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Fly from UK to Athens – Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. In the soaring, subtly curved Doric columns of the Parthenon you can witness this historical project by Pericles, Athens’ greatest general and builder. And in the ethereally graceful bodies of the Caryatids supporting the porch of the Erectheum, you behold the beauty of the immortals. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicentre of western civilization, is a city for all eternity. |
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At Sea – Take time to relax into your cruise, exploring the lavish and complete accommodation aboard the Star Clipper. Sun-bathe and wind down as you sail across the Aegean Sea in style. |
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Kusadasi, Turkey – Kusadasi is a popular Turkish port of call for cruise ships, as not only is it a bustling resort town full of shops, bars and restaurants, but it is also the main access point for the famous archaeological site at Ephesus, where extensive excavations have revealed an ancient city through which visitors can now wander and observe the wonders of a bygone civilization. |
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Kusadasi – Patmos – This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. In the 11th century, the Abbot Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John on one of the island’s highest points. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury. |
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Patmos – Amorgos – The island of Amorgos is distinguished for its archaeological wealth, popular architectural art and local customs. An abundance of archaeological ruins, sites and findings bear witness to the fact that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. |
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Amorgos – Delos and Mykonos – You cannot escape the feeling on Delos that the Greek gods are hovering just out of sight, or that Apollo might step out of some ruin at any moment, casting his radiance once again over ancient Delos. Uninhabited today as always, Delos is the hub of the “wheel” for which the Cyclades are named. The Sacred Way, bordered by temples, altars and shrines dedicated to Greek, Roman and Egyptian deities, attests to the religious importance in ancient times. We continue to Mykonos, one of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands and quite justifiably attracting visitors from all over the world, it is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts. In the evening the town comes into its own with a varied and cosmopolitan nightlife. |
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Monemvasia – The Mediaeval walled town formed an offshore island dominated by huge rock and dates back to the days of Byzantium, Venice and the Ottomans and has had a varied and turbulent history. Many of the buildings and the walls have been lovingly restored and the little town oozes atmosphere. Today the island is linked to the small modern town by a causeway. |
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Athens – Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or to your hotel if extending your stay. |
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