Jules Lund continues a luxury cruise through the Greek Islands and into Türkiye
If you want to experience the world’s most spectacular destinations, doing so on board a super yacht is an unbeatable way to travel. Jules Lund continued his cruise through the Greek Islands and into Türkiye on the luxurious Emerald Kaia; small enough to be personal, big enough to exceed all expectations.
Location:
Greece and Türkiye
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 27.06.26 Travel dates and conditions apply
Highlights:
When sailing on the magnificent Emerald Kaia, a journey through the Aegean Sea blurs the lines between ancient history and modern indulgence. Forget the crowded, cookie-cutter cruise ships; this is about embracing the effortless lifestyle of a private yacht, where refined dining, private retreat and boutique hotel blend together for unforgettable holiday memories.
Jules’ Mediterranean voyage continued to the Greek island of Syros. Unlike its neighbours, Syros wasn’t built on tourism, it grew around the bustling 19th-century port town of Ermoupoli. The city boasts striking architecture, a grand Town Hall that reflects its past maritime power, and the fascinating Apollon Theatre, a miniature version of Italy’s famous Teatro alla Scala. The best way to explore the coastline beyond the town is to grab one of the ship’s onboard e-bikes, giving you the freedom to go far and wide at your own pace. Jules discovered quiet beaches, pristine coves and villages where the locals greet visitors as guests rather than tourists.
Much like most of the Mediterranean, Jules found he spent a lot of his time on the ship outdoors, and that’s exactly what it’s designed for. The gym has an ocean facing open-air deck, so you never miss a view, even when you are working out. The expanded Elements Spa includes saunas, cold plunge, salt therapy lounge and treatment rooms for massages or facials.
Gliding into Türkiye, the first port was Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus, an ancient metropolis that once rivaled Rome. Dating back to the 10th century BC, Ephesus is one of the most spectacular and best
preserved archeological sites in the world, a must for Roman and Christian history buffs. Highlights include colonnaded boulevades, the well photographed facade of the Library of Celsus, a massive amphitheatre, and terrace houses with frescoes and mosaics that bring the city to life. From ancient
artefacts to ancient traditions, Jules’s DiscoverMore tour included a visit to a local artisan weaving cooperative with demonstrations of the distinctive double knotting technique of Turkish rugs.
After a day on shore, the crew of Emerald Kaia make it easy to sit back and relax. They quickly get to know your name, your favourite drink, and how you like your coffee. You are never too far from a swim or a soak, with so many options you don’t have to be too strategic to score a pool all to yourself! When it comes to dining, Soleá on deck 6 is the ideal place to grab an after-swim snack, a late breakfast, or a casual dinner with a relaxed vibe and feel-good food.
Heading up the Dardanelles Strait, a critical link between continents and seas, the coastline is steeped in history. Including the site of the brutal 1915 Gallipoli campaign, forever etched in the history of Australia and New Zealand. Visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula is one of the Emerald DiscoverMore optional tours that allows guests to dive deeper into regions of interest. Emotions ran deep among Emerald Kaia guests, as for many this was more of a personal pilgrimage than a history lesson. From ANZAC Cove to the cliffs and former battlefields, Jules said seeing the landscape first hand added a whole new layer of understanding and reflection to the events that unfolded there.
Continuing north-east through the Sea of Marmara, Emerald Kaia sailed on to Istanbul, the magnificent city straddling Europe and Asia. Jules spent the day exploring the historic landmarks, from the grand and imposing Sultan Ahmed Mosque, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque, to the 6th century engineering feat of the underground water reservoir, Basilica Cistern. The streets are full of life with bustling markets and busy cafes, and as Jules found out, even ordering an ice cream becomes a piece of theatrics, all part of the daily charm.
Next Jules braved the centuries old traditional Turkish hammam. The full experience, focusing on deep cleansing, included steam, foam, scrubs, clay masks and a not so gentle massage. For something a little more relaxing, Jules enjoyed a traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine cooking class at Deraliye restaurant. He created and tasted some recipes from the 15th century, dishes like stuffed vine leaves with sour cherries, and melon with lamb, rice, currants and pistachio.
Ultimately, a voyage aboard Emerald Kaia presents a beautiful dilemma: do you chase every extraordinary moment available on land, or do you stay behind to soak up the world-class luxury of the superyacht? Whichever you choose, you are bound to miss out on something spectacular, which is exactly why a single trip is never enough.
