Departure at 11h00. We leave Athens and head for beautiful Mykonos in the Cyclades. The island, according to Greek mythology, was formed by the bodies of giants slain by Hercules. The most recognisable sight on Mykonos is the row of immaculate picture postcard white windmills overlooking the water. Every visitor takes that picture. The Old Town has many delightful cafes and tavernas along its winding alleys and time will pass very quickly in these lovely, relaxing surroundings.

NOTES: We highly recommend you stay one night in Athens before this day.

We arrive in the colourful Turkish beach town of Kusadasi in the morning. This is the coastal gateway to the Hellenistic ruins of Ephesus, famed for one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Patmos, one of northernmost and smallest islands in the Dodecanese has a charm all of its own. It is most famous for being where the Book of Revelations was written, and the location of John the Baptist’s vision, which is detailed in the text.

Our odyssey continues as we spend an evening in Santorini, whose stunning face is instantly recognisable across the world. We’re sure she will take your breath away with her soaring landscapes, clusters of whitewashed houses in the capital, Fira, and, of course, the iconic blue-domed church at Oia. Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants jostling for position at the edge of the caldera.

We return to the capital after a whirlwind few days of adventure and discovery. Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.