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Fly from UK to Insanbul – Throughout thousands of years Istanbul’s geographical position has maintained its importance. Today it is a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures and religions and is home to eleven million people and one of the greatest business and cultural centres of the region. The world famous Aghia Sofia and neighbouring Blue mosque, the fascinating covered bazaar and unique Topkapi Palace . |
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Canakkale, Turkey (Optional Tour Troy) – Canakkale is located on the southern shore of the Dardanelles strait at their narrowest point. It’s strategic position for the defence of the Dardanelles from the time of the Trojans through to World War I make it the ideal point to visit the Gallipoli battlefields and the ruins of Troy. Facing squarely across the Dardanelles to confront the imposing mass of Kilitbahir Fortress, Canakkale reminds you that this area has been a place of conflict since the time of the Trojan War. Nearby Troy (Truva), uncovered by archeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1871, was of course the site of the most famous siege in history. Time has eroded most of the 3,500 year-old ruins, but you can imagine what Priam felt as he faced Achilles’ invading Greek army. |
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Myrina, Limnos – Greece – It was Zeus who hurled Hephaestus from Mt. Olympus to land on Limnos, leaving the god of metalworking with a permanent limp. Perhaps he was nursed to health by excellent red and white wines (fortified or not) grown on Limnos volcanic soils. The town of Myrina sits under the winding white ramparts of the Kastro, built in 1186. But even earlier ruins – one of most ancient sites in Greece – lie in nearby Poliohni. |
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Monasteries on Mount Athos (sail by), Greece – Ouranopolis, Greece (afternoon/evening) – The picturesque village of Ouranoupolis, “City of the Heavens,” lies at the threshold of the unique community of Mount Athos. Its imposing landmark, the fortified Byzantine tower that nests on the rocks at the seafront, is the largest monumental structure in Halkidiki. The beauty of Ouranoupolis is in its long sandy beaches, the lonesome coves and the deserted islets waiting to be discovered. |
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Skiathos, Greece – The most sophisticated of the Sporades, abounds with trendy shops where barely-clad visitors taking time off from the nearby beaches shop for expensive wisps of clothing and jewelry. Go a few blocks inland and you’ll find charming flower-decked houses and gardens overflowing with fruit trees. |
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Skopelos, Greece – A verdant island blessed with olive, almond and fruit trees. As you sail into the bay surrounding Skopelos town, it reminds you of a giant Greek amphitheatre. 120 churches nestle beneath the ruins of the Venetian castle, and two convents and a monastery cling to hills above the bay. |
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Poros, Greece– It’s barely a hop, skip and a jump from the Argolid Peninsula to the island of Poros, sometimes called Kaválria. Greece’s naval academy is here, and visitors can hear the cadets’ marching band every morning. The views from the Temple of Poseidon are eternal, which may be why the doomed orator Demosthenes chose to end his life here. Take a water taxi to Galatas for excursions to the fragrant lemon groves of Lemonodhássos, or venture inland to ancient Troezen or Epidauros. |
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Piraeus (Port of Athens), Greece – Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or to your hotel if you’re extending your stay. It is well worth extending your stay in this vibrant city with a wide choice of spectacular historic sights to discover. 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. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity. |
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