Morning Sailing Through Samos Strait

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 archeological site at Ephesus. Extensive excavations have revealed an ancient city through which visitors can now wander and observe the wonders of a bygone civilisation. Near Kusadasi, on Turkey’s turquoise coast, we make a stop at Camlimani, a small pellucid bay. Swim at the beach, snorkel, stroll the pine scented grounds, or have a run at the rides in the aquapark.

Patmos, Greece

This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.

Amorgos, Greece

Amorgós’ cliff-clinging monastery of Hozoviotissas has one of the most spectacular locations of any in Greece. Only a few monks live in the cavernous 50-room monastery, but the view from their terrace aerie might make you think they had all flown to heaven from this very spot.

Mykonos, Greece

One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands, Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour, a popular meeting place, overlooked by a variety of tavernas, in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.

Spetses, Greece

Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. Take a romantic trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets of the island. Due to it’s rich history there are many attractions worthy of a visit including museums, churches and cathedrals. There are also many beautiful beaches within easy reach where you can soak up the sun or take part in the water sports on offer.

Piraeus. Greece

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.

Rhodes, Greece

The beautiful island of Rhodes (Island of Roses) has a rich and varied history. The beach at Lindos is among the best on the island, whose capital, Rhodes Town is a bustling mecca for both sightseers and shoppers alike.

Bodrum, Turkey

Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, this was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolu’s Tomb (4th century BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Dalyan River, Turkey

At first glance, this is a picture one hardly expects to see in Turkey – A lovely, unspoiled lake teeming with fish, a lush marshy delta, verdant farmlands, a lazy, reedfringed river meandering into the sea. On shore, you can see ruins of the Lycian city of Caunos, with its basilica and fortifications looming over the green marsh where endangered Caretta loggerhead turtles hatch in the spring.

Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano’s caldera.

Hydra, Greece

Hydra is a town of stately mansions all built around 1800 by blockade runners who had made fortunes outwitting the British during the Napoleonic Wars. As there are no cars, for the spectacular view from the Monastery of Ilias you’ll have to ride a donkey to the top.

Piraeus, Greece

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.

All day at sea

Pilos, Greece

Homer’s “Wise King Nestor??? was very wise indeed to build his magnificent palace near Pilos. For the city’s harbour of Navarino Bay and the land-locked lake that was the original harbour were a perfect refuge from storms – and invaders. And it was at this site on October 20, 1827, with the help of Britain, Russia and France, that modern Greece attained independence, defeating the Turkish navy in the Battle of Navarino Bay.

Monemvasia, Greece

From the shore, it’s a big rock sticking out into the sea. Then you pass over the causeway, and through an iron fortress gate, and suddenly, the town of Monemvasia is before you, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port, once 60,000 strong, now home to just a few hundred. You can readily see why the name Monemvasia means single entrance! In the rocky hills above, ancient Byzantine ruins loom over the town, while below a maze of red tiled roofs and twisting alleys hide tavernas and cafes and the home of revered Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.

Nafplion, Greece

Nafplion is a seaport town in the Peloponnese that is one of Greece’s prettiest and most romantic towns. Elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums nestle beneath the towering Palamidi fortress. There are also plenty of quayside cafes to relax in and some lovely boutiques to keep the keen shoppers occupied.

Piraeus, Greece

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.

Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano’s caldera.

All Day At Sea

Katakolon, Greece

The beach at little Katákolon is an inviting diversion, but you will surely want to go inland to Olympia for bigger game. Set in a stunningly lovely valley overlooked by Kronos Hill, Olympia began hosting athletic games in the 11th century BC. Walk through the sacred Temples of Zeus and Hera, stand on the still visible starting line in Stadium and imagine the chariots about to hurtle around the Hippodrome.

Corfu, Greece

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone’s throw from the Albanian coast. Nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa.

Kotor, Montenegro

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbours one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you’ll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

(swim stop – weather permitting)

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik’s colourful history.

Korcula, Croatia

Framed by dense green forests of allepo pine and twisted cypress, the red tile roofs of Korcula, whose most famous native son was Marco Polo, form an inviting picture. The pale wheat-coloured stone Cathedral of St. Mark houses a treasure trove of Dalmatia

Hvar, Croatia

The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian Coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favorite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty.

Cres, Croatia

Cres is a lovely place to visit which is easily reached both from the mainland and other nearby islands. It has many interesting places to visit including the Griffin Vulture Colony. Due to previous Venetian rule much of Cres Town reminds visitors of an Italian village and large parts of it date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Venice, Italy

Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge’s Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.

All Day At Sea

Sit back and relax while we cruise to our first port of call, Dikili, Turkey.

Dikili, Turkey

The picturesque coastal town of Dikili is in the Izmir province in the Aegean region of Turkey, and the town centre is opposite the Greek island of Lesbos. Dikili is a popular tourist spot during the summer season and is famed for is azure blue waters and 40km stretch of sand. Wander among the many open air restaurants and shops in Dikili Harbour.

Myrina Limnos, Greece

Today we visit the Capital of Limnos, Myrina. The town lies between two creeks, the Turkish Seashore and the cosmopolitan Greek seashore of Romeikos. On arrival you are met with the sight of the Castle of Myrina, which is the largest fortress in the Aegean sea. Take some time to explore the local shopping area and enjoy sipping coffee as you sit and people watch.

Skiathos, Greece

Today we will enjoy the island of Skiathos, the most sophisticated of the Sporades, famed for its lovely beaches and pine forests. Some scenes from the movie Mama Mia were filmed here. Take some time to explore the trendy shops and eateries, or simply relax on the beach.

Skopelos, Greece

Today our port of call is Skopelos in the North Sporades group of islands. The unspoilt scenery on this island makes it a firm favourite with Greek locals. Be impressed by Byzantine monasteries and the medieval castle with its stunning views over the Aegean.  Pay a visit to Ai Yannis at Kastri, it is here that the famous wedding scene in Mama Mia was filmed.  Sample the local delicacy of Skopelos cheese pie, a treat made from delicate layers of filo pastry and goats cheese.

Poros, Greece

Poros is a small island in the Saronic Gulf, and as it is only a one hour ferry ride from Athens, it is a popular weekend destination during the summer. Poros Town, with its pastel coloured houses, is a sight to delight any traveller, and it’s historic clock tower is visible from everywhere in the town. One of the most beautiful spots on Poros is Love Bay, a beach surrounded by pine forests. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or stroll along the waterfront and sample the local cuisine.

Piraeus,  Greece

At the end of our journey, disembark Star Flyer in Piraues, Greece.