Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines

Your Greece and Turkey voyage begins in Athens, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht.  This enthralling Greek city is renowned for its ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, 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 and 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 sail on to the island of Mykonos. Explore the main town, a picturesque labyrinth of quaint narrow streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. The iconic Windmills of Mykonos, situated on a hill overlooking the town, are another must-see attraction.

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 renowned for its beautiful scenery, crystal-clear water, local cuisine and picturesque villages. According to local legend, Patmos is also famous for being where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation and this is why it’s often referred to as the ‘Island of the Apocalypse’ and is today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the island’s capital, Chora, an enchanting place revealing whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas and shops.

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

A beautiful Greek island popular for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, Kos is also home to enthralling ancient ruins. These include 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 offers stunning views of the surrounding area. 

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 ae caldera cliff, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the Aegean Sea. Oia, another of Santorini’s iconic villages, is particularly renowned for its quaint narrow streets, stunning sunsets, and panoramic caldera views.

Welcome to Paros, a beautiful Greek island that attracts for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, and charming local villages. Paros also boasts a rich history, with ancient ruins, Venetian castles, and traditional Greek architecture scattered throughout the island. The main town,  Parikia, is a bustling hub of activity, with slender streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine. 

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the dynamic Greek capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation, 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.