Discover Ancient Ports & Aegean Gems: Croatia to Greece

Your Mediterranean yacht cruise begins in the historic city of Dubrovnik. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, this World Heritage-listed city is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture – 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 luxury yacht to embark on a voyage through intriguing cities and extraordinary coastlines.

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 World Heritage-listed setting is brimming with Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. Climb the 1,350 steps up to St John's Fortress, where you'll have spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor.

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, including the ruins of an ancient synagogue thought to date from the fifth or sixth century, adorned with intricate mosaics and historical artefacts. From Sarandë, you'll journey across the strait to Corfu, a large island with sandy coves and hills studded with olive, cypress and citrus trees.

One of Greece's most beloved and beautiful islands, Corfu is in the Ionian Sea and has a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town has roots dating back to the 8th century BC and features architecture shaped by later Venetian and European influences. It is a labyrinthine maze of alleyways, home to the largest square in Greece, the impressive Spianada, a leafy green space with gardens and historical monuments. The island is also dotted with authentic Greek villages and beaches lapped by aquamarine waters.

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 of Parga, which offers an incredible bird's-eye view of the resort town and coastline.

Known as the 'Caribbean of Greece', Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few Greek islands accessible directly by road. One of the most fascinating places in Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating to the 14th century and 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.

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. After your visit, it's time to pass through the 19th-century Corinth Canal. A feat of engineering, this narrow waterway was cut through solid rock and is more than six kilometres long, with walls that rise to about 79 metres (260 feet) at their highest point. It crosses the isthmus of Corinth in Greece, linking the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and shortening the sea route between the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Welcome to the bustling capital of Greece, Athens. This cosmopolitan city was at the heart of Ancient Greece and was named after the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena. In the afternoon, you'll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht, ready to embark on the second half of your journey.

Welcome to Mykonos, where Cycladic charm meets cosmopolitan flair. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and chapels. Discover chic boutiques, waterfront tavernas and the island's iconic windmills overlooking the Aegean. From here, you'll visit the sacred island of Delos, a World Heritage Site and one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. As evening falls, Mykonos reveals its vibrant energy, offering the ideal blend of tradition and modern sophistication.

Today, discover Skiathos, a sparkling gem in the Aegean, where pristine beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and lush landscapesawait. Along with the vibrant local charm and bustling streets, this Greek island paradise offers the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Greece's lush green paradise, the island of Skopelos, is home to unspoilt landscapes carpeted with pine forests, crystalline watersand pretty coves, making it a great escape for nature lovers. Skopelos was also the filming location for the film ‘Mamma Mia', and you can discover the movie's magic on the island's idyllic beaches and quaint towns.

The spectacular Aegean Island of Chios is, known for its distinctive dark-shaded volcanic beaches. History buffs will appreciate the rare murals and intricate wooden carvings at the Chios Byzantine Museum, set within a historic Ottoman Mosque. As the day winds down, inviting tavernas serving up freshly caught fish provide the ideal spot to relax and savour the moment.

Along Turkey's western Aegean coast, Kusadasi offers a fascinating blend of history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. This popular beach resort town's history dates to ancient times and has witnessed many rulers, including those from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Genoese eras. Kusadasi is also the gateway to the 8,000-year-old city of Ephesus, a World Heritage Site, which offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the ancient world's most important cities.

In the afternoon, depart from Kusadasi and set a southerly course through the Mycale Strait, a narrow and picturesque waterway that gracefully threads between the Turkish coast and the island of Samos. As you cruise along this storied passage, take in the tranquil seascapes and sweeping views of both shores bathed in golden afternoon light. By evening, arrive in Samos Island, where your yacht will remain overnight.

Wake to the gentle charm of Samos, a lush island steeped in myth and history. From the lively harbour of Pythagoreio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore where ancient ingenuity and sacred tradition meet. Visit the Heraion of Samos, the grand sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, and marvel at the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a remarkable feat of 6th-century BC engineering that once channelled the island's freshwater supply. Wander along the promenade where colourful fishing boats line the waterfront and cafés spill onto sunlit terraces. As evening draws near, relax on deck, savouring tranquil views of the Aegean before your yacht sets sail for nearby Patmos where you will remain overnight.

Patmos is a serene island of profound spiritual significance. Dominating the skyline is the World Heritage-listed Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, an imposing fortress-like structure that has stood for centuries. Nearby lies the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is believed to have received the visions described in the Book of Revelation. Beyond its religious heritage, Patmos charms with its peaceful atmosphere, traditional villages, and pristine coves. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine featuring freshly caught seafood, local cheeses and sun-ripened produce.

The paradise island of Paros rose to power and prosperity in 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 a 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.

Life slows down on Hydra. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic charm, there are no cars or motor vehicles allowed on the island, making it a peaceful and low-key getaway from the usual hustle and bustle of urban life. It's ideal for walking, hiking or getting around by donkey, admiring the stone mansions, pebbly beaches and clear turquoise waters. The island's main centre, also named Hydra, presents a charming and bustling port town, brimming with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional, whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea-covered balconies.

Your Aegean adventure concludes in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation. Farewell your crew and fellow travelers, 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.