Relax as Hemera cruises away from Fiskardo towards your second Ionian idyll – Lefkada (or Lefkas as it’s sometimes known). This ‘island’ is in fact connected to the Greek mainland by a short causeway at its northern point. Take a dip in Sivota Bay, a popular anchorage, and enjoy lunch on board before you head to your overnight port, Nydri. This bustling resort town offers some attractive beaches and plenty of choices for an evening meal.

On a day largely removed from shoreside bustle, you’ll head across to the twin islets of Kalamos and Kastos. Each of these pretty islands is covered in dense vegetation, and each has its share of exquisite bays perfect for swimming and snorkelling. As you cruise across to Kalamos, you'll also pass (at a respectable distance) around the island of Skorpios - once owned by Aristotle Onassis, the resting place of the shipping magnate and his children and now the (very) private retreat of a Russian oligarch.

Spend a lazy day relaxing as Hemera heads west towards idyllic Meganisi. Enjoy lunch and the pleasures of life aboard, and perhaps stop for a swim in beautiful Spartochori Bay, before Hemera moors in tiny Varthy on the verdant islet of Meganisi. Here several excellent tavernas line the exquisite quayside, offering the possibility of another wonderful evening ashore.

After breakfast, spend the morning cruising south towards Ithaca. Along the way, you'll visit the vast, mysterious sea cave where the submarine Papanikolis was said to have hidden between attacks on Italian shipping during the Second World War, and pause off the remote, uninhabited islet of Atokos, before making Ithacan landfall at the island’s exquisite main town, Vathy, where you’ll spend the night. Take the opportunity to head ashore and discover what is – for many – one of the Ionian isles’ most picturesque ports, with its quayside tavernas and bars.

This morning, take in some of the sights associated with the legend of Odysseus and his loyal wife Penelope, who waited 20 years for his return from the Trojan War and resisted the constant attentions of the 108 suitors who competed for her hand in marriage. Highlights might include the Spring of Arethusa, the Cave of the Nymphs and the acropolis at Alalkomenae, the so-called Castle of Odysseus. After a wonderful morning, you’ll return to Hemera and cruise back to Sami. Spend an unhurried afternoon relaxing, then crown a memorable week’s cruising with this evening’s Captain’s Dinner, served on board, and perhaps with a last nightcap under the stars.

Bid farewell to the captain and crew of Hemera, and return to the airport to catch your flight home.