Classic Greek Isles & Ephesus - 7234

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. They are usually all found together in the same areas, as a walk through the old neighbourhoods of the famous historic triangle will reveal. Read more about Athens, Greece

The Greek Island of Patmos is possibly best known as the place where the apostle John received his vision and wrote the Apocalypse, and is subsequently sometimes called the Jerusalem of the Aegean. Whether you are interested in history and religion or not, the Monastery of St. John is regarded as a 'must see'. Looking like a huge fortress, it towers above the unique medieval village of Chora. Read more about Patmos, Greece

Agios Nikolaos stands on the shores of the beautiful Mirabello Bay, a coastal town on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Crete. It sits partly on the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara. It has three faces to the sea – the Lake and port, Kitroplatia Beach, and the Marina. It seems less Cretan in character than the island’s other main centres, partly because of its resort style and its generally modern architecture, but there’s a strong local character to Agios Nikolaos that makes it a charming and friendly place. Read more about Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the centre of the seaside district of the same name. While best known as a starting point for visiting Ephesus, once one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a history dating from 3000 BC, there’s also a delightful range of activities in town. Places of interest include: the City Walls, of which one gate remains to-day; the peninsula at the end of the bay with its castle and swimming beaches; several aqua parks with wave-pools and white-water slides; Ladies Beach, once segregated but now open to all; and Dilek Peninsula National Park. See all this in a pleasant walk. Read more about Kusadasi, Turkey

Mykonos is the principal town of the island of the same name, which is part of the Cyclades, and could well be described as the most sophisticated of the Greek Islands. Visited by innumerable international celebrities - you may even see some enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk - it is not surprising that it is considered by many to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is also an island with beautiful landscapes, scores of churches, some fascinating monuments, and windmills. Best known for its beautiful sandy golden beaches lapped by transparent waters, there are so many from which to choose. Read more about Mykonos, Greece

Skiathos is a small island (population 6,000) off the eastern coast of Greece, in the Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination with more than 60 sandy beaches along the coastline. The hilly interior, rising to 433 m, is covered with pine trees. Historians recall its role in local history from the Persian Wars to the Greek War of Independence. Read more about Skiathos, Greece

Bozcaada is an island (triangular, just 11km by 6km) lying 6 km off the mainland of Turkey, in the NE part of the Aegean Sea. Its Greek name is Tenedos, mentioned in both the Iliad and the Aeneid, and important in ancient times in guarding the Dardanelles to the north. Historically, it came under the control of many regional powers. Today most of its 2500 population are Turks. Read more about Bozcaada, Turkey

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. The influence of Asia and Europe, the religion of Christians and Muslims, and the culture of Turks, Persians and Asians, have all found their way into the daily life of this bustling metropolis. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey