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.

The Venetians left their mark in Nafplio. Perched on a sea cliff, its fortress is a striking symbol of Venetian power. Stroll the Old Town's neoclassical buildings and bougainvillea-draped balconies. One of Greece's most beautiful and historic towns, Nafplio's roots reach back to the Argonauts and the Trojan War. Nearby: Mycenae's tomb of Agamemnon and Epidaurus's famed ancient theater, both UNESCO sites.

Arriving at Naxos port, visitors often see the ancient Portara, an unfinished 5th-century BC temple to Apollo overlooking the Aegean and a great sunset spot. Naxos Old Town has narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings, shops, and waterfront dining. The island also offers golden-sand beaches, inland villages like Apeiranthos and Chalki with local cheeses and olive oil, and a hike up Mount Zas for stunning views.

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.

Bodrum, on Turkey's sun-drenched Aegean coast, blends seaside style, ancient history, and a relaxed beach vibe. It's the peninsula's boating hub, with traditional wooden gulets taking visitors to hidden coves and turquoise waters. St. Peter's Castle overlooks the old bazaar's narrow streets, cafés, artisan workshops, and bougainvillea-draped whitewashed walls. East Bodrum has lively beach clubs and nightlife; west Bodrum features the marina, upscale shops, restaurants, and bars.

Rhodes, the largest Dodecanese island, is famed for sunshine, sandy beaches, and rich heritage. The Knights Hospitaller turned Rhodes Town into a medieval stronghold; its Old Town is a lively maze of cafés, squares, and Gothic-Byzantine-Ottoman architecture. Nearby Mandraki Harbor is said to have held the Colossus of Rhodes. Farther south, Lindos offers a stunning hilltop acropolis with sweeping Aegean views and great local food.

Witness sailing into Santorini's volcanic caldera, where ochre, gray, and pink cliffs rise from the sea. Visit whitewashed Fira, dotted with blue-domed churches, shops, tavernas, and a museum, then hike the Caldera Trail to Oia for stunning views. Also explore wineries, black-sand beaches, or Akrotiri's Minoan ruins, and end with assyrtiko wine and a famous sunset.

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.