The magnificent ships of the Star Clipper Fleet

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 amphitheater. 120 churches nestle beneath the ruins of the Venetian castle, and two convents and a monastery cling to hills above the bay.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Paleokastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa.

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in Southern Europe. Boka harbors one of the prettiest unspoiled towns you’ll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortifie

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 colorful history.

Framed by dense green forests of Aleppo 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-colored stone Cathedral of St. Mark houses a treasure trove of Dalmatia

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.

The warm sands of Cikat Bay, situated near the port of Mali Losinj where we anchor, are an irresistible magnet for beachgoers. And no wonder, the beach is 30 kilometers long and offers every watersport imaginable. For those who prefer to wander farther afield, our bicycle tour takes you around the island past the fortified town of Veli Losinj.