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

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-27cebb294ea80d061
Overview
Destination:
Greece
Turk
Start:Istanbul, Turkey
Finish:Athens, Greece
Duration:8 days
Travel Period
June 2026 - October 2027

Explore the Mediterranean by luxury yacht

Spectacular adventures along the coastlines and islands of Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Italy, France and Spain are yours to experience as you discover the Mediterranean from the comfort of your stylish yacht.
Embark on an incredible 8-day cruise setting sail from Turkey and the vibrant city of Istanbul. After cruising through the Dardanelles, your first port of call is Kepez followed by the picturesque seaside town of Kusadasi, where you can explore ancient ruins, shop in traditional markets, and indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine. Then sail on to discover a succession of wondrous Greek Islands, including Patmos, a serene escape known for its tranquil atmosphere, the historic island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world-famous Mykonos and Santorini. You’ll stop at the lesser-known island of Milos, renowned for its unique rock formations and secluded beaches, before concluding your journey in dynamic Athens, where ancient history and modern culture collide.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises luxury yacht
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Shore Excursion Manager
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks & selected cocktails throughout the day
  • Chora, Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse
  • Local folklore performance on board
  • Downhill hike
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Istanbul, Turkey

Your memorable cruise begins in the timeless city of Istanbul, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht.

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

Docked: 22:00

Day 2 - Cruise the Dardanelles - Kepez, Turkey

Located along Turkey's stunning coast, this popular destination comes steeped in history and is famed for its culture and culinary traditions. In addition, Kepez offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, as well as lovely beaches.

DiscoverMORE
The legendary city of Troy (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Step into the epic world of myth and history with a visit to the legendary city of Troy. Discover the ruins that gave rise to Homer’s Iliad and learn how 19th-century excavations brought this ancient city to life. Walk among ancient walls, gates, and battlements as your guide shares the tale of the famed Trojan War and the iconic Wooden Horse. Then, visit the state-of-the-art Troy Museum, where captivating artifacts and immersive exhibits trace 5,000 years of history, bridging the cultures of East and West in unforgettable fashion. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of ANZAC cove and Gallipoli peninsula (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Pay tribute to a pivotal chapter of World War I on this moving journey through the Gallipoli Peninsula. Begin at ANZAC Cove, where Australian and New Zealand troops landed in 1915, and explore the surrounding cemeteries and memorials that honor their sacrifice. Visit key sites such as Lone Pine, Beach Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, where dramatic landscapes meet powerful history. Walk among preserved trenches and hear the compelling stories of courage, loss, and the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This guided experience offers both reflection and insight into one of the most significant battlefields of the modern era. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Docked: 13:00 - 19:00

Day 3 - Kusadasi, Turkey

On Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Kusadasi offers fascinating blend of history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. This beach resort town’s history dates to ancient timestimes, and it has witnessed many rulers, including those from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Genoese eras. It lies near several ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the ancient world's most important cities.  

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Ephesus (extra expense)
Embark on an extraordinary excursion to the legendary city of Ephesus, a treasure trove of ancient wonders and archaeological marvels that have stood the test of time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ephesus at a local cooperative. Witness a captivating folklore show performed by talented folk-dance students and indulge in a delectable array of local delicacies prepared with fresh, local ingredients. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Docked: 13:00 - 22:00

Day 4 - Patmos, Greece

Patmos is a small Greek island in the beautiful Aegean Sea steeped in religious history. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the island's charming capital, Chora. Nearby, you will discover the Cave of the Apocalypse, where, according to local legend, Saint John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelation. Today choose between our Included Exursion or EmeraldACTIVE.

Included Excursion
Chora, Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse
The tour begins with a visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse, the site where the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Holy Bible, was conceived. After, drive to the historic village of Chora, the island’s capital home to the 11th-century Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. From the Monastery, stroll through Chora’s charming winding cobbled streets to the house of Simandiris where you will enjoy a unique experience, exploring the interior of a traditional Patmian home.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3.5 hours

EmeraldACTIVE
Downhill hike
Start your adventure with a scenic drive to Chora, a picturesque village that unfolds like a beautiful painting. Adorned with radiant white houses, Chora provides a striking contrast to the imposing Monastery of St. John. Step inside the Monastery, a bastion of faith featuring thick walls, battlements, and eight chapels. Stroll through the Old Town of Chora, a maze of narrow streets and delightful squares and visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse, the sacred site of the Revelation's origin—the final book of the Holy Bible.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Local folklore performance on board
A talented Patmian band, featuring both musicians and dancers, will treat you to an unforgettable evening of traditional music and dance. This folkloric ensemble will take you on a journey through the island's rich culture and history, performing to the captivating rhythms of Greece.
Event duration: 1 hour

Docked: 08:00 - 21:00

Day 5 - Delos, Greece - Mykonos, Greece

A small rocky island in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. In the afternoon, you will venture to the world-famous island of Mykonos, alluring visitors with its intoxicating blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair.  Take a stroll through the winding narrow streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town, where you can admire the trademark whitewashed dwellings adorned with vibrant blue doors and visit the island’s historic windmills. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Delos
Set foot on a journey to the sacred island of Delos, a cradle of ancient Greek mythology and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delos holds a unique place in history, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the extensive site, where each step reveals the layers of history, from ancient sanctuaries to the remnants of prosperous civilizations.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.30 hours

DiscoverMORE
Island tour of Mykonos, Ano Mera Monastery and wine tasting experience (extra expense)
Begin your adventure in the traditional village of Ano Mera and explore the 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, dedicated to Mykonos' patron saint. Admire intricate icons depicting scenes from the New Testament and unravel the monastery's rich history. Indulge your senses in the flavours of Greece with a wine tasting experience at a Mykonian Farm. Conclude your tour in the iconic Mykonos town, a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings and narrow streets.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Offshore/Docked: 12.30 - 22:00

Day 6 - Santorini, Greece

 One of the most photogenic islands in the world, stunning Santorini is an eye-catching destination, iconic for its whitewashed buildings clustered atop soaring cliffs rising out of the Sea. This hugely popular volcanic island is renowned for the striking beauty of its gleaming white architecture and domed rooftops found throughout the traditional hillside villages, and legendary sunsets.

DiscoverMORE
Akrotiri, Oia and winery visit (extra expense)
Explore the remnants of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, often hailed as the "Greek Pompeii," embark on a sensory journey at one of the most famous wineries, perched above the port of Athinios and overlooking the breathtaking Santorini caldera. Indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the distinct flavours of Santorini's renowned wines. Conclude your adventure in the charming village of Oia, celebrated for its iconic whitewashed houses before arriving to Thira, the capital of the island.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Offshore: 07:30 - 22:00

Day 7 - Milos, Greece

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 is made even more dramatic, set against the backdrop of turquoise waters. Milos is also the original home of the iconic marble statue, Venus of Milo.

DiscoverMORE
Landscapes of Milos (extra expense)
Start from the harbour along the dramatic Milos coastline toward Papafranga, explore Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions. Stroll through the village to admire its traditional architecture and sample some homemade sweets at a few of the village’s local pastry shops. Visit the ruins of ancient Melos and its Roman amphitheatre, stop at the site where the Venus of Milo was discovered before strolling around the Plaka, the traditional capital of Milos.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 18:00

Day 8 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the ancient Greek capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. Here, 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 Athens after 01:00 PM.

Docked: 08:00

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day. 

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.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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