Greece, Italy & Turkey

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Athens (Piraeus), Greece

  Fly from the UK to Athens and embark on board Celebrity Xcel for your 7-night cruise.

• Day 2: Mykonos, Greece

  Mykonos sits in the Aegean Sea with traditional white-washed houses and bright-blue waters. Wander the twisting narrow lanes, which were originally designed to confuse pirate invaders, and discover quaint shops and boutiques. Visit stylish beach bars, modern restaurants and see the iconic 16th-century Venetian windmills which overlook Mykonos town — the island's capital.

• Day 3: Santorini, Greece

  Curving around a majestic caldera, Santorini is one of the prettiest of the Greek Isles. Hop on the tender boat ashore, where the cable car will whisk you up to the cliff-top village of Thira with its quaint streets filled with restaurants, bars and shops. Pay a visit to the cave houses at the beautiful village of Oia before heading down the steps to Amoudi Bay to feast on fresh seafood. Taste the unique beers at the Donkey Brewery close to the black pebbled sands of Kamari Beach. Explore the island's history at the Akrotiri archaeological site or admire the dramatic coastline by catamaran.

• Day 4: Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

  The ancient UNESCO-listed city of Ephesus is located three kilometres from the small town of Selçuk in the Izmir region of Turkey; where the Aegean Sea joins the former estuary of the River Kaystros. Founded in the 10th century BC and important from ancient Greek times; Ephesus served as a crossroads between the East and West for centuries. Today only approximately 20% of the city has been excavated; revealing one of the world’s biggest collections of Roman ruins. Highlights include: Cukurici Mound, Ayasuluk Hill and its Selçuk Fortress, Saint John Basilica, Isa Bey Mosque, Isa Bey Bath, and Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World); House of the Virgin Mary, and Ephesus Ancient City itself. After visiting Ephesus; why not head to the nearby Ephesus Museum in Selçuk to admire the intricately-carved Artemis statue and the exhibits on display in the Gladiator Room?

• Day 5: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 6: Sicily (Messina), Italy

  The Messina Strait is a narrow 3km wide water passage that runs between the island of Sicily and mainland Italy, joining together the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west and the Ionian Sea in the east. Due to its shallow depth, the Messina Strait has long been a challenge for even the most experienced of sailors! Step ashore in Messina and explore the astronomical clock, Fontana di Orione at Piazza del Duomo and the extensive art collection at Museo Regionale. Messina is also a great base from which to discover Mount Etna. The best mountain views can be enjoyed from one of the carriages of the Circumetnea Railway.

• Day 7: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 8: Barcelona, Spain

  Today your cruise comes to an end.