day 3 - Rhodes - Wednesday, May 7th

Interestingly enough, a highlight of Rhodes is actually a sight that can no longer be seen: the Colossus of Rhodes, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by an earthquake. As you explore this historic island, imagine the statue of the Greek sun-god Helios standing 100 feet tall in 280 BC, celebrating Rhodes’ victory over Cyprus. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is rich in history, with remnants from the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. During a full day stop, guests have the opportunity to visit Lindos, Rhodes Town, home to the impressive Acropolis of Lindos and the 300 BC Doric Temple of Athena. Other notable sites are the charming Church of the Virgin Mary, Knights’ Quarter, and the imposing Palace of the Grand Master.

Optional Excursions in Rhodes: Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights: Philerimos church and the Palace of the Knights : Walking tour in the Medieval City of Rhodes : Beauty of butterflies and Ancient Kameiros : Transfer to Tsambika Beach : Making Pottery fit for the Gods : A Kayak adventure discovering pirate coves : Rhodes Unchartered Discovery : Bluetopia: A Marine Biology Experience : The fascinating world of Bees

Overnight: Celestyal Discovery

Day 4 - Kreta (Heraklion) & Santorini - Thursday, May 8th
The ancient Cretan city of Heraklion beckons to be explored. During our visit, take in views of the stunning waterfront or explore the Cretan countryside. Maybe even include a visit to Knossos museum and learn about Europe’s first civilazation or explore the 16th-centruy walls of Koules Fortress. In the afternoon, we visit Santorini with its soaring landscapes and whitewashed houses its regularly described as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. One of the greatest spectacles is Oia village, perched on the rim of the Caldera, the remains of a volcanic eruption.

Optional Excursions in Heraklion: Minoan Palace of Knossos - 1st European civilisation : Experience the Cretan countryside and lifestyle : Venetian Heraklion and the unique Archaeological Museum : Experience the Cretan countryside and lifestyle : Transfer to Ammoudara Beach : Heraklion food on foot

Optional Excursions in Santorini: Spectacular Oia village perched on the Caldera rim : Cruise to Santorini’s islands and volcanoes : Akrotiri Village excavations : Transfer to Perissa Beach : Music myths and history 

Kreta (Herakliton) & Santorini

Overnight: Celestyal Discovery

Day 5 - End of Cruise & Athens Riviera - Friday, May 9th

As our memorable cruise draws to a close, we return to the port of Lavrion. After disembarking, we take a scenic drive along the stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the charming villages that dot the landscape. Upon arrival at our waterfront accommodations on the Athens Riviera, take some time to relax and reflect during a single night stay at this luxurious destination. Enjoy the seabreeze, unwind by the pool, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach. Enjoy a relaxing and restful day before our journey concludes the next morning.

Overnight: Dolce Attica Riviera

Day 6 - Airport Transfer - Saturday, May 10th

Soak in the scenic sunrise over the Athens Rivera before embarking on a short 15 minute transfer to the Athens International Airport. Here, your return journey home begins following what is sure to be a wonderful vacation with memories to last a lifetime.

Airport transfers will be arranged to facilitate airport arrival no less than 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

Cabin Accommodations

Celestyal Discovery - Exterior Cosmos Cabin - XD

All guests (single and double occupancy) are booked in the same Exterior Cosmos Cabins (XD) onboard the Celestyal Discovery Ship (adjacent photo).

Balcony Cabin Upgrade: This ship only has a limited amount of Balcony Cabins and the cruise limits the amount groups can book. We have obtained a few Balcony Cabins (BA) and are going to hold a raffle for those that would like to pay for this upgrade. Please note that beds in the Balcony Cabin category cannot be seperated.

The additional fee for an upgraded Balcony Cabin is €500 total. If you are interested in entering the drawing please fill out the form below:

Optional Shore Excursions

Celestyal Booking Portal

Celestyal Online Booking Portal

Additional excursions and add-ons can be arranged via the Celestyal Online Booking Portal linked to the button below.

To login, visit the booking portal and select the tab titled “Find Booking”. Here you simply need to enter the individual booking details provided in a seperate email.

Through this tool, additional excursions and pre-loaded Celestyal Pay credits for onboard expenses may be purchased.

Overview Booking Page

Once you have logged on to the online booking portal you will see many options for enhancing your stay. The most useful will be #3 Add-ons (Celestyal Pay) and #5 A la Carte Excursions (book additional excursions).

1. Insurance Option - If you have not already purchased health or travel insurance for your trip this is a great way to add additional security to your travels.

2. Special Requests - Here you can add any dietary restrictions you may have. Also, if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary during the cruise you can let them know to hopefully make your day a little more special.

3. Add-Ons - A variety of services can be booked here including Celesyal Pay Credits, additional WiFi, and Spa treatment packages.

4. Excursion Packages - A pre-selected excursion pacakge is offered consisting of six shore excursions**.

5. A la Carte Excursions - In addition to our pre-arranged group outing, further shore excursions can be booked in advance here. Further instructions for booking additional outings can be found below.

Step One: “Edit” A La Carte Excursions

For Additional Excursions: Scroll down to A La Carte Excursions and select “Edit”

Step Two: Select “Available” Tab

Booked vs Available: To add tours, be sure to select the tab titled “Available”. From here, you can scroll through the available options and select “book” for the applicable items. After selecting the tours you’d like to book, click the orange “continue” tab at the bottom of the page.

**Everyone should already have The House of the Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus under the “Booked” excursions. You will not be able to book any other tours for the Kusadasi day (considering the timing would be conflicting) or the excursion package (#4). If you would prefer to do another tour this day or the excursion package, please let us know and we can help you proceed from there.

Step Three: Select “Pay Now” at top of page to finalize booking.

To finalize your bookings: Scroll to the top of the page where you will see a blue button titled “Pay Now”. Click this button and follow the onscreen instructions to finalize your booking. Please note, reservations are not final until payment has been submitted.