Star Clippers Sailing: Sporades Highlights 2022

Sail aboard the magnificent Star Flyer as she cruises the Greek Islands, calling in at ports such as Limnos and the quiet beach town of Dikkili in Turkey. Visit some of the iconic landmarks seen in the movie Mamma Mia!, including the old harbour at Skiathos, Kastani Beach on Skopelos and the Agios Ioannis Prodomos Monastery. 

Why you will love it:

• Relax and unwind onboard a replica tall ship as she sails the Greek Islands
• Visit locations made famous in the movie Mamma Mia!
• Explore the magnificent monuments and quiet beach towns of the Greek Islands and Turkey'
• THE ACROPOLIS The most iconic monument in Greece, the Acropolis stands boldly above the skyline of Athens. The greatest sanctuary in ancient Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, sits grandly on a rocky crag.
• SANTORINI Considered one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the world, anyone who has seen the photos of the island’s caldera beneath the famous sunset knows this is the ultimate romantic experience.  
• CRETE Crete is the largest island in Greece, with historical towns, impressive mountains, quaint villages and a superb 300 days of sunshine per year.  
• DELPHI In classical times, Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. In Greek mythology, the site of Delphi was established by Zeus and today, the sanctuary, theatre and museum will have you spellbound.  
• METEORA The Byzantine monasteries sit atop huge 1,000 metre high natural sandstone rock pillars and are accessible by staircases cut into the rock. Of the six intact monasteries, two are still inhabited by nuns.  
• GREEK CUISINE Greek cuisine dates back thousands of years –the world’s first cookbook was written by a Greek in 330BC. In Greece, it’s not just about the amazing food; it’s also about gathering around the table.

Greece

Greece is blessed with natural wonders, ancient sites and architectural marvels with 1,400 islands dotted throughout the blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The scenery varies from mighty gorges to towering mountains, from the arid and rocky Cycladic islands to the icy lakes and plummeting rivers of Northern Greece. The Greeks love to eat and drink so food and wine is plentiful and they have a great passion for fun and a unique zest for life, making Greece an unrivalled destination with an everlasting appeal.

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. (D)

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library. (B)(L)(D)

Dikkili is a sleepy little beach town, authentically Turkish. The harbour is lined with open-air restaurants and shops with local food specialties. Nearby, Bergama is worth a visit especially for its two main monuments: the Acropolis perched at a height of 280 metres and the Asklepion. (B)(L)(D)

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 volcanic soils. The town of Myrina sits under the winding white ramparts of the Kastro, built in 1186. But even earlier ruins - one of most ancient sites in Greece - lie in nearby Poliohni. (B)(L)(D)

The most sophisticated of the Sporades, abounds with trendy shops where barely-clad visitors taking time off from the nearby beaches shop for expensive wisps of clothing and jewelry. Go a few blocks inland and you'll find charming flower-decked houses and gardens overflowing with fruit trees. (B)(L)(D)

A verdant island blessed with olive, almond and fruit trees. As you sail into the bay surrounding Skopelos town, it reminds you of a giant Greek amphitheatre. 120 churches nestle beneath the ruins of the Venetian castle, and two convents and a monastery cling to hills above the bay. (B)(L)(D)

It's barely a hop, skip and a jump from the Argolid Peninsula to the island of Poros, sometimes called Kaválria. Greece's naval academy is here, and visitors can hear the cadets' marching band every morning. The views from the Temple of Poseidon are eternal, which may be why the doomed orator Demosthenes chose to end his life here. Take a water taxi to Galatas for excursions to the fragrant lemon groves of Lemonodhássos, or venture inland to ancient Troezen or Epidauros. (B)(L)(D)

Following breakfast, disembark in Piraeus. (B)