Greek Islands from the Corinth Canal to the Bosporus

Your cruise begins in the ancient Greek capital, Athens, a city that presents a remarkable blend of rich tradition and modern dynamism. Here, you will be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of your unforgettable voyage.

Please book your flight to arrive into Athens prior to 04:00 PM.

A narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in Greece, the Corinth Canal is a 19th century feat of engineering. As your luxury yacht passes through this slender canal, you will appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. After transiting the Corinth Canal, you will then visit the picturesque town of Itea, gateway to the ancient ruins of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its archaeological significance and marvellous vistas of the surrounding scenery. 

Katakolon is a small seaside town located on the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, best known as the gateway to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Arguably the most celebrated 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.

Welcome to Chania, a charming coastal town located on the 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, you can enjoy a range of activities including relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches or exploring historical sites, such as ancient ruins and museums.

Known for its spectacular views, gleaming whitewashed architecture and legendary sunsets, Santorini is a hugely popular destination. This gorgeous Greek island is also famed for its iconic, blue-domed churches, transparent azure waters, and charming villages dramatically perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Santorini’s picturesque main town, Fira, precariously rests on the edge of a caldera cliff, presenting jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Oia, another of Santorini’s traditional villages, is particularly renowned for its quaint narrow streets, stunning sunsets, and panoramic caldera views.

A stunning Greek Island embedded in the beautiful Aegean Sea, Mykonos is world-famous for its beautiful beaches, and traditional, white-washed buildings set on hillsides. Mykonos is also known for its iconic and historic windmills, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming waterfront cafés and restaurants.

Along Turkey’s western Aegean coast, this beach resort town offers beautiful beaches, a lively, fun atmosphere and vibrant markets. Kusadasi is also a remarkable destination for history buffs, as it is  located near several ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Ephesus, today, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A visit here offers a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of one of the ancient world's most important cities.

The Dardanelles is a stunning strait that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, a small inland sea within the borders of Turkey. As you cruise through here, grasp the opportunity to learn all about the region's rich history, including its importance in various conflicts throughout the centuries, as well as take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Later, you will arrive in Kepez, which boasts a rich cultural heritage and historic sites such as the fascinating Old Town and Hadrian's Gate.

Today, you will get the chance to learn about the Turkish cultural heritage through architectural masterpieces and savour the strong culinary diversity in Istanbul.

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

Istanbul is a dynamic Turkish city drenched in history, the former capital of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. This rich history is reflected in the city's classic architecture, with iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Istanbul is also known for its vibrant markets, such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where you can enjoy shopping for local goods and sample traditional Turkish cuisine.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the Greek capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization, 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 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.