Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

Delight in this breezy Aegean gem, a beach-blessed island also known for producing some of Turkey’s best wines. You’ll notice the ambiance gracefully blends Greek and Turkish sensibilities, evident in the clusters of whitewashed buildings from which the occasional minaret bursts forth. Browse enticing souvenirs crafted by local artisans, perhaps picking up a jar of the island’s delicious tomato marmalade. Beside the cozy harbor, you’ll discover the town’s imposing 15th-century castle, which is among the country’s best preserved. From the crenellated ramparts, look across the crystalline sea and picture Achilles’ arrival to this very spot during the legendary Trojan War.

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity - Priene, Miletus and Didyma - renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.

Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Chania wears its past on its sleeve. Spend the day in museums, from those uncovering the ancient history buried beneath the rocky soil to those celebrating Greece’s magnificent maritime history and the region’s unique folklore. Visit the ruins of the city-state of Aptera, a powerhouse in Minoan and Hellenistic times and eventually a Roman stronghold.

At Sea

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector's palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

A hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, preserved ancient architecture and fascinating historical monuments. Roman aqueducts, forums and temples surround the old town, which features medieval churches and monasteries. The archaeological museum offers more than 80,000 exhibits from the Stone Age to the late Middle Ages, and it is one of the most important museums in Croatia. Stroll along the paved waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea or lounge in one of the many cafés.

Situated at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures, Trieste invites visitors to discover new palaces, piazzas and cathedrals around every corner. Along the canal, the gilded Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione is juxtaposed with the neoclassical Catholic Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo. A walk along the harbor takes you to Trieste’s majestic main square, Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, and on to the Museo Revoltella, the opulent palace of a wealthy baron. Not to be missed is the Castello di Miramare, Archduke Maximilian’s gleaming castle situated on a rocky promontory north of the city.