The Ancients Come Back to Life

One of the greatest adventures you can have when you travel is discovering ancient worlds with stories that have stood the test of time. There’s a sense of bringing the past to life when you trek the remnants of age-old civilizations. And you can’t help but feel a little like Indiana Jones when you traverse these former paths.

Athens, Greece
When you think of Athens, you most likely envision the UNESCO-listed Acropolis and Parthenon. Explore classic Greek columns and structures, the construction of which inspires awe as they display an ancient understanding of precise mathematics. Stand among ruins that have a timeless appeal as you share your discoveries with fellow, like-spirited explorers.

Nafplion, Greece
Visit the Archaeological Museum in Syntagma Square. This permanent exhibition displays some of the oldest relics of the Paleolithic era, including jewelry, sculptures, figurines, clothing, ceramics and rare artifacts of the Neolithic period. You can also find unique Mesolithic objects from the nearby Franchthi cave, among many other historic pieces.

Mykonos (Delos), Greece
The windmills of Mykonos are an iconic image that create a postcard-perfect picture. You’ll find most dotting the landscape of the main town, Chora. The Kato Mili (lower mills) are no longer in use, but many have been restored to house heritage documents that you can peruse to learn about the island’s rich history. Others were even refurbished to become housing for the locals.

Santorini, Greece
The ancient settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini sits upon a volcano called Thera. Destroyed by the volcanic eruption in the second millennium BCE, its remains create an allure for your inner archaeologist. Akrotiri maintains a special place in the island’s history as one of the most sophisticated settlements of the Bronze Age with multi-story buildings, complex masonry and elaborate draining systems that look to be among the first kind of indoor bathrooms.

Chania/Souda, Crete
In the Venetian Harbor of Chania, travelers come across stone structures built in the 14th century. One of the region’s most famous landmarks is the oldest lighthouse in the world. It still stands tall and proud after 500 of years. Not far from Chania lies the small town of Souda, where on a verdant island nearby you find the Fortress of Souda, one of the strongest castles built in Crete by the Venetians. Or discover the archaeological site of ancient Aptera. Explore these ruins to feel a sense of the past’s influence on the present.

Cairo (Alexandria), Egypt
Explore some of the most remarkable locations in Egypt on a comprehensive tour. Begin in Cairo at the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining wonder of the of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Just southeast of there, find the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a man that was carved out of limestone around 2650 BCE. Over at the Egyptian Museum, browse a plethora of important archaeological discoveries that showcase Egypt’s ancient history and specifically, the incredible King Tut collection.

Delve into a journey to the past on our “8-Night Athens to Cairo: Ancient Civilizations” luxe-adventure expedition.