Mediterranean Enchantment

Your Mediterranean cruise begins in the bustling capital of Greece, Athens, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a tour of intriguing cities and extraordinary coastlines. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Athens prior to 06:00 PM.

Docked: 23:00

It’s time to pass through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that crosses the isthmus of Corinth in Greece. Sail to the small port of Itea, then embark on a journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. 

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Guided tour of Delphi (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Enjoy an extraordinary journey from the picturesque town of Itea to the legendary sanctuary of Apollo, where the renowned oracle once spoke. Step into the rich history of Delphi as you explore the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and the Delphi Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities that transport you back in time.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Docked: 13:00 - 17:00

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece’, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here reachable by car. One of the most fascinating places in Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating to the 14th century and built to protect Lefkada from invasions.

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Lefkada tour with Faneromeni Monastery (extra expense)
Kick off your journey at Nidri Port, where our friendly guides will greet you. Get ready to visit the tranquil Monastery of Faneromeni, a peaceful haven surrounded by lush landscapes. From the monastery, your adventure continues to the lively centre of Lefkada Town, where a gastronomic journey awaits. After your flavourful experience, enjoy some free time to stroll through the picturesque streets of Lefkada Town.  
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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Drive to Porto Katsiki, wine tasting and olive museum (extra expense)
Set sail on a captivating exploration of Lefkada's rich cultural heritage. Your first stop is the Olive Museum in Sivros, a haven of time-honoured traditions and the esteemed olive cultivation methods that have defined the island for generations. Continue to the stunning Porto Katsiki, a gem of natural beauty celebrated for its unspoiled beaches and clear waters. Get ready to awaken your senses at the renowned Winery of Lefkas Earth, where the craft of winemaking harmonizes with the island's lush surroundings.  
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate, Duration: 6 hours

Offshore 08:00 - 19:00

Parga, across from Corfu on mainland Greece, has a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the sunshine on one of the many beaches, explore traditional Greek villages and marvel at the 11th century Castle, which offers an incredible bird’s eye view of the resort town and coastline.

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Full day sightseeing tour of Meteora monasteries including a Greek lunch (extra expense)
Enjoy the scenic drive to Meteora, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking display of gigantic rocks etched by centuries of wind and weather. Explore two of these remarkable monasteries, each perched atop towering rocks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the Meteora Monasteries, journey to the charming Kalambaka Village and treat your taste buds to a traditional Greek meal.  
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 10.5 hours

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Acheron River Experience (extra expense)
Your day begins with a picturesque drive through the verdant countryside of the Epirus region. Begin your experience with a stroll through nature, following the path of the river for approx. 20 minutes. Under the guidance of experienced rafting guides navigate the cool waters of the Acheron River, manoeuvring through high-sided canyons and embracing the wild beauty of Epirus. After this experience, you will enjoy relaxing free time at a beach embedded in pure and remote nature surroundings.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Offshore 08:00 - 19:00

Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.

This idyllic island is dotted with whitewashed houses, olive trees and edged with glimmering turquoise waters. The picturesque Old Town of Corfu has a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Explore fishing villages, swim in crystal-blue waters and visit the largest square in Greece, the Spianada.

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Guided walking tour of Corfu town (extra expense)
Commence your adventure by passing through the historic Bonati Arch, an entryway to Corfu's Old Town that sets the stage for a captivating exploration. Discover the Jewish Quarter, where a 300-year-old synagogue bears witness to the rich tapestry of Corfu's past. Marvel at the Venetian stylings of the Town Hall, a masterpiece from the late 1600s that stands as a testament to the island's historical significance. Behold the iconic view of the red-domed bell tower of St. Spyridon Church, a religious landmark dating back to the 16th century. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

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4x4 adventure of the Corfiot countryside (extra expense)
Journey through charming seaside resorts such as Alykes, Kontokali, and Gouvia, where the beauty of the coastal landscape will captivate you. Continue your exploration to the village of Troubetta, where a mountain ridge provides a stunning backdrop showcasing the islands of Mathraki and Othoni. Indulge in the flavours of Greece with a typical Greek meze at Castellino restaurant in Lakones. Your journey culminates at the bay of Paleokastritsa. 
This is a self-driving tour; a valid driving license is required and be over the age of 23 years old. For non EU guests an international driving license is required. Jeeps are equipped with manual gearboxes, not automatic.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

Docked: 23:30 (day prior) - overnight

It’s time to rise early in the morning and leave Corfu for Sarandë, a popular coastal town perched on a crescent-shaped bay in Albania. The once sleepy fishing village has a bustling seaside promenade, pebbled beaches and ancient ruins with intricate mosaics and historical artefacts.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Butrint
Your adventure begins as you traverse the serene River Bistrica, meandering through the rocky channels of Cuka, and crossing the vast plains of Vurgu. Your ultimate destination awaits at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, a testament to centuries of human civilization. Delve deep into the lower part of Butrint, unravelling its mysteries and stories. Gain insights into the significance of each ancient ruin, from temples to theatres, and envision the bustling life that once thrived within these ancient walls. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Docked: departure 06:00 (next day)

Sarandë is a city in southern Albania on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Sarandë can be reached easily from the Greek island of Corfu by ferry. An early Christian monastery dedicated to 40 saints (Santi Quaranta) gave Sarandë its name. The city center of Sarandë has been scarred by communist architecture but since the fall of communism many small shops and bars have sprung up which give it a Mediterranean feel. This southernmost harbour of Albania was once the ancient port of Onchesmos. Today, Sarandë’s main attractions are its sunny climate and the nearby ruins of Butrint. Please Note: For your convenience, shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com, unless otherwise noted in the description. The deadline to reserve these tours is August 19, after which they will be available for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor at Main Pier. The town center is 875 yards from the pier. Taxis are generally available at the pier. Shopping Typical souvenirs include t-shirts, postcards, wood carvings and dolls in national costume. Cuisine Albanian cuisine has been strongly influenced by Turkey. Grilled meats like shisqubap (shish kebab), romstek (minced meat patties) and gofte (meat balls) are served all across the Balkans. Some local dishes include comlek (meat and onion stew), fërges (a rich beef stew), rosto me salcë kosi (roast beef with sour cream) and tavë kosi (mutton with yoghurt. Lake Shkodra carp and Lake Ohrid trout are the most common fish dishes. Try the ice cream (akullore), which is popular everywhere. Other Sites Blue Eye Spring The iridescent blue water gushes from the depths of the earth and feeds the Bistrica River. Catacombs Recently discovered catacombs of the church of the Forty Saints can also be explored. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Enveloped by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is a place of ancient history and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting has Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. As the sun is setting, it’s time to sail to the city of Dubrovnik. Today choose between our EmeraldACTIVE or DiscoverMORE option.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike of Kotor’s city walls
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the City Walls of Kotor stretch for almost 5 kilometers, encompassing the city and offering those who embrace the challenge of climbing them, wonderful views of the bay of Kotor and the Old Town. Step back in time as your knowledgeable guide brings to life the history of the fortifications and the important part they played in the protection of the city. Climb to the highest point, where you’ll find the well-preserved fortress of St John and be rewarded with a magnificent view of the harbour and the red roofs of the Old Town.   
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Our Lady of the Rocks and walking tour of Kotor (extra expense)
Your journey leads you to the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Explore the Baroque church, rich with history and legend. Discover the captivating story of how this islet came into existence over centuries, thanks to devoted seafarers who honoured a timeless oath, leaving behind a remarkable collection of paintings. After, proceed to the delightful town of Perast. Wander through its Baroque streets adorned with historic buildings and learn about its maritime legacy.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

EmeraldPLUS
An exclusive concert on board featuring a guitar duo
Embark on a mesmerizing musical journey with two of Montenegro's most celebrated guitarists, Srdjan Bulatovic and Darko Nikcevic. Known for their extraordinary talent and captivating performances, this dynamic duo will treat you to an unforgettable experience filled with soul-stirring melodies and vibrant rhythms.  
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour

Docked: 09:00 - 16:00

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

Your time aboard Emerald Sakara comes to an end in Dubrovnik, a place of sun, sea and ancient history. From the yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.

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

Docked: 23:00 (day prior)

*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, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.