Wave goodbye to Athens as we embark on a journey that travels east through Greek waters to Turkey before turning west to Italy. Our first stop is Mykonos, a quintessential Greek island with blue-domed, whitewashed dwellings, and, in recent years, a place that has become synonymous with glamour, its bars and restaurants rivaling those in in the world's capitals. Next, we touch the coast of Turkey at Kusadasi. Make the most of this beach resort or, if you’re interested in history, don't miss the chance to see the fascinating ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. We turn west now for Santorini, where life is lived on the lip of a sunken volcano, which is why you’ll find black sands here. A day at sea takes us to Messina on the Italian island of Sicily. Explore its Norman cathedral, with the world’s largest mechanical astronomical clock, and the beautiful baroque fountains dedicated to Orion and Neptune. Then we cross to the mainland for Sorrento, swagged with lemon groves, where options include trips to the pastel-pretty clifftop villages of the Amalfi coast or the stylish island of Capri across the Bay of Naples. Our final port of call is Civitavecchia, from where it’s just a short hop to the wonder of Rome.