Discover Western Mediterranean: 21 days Athens to Valletta

Your luxury cruise begins in Athens, the ancient Greek capital, which captivates with a fascinating blend of rich tradition and modern dynamism. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to start your enthralling voyage through Greece and Turkey.   

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

Welcome to Mykonos, where Cycladic charm meets cosmopolitan flair. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and chapels. Discover chic boutiques, waterfront tavernas and the island’s iconic windmills overlooking the Aegean. From here, you’ll visit the sacred island of Delos, a World Heritage Site and one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece.  As evening falls, Mykonos reveals its vibrant energy, offering the ideal blend of tradition and modern sophistication.  

Today, discover Skiathos, a sparkling gem in the Aegean, where pristine beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and lush landscapesawait. Along with the vibrant local charm and bustling streets, this Greek island paradise offers the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean. 

Greece’s lush green paradise, the island of Skopelos, is home to unspoilt landscapes carpeted with pine forests, crystalline watersand pretty coves, making it a great escape for nature lovers. Skopelos was also the filming location for the film ‘Mamma Mia’, and you can discover the movie’s magic on the island’s idyllic beaches and quaint towns. 

The spectacular Aegean Island of Chios is, known for its distinctive dark-shaded volcanic beaches. History buffs will appreciate the rare murals and intricate wooden carvings at the Chios Byzantine Museum, set within a historic Ottoman Mosque. As the day winds down, inviting tavernas serving up freshly caught fish provide the ideal spot to relax and savour the moment. 

Along Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Kusadasi offers a fascinating blend of history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. This popular beach resort town’s history dates to ancient times and has witnessed many rulers, including those from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Genoese eras. Kusadasi is also the gateway to the 8,000-year-old city of Ephesus, a World Heritage Site, which offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the ancient world's most important cities.   

In the afternoon, depart from Kusadasi and set a southerly course through the Mycale Strait, a narrow and picturesque waterway that gracefully threads between the Turkish coast and the island of Samos. As you cruise along this storied passage, take in the tranquil seascapes and sweeping views of both shores bathed in golden afternoon light. By evening, arrive in Samos Island, where your yacht will remain overnight. 

Wake to the gentle charm of Samos, a lush island steeped in myth and history. From the lively harbour of Pythagoreio, a UNESCO  World Heritage Site, explore where ancient ingenuity and sacred tradition meet. Visit the Heraion of Samos, the grand sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, and marvel at the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a remarkable feat of 6th-century BC engineering that once channelled the island’s freshwater supply. Wander along the promenade where colourful fishing boats line the waterfront and cafés spill onto sunlit terraces. As evening draws near, relax on deck, savouring tranquil views of the Aegean before your yacht sets sail for nearby Patmos where you will remain overnight.  

Patmos is a serene island of profound spiritual significance. Dominating the skyline is the World Heritage-listed Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, an imposing fortress-like structure that has stood for centuries. Nearby lies the sacred Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is believed to have received the visions described in the Book of Revelation. Beyond its religious heritage, Patmos charms with its peaceful atmosphere, traditional villages, and pristine coves. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine featuring freshly caught seafood, local cheeses and sun-ripened produce.   

The paradise island of Paros rose to power and prosperity in the sixth century BC for its high-quality marble, Parian marble, used for the construction of many temples and public buildings. It’s home to ancient ruins, Venetian castles and traditional Greek architecture, and draws in visitors to its stunning beaches, crystal-clear azure waters and charming local villages. The main town, Parikia, is nestled on a hill overlooking the port. Its cobbled lanes are bustling with activity, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants serving delicious local Greek cuisine. It also has a historic Frankish castle built in the 1200s. The island’s other town, Naoussa, is a picturesque harbour where wooden boats sway and waterside restaurants grill freshly caught seafood. 

Life slows down on Hydra. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic charm, there are no cars or motor vehicles allowed on the island, making it a peaceful and low-key getaway from the usual hustle and bustle of urban life. It’s ideal for walking, hiking or getting around by donkey, admiring the stone mansions, pebbly beaches and clear turquoise waters. The island’s main centre, also named Hydra, presents a charming and bustling port town, brimming with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional, whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea-covered balconies.  

After breakfast, enjoy leisure time to explore Athens, Greece's enthralling capital named for the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Once the epicentre of ancient civilisation, the city captivates with timeless landmarks like the Acropolis alongside its vibrant modern energy and charming hidden neighbourhoods. 

In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed back on board your Emerald luxury yacht, ready to embark on the second half of your journey. 

One of the loveliest towns on the eastern Peloponnese region of mainland Greece, Napflion enchants visitors with its striking architecture, historical sites and stunning sea views. The town is distinctive for its narrow cobblestone streets, Neo-classical buildings, and charming Venetian and Ottoman architecture. The iconic Palamidi Fortress, resting on a hill overlooking Napflion, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Today, you’ll arrive in Chania, a charming coastal town on the northwest shores of the stunning Greek Island of Crete. Chania is renowned for its picturesque Venetian harbour, quaint narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere. The Old Town harbours a rich history that is evident in its eclectic mix of architectural styles, with Venetian, Ottoman and Greek influences. Enjoy a choice of leisure pursuits, from relaxing on one of Crete’s beautiful beaches or hiking its lush landscapes to exploring ancient ruins and museums that come drenched in history.

A lovely seaside town on the southern side of the Peloponnese on the Greek mainland, Gythio is your gateway to explore Ancient Sparta and the Byzantine town of Mystras. You also have an opportunity to pay a visit to the unique Museum of Olive Oil in Sparta and Valley of Keada, the place where, according to local legend, the Spartans used to throw traitors and criminals from the clifftops. 

Relish this nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing downtime during a day at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your contemporary, stylish yacht: ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in the panoramic views, plunge into the inviting infinity-pool that magically appears to blur with the azure horizon or simply unwind and relax in the serene Observation Lounge.

Today, you’ll cruise the eastern shores of magnificent Sicily – Italy's largest island – to the coastal town of Giardini Naxos. This picturesque seaside town reveals stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the fabled active volcano. Giardini Naxos is popular for its beautiful sandy beaches lapped by clear aquamarine blue waters and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés. The town also harbors a rich tapestry of history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Explore the ruins of a Greek settlement and Roman villas, as well as visit the nearby Taormina Archaeological Park. It is also the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the side of the mountain above. One of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants.

An historic city situated on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Syracuse is renowned for its ancient sites, picturesque architecture and stunning waterfront views. One of Syracuse’s most famous landmarks is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to well-preserved Greek and Roman-era amphitheatres and an ancient quarry known as the ’Ear of Dionysius’.

The historical centre, Ortygia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with striking Baroque buildings, visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse and savour freshly caught seafood at charming waterside restaurants.

Welcome to the island-nation of Malta and Mgarr, a small village popular for its picturesque countryside and agricultural landscape, brimming with green vineyards and olive groves. The village has a quaint and traditional feel, with charming old stone houses and winding cobbled streets that provide a unique and authentic Maltese experience.

Positioned on the coast of the Strait of Sicily, Porto Empedocle is named after the philosopher, poet and politician, Empedocles, who resided here in the fifth century BC. Today, this port town is a popular holiday haven for beach-loving tourists. Getaway to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most extensive and important archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world. 

Valletta, the historic capital city of Malta, is a living – and stunning – testament to the Baroque period, resplendent with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and palaces, and magnificent fortifications. The World Heritage-listed city is located on a hilly peninsula, revealing breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and is the host of lively markets and festivals. Your yacht will remain docked here overnight, giving you a chance to explore the city after dark.

Today, your luxury voyage concludes here in Valletta. 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 Valletta after 11:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.