Ephesus & Greek Islands - Star Clipper

We'll arrive in Athens and transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay.

Athens sits just five miles from the Bay of Phaleron, an inlet of the Aegean - a place of history, myth and legend. Athens itself is one of the world's oldest cities. The city was once the centre of Ancient Greece and still houses fifth-century landmarks, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, which stand tall over the city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital houses, museums and modern neighbourhoods. There's a real café culture in the city and plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner this evening.

Why not upgrade your stay to a junior or executive suite featuring stunning city views? Please contact us to find out more information and add the above upgrade to your booking. 

This morning, we'll enjoy a tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most striking and complete ancient Greek monument complex still in existence. Sitting atop the Acropolis is the Parthenon, an ancient religious temple the Athenians built for the Greek goddess Athena. Its blindingly white marble columns and perfect symmetry dominate the skyline as we ascend the hill.

We'll also visit the Acropolis Museum, devoted to the Parthenon and its surrounding temples and featuring glass floors displaying ancient houses and streets below. After a stroll through the Agora, the political, social and commercial heart of the ancient city, we'll enjoy free time to have lunch and explore the picturesque old district of Plaka. This area dates back to the late 18th century when Athens was barely more than a small village beneath the Acropolis. Despite its humble beginnings, it is now a delightful neighbourhood filled with neo-classical buildings, balconies adorned with vibrant geraniums, and quaint tavernas lining the cobblestone streets.

The rest of the day and evening will be at leisure.

This morning, we will leave our hotel and head towards Ancient Corinth. It was known as the wealthiest city of ancient times because of its strategic port location, allowing control of both sides of the Isthmus. Explore the historic streets of Ancient Corinth, where notable figures such as Pausanias, a Roman traveller, and St. Paul, a Christian missionary, once walked. Follow in their footsteps with visits to the ancient market and theatre, the Peirini fountain, and other notable landmarks and follow in the footsteps of these famous individuals.



On our journey to Loutraki, we'll pass the Corinth Canal connecting the Saronic Gulf with the Corinthian Gulf. The canal has two submersible bridges, located on both ends, which lower into the water each time a vessel travels through. You'll have the opportunity to take photos as we pause to admire the superb feat of engineering. After spending some free time in the seaside resort of Loutraki on the Peloponnese coast for lunch, we’ll head to the port of Piraeus to board Star Clipper. You will have the rest of the afternoon to get comfortable in your cabin and indulge in the first of many delicious dinners on board.

Today's activities are a wonderful blend of fascinating archaeological sites and a leisurely walk on cobbled streets with pristine white houses and blue shutters. You'll get to visit two distinct Cycladic islands with varying features.



In the morning, we'll visit the small island of Delos, believed to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Once inhabited by 30,000 people, detailed architecture, temples, statues and monuments are spread across the landscape. Here, we’ll enjoy a fascinating guided tour amid the ruins of its great temple of Apollo, the theatre, the marble Terrace of the Lions and elegant mosaic-lined houses.



It is then only a short sail to the white-washed town and blue-domed churches of Mykonos. Admire the enchanting windmills that dot the coastline and relax with a drink or bite to eat in one of its numerous tavernas, bars and cafes. You will have some free time this afternoon to explore independently.  

Mooring in the Turkish port of Kusadasi, the gateway to Ephesus, we will enjoy a guided tour of the incredible ancient city this morning. So great was Ephesus that the Romans made it their capital of Asia, with its two-storey Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre. Only a portion of the city has been excavated, but the findings reveal a society that was highly advanced and lived in opulent houses adorned with marble halls, mosaics, and stunning frescoes.



After having lunch on board, you can take a leisurely walk along the seaside promenade in Kusadasi or practice your bargaining skills in the local shops before we depart later this afternoon.

Before breakfast, enjoy a leisurely walk on the ship's deck and breathe in the refreshing sea air as you sail towards the stunning island of Rhodes in the southeastern Aegean.

Rhodes has a rich history and is the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll explore the Old Town's narrow streets and admire the impressive city walls that kept invaders at bay for centuries. As you enter the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking mosaics and medieval architecture. After, there will be free time to wander the city's streets and alleys crammed with mosques, Byzantine and Gothic churches, medieval buildings, fountains, shops and cafeterias.

Alternatively, you can choose an optional tour to the beautiful, white-washed village of  Lindos, situated 30 miles away along the scenic East Coast. During this tour, we will have the opportunity to climb 300 steps up the Acropolis, which is one of the most spectacularly located archaeological sites and offers stunning views, including St Paul’s Bay. 

One of the most popular Dodecanese Islands, Kos offers picturesque beaches, traditional fishing villages, and lively towns and promenades. It has huge historical significance as the home of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. During our guided tour of Kos, we will explore the Asklepieion, which was constructed during the 4th century BC and is considered the most important archaeological site on the island. It served as an ancient medical centre where Hippocrates practised medicine and wrote the Hippocratic oath, a code of ethical conduct that remains relevant and is still used by doctors today.

Continuing our journey, we'll visit the beautiful mountain village of Zia for panoramic views of the island. The village is known as a centre for local arts and crafts, honey and local herb production. We'll complete our excursion by visiting the famous plane tree where, according to legend, Hippocrates taught his students over 2,500 years ago.

After lunch on the ship, you'll have the afternoon to explore the island at your own pace. You can take a short walk into Kos town or go for a swim at the nearby pebbly beach. 

Explore the captivating Cycladic Island of Amorgos today. This island has a rich cultural history, as archaeological findings reveal that people have been living here since the Early Bronze Age. You'll be amazed by the golden sand beaches with their aquamarine blue waters. The movie The Big Blue was filmed on this island, along with many picturesque bays, caves, and ancient footpaths to explore. We'll take a tour of the island, and one of the highlights of the day is a visit to the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery. It is located in an incredible spot, seemingly embedded in the rockface. The view of the Aegean from there is spectacular - it is important to note that there are 300 steep steps to reach the viewpoint.

The old town sits 400m above sea level and features a 13th-century Venetian castle. Here, we explore a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with white houses, picturesque squares, lovely churches, inviting taverns, cafes, and shops. 

This morning, enjoy the delights of sailing on the Star Clipper as we start our cruise back towards Athens - the Captain may even unfurl the 16 sails for a memorable moment on deck.



On our journey, we call into the small island of Poros, located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. Heading ashore by tender, you will discover an enchanting island with pine forests, charming tavernas, and elegant neo-classical structures. Taking the time to get to know the area on your own, you can stroll along the waterfront, wander the narrow streets of the main town, and even explore the remnants of a small Doric temple devoted to Poseidon. This destination is brimming with old-world charm.



Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Epidaurus Theatre and Museum. Epidaurus was the site of a shrine devoted to Aesculapius, the Greek God of Medicine and consisted of a sanctuary where illnesses were cured as well as a 14,000-seat theatre. Transferring by tender to the port of Galatas, we will take a short drive to Epidaurus and visit the magnificent theatre, one of the best preserved in the ancient world and still in use today, along with the nearby museum.

This morning we will disembark the Star Clipper and head to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. As we drive along a beautiful coastal road, we will see some of the lovely suburbs of Athens before reaching the southernmost point of the island. At this spot, we can admire the iconic columns of the temple while taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Saronic Gulf. After ample time to explore the temple and admire the views, return to the Plaka district for free time to find lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants before heading to your hotel in Athens.



The rest of the day and evening is free to spend exploring Athens.  

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.