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Scenic view of a Adriatic coastal town with orange-roofed buildings and a cable car gliding above, surrounded by fortified walls and overlooking a sparkling sea, an unforgettable sight on a Adriatic cruise adventure.

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Authentic Encounters by Celestyal

Get to know the REALLY real side of the ports you visit through experiences designed for travelers like you – the ones seeking out the most authentic, immersive experiences in small, focused groups. The places the locals go to dine. Tiny coves that serve as pirate hideaways and artistic inspiration. Stories that weave the fabric of nations. It’s all right here.

celestyal:excursion/category/authentic-experience
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Two people walking along a stone pathway beside a historic building, dressed in summer attire and heading toward a scenic archway, capturing the charm of a cultural cruise excursion.

Small Group Excursions

Celestyal's Authentic Excursions take you off the tourist trail and into the heart of local cultures and environments in small groups of kindred spirit travelers. Experience the true essence of our ports, and jump into an experience that you'll remember for a lifetime.

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Plate of golden-brown flaky pastry slices with spinach filling, accompanied by black olives, white wine, and walnuts, perfect for a flavorful cruise dining experience.

Foodie Fans

Some say that tasting your way around a nation is one of the best ways to truly understand its culture and customs – at Celestyal, we agree! Get to know your ports of call through authentic and immersive experiences, like a home-cooked meal prepared in a local resident’s kitchen or a stroll through a lively market brimming with street food snacks. Taste wines from historic vineyards paired to perfection with delicious farm-to-table bites on a tour you won’t soon forget. No matter where your taste buds tempt you to journey, Celestyal offers a food excursion to suit your appetite.

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Stone wall niche featuring a statue of a religious figure framed by columns and an ornate arch, an inspiring cultural landmark often seen on cruise excursions.

Culture Connoisseur

Cultural immersion and authentic excursions are what matters to you most. You want the real deal experience everywhere you go, not just the “tourist spots” and popular photo ops. Celestyal’s Authentic Excursions take you into the heart and soul of all our ports, inviting you to move to the rhythm of traditional music, practice ancient crafts under the guidance of a skilled artisan, or experience a local festival just like the locals do.

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Person sandboarding down a sunlit dune with arms extended for balance, surrounded by golden sand and sparse vegetation, an adventurous highlight of a cruise excursion.

Action & Adventure

Are you a thrill seeker, risk taker, or looking to add a little excitement? Adventures cruises on through every destination with Action & Adventure excursion offerings. Snorkel through the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, and sneak a peek at treasured wildlife. Trek to the highest point of Oia, to take in picture-perfect views, or kayak through the sparkling coves of Milos. Wherever you wish to venture, Celestyal is ready to take you there.

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Ruins of an ancient structure with partially intact columns and detailed carvings, set against a grassy hill and clear blue sky, an evocative stop on a cultural cruise journey.

Ancient Wonder

Immersion in the ancient wonders of our destinations showcases, all at once, the history, culture, and geography of the regions you visit. Alongside trained archeologists with a passion for and expertise in the region, you will literally dig deep, witnessing excavation sites in process and learning how these communities lived. Plus, custom-tailored exploration of ancient civilizations will offer insight only available from the best-trained professionals in the field. See the world through a centuries-old lens.

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