 Antalya, Turkey
Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as "Heaven on Earth," Antalya is an international resort city that has become the principal tourist draw in Turkey, even surpassing Istanbul. Long popular among yachters, the city also offers the liveliest nightlife on the southern coast, fantastic beaches, and world-class shopping, in addition to historic ruins in the surrounding region. |
 Ashdod (Jerusalem/Bethlehem), Holy Land
Built on a site occupied by the Canaanites as far back as the 17th century BC, modern Ashdod serves the largest port city in Israel and as one of the most important industrial areas in the country. Ashdod is also a perfect jumping-off point for visits to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to see the incredible landmarks of the Holy Land. Easily within a day's travel are the Western (Wailing) Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and King David's Tomb or even Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. |
 Athens, Greece
Piraeus, Athens' ancient port, is a mere five miles from the center of the great city. In the birthplace of Western Civilization, visit the magnificent Acropolis, presiding over Athens as it has for 25 centuries and admire the timeless majesty of the immaculately proportioned Parthenon. At Constitution Square, catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. See the Ancient Agora with its impressive temples and and public buildings or walk through the old Plaka district. |
 Bodrum, Turkey
An international center for yachting, Bodrum draws visitors from across the globe who come to enjoy the splendid Turkish Riviera. While here, visit Bodrum Castle or the spectacular marina, stroll the local markets, dine at one of the many fine restaurants, or simply relax at the beach. |
 Corfu, Greece
Clean, cobblestone streets, upscale restaurants and choice bistros, music under the stars – all of these typify the marvelous island of Corfu. Winding roads past groves of ancient, gnarled olive trees contrast with the elegant sophistication of Parisian-style arcades, and in addition to the charming seaside villages, Corfu also features a very fertile agricultural region, the island's original draw. |
 Delos, Greece
Delos, an island situated just over a mile from Mykonos in the heart of the Cyclades, is one of the most significant mythological and archaeological sites in Greece, with extensive excavations and several excellent examples of Greek art and architecture. Despite being devoid of natural resources, Delos became both a busy cosmopolitan port and holy sanctuary, held so sacred by the Greeks that it was forbidden to die or give birth on the island. Today, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still yields important artifacts bearing testament its thousands of years of rich history. Landmarks of prime interest include the Minoan Fountain, Temple of the Delians, Terrace of the Lions, Temple of Hera, and the House of Dionysus. |
 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Full of beautiful squares, cobbled streets, museums, palaces, and convents, Dubrovnik's "Old City" is one of the most picturesque in Europe. Walking tours of the area provide a chance to see the impressive facades of Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, and Sponza Castle. The Franciscan Monastery is among Dubrovnik's most popular sights and is home to the world's oldest pharmacy. |
 Heraklion (Crete), Greece
Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations. |
 Istanbul, Turkey
As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to prayer carries over the water. Istanbul’s blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, including Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. At the Topkapi Museum, formerly Sultan’s Palace, the treasures of the Ottoman empire are on display. Bargain for your own treasures in the Grand Bazaar. |
 Izmir, Turkey
Known historically as the city of Smyrna, Izmir is the second largest port in Turkey. One of the harbor's most prominent sights is marble clock tower, standing over 80 feet tall, whose clockworks were a gift to the Ottoman Empire from Kaiser Willhellm II. The Agora of Smyrna represents a fine example of a well preserved open-air museum, and the Pasaport Quay offers some of the most charming seaside cafes in the world. A warm climate year round further enhances the lure of this enchanting port city. |
 Kalymnos, Greece
Situated in the southeastern Aegean, Kalymnos' unique harbor resembles a natural amphitheater and has attracted some of Greece's most affluent citizens, who have built a ring of beautiful whitewashed buildings along the cove. While vegetation is sparse on most of the island, select valleys shelter vineyards as well as citrus and olive groves, which flourish in the sunny, arid climate. |
 Katakolon, Greece
Situated close to the ancient Greek city of Olympia, Katakolon is an excellent jumping off point to discover the history behind the original Olympic Games. Walk amidst the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the massive ivory, ebony, and gold Statue of Zeus, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World. For a more contemporary excursion, visit a few of the local wineries. |
 Kos, Greece
Travelers come to Kos to stroll the perfect beaches and to enjoy some of the fresh, authentic Greek cuisine made from the island's bountiful agricultural products. Discover the exciting nightlife on Kos or just relax and appreciate the harbor lights, illuminating the port area in a magnificent display of human endeavor augmenting the beauty of nature. |
 Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi is primarily known for its proximity to Ephesus, home to the sole remaining pillar from the Temple of Artemis, an Ancient Wonder of the World. Marble streets lead past magnificent ruins of temples and baths, as well as the Celsus Library. The House of the Virgin Mary is also situated near Ephesus, reputedly built by St. John for Jesus' mother while she waited to be taken to heaven. Additionally, Roman ruins are also on display at Pirea and Didyma. |
 Limassol, Cyprus
Sprawling below the Troodos Mountains, the modern resort of Limassol is perfect for tourists looking to unwind. Since the Middle Ages, when the Crusaders held Cyprus under Richard the Lionheart, Limassol was known to traders for its wine, sugar cane, and other luxury goods. Today it retains its place as the island's center for winemaking. Busy bars and clubs crowd its historic port, while country walks past quaint villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains offer a glimpse into the island's fabled past. |
 Marmaris, Turkey
With two major marinas and a reputation as a premier sailing and yachting destination, Marmaris' historic connection with the sea is readily apparent. The city's exceptionally beautiful natural setting further enhances its popularity. Leaving the harbor, travelers may opt for a diverse range of activities, from taking a jeep safari to the surrounding mountains and waterfalls to indulging in an authentic Turkish bath. For those interested in the history of the region, the Marmaris Castle is not to be missed. |
 Monemvassia, Greece
On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quintessential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of a sunset over its picturesque harbor. |
 Mykonos, Greece
On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quintessential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of a sunset over its picturesque harbor. |
 Navplion, Greece
Tour Greece's most prized ruins: the Ascelpion in Epidaurus, sanctuary of the god of healing; the Grand Palace at Mycenae, once King Agamemnon's domain; Athens and its stupendous Acropolis. The four-mile-long Corinth Canal facilitates shipping between the Ionian sea and the Aegean, as it has for a hundred years. |
 Odessa, Ukraine
Esteemed as the "Pearl of the Black Sea," the magnificent resort city of Odessa boasts premier attractions including the Potocki Palace Fine Arts Museum, Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater, Tolstoy Palace, and the Jewish Heritage Museum. Primorsky Boulevard is a bustling collection of shops, museums, and open-air cafes, offering something for every traveler. |
 Patmos, Greece
This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury. |
 Port Said (Cairo), Egypt
Situated on the western side of the northern end of the Suez canal, Port Said is an important Egyptian harbor. For travelers, it serves as a perfect jumping off point for a day trip to the city of Cairo to see the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid at Giza, the largest and only intact example of the Ancient Wonders of the World. Or perhaps tour Cairo's Old City, rich in Coptic Christian and Jewish heritage, as well as the location of the Roman Babylon Fortress complex. Also not to be missed is the Egyptian Museum, housing priceless antiquities and the treasures of the pharaohs. |
 Rethymnon, Greece (Crete)
The beautiful Island of Roses has a rich and varied history. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. Below lies the bay of St. Paul, where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St. John left the medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The Ottoman Turks then occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years leaving mosques, minarets, and a Turkish bath to mark their presence. |
 Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, set behind impregnable 14th-century walls, invites you to navigate through crooked streets to shop for sea sponges and visit the gorgeous Palace of the Grand Masters from which the Knights of St. John set out on the Crusades. Tour the village of Lindos and climb to the Acropolis. From these heights you can look down and see where St. Paul landed, as well as the rocky peninsulas where many believe the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. This 110-foot-tall statue of Helios was destroyed by an earthquake, and its remains were melted down for scrap metal. |
 Samos, Greece
Famed as the birthplace of Pythagoras and Aesop, Samos offers irrefutable charm to modern day visitors. Situated in the northern Aegean, the island once represented the pinnacle of Ionian luxury, and to this day still produces wines of exceptional quality as wells as figs, honey, and almonds. |
 Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Fira white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule. To the south is Akrotiri where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis. |
 Sounion, Greece
Known for its ax-head geography, Cape Sounion is situated on the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean. Visitors come primarily to see the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon and to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the sea. Having drawn people for hundreds of years, the area is rich in both mythological and archaeological history, and it remains today an extraordinary, compelling site. |
 Spetses, Greece
Located off the northeastern coast of the Peloponnese, the island of Spetses has a long historical association with the sea. The Old Harbor is an excellent reminder of this storied past, and the island is remarkable for how little vehicular traffic is present. Public transportation is conducted by horse-drawn carriages and water taxis, and the traditional stone roads and buildings also contribute to its special, unforgettable charm. |
 St. Nicholas, Greece (Crete)
Named after the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas is a charming northeastern coastal town situated on Crete's Lake Voulismeni. The lake is connected to the sea by a man-made channel and serves as both the harbor and focal point of the town, with cafés, an open-air theater, and boutique shops studded around the lakefront. Visit the archaeological museum, stroll the sandy beaches, or dine at one of the numerous excellent restaurants featuring authentic Cretan cuisine. |
 Tangier, Morocco
This ancient Phoenician town, later colonized by the Carthaginians in the early 5th century B.C., is today one of Morocco's most popular coastal retreats. Located at the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar on the North African coast, Tangier opens the door onto Morocco. It was the "real model" for the famous Humphrey Bogart film Casablanca, and highly popular among Beat Generation writers such as Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Tennessee Williams, who frequented the city. |
 Yalta, Ukraine
The resort city of Yalta, located on the south-central Crimean coast, offers a wide variety of sights and activities. Stroll the Sea Promenade, lined with restaurants, cafes, and boardwalk-style amusements, or visit the enormous Livadia Palace. Also of interest are the romantic Swallow's Nest, a compact castle in the Neo-Gothic style perched atop a 130 foot high cliff overlooking the Black Sea, and Anton Chekhov's house, which is now a museum. |
