Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

The Dardanelles, one of the world's most historically significant waterways, have seen countless civilizations. Visit Troy, where Homer's Iliad comes alive among ancient ruins, see the imposing Çanakkale Fortress overlooking the strait, and enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine-savory kebabs and sweet baklava.

Europe's classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John from the 12th to 16th centuries. Their famous Palace of the Grand Masters remains a "must-see," as are many of the inns occupied by the Crusaders and the replica of the old church. For a more in-depth look at the city, visitors can take in the Archeological where the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient stadium offer perfect photo opportunities.

Alanya rose to prominence in the Middle Ages under the Seljuks, who built the fortress and protective wall that still dominate the city. Other survivors include the octagonal Red Tower and the Seljuk Shipyard, while the Alanya Museum holds thousands of artifacts. History is only part of the appeal: the city lies on a lovely gulf, backed by pine-forested Taurus Mountains on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

Limassol is the jumping-off point for Cyprus's ancient riches: ruins, lemon, orange and olive groves, mountains, and beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its museum. Explore ancient Curium for mosaics, theater, basilica, and sea views. In Nicosia, see St. John's Cathedral, Venetian fortifications, the old town, mosque, and museum. Shop for lace, copper, jewelry, and pottery, and enjoy appetizers, fresh seafood, and local wine.

Limassol is the jumping-off point for Cyprus's ancient riches: ruins, lemon, orange and olive groves, mountains, and beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its museum. Explore ancient Curium for mosaics, theater, basilica, and sea views. In Nicosia, see St. John's Cathedral, Venetian fortifications, the old town, mosque, and museum. Shop for lace, copper, jewelry, and pottery, and enjoy appetizers, fresh seafood, and local wine.

Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and chief harbor, was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Artifacts are still recovered from its bay. Explore the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders. Stroll through the 115-acre Montaza Gardens.

Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city and chief harbor, was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Artifacts are still recovered from its bay. Explore the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders. Stroll through the 115-acre Montaza Gardens.

Heraklion, Crete's capital, offers two must-sees: the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with Minoan treasures and artifacts spanning 5,500+ years, and the Palace of Knossos, a Minoan center dating to c.2000 BC and linked to the Minotaur's Labyrinth. Enjoy harbor views from the 13th-century fortress and waterfront, then try fish taverns serving Cretan dishes like kaltsounia with raki.

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, the "Cradle of Western Civilization," famed for its lasting cultural and political influence. Driven by tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites. Athens remains a historian's delight, with the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka's winding streets, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum's renowned ancient artifacts.

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, the "Cradle of Western Civilization," famed for its lasting cultural and political influence. Driven by tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites. Athens remains a historian's delight, with the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka's winding streets, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum's renowned ancient artifacts.