PIRAEUS (PORT OF ATHENS), GREECE
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.

MONEMVASIA, GREECE
From the shore, it's a big rock sticking out into the sea. Then you pass over the causeway, and through an iron fortress gate, and suddenly, the town of Monemvasia is before you, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port, once 60,000 strong, now home to just a few hundred. You can readily see why the name Monemvasia means single entrance! In the rocky hills above, ancient Byzantine ruins loom over the town, while below a maze of red tiled roofs and twisting alleys hide tavernas and cafes and the home of revered Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.

KATAKOLON, GREECE
The beach at little Katakolon 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.

AT SEA
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 revitalising spa (Royal Clipper only) and a peaceful library.

TAORMINA - SICILY, ITALY
Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that'It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

AMALFI, ITALY
During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a powerful republic of 70,000 people, rivalling nearby Ravello. For a sense of Amalfi's medieval glory, wander through the grand Duomo, containing the remains of St. Andrew. In the evening we visit nearby Positano, said to be the most beautiful town in the Mediterranean.

PONZA, ITALY
The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town.

PALMAROLA, ITALY
Palmarola is a snorkelling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. A craggy landscape with pink coral beaches and emerald coves beckons so don't forget your swimsuit and flippers. Totally unique, isolated and stunning.

PORTO CERVO, SARDINIA - ITALY
Porto Cervo in the heart of Costa Smeralda is a luxury destination that plays host to many celebrities and VIPs throughout the peak summer season. There are plenty of fine restaurants and luxury boutiques and the village has been described as utopian with architectural influences from Greece, North Africa, Spain and Italy. All surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

STINTINO - SARDINIA, ITALY
Stintino is a small village on the north-west coast of Sardinia. Despite the influx of tourists to the island the area has remained peaceful and enjoys a very traditional way of life. The beaches here are considered to be some of the best in Sardinia with powder white sand over looking beautiful crystal clear turquoise seas.

CALVI - CORSICA, FRANCE
Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

MONACO, MONACO
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt edged allure.

CANNES, FRANCE
Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes' high flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals.

MONACO (FONTVIEILLE), GRAND PRIX FINALS
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt edged allure.

LERICI, ITALY
It was in the Villa Magni near Lerici that Percy Bysshe Shelley spent his last happy days before sailing his small boat on its stormy fatal voyage on July 8, 1822. Lord Byron, another Lerici literary resident, once swam across what is now called the 'Golfo dei Poeti.' The small fishing villages of San Terenzo, Tellaro and Fiascherino and Montemarcello are similar to the more famous Cinque Terre.

PORTOFERRAIO, ELBA - ITALY
From his villa in Portoferraio, Napoleon, the exiled Emperor of France, looked out over the waiting ships in the harbour and dreamed of returning to glory. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation.

EAST CORSICA (BEACH), FRANCE
One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The water is crystal clear, calm and warm, but the main attraction of the beach is that it is never crowded.

BASTIA (OLD TOWN), CORSICA - FRANCE
It's amazing in this day and age to find a Mediterranean city that looks like it stepped right out of the travel diary of a 19th century Grand Tour. Bastia's gracious Italianate buildings were created to house the administrative offices of the capital of Haute Corse.

CORSICA (BEACH), FRANCE
One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The water is crystal clear, calm and warm, but the main attraction of the beach is that it is never crowded.

BONIFACIO, CORSICA - FRANCE
Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbour is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbours. It is a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable cliff.

PORTO CERVO, SARDINIA - ITALY
Porto Cervo in the heart of Costa Smeralda is a luxury destination that plays host to many celebrities and VIPs throughout the peak summer season. There are plenty of fine restaurants and luxury boutiques and the village has been described as utopian with architectural influences from Greece, North Africa, Spain and Italy. All surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

CIVITAVECCHIA (PORT FOR ROME), ITALY
St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages.