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.

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.

Dikili is a sleepy little beach town, authentically Turkish. The harbour is lined with open-air restaurants and shops with local food specialities Nearby, Bergama is worth a visit especially for its two main monuments: the Acropolis perched at a height of 280 metres 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 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 amphitheatre. 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 epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity.