Athens, cradle of Western democracy, offers a living link to antiquity. Climb the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, Temple of Nike, and Erechtheion caryatids, then visit the Acropolis Museum for original statues and artifacts. The National Archaeological Museum is also outstanding. In the Agora, follow the footsteps of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Hippocrates, and Pericles. Finish in Plaka with its winding lanes and lively tavernas.

Set on Crete's northwest coast, Chania charms with a Venetian harbor, a maze of old lanes, and a waterfront lined with cafes and colorful buildings. Explore the atmospheric old town, browse local markets and boutiques, or head beyond the city for beaches, olive groves, and mountain scenery that showcase the island's distinct Cretan character.

Dating back to 734 BC, Siracusa was once a major capital of Western civilization. Today it's a lively city with a charming historic center, Baroque architecture, and impressive Greek and Roman ruins, including the Teatro Greco in the Parco Archeologico. Its heart is Ortygia, first settled by the Greeks, with boutiques, piazzas, markets, and cobblestoned streets. Don't miss a family-run trattoria and the local antipasto of smoked swordfish and anchovies with lemon.

Taormina, on Sicily's coast, is famed for the 3rd-century Teatro Antico, a dramatically sited Greek theater. Its old center has 15th-century palaces and churches, and pedestrian Corso Umberto is ideal for strolling, shopping, dining, or gelato. Below lies Giardini Naxos, a seaside resort on Sicily's oldest Greek colony. Nearby are Mount Etna, a UNESCO site, and the scenic Alcantara Gorge for hiking and cooling off.

Amalfi charms with its sunlit Piazza del Duomo, winding alleys, Byzantine-influenced cathedral, and small beach. Nearby Atrani, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, offers ancient churches and whitewashed lanes for a quiet day. Visit the magical Grotta dello Smeraldo for its emerald waters, and don't miss Pompeii, where you can walk Roman streets and enter ancient houses and temples.

Naples is a vibrant gateway to southern Italy, where centuries of history, spirited street life, and dramatic views of the Bay of Naples come together. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, admire grand churches and palaces, or sample the city's famed pizza and pastries in lively cafés. With Capri, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast within reach, Naples offers an unforgettable mix of culture, coastline, and classic Italian flair.

Rome is a vivid blend of sound, movement, history, and art. Church bells and traffic echo off ancient stone as workers, tourists, and café crowds move through the city. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, Rome's monuments are world-famous. Its sculptures, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and Bernini's fountains make its art and architecture unsurpassed. Rome belongs not only to Italy, but to the world.