Greece trip | Ponant cruise: The Greek islands of the South Aegean Sea

The Greek island of Patmos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea. Known as the 'Holy Island', Patmos has officially been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The island is an absolute must-see for lovers of history and culture. This is the island where St John is said to have written the book of Revelation, and it is possible to visit the so-called Cave of the Apocalypse, which can be found between Skala (a lively port town with great markets to explore) and the hilltop settlement of Chora. Other key activities include relaxing on the inviting sands of Petra Beach, Psili Ammos and Vaghia Beach, as well as boat trips to the nearby islet of Marathi, where the famous Pantelis Restaurant serves excellent seafood.

The Greek island of Symi, a hidden gem located remotely within the Dodecanese island chain, is likely to leave any visitor speechless. Vibrantly coloured mansions with neoclassical architecture span the harbour of Gialos, while picturesque traditional houses stretch up to the upper village of Chorio. The two areas are connected by the bright blue Kali Strata staircase, a challenging climb of 450 steps. Views from the top offer breathtaking vistas of the evocative townscape. The exquisite beauty of the island is further enhanced by the steep and undulating topography surrounded by the emerald green waters of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can enjoy dinner at the many traditional cafes and taverns along the waterfront, enjoy a boat trip on the island's waters, or stop by the Monastery of Archangel Michael.

Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades archipelago and, with its elongated shape, seems to protect the eastern islands. It stands proudly in the middle of the South Aegean Sea and acts as the crossroads where north and south meet. An island with a rich cultural heritage, Amorgos offers breathtaking wild beauty and deep blue sea that attracts and inspires film directors and artists. The surroundings offer beautiful hiking trails leading to secluded beaches, offering an escape from the cosmopolitan bustle of the central Cycladic islands. Amorgos has often been proclaimed 'the island of the rare line'.

Picturesque whitewashed villages cover the dramatically sculpted landscape of the volcanic Greek island of Milos or Melos, the most southwestern island of the Cyclades, just north of the Sea of Crete. For history buffs, be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum, with artefacts dating from the Neolithic to the Byzantine period. The ancient Roman theatre of Milos, the Venetian castle, the mining museum in Adamas and the early Christian catacombs, a glorious archaeological spectacle dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD, are also well worth a visit. For a more relaxing exploration, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters that flow past gleaming white rock formations, rugged cliffs and sea caves on the many secluded beaches. In Plaka, a hilltop town and de facto capital, you will find several inviting restaurants, quaint cafés, Greek and European pastries, coffee and sweets. End the day with a relaxing dip in the mineral springs, recommended by doctors since the time of Herodotus.

Located near Mykonos in the Cyclades archipelago, tiny Delos is home to what is perhaps the most important collection of ruins in Greece and listed as such by UNESCO. The island, the birthplace of Apollo and a sacred site even before that, is shrouded in wondrous ancient mysteries and folk legends. A spectacular city once flourished here, first grown by the Carians in the third millennium BC and then becoming a popular pilgrimage destination. With an amphitheatre, several temples, a Minoan fountain and much more scattered throughout the rugged wilderness, this is a truly atmospheric destination. Get more insight with a visit to the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Delos.

Of all the Cyclades - the archipelago around the sacred Greek island of Delos - Mykonos is perhaps the most famous. It is known for its beautiful green rolling hills, stunning beaches and the glamorous, cosmopolitan crowds that typically holiday here. Although Mykonos is an ideal base for archaeological day trips to the nearby islands, the island itself has much to offer. Explore the quaint winding alleys dotted with iconic whitewashed houses; sail around the picturesque harbour and the shimmering Aegean Sea; relax on the idyllic beaches and dine at the many fine restaurants. If it is unforgettable nightlife, a bit of luxury and plenty of natural beauty you are looking for, Mykonos is undoubtedly the destination for your.

The small, charming harbour town of Nafplio lies on the Argolic Gulf in the north-east of the Peloponnese peninsula, just an hour and a half’s drive from the Greek capital, Athens. The town is renowned for its remarkably picturesque setting, overlooking a charming harbour and dominated by two medieval castles, including the spectacular Palamidi Fortress.
In the centre of Nafplio’s historic old town lies the large, marble-paved Syntagma Square, lined with picturesque cafés and home to the Arsenal, a stately building now housing a fascinating museum. On the other side of the square, a historic mosque now occasionally serves as a cinema. Nafplio is a popular weekend getaway for Athenians keen to escape the city’s large tourist crowds and enjoy the excellent restaurants, boutiques, impressive architecture, waterfront cafés, beautiful beaches and old-world charm.

Greece is a country virtually unrivalled in the sheer quantity and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire. For centuries, visitors have been drawn to Greece for its spectacular natural landscapes consisting of a stunning mountainous interior, beautiful coastlines and rich archaeological sites that contain the remains of four millennia of ancient culture. Greece's main draw is undoubtedly its spectacular islands. From the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, exploring the Greek islands is an absolute delight. Other famous Greek attractions include: the many ancient structures of Athens; Metéora monasteries, one of the world's most remarkable ecclesiastical sites; towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods; and, of course, Delphi, Greece's most sacred site where the oracle once answered questions in Apollo's temple. However you spend your time in Greece, it will undoubtedly be the holiday of a lifetime.

Situated between Athens and Crete, the Cyclades archipelago is made up of 39 islands, including some of the most popular in Greece, such as Santorini and Mykonos. The islands form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. Each island is distinctive in landscape, history and personality, making for a stimulating and exciting holiday experience. Mykonos' stunning sandy beaches and characteristic white and blue chapels have attracted visitors for centuries, while Santorini's striking, steep, multicoloured cliffs and indulgent resorts intoxicate travellers from around the globe. Kythos or Thermia provides wonderful hot springs; Delos is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient archaeological site, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis; and Paros is blessed with beautiful natural scenery and remote villages. Most of the islands are small enough that they can be explored in a few days.

Classically known as Thera and officially Thira, the picturesque island of Santorini is located in the South Aegean Sea. Some destinations have beautiful beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes, while others have extraordinary ancient towns and excellent restaurants. The popular Greek island of Santorini is blessed with all these attractive features and more. Located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, this beautiful volcanic island in the Cyclades is known for its striking white cliff dwellings with their beautiful deep blue roofs. Visitors are treated to dramatic ocean views, pristine beaches, traditional Greek architecture, many fascinating historical sites, good food and plenty of excellent local wineries. With all this on offer, it is no wonder that this remarkably romantic island has become one of the world's most popular island getaways.

Peloponnese is the southern peninsula of mainland Greece. This region has beautiful mountains, with its sandy beaches on the west coast and rocky beaches on the east coast. Peloponnese is a popular destination for summer holidays. Some interesting places to visit while staying in this region include Olympia - where ancient Olympic games were played and Mistra - medieval Byzantine fortress city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Anatolia, Asia Minor or Asian Turkey is the westernmost protrusion of Asia, a region made up by the majority of Turkey's land. A place of extremes and contradictions, it is home to the ruins of ancient civilisations as well as fast-paced modern cities. Nature enthusiasts have a world to discover: explore the mighty rocks of the Phrygian Valley and the 'moonscape' terrain of Cappadocia, traverse the beautiful wooded St Paul Trail, or walk barefoot in the extraordinary bright blue travertines (or terraces), calcite surfaces that overrun with mineral-rich, warm waters in layers of circular shallow pools. Meander through the 3000-year-old Hittites cities, or others dating back a whopping 7500 years, as well as hundreds of Roman archaeological sites. Let your eyes swim in the glorious, colourful patterns of the numerous Seljuk Turkish (pre-Ottoman) mosques and caravanserais.

Argolida, located in the Peloponnese, is a regional unit in Greece. It covers the eastern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula on the Argolid Peninsula. This beautiful part of Greece attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy its romantic yet cosmopolitan charm. The landscape is dotted with orange groves and olive groves backed by mountains and fringed by the ocean. From bustling Porto Heli to Mycenae and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, Argolida has something for everyone. Other highlights include: exploring an array of ancient Greek ruins, camping at Drepano, relaxing at Karathona beach and walking the secluded stretches of sand at Kondyli.