Mediterranean Cruise - July 3-12, 2025

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Overview

Mediterranean Cruise - July 3-12, 2025
Athens, Greece
Jul 3 - 12, 2025
Group size: 5 - 10
Bookbag Tours image
Bookbag Tours
$3,210
Deposit: $300

About this trip

Join us for a stress-free travel experience! Our trip leaders will be with you every step of the way, from meeting you at the airport on arrival day to ensuring a safe transfer on departure day, and everything in between. We’ve got you covered!


*Reserve your spot with a nonrefundable deposit today!


Join us on The Celebrity Infinity cruise ship!  With history spanning thousands of years, glamorous ports, and dazzling scenery, a Mediterranean cruise is the perfect vacation—and there’s no better way to experience cruises to the Mediterranean than with Celebrity. Bask on the beach in Mykonos one day and watch a fiery sunset over Santorini the next. Sip a cappuccino in glorious Taormina while gazing at snow-capped Mount Etna in the distance, or dig into tapas in a sunlit square in Barcelona. Let us show you Europe’s most beautiful places in style on a cruise to the Mediterranean. We will sail to 6 ports while on the ship and engage in amazing and authentic professional development on and off the ship. 

Ship Video  Note** Itinerary Subject to Change**

 

Professional Development: The focus of the Cruise is Wellness and Rejuvenation!  Learning about a new culture and making connections with educators provides an authentic learning experience for you to reflect on and bring back to your classroom. Optional professional development groups will meet daily on the ship. You will be given a professional development certificate for 20 hours of professional development. 


*****PLEASE READ CAREFULLY*****

Once you register, we will call you to discuss your next steps.  Please return our call if we do not talk to you.  Thanks


Questions?  Please visit our Bookbag Tours FAQ page.


Trip Leaders: Teri Stanford, Alex Just


What's included

Welcome Reception

Welcome Reception in Athens

Airport Transfers

Airport Transfers (on package arrival/departure date ONLY) in Athens and Pireaus

PD Certificate

A certificate for 20 hours of professional development will be given to each participant

Hotel Accommodations

4 Star Hotel Stay with Breakfast, 2 Nigh in Athens before cruise

9 Nights/6 Ports Cruise

Athens (Piraeus), Greece, Santorini, Greece, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Mykonos, Greece, Volos, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece, Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Most meals

Breakfast at the hotel in Athens. All Meals on board the ship.

Open Bar

Free unlimited open bar on the ship, for drinks up to $10, bottled Water and mini fridge drinks NOT included (Can be upgraded for a cost)

WiFi

Free Wifi on the ship. No streaming (can be upgraded for a cost)

Group Sightseeing

Group Activity in Athens- Expert Guided Tour Of The Acropolis. Pass for surrounding attractions

Transportation

Transportation for group sightseeing and to cruise ship from hotel in Athens

The BBT Team

Your amazing Trip Leaders, your Professional Development facilitators, our Trip Managers, and our On-Site and Off-Site Team members!

What's not included

Flight

Not Included, but can be bundled with cruise line (ask us for this option if you'd like)

Optional Excursions

You will have a list of optional excursions for an additional fee, available at a later date.

Gratuities

No Tips are included for guides or Ship Staff

Water or Mini Fridge

Bottled water on the cruise or Mini Fridge Items

Travel Insurance

Strongly Suggested

Day 1 - July 3

Day 1 - July 3 image

Arrive Athens

Check in day and visit Athens

Today we will check into the hotel in Athens.   As you arrive, you will receive a brief orientation and then set free to explore Athens.


Welcome Reception at  TBD based on Flights


Overnight in Athens at The Stanley Hotel (or similar)

 

Arriving early? Let us help you plan your early adventure! Fill in this form on our website OR choose your own activity.

Day 2 - July 4

Day 2 - July 4 image

Acropolis & Surroundings

Morning/ Early Afternoon

In the morning you will have the option to explore Athens on your own or sign up for a optional food tour. 


Late Afternoon

Group Activity:

In the afternoon (about 5pm), we will travel together to meet our local Greek guide at the base of the Acropolis. 

Acropolis site

Embark on a journey through ancient Greece with a visit to the iconic Acropolis of Athens. With our expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich history, myths, and architectural marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parthenon: Marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Learn about its construction, historical significance, and the intricate details that have withstood the test of time.

 Erechtheion & Caryatids: Discover the unique Erechtheion temple, famous for its Caryatids—statues of maiden figures that support the structure. Our guide will share the stories behind these fascinating sculptures and the temple’s sacred history.

Propylaea & Temple of Athena Nike: Walk through the grand entrance, the Propylaea, and visit the Temple of Athena Nike, a symbol of victory and peace. Your guide will provide insights into their architectural significance and role in ancient ceremonies.

Panoramic Views of Athens: Take in breathtaking views of modern Athens from the Acropolis. Our guide will point out key landmarks and share stories of how the ancient city evolved into the vibrant metropolis it is today.


Optional Side Trip (Afternoon) Sign up on We Travel Add-ons

Athens Private Food Tour  - TBD Appease your appetite for traditional Greek food during this half-day small-group culinary tour in Athens. Follow your guide to 10 carefully curated specialty food shops, located off the beaten path in residential neighborhoods, to taste Athenian delicacies such as honey, spices, sweets, cured meat, cheese, and olive oil. Finish your tour with a taste of the much-celebrated Greek souvlaki. 

  • Stroll through off-the-beaten-path residential areas with your guide
  • Visit local bakeries, restaurants, specialty shops, and an open-air market
  • Taste traditional foods and ingredients such as souvlaki, honey, olive oil, and Greek coffee




OR 

Choose your own adventure for the morning, using the link below (must be back at the hotel by 4pm)

https://www.viator.com/Athens/d496-ttd?pid=P00008694&uid=U00009140&mcid=58086



Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight in Athens at the Stanley Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - July 5

Day 3 - July 5 image

Athens and Board Ship

Free Morning 


Noon- we will leave the hotel together in a bus and head for the port to board the cruise ship!

Time to board the Celebrity Infinity - (Watch Video here) 

Food is usually available in one of the dinning areas when you arrive


Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner on ship

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship


Day 4 -July 6

Day 4 -July 6 image

Santorini

Tendered: 7AM - 10PM


Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.


Optional Shore Excursion:  BBT Private Catamaran:


Indulge in the freedom of being on a private cruise. Sailing on a luxury catamaran is the best way to explore this beautiful island away from the noisy crowds. During this 6-hour cruise, you will be astonished by the unique and variable island landscape, ranging from colorful beaches to wild volcano reefs. Try swimming and snorkeling, and taste the most authentic Greek delicacies paired with fine local wine, watching the island’s famous sunset from front-row seats!


Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Day 5 - July 7

Day 5 - July 7 image

Ephesus

Docked: 9AM - 9PM

Explore Turkey!


Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.


Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Day 6 -July 8

Day 6 -July 8 image

Mykonos

Tendered 7AM-7PM

Explore Mykonos!


Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.


Book Excursion through Celebrity Cruises or through the link below: 

Click here to book your excursion in Mykonos


Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Day 7 - July 9

Day 7 - July 9 image

Volos

Docked 8AM - 7PM

Explore Volos!


Volos, Greece's newest port city, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion and the innermost point of the Pagasetic Gulf. As an important industrial center and bridge between Europe and Asia, this lively seafront destination offers you many things to discover—local cultural activities, museums, cafes, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife area. You will also enjoy its unique architecture, nearby lush mountain ranges, and golden beaches.  


A must-experience local favorite? A long lunch at a "tsipourodika," a type of cozy fish tavern. Here, you can enjoy "tsipouro," the famous local grape-distilled spirit, and small plates of fresh seafood snacks. Other highlighted attractions include walking the Centaur’s Path—from which the mythical story of the Centaur was born—the Pelion Railway, the seafront Anavros Park, the Castle of Volos, Dimini Archaeological Site, and the Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos.

 

Book Excursion through Celebrity Cruises 


Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Day 8 - July 10

Day 8 - July 10 image

Thessaloniki

Docked 8AM - 6PM

Explore Thessaloniki!


The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has so much going for it—beauty, history, culture, and absolutely amazing views of the sea. One of its most famous sites is the iconic White Tower which dates from the 1500s and was built as part of the city’s fortification. Head to the top of it for sweeping views of the city, shimmering gulf, and surrounding hills. Practically an open-air museum of Byzantine art, Thessaloniki offers many opportunities to stroll among 5th century churches, archeological sites, a 13th century bathhouse, archaeological museums, and contemporary art museums.

 

Book Excursion through Celebrity Cruises 


Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship


Day 9 - July 11

Day 9 - July 11 image

At Sea

Relax by the pool, take in a show or enjoy one of many scheduled cruise ship activities! 


While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. 
 

Meals Included: All

Overnight on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Day 10- July 12

Day 10- July 12 image

Time to say goodbye! Or not!

Disembark around 8 in Athens, Greece. 

Say goodbye and head to the airport or continue your journey on your own!


Meals Included: Breakfast


Extending your stay? 

Let us help you plan your next adventure. Fill in this form on the website OR choose your own activity.

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1. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece

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At Bookbag Tours, we empower educators through immersive professional development journeys, fostering growth, inspiration, and lifelong learning.

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