Istanbul to Athens Adventure

Itinerary

Istanbul photo — Day 1 Aug 21, 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. Istanbul port guide Search cruises visiting Istanbul

Day 3 Aug 23, 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. Kusadasi port guide Search cruises visiting Kusadasi

Kusadasi photo — Day 3 Aug 23, 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. Kusadasi port guide Search cruises visiting Kusadasi

Day 4 Aug 24, 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. Patmos port guide Search cruises visiting Patmos

Patmos photo — Day 4 Aug 24, 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. Patmos port guide Search cruises visiting Patmos

Day 6 Aug 26, 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. Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 6 Aug 26, 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. Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Day 7 Aug 27, 2027 Milos, Greece Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Milos, Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Milos, Greece photo — Day 7 Aug 27, 2027 Milos, Greece Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas. Milos, Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Milos, Greece

Day 8 Aug 28, 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. Athens (Piraeus), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 80-day span: $5,762 · range $5,762–$6,762

Lower than 94% of peers This week-long sailing's from-price per night is lower than 94% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jun 24, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $5,762

$823 / night

Fare rows

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,762

$823 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,762

$966 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,890

$2,127 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $7,810

$1,115 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,810

$1,115 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,093

$1,156 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,408

$1,201 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,810

$1,258 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,093

$1,299 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,259

$1,322 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,408

$1,344 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,259

$1,465 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,023

$1,574 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $11,684

$1,669 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,023

$1,717 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,684

$1,812 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,236

$2,605 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,236

$2,748 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,440

$2,777 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,070

$2,867 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,770

$2,967 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $22,660

$3,237 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $26,580

$3,797 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Yacht Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $28,050

$4,007 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $42,610

$6,087 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

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

Show all 14 cabin grades

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

Ship

Your ship Emerald Raiya 5★ **5,300** GT **128** guests Built **2014** The 2027-built superyacht Emerald Raiya features deck plans with 64 passenger cabins, 4 dining venues, and a full wellness complex (gym, 3 saunas, spa with 3 massage rooms). The aft Marina Platform supports watersports activities, while the Marina Deck offers a sundeck area served by the Marina Lounge & Bar. Additional facilities include 3 tender boats, 2 lifeboats, and 2 Zodiacs (RIB boats). Guest leisure options include a swimming pool (infinity-style), Pool Deck with spa pool, sunbathing area, and bar, as well as multiple lounges: Amici Bar Lounge (main lounge), Observation Lounge (bow-facing indoor lounge), Aqua Cafe (outdoor bar lounge), and Sky Bar (outdoor poolside bar). A Medical Center (infirmary/hospital) is also available onboard. The yacht has 7 decks in total, with 6 accessible to passengers and 4 featuring cabins. Two midship elevators connect all decks. Emerald Raiya belongs to the same class/design as her sisterships Emerald Kaia (2026) and Emerald Xara (2028). Emerald Raiya ship guide Search cruises on Emerald Raiya

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

View	From pp	Departs
	from $18,720 $2,674 / night	Jun 27, 2026Voyage E05G270626.2
	from $5,452 $778 / night	Oct 16, 2027Voyage E05G161027.2

Istanbul to Athens Adventure

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

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Ship

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