An Extended Journey to Cobalt Harbours in the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

Imagine an old-world fishing town with high society appeal. Explore breathtaking sights on the sunlit Peninsula of the turquoise coast. Soak up the town’s buzzing energy; shop, eat, relax and explore. Pay respect to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, savour fresh fish and meze and sip coffee of toe-tingling strength. Delve into captivating landscapes bursting with nature; the Bafa Lake, olive groves, bougainvillea and hundreds of different bird species. Feel the wind in your hair on a private gullet as you voyage to crystal clear coves of the Aegean. Lasting memories abound.

The Sanctuary of Samos Authentic and non-intrusive, life couldn’t get much more low-key on the haven that is Samos. Enjoy the quiet romance and rare beauty of this Greek isle, where you’ll only need to decide which sweet local wine to sip, remote beach to visit or quiet spot of cool inland forest to frequent. With warm waters so clear and inviting, you’ll get why this was the goddess Hera’s private sanctuary. Listed by UNESCO, the ruins of Heraion and the astonishing Eupalinos Tunnel won’t fail to impress.

Unveil picturesque Paros’ unadorned charms from ancient remains to traditional tavernas and sweet villages and blue-domed churches to a bounty of blonde-sand beaches. Head out to Parikia to find the awe-inspiring AD326 Byzantine monastery or take a ferry across to explore caves in the rugged natural beauty of Antiparos. Walk through the island’s ancient archaeological history at the tiny museum and lose yourself in the labyrinth of lanes at the old Venetian port of Náoussa. Banish any tension on a sunlounger, then breeze through home-cooked mezze feasts in white-washed tavernas. Windsurf, kite-surf, dive, swim au naturel and enjoy a network of walking trails. Somehow Páros has managed to preserve more of the soft spirit than some of her Cyclade cousins.

Athenians don’t live in the past. Ahead of its time, Athens exudes glamour and a sense of possibility – housing galleries, gelaterias, bijoux boutiques alongside a plethora of museums. And you can’t help but marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Stroll through vibrant streets and markets, dance at buzzing bouzoukia, sing along in tavernas. At night, head to the harbour, where dimly lit bars serve the local ice cold beer. And, as you inhale the salty air and watch Greek fishing boats peacefully depart for their catch, reflect on this ancient city’s progressive attitude.

Slow down to enjoy some whole-hearted peace and quiet. Rising high over the inky blue sea, Monemvasia is a mirage carved into the face of Peloponnese rock. Divided into a magical upper and lower sea-level town, the former is home to fallen streets, ancient Agia Sophia and Byzantine architecture. Wander through cobbled streets in the lower town amongst restaurants and residents. Listen to cicadas sing, watch black-clad grandmothers cook in divine tavernas and perhaps sample some Malvasia wine. This spectacular town sums up silence, sky and a sense of Mamma Mia.

Revel in a heady mix of Ionian landmarks amid spirit-boosting views. Sit beneath the iconic Liston arches in the atmospheric Old Town, span Spianada Square where skinny streets radiate off past churches and cross the moat to the Old Fortress. Slip into homey tavernas where chefs work meze finesse, skip aboard a caique, mountain bike, horse ride or shop ceramics. Head for staggering Paleokastritsa views strewn with pines, firs and sleepy Corfiot villages, bird spot in lush wetlands and climb Mount Pantokrator to capture rare icons. An enticing and scenic jaunt through an eternal Greek classic.

Head back in time through impressive walls and city gates to a treasure trove of architecture and natural beauty. Hike, ride or climb through an enchanting heartland of national parks; cruise up pine-cloaked rivers, swim under a crescent of cascades and spot sapphire dragonflies over emerald pools. Dance across the Monument to the Sun, follow whispers to remote turquoise shallows and hear the rhythm of the ocean from an underwater Sea Organ. Visit the Venetian towers, atmospheric wells and a superbly carved Romanesque Cathedral or climb a bell tower with far-reaching views. Infused in sunshine, Venetian charm and (according to Hitchcock) the world’s best sunset – intriguing Zadar is a cultural gem resplendent.