Monte Carlo is a glamorous port built for luxury yachts, with some of the world's finest vessels in its harbor. Luxury cars line the winding streets during the Grand Prix, while steep green mountains rise behind the bay. On the cliff stands the Prince's Palace, where the Changing of the Guard draws crowds at 11:55 a.m. Nearby are Monaco Cathedral, with Princess Grace's tomb, the oceanographic museum founded by Prince Albert I, and the Monte Carlo Casino, created by Prince Charles III.

Loved by Italian urbanites and little known outside Rome, this Monte Argentario harbor has bobbing megayachts, excellent restaurants, steep cliffs, crystalline seas, secret coves, and the 17th-century Spanish-built Fortezza Spagnola. Explore hidden bays and headlands, with Roman villa ruins, views to distant islands, and access to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

This port on Italy's southern coast overlooking the Bay of Naples is a popular starting point for the Amalfi Coast, but Sorrento itself is worth seeing. Perched on cliffs above the marinas and port, it features the 8th-century Cloisters of San Francesco, the Sorrento Cathedral (begun in the 15th century), and lively Piazza Tasso. From here, you can also visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.

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.

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.

Chania, Crete's former capital, sits beneath the Lefka Ori mountains. Its heritage spans Byzantine monasteries, medieval churches, and Turkish baths. In the Old Town, the Venetian harbor features a lighthouse and colorful waterfront palazzos, with nearby alleyways full of cafés, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Visit the Archaeological Museum or the ruins of ancient Aptera above Souda. In the evening, try Cretan tavernas or the lively harbor bars.

Hydra, a jewel of the Saronic Gulf, is famed for its elegant stone mansions, clear waters and timeless harbor scene. With no cars allowed, the island's narrow lanes, steps and seaside paths invite leisurely exploration on foot or by donkey. Browse small galleries and boutiques, pause for fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna, or take a boat to hidden coves and quiet beaches for a classic Greek island escape.

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.