Discover the Eastern Mediterranean

Your Mediterranean yacht cruise begins in the historic city of Dubrovnik. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture—its red terracotta rooftops and pale stone walls creating a striking contrast against the turquoise waters below. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a voyage of intriguing cities and extraordinary coastlines. (D)

Enveloped by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is a place of ancient stories and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting is brimming with Venetian palaces, 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)

Sarandë is a popular coastal town on a crescent-shaped bay in Albania. The once sleepy fishing village has a bustling seaside promenade, pebbled beaches and ancient ruins. From Sarandë, you’ll journey across the straight to Corfu — a large island with sandy coves and hills studded with olive, cypress and citrus trees. (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. (B/L/D)

Parga, on mainland Greece, has a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the sunshine on one of the many beaches, explore traditional Greek villages, and marvel at the 11th-century Castle, which offers an incredible bird’s eye view of the resort town and coastline. (B/L/D)

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece’, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here reachable by car. One of the most fascinating places in Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating to the 14th century and built to protect Lefkada from invasions. (B/L/D)

Sail to the small port of Itea, then start the journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. Next, it’s time to pass 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. (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy time at leisure exploring Athens, the ancient capital of Greece. The historic birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, this enthralling city offers a remarkable array of architectural wonders and storied Greek heritage, such as the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon. 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, ready for further explorations of wondrous Greece and Turkey. (B/L/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)

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the dynamic Greek capital, Athens. Farewell your crew and fellow travellers, taking with you a lifetime of memories. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or continuation of your journey.

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