Quintessential Greece
& Turkey

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.

Narrow, winding streets between the iconic architecture of whitewashed houses with blue domes create the archetypal image of modern-day Greece. Dotting the horizon up on the hill lie the renowned windmills among the Cyclades. The aroma of an old bakery, which still uses a 15th-century, wood-burning stove, entices you with the delicious scents of Greek pastries and baked goods. It is not a visit to Mykonos without sampling the local favorite, loukoumádes, fried dough dripped in honey, and sometimes topped with sesame seeds. Raise a glass to new friends and adventure with a round of ouzo and a serving of mostra at a local taverna. Taking the ferry to Delos, you reach an uninhabited island dedicated solely as an archaeological site known as the birth site of the sun god Apollo. It’s the only island in the world entirely comprised of ruins..

Within Crete’s Mirabello Bay lies the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, a mix of cosmopolitan luxury, ancient ruins and intriguing mythology. The picturesque inner harbor of Voulismeni, which legend has it that the lake is bottomless and where once the goddess Athena bathed in it, paints a quaint scene with colorful bobbing boats, tavernas, cafes and bars. Savor the fresh catch of the day at a local eatery as you and your fellow explorers get ready for an adventure. Share a bottle of Cretan raki (or Tsikoudia) with new friends, a traditional ritual that represents hospitality, communication and friendship. Tucked within the waterfront are cozy beaches Kitroplatiea and Amnos, offering glittering views of the gulf. Up the road sits the elegant resort village of Elounda and just across the way is the Spinalonga Peninsula. Here you and your friends will find pristine wilderness and immaculate beaches, hidden away from the crowds.

Between the better-known Dodecanese Islands Rhodes and Crete sits the more secluded Karpathos. With charming villages that still practice local traditions and only the southern side developed for tourism, it’s a destination that offers an authentic Greek experience. Pristine beaches and natural landscapes of rugged cliffs dotted with verdant forests invite you and your fellow explorers to discover a mostly untouched world. The remote islet of Saria offers a white-sand beach amid a rocky scene that inspires a true sense of exploration. History comes to life at the Acropolis of Arkassa and Ancient Potideon archaeological ruins. Gather a group of adventurers to set off in search of the Cave of Poseidon, a natural geological feature where mythology feels real. Once you and your friends have worked up an appetite, stop at a local restaurant to try one of the island’s specialties, myzithropites, savory pies stuffed with mytzithra cheese.

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes contains multitudes. With influences from Hellenistic, Byzantine, Turkish and medieval architecture, it provides a diverse backdrop for exploration. Making your way to the town of Lindos, you find the Acropolis containing a temple dedicated to Athena. If hiking the trail isn’t your preference, try riding a donkey up the long way. Rhodes holds the same charm of other Greek Isles with beachfront scenes, among them Kallithea Beach, famous for hot medicinal springs. The beaches of Lindos provide breathtaking views as well, such as St. Paul’s Bay on the southeast coast with its little white chapel on the hill.

Kos, one of the Greek Dodecanese islands, holds a combination of rich history and enchanting beaches. Among its most popular landmarks is the Asklepieion, a significant archaeological site that once stood as a healing center, named for Asklepios, the son of the Greek god Apollo. Journey through the island’s history with the Ottoman Empire and Knights of Saint John together with knowledgeable guides and your fellow explorers. Heading to the shores of emerald waters, the beaches of Kos invite you to spend a day in the sun. But Thermes Beach stands out with its black pebble shore, surrounded by boulders and hot waters. Building up an appetite, stop in at a traditional Greek taverna and order a serving of moussaka and tzatziki to share with new friends while chatting up the locals. For a new-age view on wine, visit Triantafyllopoulos Winery and share the moment with other explorer spirits.

Making port in the coastal resort town of Kusadasi from the Aegean Sea, travelers are greeted by a castle on Pigeon Island surrounded by lush, green trees. The causeway along the route connects this lone island to the mainland of Kusadasi, where visitors will disembark to begin their exploration of Turkey.

Picture this: marble ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World right before your eyes. Through the rubble you gaze upon the impressive Temple of Artemis. This is the experience of Ephesus, a UNESCO-listed, 4,000-year-old city located in Selcuk that is considered the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean.

Countless historical sites and ruins abound in the region, from the Basilica of St. John to the House of the Virgin Mary. A visit to Ephesus makes it easy to step into the past and imagine life among the locals in times before. Nothing invokes that feeling more than the ruins of the Library of Celsus, an ancient Roman site where its namesake is buried in a crypt beneath it.

This archaeological zone still buzzes with activity, as archaeologists continue to dig through the ruins and discover its secrets. To walk among the excavations as scientists continue to unearth the site’s remnants makes it hard not to get swept up in the history.

Standing amid the ruins, beyond the excavations, stretching far and wide before your eyes is Ayasuluk Hill. Dotted with palm trees and other foliage, the site creates the perfect picture of the region’s mild climate, making it a vacation haven.

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Myth and history converge in the Turkish city of Çanakkale, sitting along the Dardanelles Strait, a waterway best experienced from an intimate yacht. From the Greek myth of the Golden Fleece to the World War I campaign of Gallipoli, the city has played a pivotal role in the country’s culture and past. It’s also here that you and your fellow explorers will find a portal back in time to ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and where the Trojan War of Homer’s Iliad took place. Gather other history buffs to uncover the mysteries of the famous, wooden Trojan horse, a replica built for the 2004 film Troy. Back in the city center, stop at a local restaurant to explore Turkish cuisine. Share a platter of appetizers like cheese, olives, meat and stuffed mussels, known as a meze, with newfound friends and engage in friendly conversation with the locals.

The influences of Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine and more remain apparent in Istanbul’s architecture, art and traditions. Stop at the Grand Bazaar to get a true feel for the present-day culture, filled with merchants, artisans and authentic wares, providing a vibrant backdrop. For an intimate experience with Istanbul’s traditions, a visit to a hamam, the famous Turkish baths, fits the criteria. Some of the most beautiful architecture in Istanbul is found in the mosques, the most iconic of these the Blue Mosque. These sacred spaces are filled with centuries of religious history that inspire awe with colorful and intricate decor.

The influences of Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine and more remain apparent in Istanbul’s architecture, art and traditions. Stop at the Grand Bazaar to get a true feel for the present-day culture, filled with merchants, artisans and authentic wares, providing a vibrant backdrop. For an intimate experience with Istanbul’s traditions, a visit to a hamam, the famous Turkish baths, fits the criteria. Some of the most beautiful architecture in Istanbul is found in the mosques, the most iconic of these the Blue Mosque. These sacred spaces are filled with centuries of religious history that inspire awe with colorful and intricate decor.