Piraeus (Athens), Greece

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.

Patmos, Greece

The “Holy Island” of Patmos holds religious history as the site where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. Venturing over to the Cave of the Apocalypse amid the hills between Skala and Chora, you get a whole new view of the countryside. Along the seaside village you find an array of restaurants with the fresh catch of the day. With quintessential whitewashed houses in the Greek style and iconic windmills against a backdrop of blue skies, the Sacred Land of the Aegean also offers breathtaking panoramas that will impress the most experienced travelers.

Fethiye, Turkey

Along Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise Coast lies the perfectly blue-green lagoon of the beach at Oludeniz in Fethiye. The rocky coast dotted with green shrubbery amid the remote, ocean backdrop makes the perfect spot to do a cannonball into the water and grab an epic picture.

The former ancient city of Telmessos transformed into Fethiye holds thousands of years of rich history and culture. The ancient ruins of Lycian society and a Roman theater strewn over the mountains spark a sense of adventure as your imagination runs wild of what life must have once looked like among the stone structures and columns.

Amid the 86,000 square meters of Butterfly Valley you can mingle with over 100 species of these gossamer beauties. A cascading waterfall in the background runs into a gentle river that waters the butterflies’ native habitat, the chaste trees. Between the nature preserve and forested mountains, Fethiye’s environment enchants and enthralls with its breathtaking views.

The city’s Old Town creates the perfect backdrop for wandering through the bazaars where you can haggle with the locals for their goods and wares. When your appetite opens up, there are plenty of restaurants to stop and grab a kebab, mezes, or fresh-caught seafood.

The sweet and savory flavors of dishes like yogurt with herbs and garlic or hot pepper, walnut and tomato crush mix on the palate for a feast you are not soon to forget. Along the seaside promenade lies a feast for the eyes as well as the sun sparkles on top of the water.

Paphos, Cyprus

Considered the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, Paphos contains enough prehistoric, archaeological sites rich in the real and the mythical to satiate the most curious minds. The vast Archaeological Park and Tombs of the Kings, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer a playground of ancient ruins to let your imagination run rampant. Paphos does not get mired in its past, though, with a modern waterfront filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cypriot cuisine makes an impression on every traveler. With influences coming from across three continents and various cultures, the flavors of this island’s food range from Greek to Turkish to Middle Eastern.

Alexandria, Egypt

Founded in 331 B.C.E. by Alexander the Great, Alexandria once stood as the greatest city in the ancient world. The city is most associated with its famed library that came to a tragic end. Today, you can explore its grandeur through palaces of past, archaeological museums, and 150 acres of royal gardens and forest reserve.

The Port of Alexandria lies on the western edge of the Nile Delta and acts as Egypt’s second-largest seaport. The port leads to popular sites such as Alexandria’s Montazah Palace, overlooking the beach on the Mediterranean Sea amid lush scenery and palm trees for a magnificent view that inspires awe.

At the Roman Amphitheater of Alexandria in Kom El Dekka, a civilization long past comes to life amid the stone ruins. As the only ruins of Roman influence that remain in Egypt the pillars and benches of old feel like they hold a secret history that want you to discover it. Down in the Anfushi Necropolis, walking among ancient tombs below ground level, you cannot help but feel a chill as you step so far into the past.

Sprawled out in expansive, vibrant greens lie the Shalalat Gardens of Alexandria. The peaceful atmosphere of El Shalalat Park, where the gardens reside, creates the perfect backdrop for a quiet stroll along the paved path that eventually leads to a crumbling tower. Like a picture out of a storybook, the gardens make it easy to get lost in the magic of the city.

Port Said (Cairo), Egypt

Cairo comes alive as both a bustling metropolitan and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the renowned Pyramids of Giza. A vibrant mix of ancient history with contemporary skyscrapers and ornate mosques led it to become known as the City of a Thousand Minarets. The major seaport city of Port Said acts as a gateway. Standing along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal, you can roam the five-mile boardwalk of the Waterfront Quarter of Port Said for a peek at the grand homes. A trip to the port’s historic lighthouse provides a glimpse into the architectural evolution throughout the 19th century.

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

The atmosphere of the ancient city of Jerusalem – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is filled with reverent energy. The port of Ashdod is the gateway to this destination full of religious history. With four distinct cultural quarters – Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian – the city brings to light its unique diversity that makes for outstanding explorations. Out at the Western Wall, a hush falls over the place of prayer. Venturing to the outskirts of the city, you find the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. From Ashdod, you may also explore Masada, an ancient fortress and ruins that hold great significance in the Jewish religion.

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

The atmosphere of the ancient city of Jerusalem – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is filled with reverent energy. The port of Ashdod is the gateway to this destination full of religious history. With four distinct cultural quarters – Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian – the city brings to light its unique diversity that makes for outstanding explorations. Out at the Western Wall, a hush falls over the place of prayer. Venturing to the outskirts of the city, you find the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. From Ashdod, you may also explore Masada, an ancient fortress and ruins that hold great significance in the Jewish religion.

Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel

The atmosphere of the ancient city of Jerusalem – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is filled with reverent energy. The port of Ashdod is the gateway to this destination full of religious history. With four distinct cultural quarters – Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian – the city brings to light its unique diversity that makes for outstanding explorations. Out at the Western Wall, a hush falls over the place of prayer. Venturing to the outskirts of the city, you find the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. From Ashdod, you may also explore Masada, an ancient fortress and ruins that hold great significance in the Jewish religion.

Haifa (Nazareth), Israel

Along the northern slope of Mount Carmel lies the port city of Haifa. Often called “Israel’s San Francisco,” Haifa gives way to a sprawling, modern city complete with skyscrapers. But the true jewel of the city is the Bahai Gardens, an oasis of terraces that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Haifa, make your way to the Biblical city of Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city. Explore the Old City’s shuk, outdoor market, searching for fresh produce and mingling with the locals. The Church of the Annunciation is the primary focus for visitors, but the nearby archaeological site of the Nun’s Convent holds a plethora of ancient treasures as well.

Haifa (Nazareth), Israel

Along the northern slope of Mount Carmel lies the port city of Haifa. Often called “Israel’s San Francisco,” Haifa gives way to a sprawling, modern city complete with skyscrapers. But the true jewel of the city is the Bahai Gardens, an oasis of terraces that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Haifa, make your way to the Biblical city of Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city. Explore the Old City’s shuk, outdoor market, searching for fresh produce and mingling with the locals. The Church of the Annunciation is the primary focus for visitors, but the nearby archaeological site of the Nun’s Convent holds a plethora of ancient treasures as well.