7-NT Greek Isles & Ephesus

What could be more off the beaten track than a genuine ghost town? Gythion itself is a traditional Greek fishing port, packed with shops, tavernas and authentic old buildings. But its main draw for visitors lies an hour – and several hundred years – away, in the abandoned city of Mystras. Known as the ‘Byzantine Pompeii’ and best discovered on the Mystical Mystras shore excursion, the mountainside settlement rises beyond the ruins of ancient Sparta (where a stop on the tour is also made). It is an eerily well-preserved network of medieval homes, palaces and churches, with rare 14th-century frescos to be found inside some of the grandest.

Lying along the north coast of Crete is Chania, the second largest city of the island. Chania is bordered by endless stretches of seashore, with inlets and islands of exotic beauty and sandy beaches tucked away at the foot of the island's forbidding mountains.

A real vision of Greek island beauty, Mykonos is a sight to behold, with the cobalt blue Aegean waters that wash around its border onto gold sand beaches. Inland, white sugar-cube houses and red roofed churches add to the picturesque appeal. Meander through the jumble of tiny streets, where bougainvillea, clematis and geraniums cascade from balconies. No wonder it was such a favourite of Aristotle.

Gateway to one of Europe’s largest open-air archaeological museums; find ancient treasures in Kusadasi. Founded by the ancient Greeks, the City of Ephesus served as one of the key centers for Christianity and, due to its strategic location, was a significant trade center of the ancient world. It remains one of the most well-preserved sights in history and is a truly memorable highlight for visitors to Turkey. Kusadasi is a city full of immaculate beaches, lively nights and shopping heaven – a fun seaside city. A huge covered bazaar stretches out from the port and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Lose track of time ambling from café to café and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites.

A popular holiday and resort destination, Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. The town itself is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, while the back streets invite a casual stroll with their old Ottoman and Greek houses that charm passers-by.

Layers of history, tradition merging with modernity, and awe-inspiring architecture – Istanbul is like no other city in the world. Split between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is truly unique. It boasts lavish Byzantine and imperial mosques with sky-high minarets that make up the city's skyline; your first sight from the Bosphorus Strait on your Istanbul cruise. There's an endless list of must-see sights to tick off, all conveniently packed into the Sultanahmet district.