An Extended Journey to Gorgeous Greece and Painted Shores from Athens, 26 September 2025 (22 nights)

Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.

This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.

Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.

One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.

With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.

Situated on the hills above Skiathos, boasting spectacular views of the harbour, Parissis Winery is a popular winery offering a selection of wine varietals.

A very popular beach on Skiathos, Lalaria Beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spend your time here relaxing on the beach, enjoying a boat ride or snorkelling in the picturesque ocean whilst taking in unforgettable views of your surroundings.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Holy Monastery of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary is surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery and has a fascinating museum and shop selling a range of gifts.

This row of 18th century fishing houses looks out onto the crystal clear sea, providing beautiful views both day and night. Though they aren’t fishing houses anymore, the shops, restaurants and bars that have replaced them still give a very enchanting waterfront experience.

Boasting plenty of sun-kissed beaches, including Fokos and Kapari beaches, there's plenty of space and options for a relaxing day on the sand by the blue sea.

Paraportiani Church is one of the most photographed churches in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The whitewashed structure stands out vibrantly against the ocean backdrop, creating fantastic photo opportunities and a romantic place to take a stroll.

Featured on many postcards you’ll find in Greece, the Mykonos Windmills are an iconic sight of the island. Once vital to the economy, the seven windmills are now a beautiful spot to take photos and explore- particularly at sunset.

Day or night, Matoyianni Street is bustling with shopping, dining and bars. It’s the perfect place to find handmade souvenirs, such as jewellery and even sandals, as well as other designer boutiques. Visitors will also love the live music here!

This small island is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in Greece, and is simply teeming with mythological and historical insights. Visitors will marvel at the artefacts exhibited here, including sculptures of Apollo and Artemis.

Believed to be the place where John of Patmos received his visions recorded in the Book of Revelation, the Cave of the Apocalypse is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many embark on a pilgrimage to this holy destination.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many stunning monasteries, Chora is a maze of whitewashed, winding streets to wander. Here, you’ll find hidden galleries, traditional tavernas and live music playing in friendly local bars.

Considered to be one of the most important monasteries of the Aegean Sea, St. John the Theologian’s Monastery is a sacred monument for many. Discover the countless religious artefacts and exquisite altars, and uncover the fascinating history of this structure.

For those hot summer days when you’re ready to cool off, Aqua Dream Water Park is full of fun, thrilling slides, pools and parties. With something suitable for kids of all ages, as well as a range of options at the cafeteria, you’ll easily spend a whole day at this water park.

In a perfect location on the seafront and next to the shopping centre, Atlantis Water Park is teeming with thrilling slides, numerous areas especially for kids and a wave pool, as well as mini golf, a private beach and restaurants and bars.

The biggest public shopping centre, Marmaris Grand Bazaar has thousands of items for sale in its vicinity. From traditional Turkish crafts that make excellent souvenirs to clothes, accessories, shoes and jewellery, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for here.

Marmaris Castle is a goldmine of Turkish history, hosting an archaeological museum within the fortress. Explore the terraces and colourful gardens and discover fantastic photo opportunities, as well as grab some souvenirs and refreshments at nearby shops.

Turkey’s most visited natural area, Marmaris National Park boasts over 514 types of plant as well as fascinating animals, such as wild boar, red falcon, lynx and bears. You’ll find numerous hiking trails as well as a small, quiet beach for a dip.

Spend an afternoon in the aquarium discovering the wide variety of themed exhibits, the impressive tunnel tank and the thousands of repitles and marine life that call it their home.

The Antalya Archeological Museum is one of Turkey's largest and most impressive museums, located in within easy reach of the port. Throughout the museum, you'll find 13 exhibition halls, an open-air gallery and over 5000 works of art.

Take in beautiful views of the harbour, mountains and beyond in this picturesque park that's within easy reach of the city centre.

The perfect escape from the heat on a hot day, Adaland Waterpark has something fun for visitors of all ages! Featuring a wave pool, a kids pool, a jacuzzi, rafting, a safari-style ocean pool and more, you’ll be sure to love relaxing, sliding and splashing here.

Founded in 1964, the Ephesus Museum houses artefacts excavated from the Ephesus archaeological site and the surrounding areas, including the Temple of Artemis. Some notable finds include the Ephesus Artemis statue, the head of Socrates and a stamp dating back to 6200 BC.

During the Ottoman Era, Pigeon Island was used for military purposes and features an imposing Byzantine fortress on the rocks known as Pirate Castle. It is now a fantastic place to explore, relax and enjoy freshly caught seafood as well as other Aegean cuisine.

Also known as Artemesium, the Temple of Artemis is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and served as a place of worship to the Greek Goddess Artemis. Although only a few pillars remain in the ruins, the site is a must visit for ancient Greek history buffs.

One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Basilica Cistern was built in 532 and is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul. The number of columns and the impeccable symmetry is a staggering sight and a must see, making a great escape on hot summer days.

Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is named for its hand-painted blue tiles on the interior walls, and the blue lights that illuminate it at night. A walk around this impressive structure is truly awe inspiring- don’t forget to adhere to the dress code though.

This magnificent structure took 13 years to build and was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Take a tour of the entire palace or different sections and discover the exquisite decoration (particularly the 4.5 tonne chandelier) and the painting museum.

Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Hagia Sophia was actually built three times after being destroyed, with the third and final structure being built 532-537 AD. Now, it is a museum filled with Christian and Muslim art, as well as breath-taking architecture.

Selling countless varieties of Turkish delight, Mısır Çarşısı Market (also known as Spice Bazaar) is a fantastic place to find souvenirs, spices, snacks and stories from warm, friendly vendors. Whether you’re looking to buy or not, exploring the market is a great way to be immersed in the culture and atmosphere of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet Square is where you’ll find the tourist hotspots of Istanbul all in one place. Located in one of the most historical parts of the city, you’ll find the largest cistern, two stunning mosques and numerous places to enjoy authentic cuisine.

Topkapi Palace possesses a colourful history with many sultans living there since 1481. A visit here will give visitors insight into the fascinating stories of the Ottoman Empire, through collections of armour, weaponry, pottery, jewellery and more.

Located in the centre of Fira, the Archaeological Museum of Thera is a must visit for insight into the civilizations that came before present day, featuring artefacts from the Archaic, Roman, Geometric and Hellenistic periods, including Byzantine works of art.

Thira, as the capital of Santorini, is the gem of the area and boasts fantastic nightlife and restaurants with mouthwatering food. Here you can feel and be part of the action as it all takes place.

Home to the artefacts found at multiple archaeological sites such as Akrotiri, some of these excavations were discovered as early as 1867. Visitors will find numerous temporary and permanent exhibitions offering insight into the prehistoric age of Thira.

Before the cable car, tourists to Santorini would have to climb the winding stairs to the capital or ride by mule. Now, this mode of transport offers stunning sights of the land and sea on the way up, as well as access to the volcano.

If you are looking to get a better look at the local geography, Santorini Volcano is a fantastic place to start with regular boat trips to look at the powerful effects that a volcano can have on the local environment.

Found in the Venetian church of St Francis, this beautiful building’s exhibits boast a wide range of pottery, carvings, sculptures and more on display and provides great insight into the history of Chania.

A must visit to truly get to the heart of this beautiful destination. Wander down the quaint alleyways and admire the ancient architecture as you stumble across shops, cafés and hotels, or take a walk along the waterfront in the sunshine.

As the main fortress of the town, Firka Fortress was a key structure throughout the 16th century. It was once a barracks and a prison and now houses the Maritime Museum of Crete as well as picturesque views of the harbour.

Getting lost in the vibrant, colourful community of Chania’s Old Town is a brilliant way to discover local gems. From traditional tavernas (classic Greek restaurants) to stylish coffee shops, you’ll find a new favourite dish in this lively district.

This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.

If you are looking for something relaxing but also to spend some time exploring, head along the sandy beaches and rocky paths where you’ll find Sunj beach. Here the waters range from beautiful crystal blue to alluring green where you can swim and relax under the sun with a wide range of bars to pick from.

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.

At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.

Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.

One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.

This majestic arch way is thought to have been raised in about the year 115 AD, in celebration of Emperor Trajan. Trajan had provided the town of Ancona with protection by enhancing its fortifications, and enabled it to prosper further by expanding the port - both of which projects were largely paid for out of the emperor’s own pocket. It was from this site that Trajan also led men to defeat the Dacians in the earlier years of the 2nd century.

Standing proudly atop the high point of Ancona, the San Ciriaco cathedral is a commanding structure that dominates the landscape. It is known that the first place of worship to have existed here dates back to the 3rd century BC, and in the 6th century AD another church was built – some of which has lasted to this day, such as a mosaic floor. In the early part of the 11th century the relics of St Cyriacus and St Marecellinus were brought to rest here.

Located above the popular Passetto beach stands the Ancona War Memorial, which commemorates those who lost their lives in World War I. Designed in the 1920s by local architect Guido Cirilli, the structure was inaugurated in 1930. It’s made of Istrian stone, and displays symbols of war such as swords and helmets.

Also known as the Lazzaretto of Ancona, this pentagonal building was built in the 18th century on a manmade island. It was originally used as a storage facility for military goods and as a place to stay for anyone who may have contracted leprosy; in both cases a quarantine of sorts. It has also been used as a refuge for injured soldiers during wartimes. Today it is used to host public events, and as a museum showcasing a range of exhibits.

This Romanesque-style church was constructed over the 11th and 12th centuries, in the same spot as two previous churches which date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Remains of these older buildings can still be seen beneath protective glass inside the church. Traces of the walls surrounding Ancona in ancient Greek times have also been found here.

Plans for this museum first came about in the year 1860, and it became so notable that it was made the ‘National Museum of Ancona’ in 1906, and in 1927 was inaugurated by King Victor Emmanuel III. Today it houses some remarkable historic relics, including the Venus of Frasassi – a small carving which dates back more than 20,000 years, – and Paleolithic objects which are thought to be around 300,000 years old.

In Trieste, northern Italy, between Barcola and Grignano lies a castle from the 19th century called Miramare Castle. The Miramare Castle is without a doubt one of Trieste's top attractions because of its breathtaking setting that extends into the Gulf of Trieste. It was the home of the archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph Habsburg-Lorraine and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, and was constructed between 1856 and 1860.

The centre of Trieste is Piazza Unità d'Italia (Unity of Italy Square). At the base of San Giusto Hill, it is a popular plaza that faces the Gulf of Trieste and is regarded as having the largest waterfront in Europe with an area of 12,280 square metres.

A modern art gallery, the Revoltella Museum (or Palazzo Revoltella), was constructed between 1853 and 1858 following the plans of Berlin architect Friedrich Hitzig. The museum displays historical artefacts and furniture that belonged to the museum's founder as well as artistic and cultural treasures that, along with the interior fittings and the palace's architecture, serve as records of the Second Empire's varied taste.