North Palm Beach Life
  • Home
    • People
    • Eats >
      • Belle's Bar and Grill
      • Elisabetta's
      • Oliv Pit Athenian Grille
      • Cupcakes >
        • Lady Bug Cupcakes
    • News >
      • 2019 North Palm Beach Fireworks Show
      • 2018 Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
      • Brightline >
        • Brightline Dino Train
        • Polar Express 2019
        • Breezin' on Brickell
        • Brightline Day Trips: Frost Science Museum
        • A Trip on Brightline
        • Brightline Select Service
        • Brightline Tasting Train
        • Brightline Train Unveiling
        • Brightline Topping Out
        • The Polar Express Train Ride
        • Richard Branson at Brightline
      • David Drebin
      • Downton Abbey Exhibit
      • The Lubben Brothers
      • History >
        • 25th Anniversary
        • 50th Anniversary
      • North Palm Beach Country Club
    • Weather >
      • Hurricane Readiness
  • Cruise News
    • Cruise Compete
    • Atlas World Navigator >
      • Atlas World Navigator Part Two
    • Azamara Quest
    • Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line >
      • Grand Celebration Cruise
      • Grand Classica Inaugural Cruise
    • Carnival Cruise Line Stories >
      • Carnival Cuba Cruises
      • Carnival Horizon >
        • Carnival Horizon Pig and Anchor
      • Carnival Liberty
      • Carnival Mardi Gras
      • Carnival Sunrise >
        • Carnival Sunrise Cruise to Bermuda
        • The Chef's Table on Carnival Sunrise
      • Carnival Studios >
        • Carnival Studios - Behind the Scenes Tour
      • Carnival Victory
      • Carnival Vista >
        • Carnival Vista Craft Beer
    • Celebrity Apex Cruise >
      • Celebrity Apex
    • Crystal Serenity Holiday Cruise - The Beginning >
      • Crystal Serenity - Grand Turk
      • Crystal Serenity - St. Maarten
      • Crystal Serenity - Antigua Donkey Sanctuary
      • Crystal Serenity - St. Lucia
      • Crystal Serenity - Barbados
      • Crystal Serenity - Virgin Gorda
      • Crystal Serenity - Wrap Up
    • Harmony of the Seas - Preview Cruise Review >
      • Harmony of the Seas - Wonderland
      • Harmony of the Seas - The Ultimate Abyss
      • Harmony of the Seas - The Fine Line
      • Harmony of the Seas - 1887
      • Harmony of the Seas - Bionic Bar
      • Harmony of the Seas - Pre-Cruise Coverage
    • Cunard's Jackie Chase >
      • History of Cunard
    • MSC Seaside >
      • MasterChef at Sea
    • Oceania Riviera
    • Peter Knego
    • Queen Mary in Long Beach
    • River Cruising in Germany - The Ms. River Splendor >
      • River Cruise in Germany -- Mainz and Koblenz
      • River Cruising in Germany - The Romantic Rhine
      • River Cruise in Germany - Heidelberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Wurzburg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Bamberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Nuremberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Regensburg
    • Scarlet Lady - Virgin Voyages
    • SeaTrade Cruise Global 2019
    • Symphony of the Seas - Miami Inaugural Voyage >
      • Symphony of the Seas - Ultimate Family Suite
      • Symphony of the Seas - Showtime
      • Symphony of the Seas - Perfect Day at Coco Cay
      • Symphony of the Seas - Photo Gallery
    • Triton Submarines
  • Gigi in the 561
    • Cora
    • Gigi in the 561 Interviews
  • Blogs
    • Gerry Pronounced Gary
    • My Father's Tales >
      • My Father's Tales - Photo Album
    • Ann and Marty Across America
    • Rock and Roll Rewind
    • Susan Goldfein -- Blog >
      • Susan Goldfein
    • Travel Backtrack
  • Video
  • Travel
    • Snaps >
      • Snaps - Page 2
    • Fun >
      • Events >
        • La Bella Macchina 2017
      • AtmosFX Digital Decorations
      • Calypso Cruise
      • Pumpkin Patch 2017
      • Reindeer Games
      • River Paddle Event
    • Brian Wilson: Life in the UK >
      • Life in the UK - Bath, England
      • Life in the UK - Croquet
      • Life in the UK - Music in Russia
      • Life in the UK - Sri Lanka
      • Life in the UK - Sri Lanka - Sigiriya
      • Life in the UK - US Embassy
    • Cate Takes New York
    • Empire State Road Trip
    • Flagler Museum
    • The Florida Keys >
      • Key West
      • The Hemingway House and Museum
    • Joe Cartwright - Travel Writer >
      • Beartooth Highway
      • North Cascades National Park
      • A Visit to the Philippines
      • Grand Canyon National Park
      • Glacier National Park
      • Yellowstone National Park
      • Hiking in Bear Country
      • Crater Lake National Park
      • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
      • The Kerrville Folk Festival
      • Building Hope in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Island Destinations
    • Lake Okeechobee Picnic
    • October Odyssey >
      • Cartagena, Columbia
      • Panama Canal
      • Antigua, Guatemala
      • Cabo San Lucas
      • Birds and Bees Speakeasy in Los Angeles
      • We Love LA
      • Coast Starlight
      • Napa Wine Tour
      • California Zephyr
      • California Zephyr Part Two
      • Chicago
      • Amtrak Capitol Limited
      • Washington DC
    • Pam - Traveling in Style
    • Road Trip! >
      • Road Trip! -- Tucumcari, New Mexico
      • Road Trip! -- The Painted Desert
      • Road Trip! - Sedona, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - Sedona Wineries
      • Road Trip! Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
      • Road Trip! - Mogollon Rim
      • Road Trip! - Verde Canyon Railroad
      • Road Trip! - Jerome, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - California
      • Road Trip! - Palm Springs Celebrity Tour
      • Road Trip! - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
      • Road Trip! - Festival in Palm Springs
      • Road Trip! - Willcox, Arizona and Apple Annie's Orchard
      • Road Trip! Willcox Wineries
      • Road Trip! Chiricahua National Monument
      • Road Trip! Tombstone, Arizona
      • Tombstone, Part Two
      • Road Trip! - Epilogue
    • Unknown Yellowstone >
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Heart Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Summit Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Shoshone Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Grizzly Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Riddle Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Pelican Cone
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Mt. Washburn
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Specimen Ridge
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Avalanche Peak
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Divide Creek
    • U.S. Virgin Islands >
      • Coral World - U.S. Virgin Islands
      • St. Thomas Food Tour
      • St. Thomas Tour
    • Vizcaya
  • Contact
    • American Queen Cruise
    • Cate's Big Adventure
    • Our Community Garden >
      • Community Garden Grand Opening
    • Pamela Barker - Author
    • The Story of StarText
  • Search

cruise
​news

Picture
Picture

Celestyal Debuts 'Authentic Encounters'

7/5/2022

0 Comments

 
PictureCredit: Celestyal Cruises
(PRESS RELEASE)_ATHENS, GREECE ( July 5, 2022) –  Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for cruise travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new, small group shore experience program – “Authentic Encounters.” The new intimate, immersive and hands-on shore excursions allow guests to go deeper into a destination and pursue personal passions such as food and wine; art and archaeology; culture and active adventure pursuits.   The shore excursions are offered in ports in Greece and Turkey and range in size from two to 20 participants.  The excursions start at $84 per guest.  
 
Sample “Idyllic Aegean” Itinerary Experiences Range from Wine Tasting in Thessaloniki, Hiking in Santorini and Pottery Making in Rhodes to Home Cooking in Mykonos and Sea Kayaking in Milos
 
On Celestyal’s popular “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary, the new “Authentic Encounters” program includes added options such as a wine tour of the Epanomi Hills region of Thessaloniki and visit to the Ktima Gerovassiliou, one of the most reputed wine companies in Greece where they have been making wine for more than 40 years.   Wine aficionados will join a local wine expert on a production and tasting excursion of local varietals and rare vintages along with a visit to the region’s dedicated wine museum.  

For “art and culture vultures,” Celestyal is offering a hands-on pottery making experience in Rhodes where pottery has played a significant role in early Greek history and culture. The ancient Greeks used ceramic vessels in every aspect of their daily lives, for storage, carrying, mixing, serving, and drinking, and as cosmetic and perfume containers.    At the Bonis Ceramic Factory guests will learn out about the various techniques adopted in pottery making, and following a demonstration from one of the craftsmen, guests will be invited to make their own ceramic item and have it shipped home. 

While many flock to Santorini and the town of Oia, known for its spectacular sunsets, few take the more adventurous path here.  The new guided hiking tour of Santorini does just that by walking along a natural trail beginning at Imerovigli and passing abandoned chapels, with stunning views of the caldera along the way and the islands of Nea, Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia on the horizon.  The climb ends high up on the ridge of red rocks, hanging over the caldera with a panoramic view of Santorini’s whitewashed houses and colorful rooftops.   In Santorini, music and mythology lovers are in for a special treat.  Celestyal takes guests to Megalochori, a remarkably preserved village of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture, for a special music and mythology experience.  A stroll through the rustic streets past homes dug into the volcanic rock leads to the Symposion Music and Mythology Cultural Center housed in a former winery for a one-of-a-kind presentation and participatory musical journey with mythological narration and fifteen hand-crafted wind and string instruments.  

In Mykonos, foodies will be able to experience legendary Myconian hospitality in an exclusive home cooking class.  Guests will be hosted in a traditional homestead or Spiti, for a lively Greek cooking experience.  The class begins with a tour of the kitchen and garden and an informative session on how to cultivate one’s own vegetables year-round.  This will be followed by a masterclass on how to make a Greek spinach pie, stuffed tomatoes and peppers and the famous Greek dip, tzatziki.  Afterwards, participants will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor during a lunch complemented with locally produced wine.  For art lovers, Mykonos also offers an opportunity to learn the skill of mosaic making.  Mosaic making is said to be one of the earliest art forms still in existence today and an integral part of Greek civilization and culture.  Participants will be led by a skilled artisan in creating their own unique work of art to take home as a personal memento of their visit to the island.

 In Milos, adventure seekers can explore the coastline of the stunning volcanic island of Milos on a guided kayaking excursion.  Paddlers can get up close and personal with the rich geological wealth of Milos including its breath-taking rock formations, deep sea inlets, caves and turquoise crystal-clear Aegean waters. The journey begins at Fyriplaka heading to Gerakas beach (completely inaccessible from the land) with a stop for swimming and to explore a small sea cave.  Participants then paddle back towards the famous beach of Tsigrado for a snorkelling stop in a small complex of sea caves.  The excursion concludes by paddling back on the sit-on-top kayaks towards the famous beach of Tsigrado (the one with the rope ladder) for a snorkelling stop in a small complex of sea caves.  
Kayakers might also want to explore the “pirate coves,” rock formations and sea caves of Rhodes’ spectacular coastline.   The excursion is led by expert guides who know the best routes to the tucked away beaches, pointing out the marine life and natural “sculptures” along the way.  The excursion starts just 20 minutes from the center of Rhodes at Kathara Beach and includes a visit to the famous inlet where the popular wartime epic 1961 film “The Guns of Navarone” was filmed starring Anthony Quinn (also the star of “Zorba the Greek”), Gregory Peck and David Niven.  Participants will enjoy panoramic vistas of stunning rock formations before venturing into hidden sea caves along the coast.  There is also a chance to swim or snorkel in the clear blue Mediterranean waters.

Olive Oil Harvesting in Volos, Baklava Baking and A Special Gentleman’s Hammam Experience in Istanbul Round Out New Experiences on the “Eclectic Aegean” Itinerary

On Celestyal’s “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary, guests can explore the mountainous Pelion peninsula on Volos. From its snowy mountains to beautiful beaches, Pelion has been untouched by mass tourism and is home to some of the most fertile land and some of Greece’s best olive oil -- or “liquid gold” as the locals refer to it.  For centuries, olives and olive oil have been an essential in every Pelion home and a source of pride and joy for those who produce it.  The exclusive olive oil production and tasting experience begins with a drive along the coastal side of South Pelion.  At the village of Koropi, guests will stroll through the olive groves and learn about various olives, the production process, some secrets from the local producer and the chance to participate in the harvest and visit the olive mill and watch the extra virgin olive oil being produced followed by a special tasting. 

Among the special new excursions offered in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul is the opportunity to learn the art of baklava making from Nadir Gullu, Istanbul’s “master baklavaci.”  Turkish Baklava, also known as Fistikli Baklava or pistachio Baklava is a deliciously rich, buttery, sweet dessert made from phyllo dough, finely ground pistachios, butter, and a syrup made from sugar, water and lemon juice. The family business opened in 1820, and Nadir’s father moved the factory to Istanbul in 1949.  Guests will tour the five-story factory across the water from the Topkapi Palace and watch a demonstration of the baklava-making process by the master himself followed by the opportunity to join in and help with the production.  This will be followed by a sampling of a variety of Turkish pastries and desserts.  Next to Baklava, nothing is more Turkish than the Hammam or Turkish bath, which is a significant part of Turkish culture.   A special gentlemen’s wellness and grooming experience in Istanbul at Cemberlitas Hamami, an historic Turkish Bath originally built in 1584 for Nurbanu Sultan, the head of Istanbul’s imperial harem, combines the health benefits of the Hammam’s steam, sauna, body wash and massage with a classic Turkish haircut, shave and shoeshine.   For those wishing to express their artistic side, in Istanbul Celestyal offers a hands-on workshop in the ancient art of Ebru painting or paper marbling, which dates back to Seljuk and Ottoman times and was used to produce imperial documents.  The craft involves floating colors and creating designs on an aqueous solution and transferring the design to an absorbent material, such as paper or fabric.  This time-honored technique has received UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Cultural status.  Participants will be able to create their own piece of unique and unforgettable artwork to bring home with them.  For visitors to Kusadasi who have perhaps already been and done Ephesus or are thrill seekers looking to see another side of Turkey, Celestyal offers a buggy safari adventure.  The buggy safari will take participants on an exciting journey over natural terrain and a fascinating and varied landscape through forests, marches, creeks and back roads, spotting wildlife and enjoying spectacular views of the

Aegean along the way.

“Today’s traveler is looking for more immersive and experiential vacation options.  We have reimagined our shore excursion program with this in mind and have created a bespoke destination rich program exclusively for smaller groups. This allows us to include more interactive experiences such as art making, cooking and adventure activities, said Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer.  “As Greece is Celestyal’s hometown, and we’ve been sailing to Turkey on an ongoing basis longer than any other cruise line, we are uniquely qualified to offer such deep destination enriching experiences that allow for our guests to make memories of a lifetime.”
 
This is just a sampling of the many new shore experiences being offered.  For a complete listing of available shore excursions see the “Authentic Encounters” brochure and to book visit: https://celestyal.com/us/.
​
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    ABOUT

    Stay current with the latest news from the cruise lines.

    Picture
    Follow Gerry Barker
    ​on All Things Cruise.
    Picture

    REVIEWS

    Picture
    CELEBRITY
    APEX
    Picture
    WORLD
    NAVIGATOR

    Picture
    SCARLET LADY
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    CARNIVAL
    HORIZON
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    FEATURES

    Picture
    Picture

    MORE COVERAGE

    Picture

    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

NORTH PALM BEACH LIFE

Contact us: northpalmlife@gmail.com

Picture
© COPYRIGHT  2022  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • People
    • Eats >
      • Belle's Bar and Grill
      • Elisabetta's
      • Oliv Pit Athenian Grille
      • Cupcakes >
        • Lady Bug Cupcakes
    • News >
      • 2019 North Palm Beach Fireworks Show
      • 2018 Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
      • Brightline >
        • Brightline Dino Train
        • Polar Express 2019
        • Breezin' on Brickell
        • Brightline Day Trips: Frost Science Museum
        • A Trip on Brightline
        • Brightline Select Service
        • Brightline Tasting Train
        • Brightline Train Unveiling
        • Brightline Topping Out
        • The Polar Express Train Ride
        • Richard Branson at Brightline
      • David Drebin
      • Downton Abbey Exhibit
      • The Lubben Brothers
      • History >
        • 25th Anniversary
        • 50th Anniversary
      • North Palm Beach Country Club
    • Weather >
      • Hurricane Readiness
  • Cruise News
    • Cruise Compete
    • Atlas World Navigator >
      • Atlas World Navigator Part Two
    • Azamara Quest
    • Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line >
      • Grand Celebration Cruise
      • Grand Classica Inaugural Cruise
    • Carnival Cruise Line Stories >
      • Carnival Cuba Cruises
      • Carnival Horizon >
        • Carnival Horizon Pig and Anchor
      • Carnival Liberty
      • Carnival Mardi Gras
      • Carnival Sunrise >
        • Carnival Sunrise Cruise to Bermuda
        • The Chef's Table on Carnival Sunrise
      • Carnival Studios >
        • Carnival Studios - Behind the Scenes Tour
      • Carnival Victory
      • Carnival Vista >
        • Carnival Vista Craft Beer
    • Celebrity Apex Cruise >
      • Celebrity Apex
    • Crystal Serenity Holiday Cruise - The Beginning >
      • Crystal Serenity - Grand Turk
      • Crystal Serenity - St. Maarten
      • Crystal Serenity - Antigua Donkey Sanctuary
      • Crystal Serenity - St. Lucia
      • Crystal Serenity - Barbados
      • Crystal Serenity - Virgin Gorda
      • Crystal Serenity - Wrap Up
    • Harmony of the Seas - Preview Cruise Review >
      • Harmony of the Seas - Wonderland
      • Harmony of the Seas - The Ultimate Abyss
      • Harmony of the Seas - The Fine Line
      • Harmony of the Seas - 1887
      • Harmony of the Seas - Bionic Bar
      • Harmony of the Seas - Pre-Cruise Coverage
    • Cunard's Jackie Chase >
      • History of Cunard
    • MSC Seaside >
      • MasterChef at Sea
    • Oceania Riviera
    • Peter Knego
    • Queen Mary in Long Beach
    • River Cruising in Germany - The Ms. River Splendor >
      • River Cruise in Germany -- Mainz and Koblenz
      • River Cruising in Germany - The Romantic Rhine
      • River Cruise in Germany - Heidelberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Wurzburg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Bamberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Nuremberg
      • River Cruising in Germany - Regensburg
    • Scarlet Lady - Virgin Voyages
    • SeaTrade Cruise Global 2019
    • Symphony of the Seas - Miami Inaugural Voyage >
      • Symphony of the Seas - Ultimate Family Suite
      • Symphony of the Seas - Showtime
      • Symphony of the Seas - Perfect Day at Coco Cay
      • Symphony of the Seas - Photo Gallery
    • Triton Submarines
  • Gigi in the 561
    • Cora
    • Gigi in the 561 Interviews
  • Blogs
    • Gerry Pronounced Gary
    • My Father's Tales >
      • My Father's Tales - Photo Album
    • Ann and Marty Across America
    • Rock and Roll Rewind
    • Susan Goldfein -- Blog >
      • Susan Goldfein
    • Travel Backtrack
  • Video
  • Travel
    • Snaps >
      • Snaps - Page 2
    • Fun >
      • Events >
        • La Bella Macchina 2017
      • AtmosFX Digital Decorations
      • Calypso Cruise
      • Pumpkin Patch 2017
      • Reindeer Games
      • River Paddle Event
    • Brian Wilson: Life in the UK >
      • Life in the UK - Bath, England
      • Life in the UK - Croquet
      • Life in the UK - Music in Russia
      • Life in the UK - Sri Lanka
      • Life in the UK - Sri Lanka - Sigiriya
      • Life in the UK - US Embassy
    • Cate Takes New York
    • Empire State Road Trip
    • Flagler Museum
    • The Florida Keys >
      • Key West
      • The Hemingway House and Museum
    • Joe Cartwright - Travel Writer >
      • Beartooth Highway
      • North Cascades National Park
      • A Visit to the Philippines
      • Grand Canyon National Park
      • Glacier National Park
      • Yellowstone National Park
      • Hiking in Bear Country
      • Crater Lake National Park
      • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
      • The Kerrville Folk Festival
      • Building Hope in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Island Destinations
    • Lake Okeechobee Picnic
    • October Odyssey >
      • Cartagena, Columbia
      • Panama Canal
      • Antigua, Guatemala
      • Cabo San Lucas
      • Birds and Bees Speakeasy in Los Angeles
      • We Love LA
      • Coast Starlight
      • Napa Wine Tour
      • California Zephyr
      • California Zephyr Part Two
      • Chicago
      • Amtrak Capitol Limited
      • Washington DC
    • Pam - Traveling in Style
    • Road Trip! >
      • Road Trip! -- Tucumcari, New Mexico
      • Road Trip! -- The Painted Desert
      • Road Trip! - Sedona, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - Sedona Wineries
      • Road Trip! Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
      • Road Trip! - Mogollon Rim
      • Road Trip! - Verde Canyon Railroad
      • Road Trip! - Jerome, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - California
      • Road Trip! - Palm Springs Celebrity Tour
      • Road Trip! - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
      • Road Trip! - Festival in Palm Springs
      • Road Trip! - Willcox, Arizona and Apple Annie's Orchard
      • Road Trip! Willcox Wineries
      • Road Trip! Chiricahua National Monument
      • Road Trip! Tombstone, Arizona
      • Tombstone, Part Two
      • Road Trip! - Epilogue
    • Unknown Yellowstone >
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Heart Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Summit Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Shoshone Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Grizzly Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Riddle Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Pelican Cone
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Mt. Washburn
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Specimen Ridge
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Avalanche Peak
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Divide Creek
    • U.S. Virgin Islands >
      • Coral World - U.S. Virgin Islands
      • St. Thomas Food Tour
      • St. Thomas Tour
    • Vizcaya
  • Contact
    • American Queen Cruise
    • Cate's Big Adventure
    • Our Community Garden >
      • Community Garden Grand Opening
    • Pamela Barker - Author
    • The Story of StarText
  • Search