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.

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.

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.