Magical Mediterranean escape

There couldn’t be a more beautiful city to start your cruise than Dubrovnik in Croatia. 

Perched high above the deep blue Adriatic Sea, behind massive medieval stone walls, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with Baroque architecture, museums, galleries, and cafes. 

Arrive a couple of days earlier to take in the highlights including walking the city walls, exploring the 11th century monastery on Lokrum Island, and admiring the view from Mount Srđ. 

A short sail away is a place that conjures up the word perfection. Surrounded by steep limestone and granite mountains, the bay of Kotor in Montenegro is more like a fjord than the sea. The tiny town of Kotor is a feast for the senses. Peel away layers of history on a walking tour through cobbled alleys within stone walls built by the Venetians. Marvel at St Tryphon’s Cathedral first built in 1166, with its Romanesque–inspired interior boasting pink stone pillars and a vaulted ceiling, hike beyond the city walls for spectacular views over the bay or be moved by a musical performance in a local chapel. Journey next to Sarandë on the Albanian Riviera. A visit to this lively coastal town, with historical roots stretching back somewhere between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, is an enriching experience. Taste the local delicacy—Lake Butrint mussels, take a tour of UNESCO World Heritage site, Butrint National Park where archaeologists believe they have only discovered around 15% of the treasures that lie beneath the ground, and visit Forty Saints, a 6th century monastery. 

Heading further south, the Ionian group of Greek Islands become the focus of the next few days. Characterised by dramatic emerald landscapes fringed with crystal clear sapphire water and offset by an autumnal palette of Venetian–style architecture, it’s like stepping into a series of paintings. Named after the beautiful nymph, Korkyra, who fell in love with Poseidon, Corfu is a fascinating mix of Greek mythology and medieval influence. Discover the rich history on a tour of the exquisitely preserved UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its imposing Old Fortress overlooking the Balkans largest square, the Spianada, elegant promenades, and countless churches and museums. 

Although Párga is on the mainland, it feels like an island. Nestled in a verdant cove with a Venetian castle as a backdrop, this is the perfect spot for lazing on a beach or exploring the series of tiny islets by kayak. Cephalonia, the largest and often deemed the most picturesque Ionian Island, is surprisingly untouched by tourism. As the only Greek island with a national park, there are plenty of unique experiences to have. You may even spot a turtle or wild horse. Journey back in time The last full day onboard will take you to the oracle of Delphi, declared by Zeus as the ‘navel of the earth’ after he released two eagles from opposite directions and they met there. Wander through this impressive, religious sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and be transported back to ancient times. 

The last full day onboard will take you to the oracle of Delphi, declared by Zeus as the ‘navel of the earth’ after he released two eagles from opposite directions and they met there. Wander through this impressive, religious sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and be transported back to ancient times. From here, traverse the Corinth Canal linking the Ionian and Aegean seas, and dock in Piraeus—Greece’s largest port—a short distance from Athens, Europe’s oldest capital and home of icons such as the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum.

You’ll be in the finest of hands onboard an Emerald superyacht that can duck into small places big ships can’t go. At 110 metres long with only 100 guests and 76 crew, there’s plenty of space to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the exceptional onboard service. Innovative programs are designed to personalise each guest’s experience with curated activities throughout the journey. This intrepid journey will enable you to experience the ultimate destination for adventure on water, the Mediterranean Sea.

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