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Aghios Nikolaos (Crete)

There are vine-covered terrace cafes for people-watching along the waterfront of this enchanting harbor. An hour and a half drive away, the majestic ruin of Knossos illuminates one of the most advanced ancient civilizations ever discovered.

Amorgos

With its splendidly rugged coastline and low-key ambiance, Amorgos is a favorite of Europeans. Many come here to pay homage to Luc Besson's movie, The Big Blue, filmed on the island's west end. The island provides a marvelous spot for the ship to extend her marina.

Argostoli (Cephalonia)

Argostoli has been the capital and administrative centre of Kefalonia, Greece, since 1757, following a population shift down from the old capital of Agios Georgios (also known as Kastro) to take advantage of the trading opportunities provided by the sheltered bay upon which Argostoli sits.

Athens (Piraeus)

With its magnificent architecture, legendary cultural attractions and unparalleled place in history, this capital city known as "the cradle of Western civilization" is a must-see destination for world travelers.

A captivating blend of the classical and the contemporary, Athens boasts some of the world's oldest and most renowned landmarks, and wears its ancient heritage proudly.

Athos Peninsula

Cruising past the spectacular Athos Peninsular you next come to Kusadasi, a lively resort and also your access point for the ancient wonders of Ephesus.

Chios

With its main town of dazzling white houses, countryside of lush lemon and olive groves, abundant vineyards and its superb beaches Chios is quite simply everything you'd expect the perfect Greek isle to be!

Corfu

Known as the "Emerald Island" because of its lush greenery and breathtaking beauty, Corfu is one of the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean. The second largest of the seven Ionian Islands, Corfu is just 593 square kilometers (368.253 square miles). Possessing an intense culture and unparalleled coastline, the island has provided endless inspiration for many artists and literary figures.

Delos

You cannot escape the feeling on Delos that the Greek gods are hovering just out of sight, or that Apollo might step out of some ruin at any moment, casting his radiance once again over ancient Delos. Uninhabited today as always, Delos is the hub of the “wheel” for which the Cyclades are named. The Sacred Way, bordered by temples, altars and shrines dedicated to Greek, Roman and Egyptian deities, attests to the religious importance in ancient times.

Despotiko

An enchanting island off the beaten path means another chance to enjoy the flexibility and spontaneity of your intimate Seabourn ship. What will today hold? You may be surprised!

Ermoupolis Syros

The Cyclades: mystical islands of mountainous beauty, picturesque fishing villages, fertile valleys and sandy beaches surrounded by a pristine sea. At the center of it all lies the island of Siros and its capital city of Ermoupolis. The captivating neoclassical architecture of Ermoupolis stands out from the other Cyclades and is reminiscent of the island’s former splendor and power. This rocky, mountainous land offers many natural gulfs, as well as prehistoric ruins that have been fascinating visitors for centuries.

Galaxidhi (Delphi)

Travel to Delphi where pilgrims once trekked to gain wisdom from the oracle. Even now, the ruins work magic for visitors. After your tour, enjoy charming Galaxidhi.

Gythion

One of the most beautiful parts of this region of the Peleponesse is the plain of Laconia which extends from Sparta to the port of Gythion. The many neo-classical houses of this harbor town are built amphiteatrically at the foot of Mount Kourmaros. Aside from its remaining ancient theater and cultural museum, visitors can enjoy local beaches and a variety of dining opportunities. The inhabitants of Gythion claim Hercules and Apollo as its founders. According to mythology, Paris and Helen of Troy were reputed to have spent their first night together on nearby ancient Kranae, now called Marathonissi. Enlarging the natural harbor, it was used by the Spartans as their naval base and the main port of trade. Today Gythion is visited mostly for its scenic beauty and access to numerous historical sites. these include the cliff side city of Mystras, one of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece, and ancient Sparta.

Heraklion

Heraklion it is home to numerous points of interest aside from the famous Mionoan Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. As far back as 3000 B.C., Crete was inhabited by the Minoans, a remarkably well-advanced society for its time. Scientists have been fascinated by the Minoans" way of life for many years, and amazingly, many of its structures remain standing and have been well-preserved. Their palaces give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see how these people lived many thousands of years ago. The harbor is protected by the Great Gule, an impressive two story Venetian fortress. The remaining city walls are still imposing. The town squares with their fountains abound in cafés and restaurants. Shopping as abundent and varied and a visit to the morning market can make for a colorful experience.

Hydra

Hydra was once home to seafaring merchants who built Italian-style villas overlooking the harbor. Wander along the traffic-free waterfront, lined by shops, tavernas and bakeries. Then ascend the hills on a donkey and enjoy splendid views from the Monastery of St. Constantine.

Itea (Delphi)

Opt for a scenic drive from Itea to Delphi, one of the ancient wonders of Greece. Witness the Sacred Way and the famed shrine where the the myths say the oracle foretold the future. An amazing Bronze Charioteer is among the treasures in the Delphi museum.

Ithaca

You’d expect the home of Homer’s hero, Odysseus, to be steeped in legend and, if you choose to pay Ithaca a visit, you won’t be disappointed. Scenes from The Odyssey come vividly to life on this unspoiled and beautiful island. Ithaca really is unspoiled so don’t expect designer shops and discos. Do expect a warm welcome, simple yet excellent local food and wine (the wine is well worth buying) and a pastoral retreat from the cares of the modern world.

Katakolon

Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, site of the first Olympic games which began in 776 B.C. Olympia was as a sacred precinct built exclusively for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which all hostilities were ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 A.D., but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the 45,000 seat stadium. The Archaeological Museum houses sculptures, including the famous -Winged Victory.

Kefalonia

Named after the Kafallenes, a tribe from western Greece, 'Cephalonia' was occupied by a spirited people whose patriotism was much praised by Byron.

This breathtaking island, is formed of jagged limestone and is a scene of cascading terraces and mountain slopes of cypress and olive. It offers some of the most wonderful beaches in the Eptanese region, but is perhaps more recently famed as the setting of Louis de Bernieres' best selling novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Kos

Kos lies at the centre of the Dodecanese Islands - which also include Rhodes - close to the Turkish coast. Its climate is generally warm and inviting making it deservedly popular with tourists. Like so much of this region Kos has more history than most European capital cities and the Western Excavations are well worth a visit. Notable residents include Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who taught here in the 5th century BC

Kythira

Kythira had been a crossroads of merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by a plethora of civilisations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture (a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements), as well as the traditions and customs, influenced by centuries of coexistence of the Greek, Venetian, Ottoman and British civilisations as well as its numerous visitors.

Lesbos

One of Greece"s most fascinating ancient islands, Lesbos was already a prosperous island as early as the seventh century BC under the rule of Pittacos, one of the Seven Sages of Greece. Other noted personalities from Lesbos included poet and musician Alcaeus, philosopher Theophrastos and the female poet Saphho, who wrote of her adoration of other women. Following the days of Roman rule, Lesbos was occupied by the Byzantines. In 1354, the island was given as a dowry to Gattelusi from Genoa who married the daughter of Emperor Palaiologos. In 1462, the Turks conquered the island and ruled for more than four centuries. In the early part of the nineteenth century, many thousands of refugees from Antolia arrived on the island, which initiated its decline in wealth.

Limnos

Lying just outside the mouth of the Dardanelles, this island is an ideal place to enjoy the ship's marina. If conditions permit, you'll experience the unforgettable pleasure of swimming in the warm blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Mitilini (Lesbos)

Removed from the clamor of Athens and the glamour of the better-known Greek islands, Lesvos is a collection of fine beaches and hillside towns—quiet, unhurried, and far from a fashion plate. Mitilini port offers a glimpse of Greece as it was 50 years ago. Its harbor is filled with fishing boats that haul in sardines and anchovies; its lanes are filled with tavernas and cafe´s that haul in the locals for a quick shot of ouzo to spice up the day.

Molivos (Lesbos)

Overlooked by a Genoese fortress, Molivos is your entré to this beautiful Aegean island covered in vineyards, olive groves and citrus trees. In ancient times this was home to Aristotle, Epicurus and the poet Sappho.

Monemvasia

If you wished to paint the perfect picture of a Greek island, it would probably look like Monemvasia, a maiden call for Crystal Cruises. Start with a rocky promontory on the eastern edge of the Peloponnese. Then sketch in restored stone houses, beautiful churches and a winding two-donkey wide road. Add a medieval citadel. Remove all automobiles. Then make the island accessible from the mainland via a strollable causeway spanned by a grand Venetian gate. The finishing touch: the backdrop of an exquisite Aegean sunset.

Mykonos

In the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean lies one of the most inviting places in all of Greece - Mykonos. Its countless bays and beaches and its quaint cobblestone streets are bound to welcome any visitor. According to Greek mythology, it was here that Hercules slew the Giants; the large rocks that are scattered about the island are said to be their petrified corpses. True or not, you'll have to judge for yourself. Either way, the Island of Mykonos should not be missed.

Mytilini

Mytilini has a beautiful port with ferries to the nearby islands of Lemnos and Chios and Ayvalýk in Turkey. The port also serves the mainland cities of Piraeus, Athens and Thessaloniki.

Nauplia

Nauplia owes a debt of gratitude to the German Heinrich Schliemann who realised his boyhood ambition to find the cities of Homer’s heroes when he discovered what he called the palace of Agamemnon at Mycenae. The remains are extraordinary and include the famous Lion Gateway and the Beehive Tombs as well as the palace itself. If you’ve time visit the most perfect ancient theatre still in existence at Epidaurus.

Paros Island

Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros. Its interior is occupied by a range of hills, rising to 2,530 feet including Mount Profitis Ilias. Three bays cut deep inland. In the west is the sheltered Parikia Bay with the island’s capital Parikia or Paros Town.The whole island is covered with a layer of coarse-grained crystalline limestone, in which lie rich beds of pure white marble.

Paros’ prosperity has relied since ancient times on agriculture and the working of marble, which is still quarried on a small scale. In recent years the rapid development of the tourist trade has brought changes in the island’s landscape, economy and social structure.

In the 1st millennium BC Ionian Greeks settled on Paros and made it a considerable sea power, even minting its own coins. During Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times Paros was of little importance. In the 9th century it experienced heavy raids by Arab pirates who ravaged and plundered the island. From 1207 to 1389 it belonged to the Duchy of Naxos; thereafter it was ruled by various dynasties until its conquest by the Turks in 1537. It was reunited with Greece in 1832, following the establishment of the new Greek kingdom.

Parikia, the island’s main town and port, stands on the site of an ancient city. The town’s main feature is the remains of a 13th-century castle with stonework from an ancient Ionic temple. At the west end of the modern town stands the cathedral, known as Ekatondapiliani.

Patmos

The Holy Isle of Patmos, one of the smaller Dodecanese Islands, occupies a narrow strip of land with numerous rocky hills and scant vegetation. The interior is sparsely populated with mostly shepherds and fishermen. In contrast, the waterfront areas see plenty of tourists during the summer months.

There are only two main villages, Chora and Scala; whitewashed houses face Scala harbor or are scattered over the hillsides. The island’s mild, healthy climate, year-round sunshine, delightful coves and numerous chapels combine to form a picture of unique beauty. The history of Patmos can be traced to Dorian and Ionian settlers who established a sanctuary to worship the goddess Artemis. In Roman times Patmos was popular as a place of exile. St. John the Divine is said to have written the Book of Revelation while living in exile on Patmos. In 1088, the Abbot Christodoulos arrived from Asia Minor and established a monastery. Through rich donations and extensive privileges the monastic island grew wealthy and influential. Living under its own strict rules, it survived 250 years of Turkish occupation unscathed, subject only to the annual payment of tribute. In the 18th century, the famous Patmian School was founded, stressing the island's role as an intellectual and religious center. The school is located near the Cave of St. John.

Since 1946, the whole island has been under statutory protection as an ancient monument.

Pylos

Pylos is a distillation of all things Greek. Hear Bouzouki, sample local cuisine and join in the spirited dancing if you get the urge. At Englianos, you can see the remains of the Palace of King Nesto

Pythagoria (Samos)

The Island of Samos is only 2,500 meters from the coast of Turkey; in fact it was once part of Asia before the last ice age ripped it from the arms of the continent. Pythagoria was supposedly the birthplace of Hera, wife of Zeus. Other notable island progeny include the mathematician Pythagoras, Epicurus, Polykrates and the great taleteller Aesop.

Rhodes

The 3rd largest Greek island is the island of sun, sea and sand. Rhodes is known as the sunniest place in Europe and it's no coincidence why it is one of the most popular of the Greek islands. Roaming through Lindos you can see the ruins of the acropolis or visit the island's West side for charming villages brimming with native character.

Sami (Cephalonia)

Greece's best-kept secret. Discover enticing beaches, tasty white wine, a superb museum, the fishing village of Fiskardo where you may while away the afternoon schmoozing with the locals.

Santorini

Santorini (officially known as Thira) is regarded as the most spectacular of all the Greek islands. With its submerged caldera (crater), postcard images of whitewashed churches and bougainvillea-clad houses set against blue sea and sky – this is a true island paradise. Santorini’s spectacular caldera is a vestige of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. The island’s violent volcanic past is visible everywhere in black-sand beaches, earthquake-damaged dwellings and raw cliffs of lava plunging into the sea. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera houses impressive finds from the ancient site of Akrotiri, destroyed in the 1500 BC eruption. Discover the gold ibex figurine, found in mint condition in 1999 and dating from the 17th century BC. This amazing island is believed by many to be home of the lost city of Atlantis.

Sifnos

Gold gave birth to Sifnos. Every year, the islanders would offer a solid gold tribute to Apollo. When they tried to substitute a fake, Apollo decreed that their rich mines would sink into the ground. Now the abandoned mines are the only reminder of Sifnos golden age. Apollonia, the little capital named after Sifnos’ wrathful patron god, is now a center for folk arts, where delicate laces and distinctive island pottery are sold in the markets. Visit Panayia Chrysopyi, a 17th-century monastery precariously perched on a rocky islet jutting into the sea.

Skiathos

Part of the Sporades chain of islands Skiathos is a friendly place whose main town (you guessed it, Skiathos Town) is a happy collection of tavernas, bars and restaurants punctuated by private houses. The island has some 60 beaches which are, by and large, excellent.

Skopelos

There are fewer visitors to Skopelos than to many other Greek isles. Big, tall and rugged, it has more than 350 white churches and 40 monasteries. Its main harbor and capital has narrow hillside lanes for wandering pleasantly.

Soudha Bay

On the beautiful island of Crete, Souda Bay is the main port for the nearby city of Chania with its attractive squares and gardens. If you fancy stepping a bit further back in time, take a trip to the Palace at Knossos. Once home of the legendary Minotaur, the Palace's collapse is intimately linked to the legend of Atlantis.

Thessaloniki

This Macedonian capital is the second largest city in Greece with a history that dates back to the fourth century BC. It was built upon a settlement known as Therme by General Kassander, who renamed the town after his wife, Thessaloniki, sister of Alexander the Great. During the second century AD under Roman rule, the city prospered as a highway was built to connect it to Asia Minor. During the next century, St. Paul visited twice, preaching Christianity even to the Jews of the city. Emperor Galerius persecuted the Christians during the fourth century, but under the sixth century rule of Justanian, many churches were erected, and Thessaloniki grew to become the second city of the Eastern Empire.

Volos

Built at the innermost point of the Pagasetic Gulf and at the foot of Mount Pilio or Pelion (the land of the Centaurs), Volos the only outlet towards the sea from Thessaly, the country's largest agricultural region. With a population of around 85,000 it is an important industrial centre, while its port provides a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Yithion

Long known as the seaport of Sparta, Yithion used to be an important port for many centuries until it was destroyed by an earthquake. Today it is the largest and most important town in Mani. It is also the capital of the municipality of Gytheio.

Zakinthos

According to legend this was part of the kingdom of Odysseus at the time of the Trojan Wars. Centuries later it was the Venetians who became masters of the islands, largely because the locals preferred them to the Turks. The British have also had influence here though Mr Gladstone returned the island to the Greeks back in 1864. Unfortunately many historic buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 so much of the old world Venetian charm has vanished. However, in the outlying villages time really does seem to have stood still and the earthquake also failed to ruin the extraordinary natural beauty of the island. Those who explore inland will be richly rewarded.