Discover the Treasures of the Mediterranean: 19 days Venice to Athens (Piraeus)

Your Croatian cruise begins in the romantic city of Venice, founded in the fifth century and stretching across 118 small islands of the marshy Venetian Lagoon. The grandeur of this city needs no introduction, from its legendary canals to the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald luxury yacht to embark on a compelling journey of history, art and natural wonders. 

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

Located on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, the lovely town of Rovinj is interwoven with Italian influences. A rabbit warren of narrow, winding cobbled streets and small squares, Rovinj is a delight to explore on foot, strolling among the many colourful buildings and art galleries. On a hilltop, the belltower of the Baroque-style St Euphemia’s Church pierces the sky, while down below, the picturesque harbour is filled with fishing boats, a nod to the town’s seafaring and fishing traditions.  

First mentioned in written records in 1066, Šibenik is one of Croatia’s oldest towns. Nestled on the coast between Zadar and Split, it has been conquered by Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians and Habsburgs, meaning there is a plethora of architectural styles to admire. This tiny city is home to two World Heritage-listed sites: the white-stone Saint James’ Cathedral, an architectural fusion of Gothic and Renaissance, and the 16th- and 17th-century fortress of St Nicholas. 

Located on a small island between the Croatian mainland and Ciovo Island, World Heritage-listed Trogir is an ancient settlement with roots in the Hellenistic period, later shaped by Roman, Venetian and Croatian influences. It’s filled with Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with St Lawrence Cathedral dominating the old town square. Climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views over the town. Spend time people-watching on the wide seaside promenade, which is packed with bars and cafes.  

The island of Vis served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s until 1989, during which it was cut off to visitors and left vastly unpopulated. This has preserved the island’s authenticity and life here is laidback and unhurried, with a rocky coastline and azure waters. The town of Komiža, significantly developed during Venetian rule, is made up of narrow passageways and historic stone buildings. The island was used as a filming location for the sequel to the film Mamma Mia!, depicting the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. 

Hvar is a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings topped with terracotta roofs, and beyond, picturesque rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines. The heart of Hvar is its Old Town, which reveals multiple layers of history and architectural wonders. These include the vast St Stephen’s Square, which is home to a cathedral built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the restored Arsenal, which was used to repair and refit war galleons from the 17th century. Hvar is said to be the sunniest place in all of Croatia, so soak up the rays as you wander the yacht-lined harbour or make your way up to Fortica, the island’s medieval fortress that has sweeping views over Hvar and its neighbouring islands. 

A gem of the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved islands in Croatia. It boasts a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, and a striking coast of white pebble beaches and azure waters. While there’s evidence the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the fortified old town is on UNESCO’s tentative list for its late medieval planning and has been referred to by the locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. It’s a delightful mix of medieval churches, elegant palaces and squares. See the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, built in Gothic-Renaissance style, and the captivating Marco Polo Center, where you can understand the legacy of the explorer who is said to have been born here. The villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wine. 

Welcome to Dubrovnik, the ’Pearl of the Adriatic’ and a compelling city nestled along Croatia's rugged Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik’s magnificent walled Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century, presents one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe. With its storied history and breathtaking views of iconic terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a relaxing beach holiday.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik presents a compelling city, set along Croatia's rugged Dalmatian Coast. The walled Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century, presents one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe.

The sixth-largest island amid the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved in Croatia. The main town, also named Korcula, is home to a picturesque Old Town, referred to by locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ and a delightful mix of medieval churches, palaces, and photogenic squares. This Dalmation island is also home to a celebrated wine culture; the quaint villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wines.

Encircled by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor, set along Montenegro’s beautiful coastline, is an enthralling destination that seamlessly combines ancient history and vibrant modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting is sure to charm with its elegant Venetian palaces, cobblestone narrow lanes and café-hemmed squares.

Sarandë is a popular coastal town nestled on a crescent-shaped bay in Albania.  This once sleepy fishing village welcomes with a bustling seaside promenade and pebbled beaches. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect base for exploring the nearby ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its archaeological significance.
From Sarandë, you’ll journey across the Straits of Corfu to one of Greece’s largest and greenest islands, Corfu, alluring with sandy coves and rugged, verdant hills studded with olive, cypress, and citrus trees.

The picturesque Old Town of Corfu harbours a rich history and magnificent heritage architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Here, take a leisurely stroll through the largest square in Greece, the impressive Spianada, and soak up the local ambience. While on this stunning island, you can also explore authentic Greek villages and enjoy a relaxing dip at one of the many lovely beaches, lapped by clear waters.

On mainland Greece, the resort town of Parga radiates a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine on one of the many lovely beaches, wander through through the atmospheric lanes of this traditional Greek town and marvel at the medieval castle, later rebuilt and fortified by the Venetians, which reveals an incredible bird’s-eye view of this popular town and the sparkling Ionian coastline. 

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece,’Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here accessible by car. One of the most fascinating spots on Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating back to the 14th century and built to protect Lefkada from invaders. As well as soaking up Lefkada’s natural beauty and centuries-old history, enjoy sampling the delicious local wines produced here.

Today, you’ll sail to the small port of Itea, then start your journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world and nowadays, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, it’s time to sail on your luxury yacht through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a slender waterway and feat of engineering that crosses the Isthmus of Corinth in Greece to the Saronic Gulf. This is a rare sailing experience, as few cruise vessels are able to navigate through this man-made canal.

A small rocky island embedded in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is regarded as one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. In the afternoon, you’ll venture to stunning Mykonos. This world-famous island's allure lies in its intoxicating blend of traditional Greek culture and cosmopolitan flair. Take a stroll through the winding narrow streets of atmospheric Mykonos Town, where you can admire the trademark whitewashed dwellings fronted by distinctive  blue doors. Be sure to also visit the historic windmills – another iconic sight on this popular island.

Welcome to Paros,  one of the prettiest Greek islands in the  Aegean Sea. Its verdant green landscape captivates with abundant vineyards and orchards laden with citrus fruits and pomegranates. Wander through the winding streets of the capital Parikia, admiring the quintessential Cycladic architecture and quaint, whitewashed houses adorned with bright blue doors and window boxes brimming with blooming bougainvillea.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the history-laden capital of Greece, Athens, the ancient birthplace of democracy and Western civilisation. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, from your yacht, 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.