Istanbul and Greek Islands

As you sail in this unique part of the world, perhaps find an idyllic spot out on deck, with a glass of something refreshing and maybe even a pair of binoculars. As your Cunard Queen makes her way along the strait, keep a camera to hand to capture those special views to look back at again and again.

When you arrive by sea, there is no confusing the island of Santorini. Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look with white painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than a thousand feet to the wide caldera. It’s easy to see how this island, the pearl of the Cycladic archipelago, can lay claim to being the source of the legend of Atlantis, either. Santorini, or “Thera” in Greek, is most celebrated for the dramatic views of its volcanic caldera, formed during a massive eruption around 1646 B.C. That eruption shook up the island - making its centre actually collapse - but also created some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Sun-drenched and mythic, Athens is a big and modern metropolis with inspiring world heritage marvels at its very heart. The most important city-state in ancient Greece and the birthplace of democracy is also the sprawling capital of Greece today, but most of the major archaeological and historical sites are to be found within a compact area around the Acropolis itself. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and rightly considered to be the cradle of Western Civilization. Even a short visit of the Greek capital’s highlights, starting with the iconic Acropolis, is enough to fall under its legendary spell. And then there’s the Plaka! This enchanting, historic neighbourhood curls around the bottom of the slopes of the Acropolis. Cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured neoclassical townhouses and myriad shops and cafes make this the most beautiful neighbourhood for a stroll.

The small commercial port of Katakolon serves the inland town of Pyrgos as chief export centre for grapes, raisins, regional fruits and vegetables that grow in the fertile hinterland. 24km in the distance lies Olympia, the sacred ancient site where the Olympic Games had their beginnings.

Tours are from Civitavecchia. A visit to Rome is an unforgettable experience. Explore the legends of the ages: the Vatican and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Catacombs. Stroll down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna. Italy's Eternal City is eternally fascinating. Throw a few coins in the Trevi Fountain and you may be back again!