Greek Isles with Celebrity Cruises®

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. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in

Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take

a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny

retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of

Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with

beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago. A

cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and

Byzantine legacy. Enter the gateways of Rhodes and step back to a time when the Knights of St. John of

Jerusalem built a Christendom stronghold. Or, tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of

the Knights. You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed

romance of the archaeological site, Lindos and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of

the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with

a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The

UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities.

Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This

former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of

Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise,

check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue

of the goddess of wisdom.