Discover the Eastern Mediterranean

This remarkable voyage in Greece and Turkey begins in Athens, where you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht. This enthralling Greek city is one of the world's oldest, renowned for its ancient ruins and iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, rich culture and dynamic atmosphere. (D)

A small rocky island at the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vast array of well-preserved ruins, extending to temples, dwellings, marketplaces and theatres. Delos is also believed to be the birthplace of the Greek God Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis.

In the afternoon, you'll cruise to Mykonos, an island known for its white-sand coastline lapped by cyan water and buzzy beach clubs. The main town is a labyrinth of narrow stone-paved streets lined with whitewashed buildings, and filled with shops, cafés and restaurants. The island's iconic windmills were constructed in the 16th century by the Venetians. Sixteen of these windmills still exist today, including seven that are perched on a hill just south of Mykonos Town. Away from the beaches, the island's countryside is dotted with small villages, farms and chapels. (B/L/D)

Often referred to as the ‘Island of the Apocalypse', Patmos is said to be where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation and is considered an important pilgrimage site in Europe. Its historic centre Chora was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It is an enchanting town comprising whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas, shops and some 40 chapels. The island has a wild and rugged volcanic landscape that rolls down to deserted pebbled beaches and the sparkling Aegean Sea. Spend time soaking up the beauty, the spirituality and cultural significance of this island. (B/L/D)

Along Turkey's western Aegean coast, Kusadasi was once a small fishing town but is now a buzzy cruise port and beach resort filled with traditional Turkish markets and a thriving night scene. Kusadasi is also the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site and one of the ancient world's most important cities. Excavations have revealed ruins of Hellenistic and Roman settlements and grand monuments, including the remains of the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (B/L/D)

The Dodecanese Island of Kos is home to millennia-old ancient ruins, including the famous Asklepion, a traditional healing centre dedicated to the Greek God of medicine, Asklepios, and the Castle of the Knights, a medieval fortress that has stunning views of the surrounding area. It's also the birthplace of Hippocrates, one of the most well-known physicians of ancient Greece. The main town is a mishmash of architectural styles, and you'll find whitewashed dwellings side by side with Muslim mosques, 1930s Italian-style buildings and the medieval Neratzia Castle. Aside from its staggering history, the island is also blessed with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. (B/L/D)

Known for its spectacular views, gleaming whitewashed architecture and legendary sunsets, Santorini is a beloved Greek island. The island's villages are dramatically built into the cliffs of a caldera, a thousand-year-old volcanic crater that is beneath the ocean, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Its main towns Fira and Oia are instantly recognisable for their whitewashed buildings that have been built into the caldera like caves and blue-domed churches, many of which are adorned with hot-pink bougainvillea and prickly pear. Get lost in the winding alleyways, which are home to tavernas, small bars and boutique stores, with many vantage points of the caldera and beyond. (B/L/D)

Paros is another paradisiacal Greek island that has allured since the sixth century BC for its high-quality marble, Parian marble, used for the construction of many temples and public buildings. It's home to ancient ruins, Venetian castles and traditional Greek architecture and draws in visitors to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear azure waters and charming local villages. The main town, Parikia, is nestled on a hill overlooking the port. Its cobbled lanes are bustling with activity, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants serving delicious local Greek cuisine. It also has an historic Frankish castle built in the 1200s. The island's other town, Naoussa, is a picturesque harbour where wooden boats sway and waterside restaurants grill freshly caught seafood. (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy time at leisure exploring Athens, the ancient capital of Greece. The historic birthplace of democracy and western civilization, this enthralling city offers a remarkable array of architectural wonders and storied Greek heritage, such as the iconic Acropolis. You'll also find yourself charmed by Athen's modern dynamism and vibrant Greek lifestyle. In the afternoon, you'll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey, memorable for its explorations of the stunning Adriatic coastlines. (B/L/D)

Today it's time to sail through the 19th-century Corinth Canal. A feat of engineering, this narrow waterway was cut from solid rock and is more than six kilometres long with walls that reach up to 90 metres high. It crosses the isthmus of Corinth in Greece into the Ionian Sea. Sail to the small port of Itea, then embark on a journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. This well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled within the mountainside was a sacred space where pilgrims could hear prophecies directly from the Gods. (B/L/D)

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece' for its lush landscape and crystal-clear waters, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here accessible by car. One of the most fascinating places in Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, which dates to the 14th century and was built to protect the island from invasions. The island's modern marina has a thriving drinking and dining scene, while the town centre has many churches and museums. (B/L/D)

Located on mainland Greece on the north-west coast, Parga is built like an amphitheatre around a tranquil bay, its buildings vibrant in pastel colours and its waterfront home to a host of tavernas and bars. The 11th century Parga Castle was built by the Venetians on a hilltop and boasts a view over the resort town and Ionian Sea. The coastline has a string of postcard-worthy beaches, while the Ionian islands are a short boat excursion away. (B/L/D)

One of Greece's most beloved and beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, Corfu harbours a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town dates to the 8th century and is a labyrinthine of alleyways and home to the largest square in Greece, the impressive Spianada, a leafy green space with gardens and historical monuments. The island is home to authentic Greek villages, as well as beaches lapped by aquamarine waters. Your luxury yacht will spend the evening in Corfu, giving you the opportunity to wander the atmospheric Old Town after dark. (B/L/D)

Your yacht will leave Corfu early this morning and cruise towards Sarandë, a coastal town perched on a crescent-shaped bay in southern Albania. The once sleepy fishing village comprises a bustling seaside promenade, pebbled beaches and ancient ruins, including a 5th century synagogue adorned with intricate mosaics and historical artefacts. (B/L/D)

Encircled by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is an enthralling place of ancient history and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a blend of Venetian palaces, a 12th-century cathedral, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. Climb the 1350 steps up to St John's Fortress, where you'll have spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor. (B/L/D)

Your time aboard comes to an end in the dazzling city of Dubrovnik, along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast. Coined the Pearl of the Adriatic, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is renowned for its breathtaking architecture: its red terracotta tiled roofs and whiteish walls striking against the turquoise waters that laps below. From your luxury yacht, you'll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. (B)