Yachstman's Paradise

Begin your voyage in Istanbul, a city whose location has kept it important for thousands of years. Today, this vast metropolis bridges continents, cultures, and faiths, and as home to millions of people, it ranks among the leading business and cultural centers of the region.

A day at sea gives you time to enjoy Star Clippers’ traditional, graceful style of travel, with the wind moving the ship from one beautiful destination to the next. Lounge in the sun or take a cooling swim in a top-deck pool, or for something more daring, climb the rigging or try steering the ship. Indoors, find a seat in one of the relaxing lounges or settle into the peaceful library.

Dikili is a quiet little town, with a harbor lined with restaurants and shops. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the site of Pergamon, with its acropolis perched 280 meters high and its Asclepion.

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’s volcanic soils. The town of Myrina sits under the winding white ramparts of the Kastro, built in 1186. But even earlier ruins - one of the most ancient sites in Greece - lie in nearby Poliochni.

As the morning light rises over the Aegean Sea, the ship moves calmly along the Agio Oros peninsula, home to the monastic republic of Mount Athos. It follows the western coastline, where ancient monasteries appear one after another, set on wooded slopes or perched above rugged shores. The passage is gentle and quiet, offering a privileged moment to observe the harmony between sea, mountains, and these timeless buildings. It is an ideal time to settle on deck and take in the beauty of the landscape.

Ouranoupoli is a tranquil Greek village located at the gateway to Mount Athos on the Halkidiki peninsula. Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, it offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupoli, stroll along charming streets, and enjoy fresh seafood at local tavernas, all while experiencing the area’s rich history and serene beauty.

This picturesque island, made famous by the film ‘Mamma Mia!’, offers a unique blend of unspoiled nature and traditional Greek culture. Wander through the narrow streets of Skopelos Town with its whitewashed houses and Byzantine churches, relax on dreamy beaches such as Panormos and Kastani, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Poros, sometimes called Kalavria, is very close to the Argolid peninsula. It is home to the Greek Naval Academy and visitors can hear the cadet band every morning. Above all, Poros is a gateway to the sanctuary of Asclepius, the Mecca of Greek medicine, and the theater of Epidaurus, built to host the Asclepia (or Asclepian Games), a competition in honor of the physician god Asclepius. It served as a model for many other Greek theaters.

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. Piraeus is the port of Athens, just 15km from the city and 45km from the airport.