Discover the Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea

Your memorable journey exploring the Mediterranean begins in Athens, the dynamic capital city of Greece. Here, you will be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to set sail on your grand adventure.   

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

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 sail on to world-famous Mykonos, a gorgeous Greek Island whose allure rests in its blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Explore the atmospheric Mykonos Town, where whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant blue doors edge the picturesque winding streets. 

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.

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.  

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.   

A popular holiday hotspot lying just four kilometers off the coast of Bodrum, Turkey, the stunning Greek Island of Kos is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Kos is home to several ancient ruins, including an agora, a Roman Odeon, and the Asklepion, a traditional healing temple.

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 353BC for the ruler, Mausolus. While Bodrum boasts a rich history, the city itself is a modern playground for Turkish and foreign visitors alike, with two contrasting sides in the east and west.  

On the lovely Greek island of Rhodes, the Medieval City of Rhodes, is justifiably recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled within a four-kilometer length of wall, the city's evocative medieval buildings, including the Street of the Knights, and the Palace of the Grand Master, make you feel as though you are back in the Middle Ages. Known as the ‘Island of Knights,’ Rhodes is also well-known for its delicious local dishes — try the melekouni (a traditional sweet) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters). 

The view of Antalya is a mesmerising blend of azure skies, dense verdant forests, and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The rugged Taurus Mountains provide a striking contrast to the city's sun-soaked beaches, making Antalya a paradise for nature lovers. Antalya's rich history unfolds in its well-preserved Old Town, Kaleiçi, where Roman-era harbour walls, Hellenistic gates, and Ottoman-era houses pay homage to the city's storied past. 

The ancient seaport of Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite and the entire city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of this coastal city's iconic landmarks is the Paphos Archaeological Park, home to a remarkable collection of Greco-Roman ruins. Here, you can explore the ancient Odeon amphitheater and Tombs of the Kings, as well as admire the stunning mosaic floors of four Roman villas. 

Welcome to Larnaca,  the third largest city in Cyprus, which was built over the ancient ruins of the city of Kition. This is a fascinating port city where the past and present blur into a delightful mosaic of sun and culture, amazing visitors with its sheer diversity, unique atmosphere, lively waterfront, and generous local hospitality.

After breakfast, head out to explore this coastal city in Cyprus known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. In the afternoon, we’ll welcome you back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey towards Israel, Egypt and Aqaba.

Haifa is a bustling port city offering stunning seaside views and vibrant urban life. One of Haifa's most notable landmarks is Mount Carmel, a coastal mountain range that creates an impressive backdrop to the city. Perched atop Mount Carmel, you'll find the Shrine of the Bab, a majestic golden-domed structure. The shrine is surrounded by the Baha'i Gardens, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa. 

In Haifa enjoy views of the bustling harbour set against the backdrop of Mount Carmel. Within the city, the restored stone houses and cafés of the German Colony neighbourhood create picturesque streetscapes. Dine at one of the many eateries and try local specialities such as Shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish of sliced meat or the savoury pastries Borekas filled with cheese, spinach, or potato. 

Today we cross the Suez Canal before reaching Egypt’s Ain Sokhna. The Suez Canal, built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and completed in 1869, carves through 162km of desert, linking the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.   

Positioned on the western shore of the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez, Ain Sokhna is an elegant seaside town. It's only two hours from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, making it the perfect base for visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.    

Safaga is an enchanting Egyptian city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, water sports, and interesting history. The former fishing village is known for its fresh air, black sand dunes, and mineral springs.

On the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is 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. Visitors can dive into the fascinating world beneath the Red Sea’s surface, stroll through ancient mosques or bustling bazaars. 

Eilat, on the edge of Negev Desert between Egypt and Jordan and encircled by unique rock formations, is a destination of sun, sea and desert. Famous for water sports and incredible natural beauty, Eilat is the gateway to the Coral World Underwater Observatory with Aquarium Museum, Shark Tank, Turtle and Stingray Pool. 

Today we leave Eilat to reach Aqaba. In prehistoric times, Aqaba’s coastal location meant it flourished as an epicentre of trade and communication. Its importance grew even more during the Iron Age when it was part of the biblical kingdoms of Edom, Moab, and later the Nabatean kingdom.  

The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Aqaba, where 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.