Discover the Greek Islands, Turkey & the Black Sea

Your Black Sea cruise starts in the historic city of Istanbul, where you’ll board your luxury superyacht. DiscoverMORE Topkapi Palace and cistern (extra expense, must be pre-booked)*Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 03:00 PM. (D)

Located on the edge of the Black Sea in Turkey, Bartin is the prefecture of the eponymous province. The calm city of timbered houses has an history that dates back to 1200 BC. Included Excursion Discover Bartin and Amasra (B/L/D)

Sinop is one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the Black Sea coast. The 13th century Alaeddin Mosque, the Alaiye Medresse, the Balatlar Church as well as the old prison converted into a museum are of interest in the city. Included Excursion Historical Sinop prison and city tour (B/L/D)

Founded by Greek traders and once an important stop on the Silk Road became a melting pot of religions, languages and culture for centuries and a trade gateway to Persia in the southeast and the Caucasus to the northeast. Included Excursion City tour of Trabzon DiscoverMORE Sumela mountain monastery (extra expense) (B/L/D)

The city’s name comes from the location of its first settlement, on the left bank of the Bat River. Batumi is an attractive city and popular resort. DiscoverMORE Adjara traditions, cuisine and wine (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Highlights of Batumi and visit to the Botanic Gardens (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Petra Fortress and home visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Sochi is famous for a wide-ranging variety of attractions, both natural and historical-cultural: mountain canyons and underground caves, relict forests and nature reserves, waterfalls and lakes, cottages of famous people and museums - the list is endless. DiscoverMORE Sochi panorama and Stalin’s Dacha (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Hiking in the Western Caucasus (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Russian Tea ceremony (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Day at sea. (B/L/D)

In contrast to other cities in the former Soviet Union, the "Pearl of the Black Sea" features a warm Mediterranean climate and cafe society feel. It is the third most populous city of Ukraine and a major tourism centre, seaport and transport hub located on the north western shore of the Black Sea. EmeraldPLUS Palaces of Odessa with private recital DiscoverMORE Secrets of the underground Odessa (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Cognac Workshop (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Due to her strategic position on the Black Sea, Sulina port was one of the most important ports on Danube. The waters of the Danube, which flow into the Black Sea, form the largest and best preserved of Europe's deltas. Included Excursion Danube delta safari (B/L/D)

Bulgaria’s third city and maritime capital, Varna is the most interesting and cosmopolitan town on the Black Sea coast. A crossroads between the Middle East and Western Europe, its wealth is also due to the fact that it has been a well-known summer tourist destination since ancient times. Included Excursion A guided tour of Varna DiscoverMORE Visit the botanical gardens and Palace of Romanian Queen in Balchik (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Originally a Thracian settlement, it became a Greek colony at the beginning of the 6th century BC. But the peninsular town possesses more than the remains of an assortment of iconic and historic eras. DiscoverMORE Art and history tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Turkey’s economic, cultural and historic centre, Istanbul connects Europe and Asia, something evident from the wonderful east-meets-west vibe. Learn about its cultural heritage from architectural masterpieces and enjoy strong culinary diversity. Included Excursion Istanbul city tour EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Istanbul DiscoverMORE Turkish Baths (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the Marmara region of north-western Turkey, the Çanakkale Province is a destination of all-round intrigue. From the historic battlefields of Troy and Gallipoli, to the serenity of beautiful beaches, unique local food and wineries. Included Excursion Guided tour of ANZAC cove and Gallipoli peninsula EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Canakkale (B/L/D)

Named after Apollo’s grandson, this cosmopolitan Greek island in the heart of the Cyclades is built on myth and legend. Clear blue skies, renowned beaches and whitewashed windmills make it the perfect port stop. Included Excursion Walking tour of Mykonos (B/L/D)

The Greek capital, Athens was the heart of Ancient Greece, the remnants of which have been beautifully preserved, namely the Acropolis. DiscoverMORE Athens city tour with visit to the Acropolis (extra expense, must be pre-booked) (B/L/D)

In the north of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, the Aegean island of Patmos is known for being sacred as the place where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. A wonderful stop for those inspired by nature, architecture, history or, simply, sun-worshippers. Included Excursion Walking tour of the old town EmeraldACTIVE Hike to the Monastery of St. John and cave of the apocalypse DiscoverMORE Photo safari in Patmos (extra expense, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE A glimpse of monastic life (extra expense, must be pre-booked) (B/L/D)

This beach resort town on Turkey’s west coast dates back to 3000 BC and is now a busy cruise port, with a renowned nightlife. Home to a small, Byzantine castle, the Grand Bazaar sells the wares of numerous merchants and much in the way of monuments to the past. Included Excursion Guided tour of Ephesus EmeraldACTIVE Sightseeing bike tour of Kusadasi and surrounding areas DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Sirince village (extra expense, must be pre-booked) (B/L/D)

Reaching from Turkey’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, the stunning twin bays of Bodrum are home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, built between 350 and 353 BC for Mausolus. While being historic, the city is a playground for Turkish and foreign visitors alike, with two contrasting sides, east and west. DiscoverMORE Discover one of the ancient wonders of the world: Tomb of Mausolus (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Guided Scuba diving experience (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Farmers market visit followed by cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies (extra expense) (B/L/D)

The capital of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes seemingly has it all. Lush green valleys, golden beaches and archaeological sites. Known as the Island of the Knights, the medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Lindos (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Panoramic Rhodes (extra expense) (B/L/D)

The furthest eastern island of the Cyclades group, Amorgos is a secret, untouched hideaway where unique natural landscapes are dotted with Cycladic architecture; beautiful beaches welcome relaxation and hiking trails awaken the adventurer in you. Included Excursion Guided city tour of the old town EmeraldPLUS Folklore Show and local delicacies DiscoverMORE Highlights of Amorgos (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Kayaking tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Named after Apollo’s grandson, this cosmopolitan Greek island in the heart of the Cyclades is built on myth and legend. Clear blue skies, renowned beaches and whitewashed windmills make it the perfect port stop. DiscoverMORE Discover the ancient and modern art of mosaic making (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Ancient Delos (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Guided walking tour of Mykonos town with wine tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today you’ll disembark and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. DiscoverMORE Athens city tour with visit to the Acropolis (extra expense)*Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 11:00 AM.

*This DiscoverMORE should be pre-booked and is only available in conjunction with pre or post cruise accommodation. For guests not staying at our preferred hotel, own arrangements will need to be made to reach the meeting point of the DiscoverMORE. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)