With Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming adaptation of The Odyssey set to introduce a new generation to Homer’s legendary tale, there has never been a better time to rediscover Greece.
Like Odysseus himself, our own journey began in Athens before setting sail across the sparkling waters of the Aegean, combining ancient history, exceptional food, unforgettable hospitality and some of Europe’s most beautiful islands into one remarkable adventure.
Our base for four nights was The Stanley Hotel in Athens, perfectly positioned close to the Metro and just minutes from the city’s iconic attractions. The real showstopper is its rooftop restaurant, swimming pool and bar, where uninterrupted views of the Acropolis provide one of the finest sunset backdrops in the Greek capital. Athens deserves far more than a brief overnight stay before boarding a cruise. It is a city where history meets modern life at every turn. One of the smartest investments during your visit is the Athens TurboPass, which covers many of the city’s leading attractions, including the superb Acropolis Museum, making sightseeing effortless while offering excellent value.
No visit would be complete without wandering through Plaka. Sitting beneath the Acropolis, its maze of cobbled streets is rather like Brighton’s Lanes, only with 35-degree heat. Colourful houses, artisan shops and family-run tavernas perfectly capture the spirit of Greece. Better still, it remains surprisingly affordable. Venture away from the busiest squares and a family of four can still enjoy an authentic Greek meal with drinks for around €60, making it one of Europe’s best-value city breaks.
One of the highlights of Athens was discovering the city by electric tuk-tuk. Quiet, environmentally friendly and wonderfully different, it offered a unique perspective on the capital. Our driver and guide, Joseph, was simply outstanding. His passion for Athens, combined with his humour and encyclopaedic knowledge of Greek history and mythology, transformed what could have been a sightseeing tour into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Athens has also quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting culinary destinations. Our evening at Makris, beneath the Acropolis, was nothing short of exceptional. This Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates contemporary Greek cuisine using outstanding local produce, beautifully presented tasting menus and impeccable service. It was undoubtedly one of the finest meals of the holiday.
From Athens we travelled to the bustling port of Piraeus to board Celestyal Journey for the seven-night Idyllic Greece itinerary. For me, it was also a personal milestone, as this was my very first cruise.
Within hours, I understood why so many people become lifelong cruisers.
Celestyal Journey is a magnificent ship. Beautifully appointed throughout, she combines elegant public spaces, five excellent restaurants, a casino, tennis and basketball courts and a spa to die for. There are welcoming lounges and comfortable accommodation while remaining intimate enough to feel personal. Every area of the vessel is immaculately maintained by vigilant staff like Virgilio and Ronel, creating a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease.
What truly elevates the experience, however, is the people. Every member of the crew displayed warmth, professionalism and genuine pride in what they do. Nothing was ever too much trouble, whether serving meals, preparing cabins or simply greeting guests with a smile. The hospitality was exceptional throughout.
Special praise must go to cruise director Thereza. Her enthusiasm, warmth and infectious personality helped create an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve experienced before. She has an extraordinary ability to engage with guests of every age in every language, while ensuring the entertainment programme runs seamlessly. She is a tremendous ambassador for Celestyal and a huge part of what makes the onboard experience so memorable.
Our first stop was Kusadasi in Turkey, gateway to the extraordinary ruins of Ephesus, where marble streets and remarkable Roman architecture provide an unforgettable glimpse into the ancient world. We joined a buggy safari through the rugged countryside. It was gloriously bonkers, dusty, exhilarating and enormous fun.
Rhodes delivered on every level and we loved exploring the medieval streets.
Agios Nikolaos in Crete offered one of the most moving excursions of the holiday. A boat trip across crystal-clear waters brought us to the historic island of Spinalonga, the former leper colony that remained inhabited until the 1950s. Walking through its abandoned streets while learning about its remarkable history was both fascinating and deeply emotional.
Santorini once again proved why it remains one of the world’s most photographed islands. Whitewashed villages tumble dramatically down volcanic cliffs overlooking the shimmering caldera, creating scenery that almost defies belief. Prepare to queue for pictures and cable cars, or walk the 550 steps to the clifftop if you feel brave.
Mykonos provided one of the trip’s defining moments. It’s a wild collection of designer shops and chic bars and restaurants. Above the island, the 180° Sunset Bar enjoys breathtaking panoramic views across the Aegean. As the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon, expertly crafted cocktails, relaxed music and one of Europe’s finest sunsets combined to create an unforgettable evening.
Our final island was Milos, whose dramatic coastline, colourful fishing villages and crystal-clear waters provided a fitting finale before returning to Athens.
What impressed me most about Celestyal Journey was its destination-led approach. Rather than rushing from port to port, there is time to appreciate every destination before returning each evening to a ship that genuinely feels like home.
As Christopher Nolan prepares to reintroduce audiences to Homer’s timeless epic, perhaps the greatest lesson is that the spirit of The Odyssey is still alive today. It lives in the ancient streets of Athens, the warm welcome aboard Celestyal Journey, the history of Spinalonga, the thrill of a Turkish buggy safari, the flavours of Makris, the sunsets of Mykonos and the friendships made along the way.
After more than thirty years of travel journalism, I finally experienced my first cruise.
It certainly won’t be my last.
