Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost imagine hearing Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle debating who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and the heart of Western civilization is a city that lasts forever.

Each Star Clippers ship provides a classic and graceful way to travel. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently take you from one beautiful place to another. On board, you can relax on a sun lounger or cool off in a top deck pool. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities to climb the rigging or even try steering the ship. You can also explore the ship's interior, where you'll find relaxing lounges, a spa (on the Royal Clipper only), and a quiet library.

Dikili is a sleepy little beach town, authentically Turkish. The harbor is lined with open-air restaurants and shops with local food specialties Nearby, Bergama is worth a visit, especially for its two main monuments: the Acropolis perched at a height of 280 meters and the Asklepion.

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 the most ancient sites in Greece - lie in nearby Poliohni.

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 Kalavria. 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 Lemonodasos, 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 the epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalizing spa (Royal Clipper only), and a peaceful library.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalizing spa (Royal Clipper only), and a peaceful library.

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 civilization. Near Kusadasi, on Turkey's turquoise coast, you 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.

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.

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.

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 colorful harbor, a popular meeting place, overlooked by a variety of tavernas, in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.

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 its 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.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark in Athens today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.