Aegean Odyssey: Athens to Istanbul

10 nights Oct 6, 2027

The Aegean Odyssey: Athens to Istanbul is a 10-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Emerald Star, operated by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Departing Athens (Piraeus), Greece on October 6, 2027, the voyage visits 10 ports. Fares start from $8,587 per person.

from $8,587

$858 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $8,587 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 6, 2027 Athens (Piraeus), Greece A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. Go to Athens (Piraeus), Greece Cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 3 Oct 8, 2027 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Go to Olympia (Katakolon), Greece Cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece photo — Day 3 Oct 8, 2027 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages. Go to Olympia (Katakolon), Greece Cruises visiting Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Day 4 Oct 9, 2027 Chania, Crete The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale. Go to Chania, Crete Cruises visiting Chania, Crete

Chania, Crete photo — Day 4 Oct 9, 2027 Chania, Crete The port of Souda on the Aegean Sea is home to a Greek and NATO naval base and is located six kilometers (three miles) from Chania—the second-largest city on Crete, which itself is the largest of the Greek Islands. Once you’re in Chania, set your compass for the historic waterfront with its famous Venetian Harbor dating to the 14th century. Walk along the breakwater to the restored 500-year-old lighthouse for views that are particularly photogenic from late afternoon until sunset. The atmospheric tangle of streets that is Old Town is easily explored on foot, and you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafés for a bouyatsa (custard pastry) or a glass of Cretan red wine.Soúda can also be a jumping-off point for a visit to Rethymnon, located about 54 kilometers (33 miles) to the east. Shaped by centuries of invasion, namely by the Venetians and Turks, its Fortezza was built by the Venetians in the late 16th century and captured by the Ottomans in 1646. The Old Town has the same kind of architectural character as Chania, but on a smaller scale. Go to Chania, Crete Cruises visiting Chania, Crete

Day 5 Oct 10, 2027 Santorini The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Go to Santorini Cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 5 Oct 10, 2027 Santorini The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Go to Santorini Cruises visiting Santorini

Day 7 Oct 12, 2027 Patmos This small island in the Dodecanese enjoys a singular honor. In 1981 the Greek Parliament passed a special resolution designating Patmos a "Sacred Island." For rocky and barren Patmos claims one of the holiest spots in Christendom: the Grotto of the Revelation. Exiled from Ephesus in 95 A.D., St. John retired to Patmos spending 18 months in a cave. There he received the visions that resulted in Revelation, the last Book of the New Testament. Travelers can still view the saint's Grotto and climb the path to the 11th-century monastery of St. John the Theologian. Patmos occupies a place in classical mythology as well. Orestes fled to Patmos to escape the Furies after avenging the murder of his father Agamemnon. Go to Patmos Cruises visiting Patmos

Patmos photo — Day 7 Oct 12, 2027 Patmos This small island in the Dodecanese enjoys a singular honor. In 1981 the Greek Parliament passed a special resolution designating Patmos a "Sacred Island." For rocky and barren Patmos claims one of the holiest spots in Christendom: the Grotto of the Revelation. Exiled from Ephesus in 95 A.D., St. John retired to Patmos spending 18 months in a cave. There he received the visions that resulted in Revelation, the last Book of the New Testament. Travelers can still view the saint's Grotto and climb the path to the 11th-century monastery of St. John the Theologian. Patmos occupies a place in classical mythology as well. Orestes fled to Patmos to escape the Furies after avenging the murder of his father Agamemnon. Go to Patmos Cruises visiting Patmos

Day 8 Oct 13, 2027 Kusadasi Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Go to Kusadasi Cruises visiting Kusadasi

Kusadasi photo — Day 8 Oct 13, 2027 Kusadasi Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi, and a day here is a day spent in the company of some of antiquity's greatest figures. Go to Kusadasi Cruises visiting Kusadasi

Day 11 Oct 16, 2027 Istanbul A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. İstanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlitaş Hamamı, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyoğlu. Go to Istanbul Cruises visiting Istanbul

Istanbul photo — Day 11 Oct 16, 2027 Istanbul A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia. As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region’s history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions. Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul’s main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the largest covered bazaar in the world. The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. İstanbul’s Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors. The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlitaş Hamamı, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city’s very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyoğlu. Go to Istanbul Cruises visiting Istanbul

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 78-day span: $8,587 · range $8,587–$10,045

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $8,587

$858 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,587

$858 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,587

$958 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,090

$2,009 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $11,675

$1,167 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,675

$1,167 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,102

$1,210 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,577

$1,257 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,675

$1,267 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,102

$1,310 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,577

$1,357 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,520

$1,652 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,517

$1,751 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,520

$1,752 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,517

$1,851 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $26,590

$2,659 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One-bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $27,397

$2,739 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $27,490

$2,749 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One-bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $28,397

$2,839 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $28,490

$2,849 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $36,790

$3,679 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $38,890

$3,889 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's One-bedroom Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $59,690

$5,969 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 21, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Emerald Yacht Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

30 days

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $8,587 D Emerald Stateroom $8,587

Suite

Lowest Suite $11,675 A Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite $12,102 AB Balcony Suite $12,577 B Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite $11,675 SA Owner's One-bedroom Suite $27,397 T Terrace Suite $16,520 Y Yacht Suite $17,517

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 grades at once.

Show all 14 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Emerald Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	ES	Oceanview
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	A	Suite
Balcony Suite	AB	Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite	AP	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	B	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	C	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	P	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	R	Suite
Emerald Grand Balcony Suite	S	Suite
Owner's One-bedroom Suite	SA	Suite
Terrace Suite	T	Suite
Yacht Suite	Y	Suite

Ship

Your ship Emerald Star 4★ **5,300** GT **182** guests Built **2014** Guiding you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent’s most vibrant and enchanting cities; Emerald Sky ensures every minute of your holiday is exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable. From the spacious suites and staterooms to the contemporary, sophisticated public spaces, every inch of Emerald Sky has been considered. Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle; the Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny can guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities. The five sister vessels, boasting a modest capacity of 182 guests apiece, are all blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features. Our brand new Emerald ‘Star Ships’, the Emerald Dawn and the Emerald Sun, have made their debut voyages and have received high marks from our guests. You’ll enjoy all the same great features, including our open air system in the balcony suites and the indoor/ outdoor pool area, that make the “Star Ships” the 2014 Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick award winners for best new river ships. No matter which river cruise you choose, all your meals on-board the ship; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; on-shore excursions and touring; a special selection of EmeraldPLUS experiences; all travel and transfers from selected airports; and all tipping are included in the price. It’s what we like to call ‘Exceptional Emerald Value’. Step on to an award-winning ship where the spacious Sun Deck offers panoramic views of the stunning scenery. Relax in the fresh air while enjoying a light lunch and a glass of wine al-fresco on The Terrace. Enjoy insightful excursions in every port at no extra cost and we take care of tipping so you don’t have to think about it. You wouldn’t expect all this from a river cruise, but on an Emerald Waterways river cruise, you can look forward to it. Go to Emerald Star Cruises on Emerald Star

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