| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 14th14 | FebFeb | 202222 | Limassol, Cyprus, embark on the Emerald Azzurra | | |
| A major commercial port, cruise ship port of call, and wine-making center on the south coast, Limassol, 75 km (47 miles) from Nicosia, is a bustling, cosmopolitan town, with some of the liveliest nightlife on the island. Luxury hotels, apartments, and guesthouses stretch along 12 km (7 miles) of seafront, with the most luxurious ones just to the north of town. In the center, the elegant, modern shops of Makarios Avenue (where you'll mainly find clothes and shoes) contrast with those of pedestrian-only Agiou Andreou in the old part of town, where local handicrafts such as lace, embroidery, and basketware prevail; make sure you avoid shopping on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, when many shops close at 2 pm. A luxurious marina that will hold 650 yachts as well as house apartments, shops, and restaurants should further boost the town's lively appeal. Upon your arrival in Limassol, you'll board your spectacular super yacht, Emerald Azzurra, to commence your yacht cruise. DiscoverMORE City tour of Limassol (extra expense, must be pre-booked)* |
| 15th15 | FebFeb | 202222 | Paphos, Cyprus | | |
| Dating back to Neolithic times, Paphos has connections to the goddess Aphrodite who, it is believed, was born in Old Paphos. Historic charm by the bucket-load and an abundance of beautiful beaches bring this colourful city to life. Included Excursion Monuments of Paphos |
| 16th16 | FebFeb | 202222 | Rhodes, Greece | | |
| Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect. The capital of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes seemingly has it all. Lush green valleys, golden beaches and archaeological sites. Known as the Island of the Knights, the medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Included Excursion Guided tour of Rhodes DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Lindos (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 17th17 | FebFeb | 202222 | Bodrum, Turkey | | |
| Reaching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, the stunning twin bays of Bodrum are home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, built between 350 and 353 BC for Mausolus. While being historic, the city is a playground for Turkish and foreign visitors alike, with two contrasting sides, east and west. Included Excursion Discover one of the ancient wonders of the world: Tomb of Mausolus DiscoverMORE Farmers market visit followed by cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies (extra expense) |
| 18th18 | FebFeb | 202222 | Kusadasi, Turkey | | |
| Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit. This beach resort town on Turkey's west coast dates back to 3000 BC and is now a busy cruise port, with a renowned nightlife. Home to a small, Byzantine castle, the Grand Bazaar selling the wares of numerous merchants and much in the way of monuments to the past. Included Excursion Guided tour of Ephesus EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Kusadasi and surrounding areas DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Sirince village (extra expense) |
| 19th19 | FebFeb | 202222 | Çanakkale, Turkey | | |
| In the Marmara region of northwestern Turkey, the Çanakkale Province is a destination of all-round intrigue. From the historic battlefields of Troy and Gallipoli, to the serenity of beautiful beaches, unique local food and wineries. Included Excursion Guided tour of ANZAC cove and Gallipoli peninsula EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Canakkale |
| 20th20 | FebFeb | 202222 | Istanbul, Turkey | | |
| 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. Turkey's economic, cultural and historic centre, Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia, something evident from the wonderful east-meets-west vibe. Meet open-minded locals as you immerse yourself in their light-hearted spirit, learn about its cultural heritage from architectural masterpieces and enjoy strong culinary diversity. Books, copper ware, ceramics, gold and inexpensive souvenirs. Venture into the hidden courtyards or hans, lookout for marble fountains and ornate kiosks. Streets are named according to the trades and the most oriental atmosphere in Istanbul is found in the bazaar. Included Excursion Istanbul city tour DiscoverMORE Turkish baths experience (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Tour of Topkapi palace and cisterns (extra expense) |
| 21st21 | FebFeb | 202222 | At Sea | | |
| 22nd22 | FebFeb | 202222 | Vólos, Greece | | |
| Built near the site of ancient Iolcos, Volos is situated at the foot of Mount Pelion. Included Excursion Sightseeing tour of Meteora monasteries with Greek lunch |
| 23rd23 | FebFeb | 202222 | Ermoupoli, Syra, Greece | | |
| Syros is an island in the Aegean Sea, 78 miles (125 kilometres) southeast of Athens, and the administrative, commercial, intellectual and cultural centre of the Cyclades. Syros is 32 square miles (82.8 square kilometres) in area. Its largest towns are Ermoupoli, the capital of the island and Cyclades, Ano Syros and Vari. Although Syros belongs to the Cyclades islands, its architecture is more medieval than Cycladic. The beaches of Syros are especially inviting, and surrounded by many tourist facilities and accommodations. The capital of the Aegean island of Syros, Ermoupolis is a stunning town. Architectural splendour is a striking reminder of a brilliant past, as a neo-classical influence combines with that of Ancient Greece and western Europe. Included Excursion Walking tour of Ermoupolis EmeraldPLUS Concert at Apollo Theatre |
| 24th24 | FebFeb | 202222 | Piraeus, Greece, disembark the Emerald Azzurra | | |
| It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views. Today you'll disembark Emerald Azzurra and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. DiscoverMORE City tour of Athens with Acropolis visit (extra expense, must be pre-booked)* *This DiscoverMORE is only available in conjunction with pre or post cruise accommodation. For guests not staying at our preferred hotel, own arrangements will need to be made to reach the meeting point of the DiscoverMORE The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. |
