Our Celebrity cruise started in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, then visited all of these wonderful ports of call: Santorini, Greece, Athens (Piraeus), Greece, Istanbul, Turkey, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey, Mykonos, Greece, Naples/Capri, Italy, and back to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy!
I know that the whole group absolutely loved this new Celebrity ship along with their great food and entertainment. The itinerary was an excellent way to see the MED for the first time or the 3rd time!
HOT TIPS!
I would highly recommend you travel a day or two ahead to a great city like Rome or you would really miss alot when the cruise starts here. It takes me a day or so to recoup from the 7 hour time change and gives a little wiggle time on relaxing and visiting the city for some sights, great food and fun!!
On some of the countries we have visited before we had rented a driver and car for the day. This was great to do ahead since there was a taxi strike in Italy so in Naples, it might have been difficult to wing it when we got there. Our Shore Trip driver was there waiting for us. He spoke great English and really showed us a great time. We got to see and experience first hand the little secret places only the locals know about. Shopping in the pretty village of Positano, a stop in Ravello a rural village unspoiled by tourists, stopping at a wonderful local Pottery Outlet for some souvenirs, a once in a lifetime lunch at a local restaurant, meet the chef and her family and descent on the winding road of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. If you haven't been to Sorrento that is a must while in the area!
It might be a better idea to take the short tour in Santorini or you might have to wait in the hot sun for the tram to take you to the city!
Mykonos is so beautiful and the people are really friendly here. One of our favorite stops! TONS of shopping, spectacular views and ....you fill in the blanks!
Athens sightseeing and the Acropolis! We didn't get to see the museum and probably should have done that. We did take the time to stop for lunch at an open air restaurant. Made a lot of new friends here! (the guys all look like Greek Gods!!)
Ephesus (Kusadasi) Turkey is another beautiful area where the ruins are a must see along with the Virgin Mary's house, then go visit the town. You can feel comfortable walking around the city and visit the Bazar here for shopping, restaurants and fun!
