Athens To Rome

Magnificent Athens combines the fascinations of the ancient world with unique modern architecture.

The Greek isle of Patmos has a rich Christian heritage - the Monastery of Saint John was founded in 1088 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the Cave of the Apocalypse, the grotto where John the Apostle received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation. The island’s white-sand beaches, secluded coves and beautiful marina make it a popular destination for worshippers of the sun.

On Turkey's western Aegean coast is Kuşadasi, a beach town named after the nearby Güvercinada Island, which resembles a bird's head.

A tidy planned community built on golden dunes, Ashdod is southern Israel's only Mediterranean harbor. Yet this new city has fabulously ancient roots: Ashdod is mentioned in the Old Testament, and archaeologists have found ruins almost 4,000 years old. This is the doorway to the historic treasures of Jerusalem, and the worldly pleasures of Tel Aviv.

Hebrew for “beautiful coast,” Haifa has been a mecca for the faithful of all kinds for millennia. Its slopes of Mount Carmel, UNESCO-listed Acre and glittering coastline are all impressive, and it is also an ideal starting point for explorations of Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee; Zippori, “City of Mosaics”; and the lively cosmopolitan delights of Tel Aviv.

Paphos offers an abundance of architectural wonders – in fact, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the spectacular House of Dionysus mosaics, charming Omodos Village and the solid rock catacombs of the Tombs of the Kings. Paphos is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Her spirit lives on in the ancient ruins and temples, as well as the modern harbor, palm-lined waterfront and sun-splashed beaches where love is always in the air.

Ancient relics, fascinating culture, mouth-watering cuisine, soft sandy beaches and contemporary delights abound in delightful Rhodes.

Built on the ruins of an ancient city, this 3rd-century trading center is the gateway to the many small villages and farms of Crete. Lake Voulismeni in the center of town connects to the sea by a narrow canal, with a park, amphitheater and collection of cafés taking full advantage of the idyllic setting. It is said that this lake is where the goddess Athena slipped into its waters to bathe and wash her glossy tresses.

Look down on the deep blue waters of the four-mile-wide lagoon from an amphitheatre of whitewashed dwellings perched atop the caldera’s precipice.

Once a glamorous hang-out, embrace the elegant allure of this perfect Greek paradise and revel in its history, culture and scenic wonders

Magnificent Athens combines the fascinations of the ancient world with unique modern architecture.

While Çanakkale is a lively Turkish metropolis with an interesting mix of European and Asian influences, the city’s main appeal is its proximity to two important sites: the ruins of Troy and the battlefields of Gallipoli. Yes, this is the Troy made famous by Homer’s epic poem The Iliad and the ancient city where the legendary Trojan War took place. Today, the archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park, complete with layers of ruins and a reconstructed wooden horse. On the opposite bank of the Dardanelles Strait, on which Çanakkale is located, are the Gallipoli battlefields. Extensive World War I battles were fought here, making the peninsula hallowed ground for the Turks and a commemorative site for the Allied Forces. Numerous monuments pay homage to lives lost, including the Monument of Martyrs erected to honor fallen Turkish soldiers.

Surrounded by four lakes and boasting curious parks and reserves for birds and other wildlife, such as the impressive Sea Garden, this is a place where you’re just as likely to go kayaking or take an impromptu salt plunge as you are to explore impressive archaeological sites and imbibe in delectable food and drink (Burgas is a hub of cuisine and nightlife). It’s all here, from kayaks to karaoke.

Constanța is a city on the shores of the Black Sea, in southeastern Romania. Its long history, which goes back over 2,000 years, is documented at the National History and Archaeology Museum, near the port. The adjacent Roman Mosaics complex displays tiled floors dating back to the 4th century A.D. Nearby, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque is furnished with a vast Persian rug, while its towering minaret overlooks the city.

Odessa is barely two centuries old, yet it has a wealth of history. A summer retreat of the czars founded by Catherine the Great, this "Pearl of the Black Sea" also hosted Russia's greatest artists, writers and musicians. Many historic opera houses, museums and ballet theaters remain, painted in neoclassical pastel and lining leafy promenades, alongside the impressive onion-domed basilica and the famous Potemkin Steps.

Istanbul unveils its rich history at every turn, while its vibrant present is just as much of a draw for visitors.

Look down on the deep blue waters of the four-mile-wide lagoon from an amphitheatre of whitewashed dwellings perched atop the caldera’s precipice.

Though it has only recently re-emerged as an independent nation, Croatia is by no means a new country. There were settlements along the Dalmatian Coast before recorded time. When Slavic people migrated here in the 6th century, they converted to Catholicism and adopted the local Latin alphabet. The region eventually became part of the powerful Kingdom of Croatia. Medieval Dubrovnik, formerly the Republic of Ragusa, was one of several walled cities established in the 7th century to guard the coastal approaches. Its fortification was completed in the 13th century and has remained relatively unchanged. The city walls are in excellent condition and today prevent invasion by automobiles. Within the walls, the lovely sleek lines of Venetian-style buildings complement a wealth of ancient stone architecture. Nearby islands feature beautiful beaches as well as intriguing ancient ruins.

With a maze of canals threaded through the city and hints of history to be found on every corner, it’s easy to see why Venice is considered one of the most beautiful and charming destinations in the world.

Travel beyond the walls of one of the most majestic cities on the Croatian Adriatic Coast. Spilt has a prestigious reputation for impressive architecture, famous museums and cultural constructs that should not be missed.

On the western coast of Montenegro, tucked away from the Adriatic Sea, is the ancient town of Kotor. Beyond its snaking stone walls, this fortified city offers a charming glimpse back in time.

Shaped like a scythe, the island of Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets. Its lush interior is covered in cypress and olive trees while the main downtown area has elegant Venetian architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Nature and history have made Sicily a land of striking contrasts. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily was for centuries the center of the known world. Its unique geographic position made the island vulnerable to attacks by foreigners, while also making it a meeting place of Mediterranean civilizations, a bridge between the East and West. The picturesque little town of Taormina enjoys a beauty comprised of light, color and sea. Taormina has no middle tones, no grays and no muted shades. Lying on a short terrace of the coast and dripping off the shoulders of the enormous Mount Etna, Taormina embodies the essence of Sicily.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Each city has its own unique character and Sorrento is a town certainly worth visiting.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Formerly a small fishing village on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno was reinvented as an ideal Renaissance city at the hands of the sixteenth century House of Medici.

Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino's brilliant bay is ringed by lush green hills serenely profiled against the sky.

One of the most famous locales on the Côte d’Azur, celebrity jet setters and sun seekers flock to these shores throughout the year. Nice is a hub for international commerce, but it’s the celebration of all things beautiful that reigns in this retreat for the world’s elite, making Nice an artists’ mecca for centuries. Open-air markets occur daily, providing access to the freshest local everything – from produce to lavender, handmade keepsakes to watercolor works painted before your eyes.

Asummer playground for celebrities, artists and writers vacationing here since the height of its popularity in the 1950s and 60s, St-Tropez’s famous beaches are still frequented by an international clientele who seek a lively night life and piece of the "St-Trop" allure. Magnificent yachts line the port, as owners vie to achieve titles the biggest, most luxurious or most enthusiastic crew.

A hotspot for lovers of architecture old and new, and visitors looking for beautiful, serene locations, Marseille is truly charming

Barcelona’s stunning blend of intriguing architecture, irrepressible culture, exquisite food and inviting beaches means that it is truly a destination that has something for everyone.

Known as the gateway to the Mediterranean, Valencia’s locals say their coastal home receives more sun than any other Spanish city.

An expansive marina, a city full of history and golden beaches with cerulean waters characterise the welcoming capital of the Balearic Islands archipelago.

Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.

Olbia sits on a large Sardinian bay, with a historic port dating to pre-Roman times and a newer ferry port connected to the city by causeway. Sardinia’s ruins are particularly interesting, remnants of the daily lives and rituals of the Nurarghic people of the Bronze Age. Glimpse more of an ancient past at an archeological museum displaying Roman and medieval ships, embellished glassware and other relics. Beyond town, sandy beaches, holm oak forests and secluded coves invite exploration.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Each city has its own unique character and Sorrento is a town certainly worth visiting.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.