DETAILS
Board the luxurious 50-cabin Emerald Azzurra for a private seven night voyage. Its sleek design grants access to hidden harbors and a rare full
circumnavigation of the Peloponnese. The itinerary centers on archaeological exploration, with visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites: Mycenae, where the Mask of Agamemnon was found; Epidaurus, known for its perfectly preserved ancient theater; Mystras, a remarkable Byzantine city; Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; and Delphi, once home to the most influential oracle in the ancient world.
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- Pricing from
- $10,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
In March 2022, Emerald Cruises launched the Emerald Azzurra, a sleek mega-yacht designed to explore ports and harbors inaccessible to larger ships. Measuring 360 feet in length with just 50 spacious cabins, this stunning vessel offers a modern, Scandinavian-inspired ambiance. Forty-four cabins feature step-out balconies, and each cabin includes convertible beds, flat-screen TVs, stocked mini-bars, and bathrooms equipped with hair dryers, plush robes, and premium bath products. The Azzurra offers inviting public spaces designed for relaxation and comfort, including multiple lounges and outdoor areas where you can soak in the views. Delight in fresh, locally sourced cuisine prepared by expert chefs, served either in the elegant Reflections Restaurant or al fresco on The Terrace. Indulge in a range of luxurious amenities: unwind with a dip in the infinity pool or soak in the outdoor hot tub. Savor handcrafted cocktails at the open-air Sky Bar or in the elegant Horizon Bar & Lounge (which also converts to a lecture room with full A/V capabilities). Rejuvenate your body and mind at the Wellness Center with soothing massages, revitalizing facials, and a cutting-edge infrared sauna. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the yacht, and explore onshore with a selection of bikes available for guests.
OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION – ATHENS – SEPTEMBER 15–18
Arrive early to immerse yourself in the treasures of Athens before your main program begins. Explore the city’s ancient landmarks, from the bustling Agora and winding streets of the Plaka to the world-renowned Acropolis and its award-winning museum. Along the way, enjoy authentic Greek meals, discover world-class collections at the National Archaeological Museum, and take time to wander this vibrant city at your own pace.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, September 15
DEPART U.S.
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Athens.
Wednesday, September 16
ARRIVAL | ATHENS
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. ATHENS CAPITAL HOTEL – MGALLERY (D)
Thursday, September 17
ATHENS
Begin the morning at the Agora, once the center of political and public life in Classical Athens. Stroll the winding streets of the Plaka and enjoy a festive Greek lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to exquisite sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and frescoes. The remainder of the day is free. ATHENS CAPITAL HOTEL – MGALLERY (B, L)
Friday, September 18
ATHENS
Spend the day discovering the highlights of ancient Athens. Climb to the Acropolis to explore its iconic temples overlooking the modern city, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the award-winning Acropolis Museum, which houses more than 4,000 artifacts from the site. This evening, join a welcome reception and orientation with the main group arriving today. ATHENS CAPITAL HOTEL – MGALLERY with main group (B, L; R with main group)
- $2,190 per person, double occupancy
- $2,790 per person, single occupancy
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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days 1-2
Depart U.S./Overnight flight to Athens, Greece
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Athens, Greece. Arrive Friday, September 18, and transfer to the centrally located Athens Capital Hotel—MGallery Collection, situated at Syntagma Square. This elegant boutique hotel blends contemporary design with classic Greek touches. In the evening, gather for a welcome orientation and reception.
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day 3
Athens/ Piraeus
After breakfast, enjoy the first lecture of the trip. In the morning, choose between a visit to the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, or a guided exploration of the historic Athens National Garden. Savor a delicious Greek lunch. In the afternoon, embark the Emerald Azzurra in the port of Piraeus. The day concludes with the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
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day 4
Nafplio/Mycenae/Epidaurus
Spend the day visiting two incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Mycenae, the fabled Bronze Age citadel that, according to Homer, was ruled by King Agamemnon. Then head to Epidaurus to see the historic Asclepeion and experience the remarkable acoustics of the 4th-century B.C. theater. Enjoy lunch at Skouras, a renowned local estate, with the option to stay a bit longer afterward for a vineyard tour. Later in the afternoon, choose between exploring the grounds and ramparts of Palamidi Fortress or taking a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town beneath the Venetian castle.
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day 5
Gythion/Mystras/Sparta/Diros Caves
Start the day with a morning lecture before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras, a beautifully preserved medieval walled town, and the legendary city of Sparta. As an afternoon alternative, return to Gythio for lunch on board the ship or on your own at one of the town’s inviting seaside tavernas. Then set out on a small-boat cruise through the Diros Caves, where dramatic stalagmites and stalactites reveal an ancient shelter and sacred place of worship.
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day 6
Kalamata/Messene
Begin the day with a morning lecture, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Messene, a classical city-state re-founded in 369 BC. Wander through its remarkably well-preserved ruins including ancient walls, a theater, temples, and a stadium set against rolling hills and olive groves. Explore the ongoing excavations and restoration projects and visit the onsite museum showcasing remarkable archaeological finds. Or visit the gardens of the Patrick Leigh Fermor House in Kardamyli, set on terraces overlooking the sea. Conclude with lunch aboard the ship and time to cruise or swim in the crystal-clear waters nearby.
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day 7
Pylos
Explore the remarkable Bronze Age site of Nestor’s Palace, where storerooms once held vast jars of olive oil, and learn about life in the Mycenaean world. Visit a working olive farm to see traditional cultivation practices and sample fresh, organic oils. Alternatively, explore historic landmarks such as Methoni Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Mediterranean, or the Pylos Archaeological Museum. Enjoy free time to stroll through the charming streets of Pylos’ historic center, browsing local shops or simply taking in the town’s atmosphere.
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day 8
Katakalon/ Olympia
Begin the morning with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Olympia, the iconic location of the ancient Olympic Games. Explore its remarkable temples, stadium, sanctuary, stoa, and museum. Experience history firsthand by partaking in a foot race on the original Olympic track. Choose to tour the Botanical Garden, where plant species are selected based on descriptions in Greek literature, or dive deeper into the past at the Archaeological Museum, home to statues, votive offerings, and treasures from the ancient sanctuary. In the afternoon, relax with a scenic cruise along the stunning Gulf of Corinth.
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day 9
Itea (Delphi)/ Corinth Canal
Start the day with a morning lecture before docking at Itea for a climb to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, famed for the Oracle whose pronouncements were sought for centuries. In the afternoon, cruise through the breathtakingly narrow Corinth Canal, where teal crystal-clear waters meet dramatic cliffs. The day concludes with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner aboard.
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day 10
Athens / Return to U.S.
Disembark in Athens this morning and transfer to Athens International Airport for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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