Discover Aegean & Ancient Wonders

This remarkable voyage in Greece and Turkey begins in Athens, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht. This enthralling Greek city is one of the world’s oldest, renowned for its ancient ruins and iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, rich culture and dynamic atmosphere.

Please book your flight to arrive into Athens prior to 02:00 PM.

A small rocky island at the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vast array of well-preserved ruins, extending to temples, dwellings, marketplaces and theatres. Delos is also believed to be the birthplace of the Greek God Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis.

In the afternoon, you’ll cruise to Mykonos, an island known for its white-sand coastline lapped by cyan water and buzzy beach clubs. The main town is a labyrinth of narrow stone-paved streets lined with whitewashed buildings, and filled with shops, cafés and restaurants. The island's iconic windmills were constructed in the 16th century by the Venetians. Sixteen of these windmills still exist today, including seven that are perched on a hill just south of Mykonos Town. Away from the beaches, the island’s countryside is dotted with small villages, farms and chapels.

Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.

Often referred to as the ‘Island of the Apocalypse’, Patmos is said to be where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation and is considered an important pilgrimage site in Europe. Its historic centre Chora was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It is an enchanting town comprising whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas, shops and some 40 chapels. The island has a wild and rugged volcanic landscape that rolls down to deserted pebbled beaches and the sparkling Aegean Sea. Spend time soaking up the beauty, the spirituality and cultural significance of this island.

Along Turkey’s western Aegean coast,  Kusadasi was once a small fishing town but is now a buzzy cruise port and beach resort filled with traditional Turkish markets and a thriving night scene.  Kusadasi is also the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site and one of the ancient world's most important cities. Excavations have revealed ruins of Hellenistic and Roman settlements and grand monuments, including the remains of the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Dodecanese Island of Kos is home to millennia-old ancient ruins, including the famous Asklepion, a traditional healing centre dedicated to the Greek God of medicine, Asklepios, and the Castle of the Knights, a medieval fortress that has stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s also the birthplace of Hippocrates, one of the most well-known physicians of ancient Greece. The main town is a mishmash of architectural styles, and you’ll find whitewashed dwellings side by side with Muslim mosques, 1930s Italian-style buildings and the medieval Neratzia Castle. Aside from its staggering history, the island is also blessed with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Known for its spectacular views, gleaming whitewashed architecture and legendary sunsets, Santorini is a beloved Greek island. The island’s villages are dramatically built into the cliffs of a caldera, a thousand-year-old volcanic crater that is beneath the ocean, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Its main towns Fira and Oia are instantly recognisable for their whitewashed buildings that have been built into the caldera like caves and blue-domed churches, many of which are adorned with hot-pink bougainvillea and prickly pear. Get lost in the winding alleyways, which are home to tavernas, small bars and boutique stores, with many vantage points of the caldera and beyond.

Paros is another paradisiacal Greek island that has allured since 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 an 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.

This morning, enjoy time at leisure as you explore Athens, the ancient capital of Greece. The historic birthplace of democracy and western civilization, this enthralling city offers a remarkable array of architectural wonders and storied Greek heritage, including the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon. You will find yourself charmed by Athen’s modern dynamism and vibrant Greek lifestyle.

In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your incredible journey, discovering the captivating charms of the Aegean and Middle Eastern regions.

Your first port of call is Syros, a charming island located amid the Cyclades group of islands in the sparkling Aegean Sea. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Syros is famed for its unique architectural style, which reflects its storied historical development. The contrast between the neoclassical mansions in Ermoúpolis and the Cycladic-style whitewashed houses in other parts of the island creates a distinctive aesthetic.

Stretching 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 B.C. for the ruler, Mausolus. While Bodrum boasts a rich history, the city itself is a modern playground for Turkish and foreign visitors alike, presenting two contrasting sides in the east and west.

On the lovely Greek island of Rhodes, the Medieval City, or Old Town, is a must-see attraction, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled within four-kilometre (two-mile) length of walls, the city’s medieval buildings, the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master, give you a sense of being transported back to the Middle Ages. Known as the ‘Island of Knights,’ delightful Rhodes is also famed for its delicious local dishes; be sure to sample  melekouni (a traditional sweet) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters).

Today, you’ll discover the Turkish resort city of Antalya. With its mesmerising landscapes of dense forests, mountains and sun-soaked beaches lapped by azure waters, Antalya makes the perfect paradise for nature lovers. History buffs will also be fascinated by the city’s rich history, revealed in its well-preserved Old Town, Kaleiçi. Here, the Roman-era harbour walls, Hellenistic gates and Ottoman-era houses pay homage to the city's storied past.

Welcome to the beautiful island of Cyprus and Limassol, a city known for its rich culture,  and welcoming with a fascinating blend of Greek, Turkish, and British influences. Just south of Limassol, the Akrotiri Salt Lake and wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, especially in winter when flocks of flamingos congregate here.

Your next stop is Israel’s third-largest city, Haifa, a bustling port city that offers stunning seaside views and a vibrant urban life. A notable landmark is Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain range that creates an impressive city backdrop. Perched atop Mount Carmel, you'll find the Shrine of the Bab, a majestic golden-domed structure surrounded by the Baha'i Gardens, known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

Today, you’ll navigate through the historic Suez Canal before reaching Egypt and next port of call, Ain Sokhna. Constructed by Ferdinand de Lesseps and completed in 1869, this feat of engineering connects the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, carving through 62-kilometres (100-miles) of desert.

Stretching along the sun-baked coast of the Red Sea, Ain Sukhna invites you to unwind on its pristine sandy beaches and dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs. You can soar above the dramatic Galala Mountains on the scenic Porto Sokhna Teleferique for breathtaking views of the coastline, or find a peaceful escape at the nearby Sulphur Springs that give the town its name, "Hot Spring." Just a short drive from the bustling energy of Cairo, this tranquil resort haven offers the perfect blend of seaside relaxation and invigorating mountain landscapes under the Egyptian sun.

Positioned on the western shores of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna presents an elegant seaside town. Located two hours from the historic Egyptian capital, Cairo, Ain Sokhna is a base for visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the stupendous ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.’

On the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula lies the glamorous resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Here, the desert meets the sea, creating an environment rich in biodiversity and a melting pot of cultures. Spend your day diving into the colourful world beneath the Red Sea’s shimmering surface, or take a step back in time, strolling through the city’s ancient mosques and bustling bazaars steeped in traditions.

A picturesque city located on the southern tip of Jordan overlooking the Red Sea, Aqaba is a history buffs’ delight for its rich history that dates back thousands of years. Archaeological sites such as the Aqaba Fort and  Ayla ruins showcase its ancient past. Aqaba also serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum, known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’ and a UNESCO-protected desert wilderness.

Your luxurious cruise and memorable cruise draws to a conclusion on the southern tip of Aqaba, Jordan, a picturesque city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Aqaba is a history buff’s dream for its esteemed archaeological sites such as the Aqaba Fort and is also the gateway to the ancient city of Petra and incredible Wadi Rum, the ‘Valley of the Moon’ and a UNESCO-protected desert wilderness.

From the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Aqaba after 11:00 AM.

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.