Athens to Athens

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

Breathlessly romantic, and incredibly scenic, the azure domes and whitewash buildings that cascade down Santorini's slopes are prime honeymoon material - and relentlessly romantic. A true gem of the Cycladic island group, Santorini is startlingly pretty, and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye. Envy-inducing and evocatively beautiful, Santorini's sunsets are legendary, and the island is a highlight of any voyage to the Greek islands. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves, filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini – and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. The sheer rock shoulders of the caldera create an immense, natural amphitheatre - so enjoy the show, as you sip a local, volcanic-mineral enhanced white wine, and fall in love all over again. Any meal is well rounded off with the famous wine, Vinsanto. The east side of the island may lack the incredible panoramas, but it's ideal if all you want to do is recline on volcanic-sand beaches - which range in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity, and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1,600 BCE - which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the centre of the island, forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village, which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

Greece’s first capital remains the escape of choice for Athenians, who weekend here to indulge in the town's gorgeous seaside setting. One of the country's most romantic towns, the warm colour palette and tempting, island-sprinkled waters, pull on plenty of heartstrings. With perfect beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming, and evocative fortress-capped mountains, Nafplion is a sun-soaked Greek beauty. A gorgeous blend of Greek, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences, stroll the seafront promenade and soak up the ambience in tavernas and bars. Head into the warren of an old town, which is full of narrow streets, neoclassical architecture and pink-flowered trees drooping over walls. Located on the hill that towers over Nafplion, Palamidi Fortress is a Venetian castle built in 1714, and its steep walls flow dramatically down the slope. If you're feeling brave, a slog of 857 steps will take you to the top to see beautiful views across Nafplion and the Argolic Gulf. Acronafplia fortress is Nafplion's oldest castle, and its walls enclosed the entire town until the 13th century. Just offshore, the Venetian Bourtzi fortress rises on a tiny islet, a short boat ride away across the glistening waters. Venetians built this harbour fortress to protect the town before it later housed the official executioner. Today its hardy walls shake to music, during its summer festival, and the castle enjoys a gorgeous view back over the waves to the town's humming waterfront. Ancient cities like Corinth lie close by, recovered and unearthed after being wiped from history by immense earthquakes.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Bodrum, Turkey Spread out between two crescent bays, Bodrum exudes an "artsy" ambiance. With its gleaming white houses and colorful flower gardens it is one of the prettiest resorts on the South Aegean coast. Recently, it has become very popular with the jet set crowd, while at the same time maintaining an intimate air; there are strict zoning laws preventing over development. Bodrum's main draws are pristine beaches, a busy yachting center and historic sites - a great combination to attract those sailing the Aegean Sea. Bodrum was known in antiquity as the site of Halicarnassus, a city whose origin dates back as far as 1000 BC. It was known for its splendid mausoleum, an enormous white marble tomb that King Mausolus had planned for himself. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the structure was obliterated by the ravages of time, archaeologists have arranged models and drawings at the site to provide an idea of what the mausoleum looked like. Bodrum was also the birthplace of Herodotus, who wrote the first comprehensive world history. Today's major cultural attraction is the massive Castle of St. Peter. In particular, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in the castle complex, should not be missed. Please Note: For your convenience, shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until (DATE), as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Bodrum Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Bodrum. Guests will be taken ashore via the ship's tenders. The pier is within a short walking distance to the Castle of St. Peter and the town. Taxis can be found at the end of the pier for trips farther afield. Shopping Bodrum is easy to get around on foot. From the center square, small streets fan out, lined with shops selling arts and crafts, leather articles, jewelry and carpets. Artists display their works along the harbor front. There is also a market offering a variety of clothing and goods in addition to local produce. Most shops are open throughout the day and until late in the evening. The local currency is the lira. Cuisine Bodrum has no lack of places to eat, but in general is not famous for its food. Your best bet is to sit in one of the sidewalk cafés and have a light meal, drinks or coffee while people-watching. Typical local appetizers consist of a selection of mezes; the main course may include grilled meat or fish. Turkish wines will round out your meal nicely. Other Sights The Theater Cut into the rock of the hillside behind the town, the theater's location provides a splendid view of the town and the castle. Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Once among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, all that is left today are a jumble of masonry and tumbled columns. The site includes an exhibition gallery, which features bits of sculpted marble, models of Halicarnassus and the Mausoleum in addition to various diagrams and plans. Its location is a short way inland from the shore of the western bay. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing and trips farther afield may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Colossus of Rhodes: a colossal question mark The sixth of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes has only been standing for a very short time. Although world-renowned, this gigantic statue is a mystery. If nothing remains of the Colossus today, its origins are documented in historical writings about the siege of Rhodes from 305-304 BC. To force the Rhodians not to support Egypt, Macedonia sent his troops to lay siege to Rhodes. Despite the construction of a 30-metre-high siege tower protected by metal plates and equipped with catapults, Rhodes held the siege for more than a year before Macedonia withdrew. To celebrate their victory and thank the gods for allowing them to resist, the inhabitants of Rhodes decided to build an extraordinary statue in honour of Helios, the Sun and protector of the island. According to the writings, it required between 12 and 13 tonnes of bronze. Some of this was salvaged from the siege tower and the rest was financed by the sale of weapons and armour abandoned by the Macedonians. The construction of the Colossus was entrusted to Charés de Lindos, a sculptor from Rhodes. It took him 12 years to complete. Sixty-five years later, in 225 or 226 BC, after having won the admiration of the world for its appearance and the technique used to build it, an earthquake caused the statue to twist at the knees and to topple to the ground its 33 metres (108ft). Although Ptolemy III of Egypt offered to finance its reconstruction, the Rhodians refused, an oracle having forbidden them to touch the remains of the Colossus. The tonnes of bronze on the ground allowed people to continue to marvel at the statue until 654, when the Umayyad Muslims dismantled his remains, whose "fingers were bigger than most statues", according to Pliny. It would have taken more than 900 camels to carry away all of its remains. Everything else is guesswork. Despite all the wonder that the statue aroused, no records of its appearance or location have come down to us. However, scientists believe that the figure depicted in the popular image with his legs spread out over the entrance to the port of Rhodes is pure invention. Technically, the structure could not have survived. It is more than likely that this marvel of engineering, almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty, had its legs squeezed together. Its location, too, remains a mystery to this day.

The seahorse-shaped Patmos is a Greek island of stunning seascapes and immense cultural significance.Whether you’re religious or not there is something of the divine in this gorgeous island - a place of sanctuary fringed by crystal-clear waters and blissful beaches. Sleepy whitewash towns gleam in the strong sunshine while cats slink between the crumbling walls of this ruggedly beautiful island. High on the hillside above the cobalt-blue bay you’ll find the sacred chapel where an exiled John of Patmos is said to have entered the Cave of the Apocalypse and prophesied of the end of the world’s fire and brimstone – a striking juxtaposition with the peaceful serenity of the calm location. Higher up you’ll find the 11th-century Monastery of St. John which offers spectacular views of the island’s mounds curving around like a scorpion’s tail. It stands watching over the island like a fortified crown. Sun-wrinkled black-robed monks climb the streets up to this World Heritage site where bells peel out melodically. Inside vaulted chambers and stunning frescoes tell stories amid the striking religious iconography. Chora’s incredible narrow streets - moulded white - are an enchanting place to lose your bearings spreading below the monastery. Elsewhere blissful beaches stretch out across the coastline or this remote Greek island’s curves can be admired while bobbing offshore in a sailboat.

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.