Athens Roundtrip - Best of the Greek Isles and 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.

In the Saronic Gulf lies the charming small town of Nafplion, Greece. Narrow stone streets amid whitewashed houses and quaint local shops create a romantic picture straight out of a postcard. Find the steps leading to Palamidi castle perched on a cliff atop the town for a heart-pumping exploration. Not far from Nafplion you can explore the remains of King Agamemnon’s castle in Mycenae. This site contains the history of the dominating culture of mainland Greece from the late Bronze Age. Nearby in Epidaurus discover the famous amphitheater where you can stand at certain points at the bottom and hear the speaker at a location in the seats all the way to the top.

One of the most sophisticated of the Greek Isles, Hydra, lies in the Argo Saronic Gulf. This island is a popular getaway for celebrities and the elite, making it an exceptional destination for the explorer that wants cultural immersion. Various historical sites and landmarks like the bastions surrounding the port, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia tell the island’s story throughout the years. The three main villages – Hydra Town, Vlichos, and Kaminia – each hold a different facet of Greek life. Hydra also offers a surplus of beaches to bask in the sun on the sandy shores.

Wandering is one of the best ways to enjoy the island of Mykonos. Its narrow, winding streets between the iconic architecture of whitewashed houses with blue domes create the archetypal image of modern-day Greece. These constructs serve picture-perfect opportunities at every glance with their colorful shutters, doors, and flowers.

Dotting the horizon up on the hill lie the renowned windmills of this island among the Cyclades. The sight of these windmills invokes a feeling of seeing into the past amidst a contemporary city, depicting the perfect harmony of past and present.

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.

Taking the ferry to Delos, you reach an uninhabited island in the Cyclades archipelago. It is dedicated solely as an archaeological site with ties to ancient Greek mythology as the birth site of the sun god Apollo. It is the only island in the world entirely comprised of ruins.

Although many stones lay strewn across the ground, there are still plenty of columns and partial constructs standing, defying the test of time. The stark white Doric temples against the deep blue backdrop of the Aegean create an image straight out of myth, making you a part of it.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

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 history.

Standing amid the ruins, beyond the excavations, stretching far and wide before your eyes are 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.

From its sunbathing corners shaded by olive groves to gourmet cuisine and lively nightlife, Bodrum has been deemed the St. Tropez of Turkey. The vibrant city has become a celebrity hot spot for a getaway away from prying eyes.

Located along the southern coast of Bodrum Province, this town offers vistas of the deep blue sea that only the Aegean Sea can provide. Whitewashed houses mixed with the more colorful buildings reaching up into the hills create a magnificent sight that calls travelers to come further explore the city’s shores.

Further, into the backstreets and side paths of Bodrum, you pass between the iconic Greek-style houses adorned by brightly colored flowers and lush foliage. These narrow streets and paths beckon with the sense of adventure and taking the road less traveled.

From the street markets and into the Bodrum Bazaar, you get the chance to test your haggling skills as you shop among the locals for fresh herbs and produce. The spice markets of Bodrum tantalize with a rainbow of colors and fresh, aromatic scents that drift through the air as you peruse the stalls for what will become part of your next culinary adventure.

Fresh seafood abounds at the restaurants along the waterfront. Savory smoked mackerel fillets send a whiff of pure deliciousness through the air that will make your nose lead the way. If you have a sweet tooth, then lokma is the way to go. These deep-fried dough balls submerged in syrup will leave your mouth watering for more once the very last one is gone.

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 as 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.

When you think of the quintessential whitewashed houses of Greece with blue domes and windmills sprinkled throughout the landscape, it’s Santorini that comes to mind. This island of the Cyclades contains lush scenery, a quaint charm and cosmopolitan feel all at once.

Just 300 steps down from the northern city of Oia you will find Amoudi Bay, an exquisite vista of vibrant red cliffs and the caldera that demand you stop and take in the view. In the little village of the bay you will find the Greek island life thriving amid the local tavernas serving the catch of the day.

Discover one of the most prominent excavations of prehistoric settlements in the Aegean at the Akrotiri archaeological village. Ruins from the ancient city date back as far as 1700 BCE before it was buried by a volcanic eruption. But the first inhabitants date even further back to the Late Neolithic period (fourth millennium BCE).

For the wine lovers who are curious about the history and process of their favorite drink, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is a must-visit. Nestled within a natural cave six meters underground, a tour of the museum and tasting of the vineyard’s Volcan wines is an experience like none other.

A visit to Santorini is not complete until you sample the local fare – fava me koukia. Mashed fava beans are prepped with lemon, parsley, dill and fennel for a delectable Greek dish popular among the islanders. Or opt for tomato gefthedes (tomato fritters) for another savory selection.