Istanbul to Athens Adventure: 8 days Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)

Your memorable cruise begins in the timeless city of Istanbul, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht.

Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 05:00 PM.

Docked: 22:00

Located along Turkey's stunning coast, this popular destination comes steeped in history and is famed for its culture and culinary traditions. In addition, Kepez offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding parks and verdant forests, as well as lovely beaches.

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The legendary city of Troy (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Step into the epic world of myth and history with a visit to the legendary city of Troy. Discover the ruins that gave rise to Homer’s Iliad and learn how 19th-century excavations brought this ancient city to life. Walk among ancient walls, gates, and battlements as your guide shares the tale of the famed Trojan War and the iconic Wooden Horse. Then, visit the state-of-the-art Troy Museum, where captivating artifacts and immersive exhibits trace 5,000 years of history, bridging the cultures of East and West in unforgettable fashion. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4.5 hours

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Guided tour of ANZAC cove and Gallipoli peninsula (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Pay tribute to a pivotal chapter of World War I on this moving journey through the Gallipoli Peninsula. Begin at ANZAC Cove, where Australian and New Zealand troops landed in 1915, and explore the surrounding cemeteries and memorials that honor their sacrifice. Visit key sites such as Lone Pine, Beach Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, where dramatic landscapes meet powerful history. Walk among preserved trenches and hear the compelling stories of courage, loss, and the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This guided experience offers both reflection and insight into one of the most significant battlefields of the modern era. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5 hours

Docked: 13:00 - 19:00

On Turkey’s western Aegean coast, Kusadasi offers fascinating blend of history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. This beach resort town’s history dates to ancient timestimes, and it has witnessed many rulers, including those from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Genoese eras. It lies near several ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the ancient world's most important cities.  

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Guided tour of Ephesus (extra expense)
Embark on an extraordinary excursion to the legendary city of Ephesus, a treasure trove of ancient wonders and archaeological marvels that have stood the test of time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ephesus at a local cooperative. Witness a captivating folklore show performed by talented folk-dance students and indulge in a delectable array of local delicacies prepared with fresh, local ingredients. 
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Docked: 13:00 - 22:00

Patmos is a small Greek island in the beautiful Aegean Sea steeped in religious history. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the island's charming capital, Chora. Nearby, you will discover the Cave of the Apocalypse, where, according to local legend, Saint John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelation. Today choose between our Included Exursion or EmeraldACTIVE.

Included Excursion
Chora, Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse
The tour begins with a visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse, the site where the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Holy Bible, was conceived. After, drive to the historic village of Chora, the island’s capital home to the 11th-century Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. From the Monastery, stroll through Chora’s charming winding cobbled streets to the house of Simandiris where you will enjoy a unique experience, exploring the interior of a traditional Patmian home.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3.5 hours

EmeraldACTIVE
Downhill hike
Start your adventure with a scenic drive to Chora, a picturesque village that unfolds like a beautiful painting. Adorned with radiant white houses, Chora provides a striking contrast to the imposing Monastery of St. John. Step inside the Monastery, a bastion of faith featuring thick walls, battlements, and eight chapels. Stroll through the Old Town of Chora, a maze of narrow streets and delightful squares and visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse, the sacred site of the Revelation's origin—the final book of the Holy Bible.
Activity Level: Strenuous, Duration: 3 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Local folklore performance on board
A talented Patmian band, featuring both musicians and dancers, will treat you to an unforgettable evening of traditional music and dance. This folkloric ensemble will take you on a journey through the island's rich culture and history, performing to the captivating rhythms of Greece.
Event duration: 1 hour

Docked: 08:00 - 21:00

A small rocky island in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, Delos is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. In the afternoon, you will venture to the world-famous island of Mykonos, alluring visitors with 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 adorned with vibrant blue doors and visit the island’s historic windmills. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Delos
Set foot on a journey to the sacred island of Delos, a cradle of ancient Greek mythology and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delos holds a unique place in history, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Explore the extensive site, where each step reveals the layers of history, from ancient sanctuaries to the remnants of prosperous civilizations.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.30 hours

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Island tour of Mykonos, Ano Mera Monastery and wine tasting experience (extra expense)
Begin your adventure in the traditional village of Ano Mera and explore the 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, dedicated to Mykonos' patron saint. Admire intricate icons depicting scenes from the New Testament and unravel the monastery's rich history. Indulge your senses in the flavours of Greece with a wine tasting experience at a Mykonian Farm. Conclude your tour in the iconic Mykonos town, a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings and narrow streets.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Offshore/Docked: 12.30 - 22:00

 One of the most photogenic islands in the world, stunning Santorini is an eye-catching destination, iconic for its whitewashed buildings clustered atop soaring cliffs rising out of the Sea. This hugely popular volcanic island is renowned for the striking beauty of its gleaming white architecture and domed rooftops found throughout the traditional hillside villages, and legendary sunsets.

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Akrotiri, Oia and winery visit (extra expense)
Explore the remnants of the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, often hailed as the "Greek Pompeii," embark on a sensory journey at one of the most famous wineries, perched above the port of Athinios and overlooking the breathtaking Santorini caldera. Indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the distinct flavours of Santorini's renowned wines. Conclude your adventure in the charming village of Oia, celebrated for its iconic whitewashed houses before arriving to Thira, the capital of the island.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Offshore: 07:30 - 22:00

Your first port of call is Milos, a Greek island renowned for its unique natural beauty, often referred to as the ‘Island of Colours’ due to its diverse soil shades, including yellow, orange, red, and dazzling white. This is made even more dramatic, set against the backdrop of turquoise waters. Milos is also the original home of the iconic marble statue, Venus of Milo.

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Landscapes of Milos (extra expense)
Start from the harbour along the dramatic Milos coastline toward Papafranga, explore Sarakiniko, an inlet of pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions. Stroll through the village to admire its traditional architecture and sample some homemade sweets at a few of the village’s local pastry shops. Visit the ruins of ancient Melos and its Roman amphitheatre, stop at the site where the Venus of Milo was discovered before strolling around the Plaka, the traditional capital of Milos.  
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 5.5 hours

Offshore: 08:00 - 18:00

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in the ancient Greek capital, Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. Here, 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.

Docked: 08:00

*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. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.