Discover the Mediterranean from Venice to Athens

Your Croatian cruise begins in the romantic city of Venice. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on a compelling journey of history, art and natural wonders.  Please book your flight to arrive into Venice prior to 05:00 PM.

The town of Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula is threaded with Italian influence. Guests love the winding city streets, picturesque harbour and colourful building facades. It’s a lovely, walkable town and there are plenty of art galleries, small squares and a harbour dotted with fishing boats.

Today we visit Šibenik, nestled in a sea inlet on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. The origins of Šibenik date back to 1066 and there is a plethora of architectural styles to admire. Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St James’ Cathedral, crafted from white stone – just take the stairs from the Riva, the seaside promenade. 

The tiny town of Trogir is a hidden gem, located on a small island between the mainland and Ciovo Island. For some of the most spectacular views of this photogenic town, climb the tower of the Cathedral of St Lawrence — its the highest building in Trogir.

The island of Vis, off the Croatian mainland, was closed to visitors until 1989. This has given Vis a rare sense of peace and authenticity. Its rocky coastline, azure waters and Venetian architecture made it the ideal backdrop of the film ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.’ (2018). As the afternoon rolls in, it’s time to set sail to Hvar. 

The heart of island paradise Hvar is the Old Town — while it’s become a modern-day hotspot, it’s layered in history and architectural wonder. The town of Hvar is a photogenic jumble of whitewashed buildings with sun-kissed red roofs, and beyond the town are rolling hills peppered with lavender fields, olive groves, and grapevines. 

The sixth-largest island in the Adriatic, Korcula, is among the most beloved in Croatia. Its Old Town, referred to by the locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’, is a delightful collection of medieval churches, palaces, and squares, while the villages of Cara and Smokvica produce the country’s signature dry white wine. You will sail to Dubrovnik later in the day. 

Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is a compelling city on Croatias Dalmatian coast. With its medieval city walls and breathtaking views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea, it offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and a beach holiday.

Enveloped by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is a place of ancient stories and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting is brimming with Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. 

Sarandë is a popular coastal town on a crescent-shaped bay in Albania. The once sleepy fishing village has a bustling seaside promenade, pebbled beaches and ancient ruins. From Sarandë, you’ll journey across the straight to Corfu — a large island with sandy coves and hills studded with olive, cypress and citrus trees. 

This idyllic island is dotted with whitewashed houses, olive trees and edged with glimmering turquoise waters. The picturesque Old Town of Corfu has a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Explore fishing villages, swim in crystal-blue waters and visit the largest square in Greece, the Spianada.  

Parga, on mainland Greece, has a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the sunshine on one of the many beaches, explore traditional Greek villages, and marvel at the 11th-century Castle, which offers an incredible bird’s eye view of the resort town and coastline. 

Known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece’, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge, making it one of the few islands here reachable by car. One of the most fascinating places in Lefkada is the Castle of Agia Mavra, dating to the 14th century and built to protect Lefkada from invasions.

Sail to the small port of Itea, then start the journey to the archaeological site of Delphi, regarded by the Ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. Next, it’s time to pass through the 19th century Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that crosses the isthmus of Corinth in Greece to the Saronic Gulf.

Your Emerald Cruises voyage concludes in the bustling capital of Greece, Athens. This cosmopolitan city was at the heart of Ancient Greece and was named after the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena. From the yacht, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Athens after 11:00 AM. 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.