Victoria Hislop is a best-selling author whose gripping historical novel The Island has inspired thousands of readers to visit the deserted Greek island of Spinalonga just off the coast of Crete and has sold over six million copies worldwide.

Expert-led
Discover the magic and mythology of the Cyclades with Victoria Hislop

Athens is your history-rich starting point for this cultural voyage. You'll board the glorious Star Clipper, a four-masted ship carrying only 166 guests, where you'll be joined for part of your cruise by novelist Victoria Hislop.
Victoria will host a drinks reception, give a talk about her career and sign copies of her book, The Figurine, which is set in Greece.
Star Clipper will take you to some of the most intriguing locations on the Aegean Coast, starting with Kusadasi in Turkey, from where you'll explore the ancient city of Ephesus, before taking a dip in the idyllic bay of Camlimani.
You'll then sail to the Cyclades, with your first stop in Patmos, where you can see the cave where Saint John the Divine is said to have lived.
Star Clipper will also dock in Amorgos, where you'll witness the fascinating cliff-clinging monastery of Hozoviotissas on an excursion joined by Victoria Hislop.











Reasons to book

Meet Victoria Hislop

See the Acropolis

Bathe in the Aegean Sea

Beautiful Mykonos

Sail on a boutique ship

Explore Ephesus
Your expert guide

Price includes
- One night's accommodation at a four-star hotel in Athens
- Seven nights' accommodation on Star Clipper on a full board basis
- Transfers to and from the airport
- All port fees and gratuities
- A copy of Victoria Hislop's latest book, one per booking
- Go on a tour with Victoria Hislop to visit the Hozoviotissa Monastery and Chora in Amorgos
- Enjoy a drinks reception on Star Clipper with Victoria including a talk on her career, Q&A and book signing
Book now
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in AthensAthens, Greece
On arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to explore the wonderful city of Athens at your own pace. You'll be staying at a four star hotel in Athens, well situated for exploring many of the Greek capital's major attractions.
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Day2AthensAthens, Greece
Today you'll have another day to spend in Athens. Your hotel is just 0.2km from the Acropolis, the ancient citadel which towers over Byzantine churches and pop-up warehouse bars. You'll discover the city's captivating blend of history and modernity as you wander its streets. After seeing the Acropolis you can stroll through charming narrow streets and have a drink in a traditional taverna. This afternoon you'll board Star Clipper.
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Day3At seaAegean Sea,
Today your voyage along the Aegean Coast begins. 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.
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Day4Samos Straight and Kusadasi, TurkeyKusadasi, Turkey
After a day at sea, you'll dock today in Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi is a popular Turkish port of call for cruise ships, as not only is it a bustling resort town full of shops, bars and restaurants, but it is also the main access point for the famous archaeological site at Ephesus.
You have the option to take a tour at Ephesus (not includded), where extensive excavations have revealed an ancient city through which visitors can now wander and observe the wonders of a bygone civilisation.
Near Kusadasi, on Turkey's turquoise coast, Star Clipper will make a stop at Camlimani, a small, secluded bay. Here you can swim at the beach, snorkel, or simply stroll the pine scented grounds.
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Day5Patmos, GreecePatmos, Greece
Today you'll dock in Patmos. This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, the cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.
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Day6Amorgos, GreeceAigiali Amorgou, Greece
Victoria Hislop joins you today on a guided visit to the spectacular Hozoviotissa monastery. Amorgós' cliff-clinging monastery of Hozoviotissa is the second oldest monastery in Greece, dating back to 1017.
It was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus to house a 9th century icon of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the island, which arrived mysteriously on the seashore aboard an unmanned boat coming from the Holy Land. The monastery hangs off the cliff face 300 metres above sea level, directly above the point where the icon came ashore.
You'll then head to Chora, the mediaeval capital of Amorgos, situated on top of a hill some 400m above sea level and is dominated by a 13th Century Venetian castle, the Kastro.
Chora is the archetypal picture-perfect Greek village, with windmills, early Christian and Byzantine churches, dazzling white houses and winding stone paths. You'll get to try some Greek delicacies here, including Raki with honey and spices and loukoumades (local sweets).
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Day7Mykonos, GreeceMykonos, Greece
Your stop today is one of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands, Mykonos, where you'll see its pretty contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour, a popular meeting place, overlooked by a variety of tavernas, in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.
Take time to have a drink in one of the many stylish bars lining the harbour, or relax on one of the sandy beaches and take a dip in the fresh water.
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Day8Spetses, GreeceSpetses, Greece
Today's port of call is Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, with grand mansions lining narrow cobbled streets.
Due to its rich history there are many attractions worthy of a visit including museums, churches and cathedrals. There are also many beautiful beaches within easy reach where you can soak up the sun or take part in the water sports on offer.
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Day9DepartureAthens, Greece
Today you'll arrive back in Piraeus, near Athens as your cruise comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home.
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Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a cat 6 cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 30% plus air fare. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Events are exclusive to passengers onboard Star Clipper. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).