Eclectic Aegean with Celestyal Crystal 2022

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

 

Clinging to the foothills of Mt. Symvolo, the city of Kavala rises like an amphitheater out of the sea. Known as the “heart of Eastern Macedonia”, with historical monuments and buildings almost too plentiful to list, there is no shortage of deep history in this vital port. Perched atop the town, the Castle of Kavala sits like the crown jewel, with traces of Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish influence. Don’t miss the impressive 60 arches of Kamares, the old medieval aqueduct, built to bring water from the mountains to the Old Town of Panagia. Take in the classic Islamic architecture of Imaret, built by the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, Mehmet Ali, and now home to a luxury boutique hotel. Get up close to the city’s character on its many cobblestone streets, buzzing cafés, fine beaches and views of the crystal blue waters of the Aegean.

 

The walls of Thessaloniki also have plenty of stories to tell. Discover the city’s chequered past, which dates back to biblical times. A city tour* takes in the city’s landmark, the White Tower from the Ottoman period, as well as the wonderful mosaics in the early Christian Agios Dimitrios basilica. Or visit Pella and Vergina*, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Macedonia and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, as well as the beautifully restored tomb of his father, Philip II.

 

Near Volos you can see some amazing constructions: the Meteora monasteries* were built several centuries ago hundreds of metres high up on huge rock pillars. Visit the nuns and monks in their breathtaking homes, and you will be given some exclusive insights into life behind the monastery walls. Or you can take a hike on Mount Pelion*. If you prefer to travel in comfort, the 100-year old narrow-gauge railway* will take you over viaducts and through the magnificent mountain scenery.

 

Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape-whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. Ride a donkey up the trail to the city of Thira or take a cable car. The views from Thira, set atop a ledge overlooking the sea, are stirring. Most ships allow just enough time here to wander the streets, admire the churches and browse the shops and cafes.

 

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.

 

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.