Jules Lund discovers the magic of Greece onboard brand-new super yacht Emerald Kaia
Greece is a land full of myth and marble, however as presenter Jules Lund discovered, the magic isn’t just in the famed ancient ruins. With sun-drenched landscapes, exceptional cuisine and a relaxed way of life, it’s a sensory feast, best experienced travelling on a luxury yacht.
Location:
Greece
Cost:
Join Emerald Cruises in the Mediterranean or Caribbean and discover the magic of luxury yacht cruising. All meals, drinks, selected shore excursions and more are included.
Secure your unforgettable 2027 or 2028 departure today with super early bird savings from $2000 per person. Getaway viewers can save an additional $250 per person off the Emerald Cruises luxury yacht cruise collection.
For more information or to request your voucher, visit emerald.cruises/getaway, call 1300 390 386 or speak to your travel advisor.
Information correct at 20.06.26 Travel dates and conditions apply
Highlights:
Exploring Greece and Türkiye doesn’t have to be a logistical puzzle of packing, unpacking, and chasing schedules. Aboard the brand-new Emerald Kaia, luxury takes center stage, catering to a maximum of just 128 guests; it feels less like a cruise ship and more like a private superyacht. Before setting off on his cruise, Jules spent some time in Athens, the classical capital, where the priority shifted rapidly from ancient history to something equally revered by locals, the incredible food.
Chef and author Carolina Doriti gave Jules a masterclass in the authentic Greek palate, steering him away from the tourist traps and toward the culinary traditions. They started with a traditional Greek coffee, brewed in hot sand to ensure even temperature and a milder flavor, a far cry from a standard espresso, and much stronger! They continued through city laneways lined with olive producers showcasing the fruit at every stage of ripeness, and then they settled in at an old-school deli. The best cheeses and cured meats from across Greece were on offer, paired with local spirits like Tsipouro. Dessert was equally enticing, with a taste of somosus - a unique, almond-and-walnut rich cousin to baklava.
With a full belly, Jules was back on board Emerald Kaia as he bid farewell to Athens and headed out into the Aegean Sea. Unpacking and relaxing into his suite, he quickly realised that time at sea was going to be just as enjoyable as visiting all the different ports. The next day it was time to take full advantage of being able to hop straight off the ship into charming, lesser known harbourside towns, like the colourful village of Gythio that hides a natural wonder beneath its rocky landscape. The Diros Caves is an ancient underground network of caves where columns grow only 1mm each year. Visiting the unique labyrinth was remarkable enough, but floating through the caves’ waterways by boat was an incredible experience. Back on the surface, Jules wandered the streets of one of the most charming villages of the region, Areopolis. Behind its ancient stone walls, he took a step back in time at a bakery that has been serving wood-fired loaves for over 200 years. He couldn’t resist trying some of the flaky cheese pie and other local delicacies on offer.
While the villages of Greece delivered centuries of culinary traditions, the dining on board was modern, vibrant and delicious. Meals can be as casual or indulgent as you choose from Solea Bar and Bistro by the pool on deck six, to the more intimate, degustation specialty dining of Night Market.
History took centre stage at the next day’s location, Olympia, the birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games. Walking the stone tunnel to the original running track, Jules could almost hear the echoes of 45,000 spectators, he even challenged some Italian tourists to a race! A modest patch of ground nearby marks the site of the original Olympic flame, now the starting point of the torch relay.
The next port was Chania in Crete. The Venetian harbour is like a postcard image and the streets are like a maze, a deliberate design to confuse any foreign pirate attackers! Beyond the city the steep hills are filled with olive groves. At Biolea Estate, where traditional stone mill production methods are still used, Jules sat down for an olive oil tasting with views of the high craggy mountains that help to give their oil a distinct character and flavour.
The facilities on Emerald Kaia are world class, with an indoor/outdoor fitness centre, huge Elements Spa, a marina deck, and Sky Bar’s open-air pool deck lounge to name a few. As inviting as staying on the ship is though, there is also so much to see and do off the ship, and no Greek Island holiday is complete without visiting beautiful Santorini.
Beyond the famous blue-domed churches, the cliffside cave homes and luxury hotel suites lies a quieter side of the island. On the southern coast Jules enjoyed a long lunch at a local seaside eatery. In true Greek style guests share plates of fresh seafood, swap stories, and embrace the simple joy of eating by the water. High on the northern cliffs in the iconic village of Oia, Jules secured a place to watch the magical Santorini sunset with cocktail in hand. There was no need to rush back to the ship, the Emerald Kaia team factor in a late departure: all part of the understanding service.
True luxury cruising with Emerald is not just about opulent facilities or pristine cabins; it is found in the thoughtful, slow pace of travel that allows you to truly settle in, savouring the moments until the next exciting destination.
