Istanbul to Athens Adventure: 8 days Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)

Your memorable cruise begins in Turkey and the city of Istanbul, a timeless place where East meets West in a stunning fusion of continents and cultures. From the domes of Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, this city brims with history and vitality. Explore its storied skyline before boarding your Emerald luxury yacht to begin your spectacular voyage through Turkey and Greece. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 05:00 PM.

Begin your day with a graceful sail through the legendary Dardanelles Strait, a narrow passage linking the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, where history and natural beauty converge between Europe and Asia. Admire stunning views of rugged shorelines and tranquil villages along this storied waterway. 

After lunch, arrive in Kepez, the port for Çanakkale, the historic gateway to the fabled city of Troy. Explore the moving World War I memorials at Gallipoli or visit Troy’s archaeological ruins. Alternatively, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of Kepez’s seaside cafés and nearby natural landscapes. 

Set along Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Kusadasi is a lively Turkish coastal town rich in history and culture. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilisations for thousands of years. From here, you may explore the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Wander along marble streets lined with grand columns, temples, and the magnificent Library of Celsus. Back in Kusadasi, vibrant bazaars and seaside promenades offer a colourful taste of Turkish hospitality. 

Arrive in serene Patmos, revered for its religious significance. The World Heritage-listed Monastery of Saint John the Theologian crowns the island’s capital, Chora, a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone lanes and whitewashed houses. Nearby lies the 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. 

This morning, step ashore on Delos, one of Greece’s most significant mythological and archaeological treasures. According to legend, this sacred island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Wander among remarkably preserved ruins, grand mosaics and ancient temples that paint a vivid picture of classical civilisation. 

Later, sail to glamorous 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. As evening falls, Mykonos reveals its vibrant energy, offering the ideal blend of tradition and modern sophistication. 

One of the world’s most photogenic islands, Santorini enchants with its whitewashed buildings cascading down dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean. Arriving by sea at Santorini offers a breathtaking first impression. Visit the main town of Fira for breathtaking caldera views or charming Oia, where blue-domed churches and cascading bougainvillea create postcard-worthy scenes in narrow lanes. Relax on distinctive volcanic-sand beaches or sample crisp local wines cultivated in mineral-rich soil. As you sail away, the sun sinks into the Aegean and Santorini’s legendary sunset paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson – a moment to cherish forever.  

Welcome to Milos, the enchanting ‘Island of Colours’. Sculpted by volcanic forces, the island’s dramatic coastline is dotted with striking cliffs in shades of red, yellow, white and orange, rising above turquoise waters. Explore the surreal Sarakiniko landscape and the fishing villages of Klima or Pollonia. Milos is also famed as the discovery site of the Venus de Milo in 1820. While the original masterpiece resides in the Louvre, a replica and fascinating artifacts can be admired in the island’s archaeological museum, offering insight into its rich past. 

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the ancient Greek capital, Athens, birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilisation. This enthralling city seamlessly blends historic landmarks, from the Acropolis to the Parthenon, with contemporary vitality. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport or extend your stay in this legendary city. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 01:00 PM.

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.