Greece & Turkey Unveiled: Our Greek Cruise Begins Part 1: Athens & Island Hopping Highlights
- Ericka Hamilton
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Stepping off the plane in Athens marked the beginning of a memorable 7-day Greek cruise my first with Celebrity Cruises. While our ship, the Celebrity Infinity, is one of their older vessels, the premium service that defines the Celebrity brand truly stood out. From the cheerful café team who remembered my morning latte to the warm, attentive room steward and even the friendly maintenance staff, it was clear that exceptional service is a core part of their experience.
Athens: Where Ancient History Meets Everyday Greek Life
We began with two days in Athens. Rather than staying in a hotel, my travel companions and I booked an apartment—an excellent choice for experiencing authentic Greek neighborhood life.
I’ll be honest—I was a bit hesitant at first. As a traveler who cares about sustainability and the impact of tourism on local communities, I’ve read about how short-term rentals can sometimes contribute to housing challenges or affect local economies. However, we found our apartment through Marriott Homes & Villas, which offered a level of vetting and legitimacy that helped ease my concerns. We were also intentional in choosing a registered property in a non-tourist-heavy area. In the end, it became a meaningful part of our experience. We supported local restaurants, shopped at the neighborhood grocery store, and truly appreciated the opportunity to observe everyday Greek life. It’s a good reminder that responsible travel often involves asking thoughtful questions and making intentional choices rather than avoiding certain options altogether.
We were just a 15-minute walk from the bustling Plaka district and the iconic Acropolis, yet surrounded by quiet, local gems: a corner pharmacy, a small but well-stocked grocery store, and cozy restaurants tucked away from the tourist crowds.
After arriving mid-morning and shaking off jet lag, we took a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to get our bearings. It gave us a great overview of Athens’ landmarks without the pressure of a full walking tour on day one. The next day, feeling refreshed, we dove into the city's flavors with a guided food tour—highly recommended if you want to taste Athens as much as see it. We also spent time at the Acropolis Museum, which offers an immersive introduction to ancient Greek life. If it's your first time in the city, don’t skip the Acropolis itself—its scale and historical gravity are truly awe-inspiring.
Athens Travel Tip: If you have more time, wander off the beaten path. Explore Anafiotika, a quaint, whitewashed neighborhood that feels like a Cycladic island tucked beneath the Acropolis, or Psiri, known for its creative street art and local vibe.
Setting Sail: Aegean Cruise Itinerary & Finding Travel Harmony
On Saturday, we boarded the Celebrity Infinity, ready for an itinerary that blended island beauty with ancient wonders. Ports included:
Santorini
Kusadasi (Turkey)
Mykonos
Kavala
Thessaloniki
—plus a sea day for relaxing and recharging.
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years, especially on multi-stop cruises, is to embrace the different travel styles within your group. While I gravitate toward historical tours and cultural experiences, others in our group preferred shopping and spontaneous exploring. The key was finding a balance: we planned some structured activities and left space for serendipity to occur. It worked beautifully.
In Santorini, for instance, our open-ended day led us to a tucked-away restaurant for a relaxed, family-style lunch. Just as we were leaving, a sudden dust and rain storm rolled in. The owners urged us to stay until it passed and treated us to dessert while we waited. Moments like that are what make travel unforgettable.
Stepping Into History: Ephesus & Philippi
If ancient ruins speak to you, this itinerary delivers. In Kusadasi, we booked a private excursion to Ephesus through Viator. The grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses, and the Great Theatre brought history vividly to life. For fans of archaeology and Roman history, this site is a true highlight.
Later in the week, we joined a ship tour to Philippi from the port of Kavala. With its deep biblical ties, Philippi adds another layer of meaning, particularly for travelers with a faith background. Walking among the ruins where ancient life once thrived was pretty amazing.
On islands like Mykonos and Santorini, we relished the joy of simply wandering, window-shopping, sipping coffee, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of these unique destinations.
Looking Ahead…
This cruise reminded me that the best travel experiences are often those where you strike a balance between planning and play, between ancient and modern, and between solo reflection and shared joy.
Coming soon: Part 2 of this Aegean cruise series, where I’ll take you behind the scenes of our time aboard the Celebrity Infinity, sharing what I really thought about the ship’s dining, entertainment, staterooms, and more.
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