A small port frequented by ships from Windstar, Oceania and Seabourn amongst others.

Piraeus is a modern riviera with beaches and play areas not to be underestimated.

There are many ways into Athens. X80 Bus, Taxi, Excursion, or the Metro. A wonderful day out can cost circa ten Euro (Metro in, Happy Bus electric train around, Metro back) or a lot more.

We have cut all our Athens films into one and it has the answers to getting around one of the world’s most important ancient cities.

The movie Zоrba the Greеk (1964) was made in Stаvrοs. It still is a picturesque fishing harbοr in thе prefeсturе of Chаnia that will keep you entertained all day. We loved it there. In contrast, at bus-stop one, Souda Bay has a very well kept war cemetery, which is a harsh reminder of the past.

Corfu is also a great place from which to access Albania. There is a ferry if you have time, and many more ships are adding Albania a hidden gem to Corfu stops. The two compliment each other.

The Palace of Knossos, just outside the city and easily accessible by public bus as we show in our film. The site dates back to the Minoan civilization and includes frescoes and baths. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th-century Koules fortress. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is worth seeing.

Katakolon is the port for your excursion to Olympia. The Temple of Zeus is one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world and that alone makes the trip to Olympia a must. Or you could visit Klio’s local honey farm and enjoy pancakes with homemade honey, or stay and enjoy a swim off Saint Andrew’s Beach. Or do that all in a tour. Want to chat about it? A number of ships get there including the Viking Sky and Viking Star. They will chat about it on the Viking chat group.

Your mooring may be at the dock, but a tender is likely. Hora, is the capital of Mykonos that has always had to defend itself from pirates and attackers. Like so many Greek Islands it is ideal to explore on foot. The narrow lanes, houses, bars, tiny shops and local art galleries will consume your day. The moviе Shirley Valentinе (1989) and the final scene of The Вοurnе Identity (2002) were shot here.

It is unlikely you will ever dock closer to a city. Enjoy exploring on foot. The origanal Guns of Navarone (1961) was shot there. Anthony Quinn bought a bay for himself after falling in love with the island. The government force-purchased it back and he fell out of love with the island.

Twice we have cruised there, twice the ship has failed to go in due to wind. We live in hope of making a guide video there.

Zakynthos is the third largest Greek island in the Ionian sea. It has a walkable town, many churches and the best bays are boat rides away. Tours will include winemaking, Anafonitria 15th Century monastery, Volumes for rugs and souvenirs, honey and cheese. Aghia Maina is a local village seven miles away, Laganas is the island of the commercial holiday resort. See our town guide and film on the monastery at the southern end.

A small island very near the mainland and not far from Athens, it is part of the Saronic group of islands. It is visited by the small cruise yachts. Or is a day-out if you have done Athens too many times. It has many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. But it was one of the most important islands of ancient Greece, so is an impressive archaeological site in its own right. The Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia dates back to the 6th century BC.

Azamara and Star Clippers are regular visitors here. It is said to be the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. It was the setting of the movie, THe Big Blue which starred our good friend Jean-Marc Barr who played Matthais Singer for me in my Thomas Hardy romantic movie, The Scarlet Tunic. It is a picture to live in that you get lost exploring. However, you will probably climb to the monastery of Hozoviotissa. It is built into the cliff face 300 metres above the sea. The building is 8 storeys high but only five metres deep. The narrow building makes for small rooms and a stairway to the chapel only the small might manage.

Azamara and Star Clippers are regular visitors here. This is way into the Aegean Sea, and just off Turkey and only separated by the Chios Strait.

Despite being the birthplace of Apollo and an important archaeological and religious centre, few ships stop here. It must be because of access because the only cruise ship we see is Hapag Lloyds Europa.

Gytheio is on mainland Greece, a road trip from Athens and across the sea is Crete. A causeway joins it to the small island of ancient Cranae, named after the King of Athens, Kranaos.  Here you will be told of that Paris of Troy and Helen from Sparta spent their first night together.

Hydra is a cosmopolitan island within easy reach of Athens, but it is not a port from which to visit Athens.

Kos harbour is protected by the 15th-century Neratzia Castle. Like most of Greece, it has a great history and to the south of the harbour are Ancient Agora ruins, with a temple, shrine and columns. The 3rd-century Casa Romana villa has lavish mosaics. Or you can relax because Kos has many sandy beaches.

Naxos is visited by the usual group of smaller cruise ships. Seabourn, Windstar etc.

Naxos is visited by smaller cruise ships. Seabourn, NCL, Seadream, Silverseas.

Skiathos

Since Mamma Mia! this has become a go-to place to have a wedding. I guess a karaoke wedding LOL. Since it was filmed in 2008, the small island of the Sporades, the church of Agios Ioannis perched on a rock above the sea and the beautiful Kastani Beach (now known as “the Mamma Mia beach”) have become huge attractions.

Since Mamma Mia! this has become a go-to place to have a wedding. I guess a karaoke wedding LOL. Since it was filmed in 2008, the small island of the Sporades, the church of Agios Ioannis perched on a rock above the sea and the beautiful Kastani Beach (now known as “the Mamma Mia beach”) have become huge attractions.

Volos is tucked safely in a huge inlet known as the Pagasetic Gulf, midway along the mainland, about 200 miles from Athens.