Celestyal Cruises has introduced “Authentic Encounters”, a new, small-group shore experience programme.
The new intimate, immersive and hands-on shore excursions allow guests to “go deeper into a destination” while exploring food and wine; art and archaeology; and culture and active adventure.
Excursions are offered in Greece and Turkey and range in size from two to 20 participants with prices starting from £61 per guest.
On Celestyal’s popular “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary, the new “Authentic Encounters” programme includes added options such as a wine tour of the Epanomi Hills region.
Guests can also visit Ktima Gerovassiliou, one of the most reputable wine companies in Greece where they have been making wine for more than 40 years.
Also available is a hands-on pottery-making experience in Rhodes where pottery played a significant role in early Greek history and culture.
In Santorini, new guided hiking tours take participants along a natural trail beginning at Imerovigli and the islands of Nea, Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia.
In Megalochori, music lovers can visit the remarkably preserved village of Cycladic and neoclassical architecture and the Symposium Music and Mythology Cultural Center.
In Mykonos, foodies can 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.
In Milos, adventure seekers can explore the coastline on a guided kayaking excursion and view rock formations, deep-sea inlets, caves and turquoise crystal-clear Aegean waters.
Other experiences include olive oil harvesting in Volos, and in Istanbul, baklava baking, a special gentleman’s Hammam Experience, as well as a hands-on workshop in the ancient art of Ebru painting or paper marbling.
Leslie Peden, Chief Commercial Officer said: “Today’s traveller is looking for more immersive and experiential holiday options.
“We have reimagined our shore excursion programme with this in mind and have created a bespoke destination-rich programme exclusively for smaller groups.
“This allows us to include more interactive experiences such as art, cooking and adventure activities.
“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.”
For a complete listing of available shore excursions see the “Authentic Encounters” brochure and to book visit https://celestyal.com/gb/.
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