Aegean Odyssey: Istanbul to Athens

Welcome to Turkey and Istanbul. This timeless Turkish city straddles the boundary of Asia and Europe and presents a seamless tapestry of diverse cultures, rich history and vibrant modernity. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on an incredible odyssey through Greece and Turkey. Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 12:00 PM.

Nestled along Turkeys stunning coast, this popular destination comes steeped in history and is famed for its authentic Turkish culture and culinary traditions. In addition, Kepez offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, or simply relaxing on the enticing beaches.

Charming Molyvos (Mithymna) is regarded as the crown jewel of Lesvos and a beloved destination for those  seeking authentic Greek beauty. With its traditional stone-built houses cascading down the hillside, a majestic medieval castle at its peak, and a postcard-perfect harbour lined with tavernas and fishing boats, Molyvos offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and Aegean allure.

Along Turkey’s western Aegean coast, this popular beach resort town offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant, fun atmosphere and traditional Turkish markets. Kusadasi is also a remarkable destination for history buffs, as it is located near several ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. A visit here lends a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of one of the ancient worlds most important cities. Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the comfort of your luxury yacht and the open deck before arriving in Patmos in the evening for an overnight stay. 

Today, you’ll arrive in Patmos, a  a small Greek island renowned for its beautiful scenery, crystal-clear water, delicious local cuisine and picturesque villages. According to local legend, Patmos is also famous for where the Apostle John wrote the ‘Book of Revelation.’ This is the reason why Patmos is often referred to as the ‘Island of the Apocalypse’ and is today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the island’s capital, Chora, an enchanting place revealing whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas and family-run shops.

A tiny, rocky island at 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 Mykonos. This world-famous islands allure lies in its blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant blue doors edging the streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town further add to the charm; so too, the island’s historic windmills.

Famous for its spectacular views, gleaming whitewashed architecture and legendary sunsets, it’s no surprise Santorini is a much loved destination. This picturesque Greek island is also famed for its iconic, blue-domed churches, transparent azure watersand charming villages dramatically perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Santorini’s main town, Fira, precariously rests on the edge of a caldera cliff, presenting jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Oia, one of Santorini’s traditional villages, is particularly renowned for its quaint narrow streets and stunning sunset and panoramic caldera views.

Welcome to Chania, a charming coastal town located on the rugged northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Chania is known for its picturesque Venetian harbour, narrow winding streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The town boasts a rich history that is evident in its mix of architectural styles, including Venetian, Ottoman and Greek influences. Here, spend your day, relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, or exploring ancient ruins and museums, drenched in history.

Located on the western shores of the Peloponnese peninsula, Katakolon presents a small seaside town that is best known as the gateway to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Arguably the most celebrated and sacred place of Ancient Greece, at this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, explore these important ruins, which include the Temple of Zeus and original Olympic stadium.

The small seaside town of Itea reveals beautiful coastal scenery and is close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Delphi Sanctuary. Considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology, Delphi is home to the sacred ruins of the Temple of Apollo and ranks as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It’s time to pass through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a slender waterway and feat of engineering, that crosses the Isthmus of Corinth in Greece. From the exterior decks, observe as your yacht navigates the narrow strip of water bordered by soaring, ochre-coloured cliffs.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the dynamic Greek capital, Athens, the ancient birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation.  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. 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.