Embark Star Flyer in Athens.

The sophisticated island of Mykonos in the Cyclades has a mountainous landscape dotted with olive trees, and many of the rustic windmills which have made it famous. Laze on long, golden beaches or sit at a waterfront café and admire views of the Mediterranean.

Kos is just off the Turkish coast, with mountainous terrain and some of the best sandy beaches on the south of the island. The cult of Asclepios began on the island, and the ancient shrine still stands, built above healing springs and surrounded by Cypress trees. South of Kos Town is the 14th century castle of Antimachia built by the Knights of St John.

Skala is the pretty harbour of Patmos, built below the fortified monastery and the Sacred Grotto where St John wrote the Book of Revelation, both open to visitors. It is easy to get around by boat or bus, or on foot: the road to the quiet beach and village of Grikos, south of Skala, is a scenic route following the coast.

The fragrant island of Chios is well-known for its wild jasmine and tulips, and a cluster of medieval villages, the Mastihochoria. Take a step back in time in , Mesta, a castle-village little changed since the 14th century or perhaps visit Pyrgi, with its uniquely decorated black and white plastered houses.

Dikili is on the Aegean coast in an area of great natural beauty, with pine forests and thermal springs and views of the island of Lesbos across the sea. Close by is Badelmi, which has a popular beach and the remains of the ancient Greek city of Pergamum.

The coastal town of Canakkale is the gateway to the ancient site of Troy, and a reconstruction of the legendary wooden horse sits on the seafront. Nearby is the picturesque village of Behrankale, built on the site of Assos. On the hill set in the middle of olive groves is the Doric Temple of Athena built in 530BC.

Disembark Star Flyer in Istanbul.