Athens to Istanbul Adventure

Your unforgettable cruise begins in Greece and its ancient capital, Athens. The birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, this enthralling city presents a remarkable blend of rich traditions with modern dynamism. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your incredible voyage of discovery through Greece and Turkey.

Your first port of call is Milos, a Greek island renowned for its unique natural beauty, often referred to as the ‘Island of Colours,’ due to its diverse soil shades, including yellow, orange, red, and dazzling white. This extraordinary landscape, extending to unique rock formations, appears even more dramatic, set against the backdrop of sparkling turquoise waters. Milos is also famous as the original home of the iconic marble statue, Venus of Milo, an ancient sculpture believed to represent the Goddess Aphrodite and now displayed in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

One of the most world’s photogenic islands, Santorini presents a spectacular destination, iconic for its whitewashed buildings clustered across soaring cliffs that overlook the Aegean Sea. This hugely popular Greek island is also renowned for its volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches. The picturesque main town, Fira, dramatically rests on the edge of a caldera cliff, presenting jaw-dropping vistas, while Oia, one of Santorini’s charming traditional villages, is especially worth a visit for its quaint narrow streets, trademark blue-domed churches and legendary sunsets.

A small, rocky island in the heart of the stunning Cyclades archipelago, Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece, believed to be the birthplace of the Greek God, Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis. In the afternoon, you’ll sail on to another beautiful Greek island, Mykonos. The allure of this world-famous island lies in its blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant blue doors edging the narrow, cobblestone streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town, further add to the charm; so too, the island’s historic windmills and pretty beaches.

Today, you’ll arrive in Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea revered for its religious significance. The imposing Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the island's capital, Chora, which is charming in itself, with quaint whitewashed buildings lining the narrow, cobblestone streets. Nearby, you'll find the Cave of the Apocalypse, where, according to local legend, Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. Patmos is also renowned for its delicious regional cuisine, a mix of traditional Greek dishes and freshly caught seafood.

Set on Turkey’s western Aegean coastline, Kusadasi offers a fascinating blend of history, beautiful beaches, and traditional Turkish markets. This beach resort town’s history dates back to ancient times and has witnessed many rulers, including those from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Genoese eras. Kusadasi is located near several historical ruins, including the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which today offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the ancient world's most important cities.

Continuing along Turkey’s stunning coastline, you’ll arrive in Kepez, a popular seaside town steeped in history, with ancient sites such as the Old Town and Hadrian's Gate, and and famed for its authentic Turkish culture and culinary traditions. In addition, Kepez offers numerous outdoor pursuits, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, or simply relaxing on the enticing beaches.

As the sun begins its descent, your luxury yacht will set sail through the historic Dardanelles Strait, a narrow passage linking the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Take in the mesmerising views of rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, and rolling hills bathed in golden evening light.

Today, your grand adventure concludes in Istanbul, a timeless Turkish city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where diverse cultures, rich history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. From the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight 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 operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.