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.

Mykonos is a charming, fashionable Greek island known for golden beaches, blue-domed churches, and windmills. Its capital, Chora, is a whitewashed maze of alleyways built to deter pirates, with boutiques, galleries, and top restaurants. Explore hidden corners by 4x4 or take a short boat trip to nearby Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient ruins and the mythic birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Kuşadası is a seaside resort centered on a waterfront promenade, open-air cafés, and beaches. It's also the gateway to Ephesus, 10 miles inland: founded by Ionian Greeks and later a Roman provincial capital, its agoras, baths, libraries, and mosaic houses are unforgettable. Nearby Selçuk's Byzantine and Ottoman sites show the region's long history. Back in Kuşadası, relax in a waterside çay bahçesi or head to Bar Street.

Patmos blends sacred history and island charm: St. John is said to have written Revelation here in exile. Above Chora stands the fortress-like Monastery of St. John the Theologian, with the Cave of the Apocalypse and other churches nearby. Skála is the main port, while Kámpos, coves, and beaches draw swimmers, sun-seekers, and water-sports fans.

Milos, one of the Cyclades' most distinctive and culturally rich islands, is a volcanic island known for beautiful beaches, thermal springs, and unusual rock formations. Adámantas, its sheltered port and nightlife hub, sits in the former caldera. Nearby Plaka, the capital, overlooks the Gulf of Milos and has Plaka Castle, an archaeological museum with a Venus of Milo replica, and local specialties like watermelon pie and white-pumpkin bonbons.

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.