Istanbul to Athens Adventure
7 nights
Emerald Raiya
16 Oct '27Cruise overview
Itinerary
Istanbul
Your memorable cruise begins in Turkey and Istanbul, a timeless city where east meets west and diverse cultures, rich history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your incredible voyage of discovery through Turkey and Greece.
Please book your flight to arrive into Istanbul prior to 05:00 PM.
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.
Read More
Dardanelles
Kusadasi
Pátmos
Delos
Santorini
Milos
Piraeus
Owner's Suite
The most luxurious accommodation onboard, the Owner’s Suite offers a grand living area, spacious bedroom, lavish bathroom and an extended private terrace. Exceptional comfort, privacy and personalised service define this suite.
Amenities
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Toiletries Provided
- Room Service Available
- Suite Benefits
- Free Mini Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Media/Entertainment Station
- Coffee Machine
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Pillow Menu Available
- Telephone
- Desk
Ship features
Emerald Raiya brings a fresh level of sophistication to Emerald Cruises’ yacht collection, blending modern design with relaxed, oceanfront living.
- All-suite accommodation for 128 guests
- Sleek, superyacht-inspired design with seven decks
- Four dining venues, from elegant fine dining to casual alfresco
- Infinity-style pool and open-air sun terraces
- Water sports marina with paddleboards and snorkelling equipment
- Serene spa and fitness centre with ocean-view treatment rooms
- Observation and Sky Deck lounges with panoramic views
- Complimentary excursions and active discovery options
- Sustainable hybrid-ready propulsion and energy-efficient systems
- Personalised, yacht-style service throughout
