Holidays in Greece: Odysseus Style

Get the most out of your holidays in Greece, this summer. Get hooked up to our cruise program, with Celestyal cruises, and discover some of the most iconic destinations in the land of Gods. It could be a lifetime trip that you will remember forever. Destinations include the Greek islands of Crete, Patmos and Santorini, as well as the ancient Greek city in modern-day Turkey-the incredible Kusadasi (aka Ephesus). Starting in Athens, this 7-day itinerary is sure to bring you up to date with the history of Greece. Read on and find out why the Odysseus program is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with Greek culture through the eons.

Athens

Starting in Athens, your holidays in Greece will immediately receive a boost, as this is the unquestionable daddy of the show. The mythic Acropolis and the Parthenon start you off in ancient times when Athens became the centre of the world. It is here that democracy (amongst several others) was created, and it is the Acropolis that has become the symbol of western culture. It is here that everything began, so what better way to acclimatize yourself with Greece than this most potent of symbols that convey the ecumenical values of humankind: freedom and the pursuit of happiness.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is next to our stop, and this follows the steps that the ancients took when establishing their foothold on the Mediterranean and the wider region. Here, you’ ’ll marvel at several ancient Greek and Roman structures, and maybe even get enough time to splash around and shop, too.

Patmos

It is Patmos, however, that we pick up the trail of history that illustrates the grand totality of ancient Greek culture. For it is here that the roots of Christianity in Greece took hold, through the teachings of St. John the Theologian, who spent 2 years on the island writing his book of Revelations as well as the Apocalypse. This island is low-key one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage destinations (and a fine R&R destination on your grand holiday in Greece), and one look at the grotto where he lived is more than enough to imbue you with enough spirituality to fend off sin for a year.

Crete

If you want to get the full picture of how modern Greece came to be through the ages, no place is more fitting for such an exercise than the island of Crete. Crete is home to the first organized civilization in Europe, as well as being one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. And it was the Minoans who created that civilization, trading with the island states to reach commercial outposts and become the dominant power in the Aegean. The palace of Knossos is the obvious starting point here, although the latter finds include the palace of Phaistos, Malia, Zakros and Kydonia, all in various state of disrepair.

Santorini

Santorini and its own Pompei are last on the list. The poster child of Greek tourism (move over Shipwreck beach!) is not just white-washed houses and sunsets (it’s way more than that but it’s a story for another blog). Santorini used to be a significant trading partner to the Minoans, and ample evidence exists of its prominence, not least through the incredible finds that excavations have yielded through the years. After the cataclysmic eruption in the 17th century BC, the inhabitants were buried under tons of ash and lava, alive. This macabre setting is why many refer to it as little Pompeii. Get your archaeology fix while having fun on your holidays in Greece. Why not?

Holidays in Greece: Odysseus Style

As far as holiday destinations go, Greece is a top 5 pick globally. Pick the Odysseus program and set sail for some of the most memorable and historic spots in the area.

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