Celestyal has introduced its shore excursion programme for its upcoming winter deployments in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, with 190 experiences now available for booking.
The programme includes 118 excursions for Celestyal Discovery’s new Western Mediterranean itineraries in winter 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, alongside 72 experiences for Celestyal Journey’s Eastern Mediterranean programme in winter 2027–2028. The options range from half-day and full-day tours to 2-day experiences, with 27 new “Authentic Encounters” designed around smaller groups and closer interaction with local communities and attractions.
Celestyal has also introduced a new “Community Connections” category, focusing on experiences involving local residents, producers and businesses rather than conventional sightseeing. The programme is intended to provide passengers with greater exposure to local traditions and economic activity in the destinations visited.
Among the new excursions is the full-day “Mamas and Tapas” experience from Malaga, which takes passengers into rural Andalucía to visit an olive oil mill before continuing to the mountain village of Alfarnate for a traditional 5-course lunch hosted by local residents. Prices start at US$128 per person.
From Cádiz, the half-day “Artisan Cheese Tour & Workshop” visits the town of El Bosque, where passengers meet local cheesemakers, participate in a workshop and sample cheeses produced from milk supplied by farms in the Sierra de Grazalema. Prices start at US$118 per person.
Another new option is the half-day “Community Connections” excursion to a family-run citrus plantation in Carcaixent, departing from Valencia. The orchard dates back to 1870 and the experience covers traditional orange cultivation, followed by tastings of fresh juice, artisan jams, orange-blossom honey and regional citrus liqueurs. Prices start at US$93 per person.
Additional experiences include a hands-on tagine cooking class in Tangier, a private flamenco and tapas programme in Cádiz, workshops related to Valencia’s Fallas festival, a gastronomic tour of Palma’s Mercat de l’Olivar, a Taste of Istanbul experience and a journey on the historic mountain railway from Volos.
John Diorio, Managing Director and Vice President for Celestyal North America, said the company’s approach to Mediterranean excursions was focused on interaction with local communities and an understanding of regional traditions rather than simply visiting major tourist attractions. He also noted that winter sailings provide an opportunity to explore Mediterranean destinations at a slower pace, while the new excursion categories are intended to increase passenger engagement with local communities and businesses.
To coincide with the launch, Celestyal is offering a 15% discount on excursions booked for Celestyal Discovery’s new Western Mediterranean itineraries for winter 2026–2027, provided reservations are made by September 30th, 2026.
The excursion programme forms part of Celestyal’s “Uncrowded, Unforgettable, Authentically Med” campaign, which runs through November 2nd, 2026. Seven-night winter Mediterranean cruises under the promotion start at US$549 per person and include meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.