Summer Breeze Through The Aegean

Embark in Athens, often called the birthplace of Europe, philosophy, and democracy. Visit the Acropolis and its landmark Parthenon, stroll through the historic Plaka district, and explore the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum opened in 2009.

Today is all about sailing. Watch the crew climb the rigging, untie ropes, and set the sails by hand, or relax in a deck chair and observe their work.

At 300 meters above the deep blue sea, the monks are very close to heaven. The white monastery of Panagia Hozovitissa almost seems to grow out of the steep cliffs, so high and narrow is it. Its eight floors are connected by a labyrinth of corridors, and every now and then you catch a breath-taking view of the vastness of the Aegean Sea through a rock window. The magical cliff-top monastery is the best-known highlight of Amorgos, but beyond this architectural marvel, the charm of the Cycladic Island also enchants – with remote little mountain villages, old stone windmills and the scent of wild oregano.

The unique character of Milos' landscape was formed by volcanic activity. Hot springs, spectacular cliffs and distinctive rock formations give the various beaches their own individual character. The colors of Milos are most obvious where the water meets the stone and forms the coastline. Minerals have colored the sand and stones and each rock along the coastline seems to glow in a different color. Plaka, the picturesque old capital with its typical dazzling-white houses, is overlooked by a mighty castle which offers a superb view over Adamos Bay and the surrounding islands.

The old town of Nauplio has a picturesque peninsula setting and three Venetian fortresses guard the pretty town. In ancient times, the excavation site of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important towns in Greece. Its legendary king, Agamemnon, has a large role in Homer's Iliad. The palace grounds were surrounded by a cyclopean stone wall. Now you can only gain entrance through the famous Lion Gate. In Epidaurus, also protected by UNESCO, the impressive 14,000-seat theatre is one of the most important buildings in this archaeological site.

Getting there by boat only? Sounds like a hidden gem! And indeed: Poros is the island of heavenly tranquility. Dense pine forests reaching down to the sea, blooming gardens, and idyllic beaches with crystal-clear water give this peaceful island, separated from the Peloponnese coast by a narrow strait, its unique charm. The old town of Poros also exudes a wonderfully laid-back vibe: neoclassical villas and charming fisherman's tavernas nestle against the green hills – and the old clock tower faithfully watches over the town, harbor, and waterfront promenade.

"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.