Venice, Italy Composed of 117 islands in the Venetian Lagoon and held together by a series of canals, Venice is like no other city in the world. Established more than 1,000 years ago by seafarers and Roman refugees, this magnificent city continues to be the heart of Italian culture as well as a mecca for hopeless romantics.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
Probably the most famous site in Venice is St. Mark's Basilica. Built to enshrine St. Mark's body in the 9th century, it was rebuilt in the 11th century with a new, spectacular edifice. The interior is clad in wonderful mosaics and holds statues, icons and its famous horses, brought to St. Mark's after the 4th Crusade in 1204.
Other Fun Things to Do
- Explore the Doge's Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler, founded in the 9th century. See its famous Bridge of Sighs, linking the palace to the state prisons. - Take a walking tour through the quaint cobblestone streets and across the endless Venetian bridges to discover the intimate details that make Venice so unique. - Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals as you relax and absorb the surroundings.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
No visit to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Acropolis. There you'll find the Parthenon, the largest building in the Acropolis and one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. It was built as a temple to Athena and is still a remarkable structure today.
Other Fun Things to Do
- Visit Plaka, the old neighborhood of Athens. Explore the narrow streets and alleys, single-story houses, neoclassical villas, taverns and many tourist shops. - Experience the traditional flea market of Monastiraki, the neighborhood next to Plaka. - Explore the National Archaeological Museum, home to a formidable collection of the world's antiquities. - Pay a visit to ancient Agora, ancient site of the religious and political heart of Athens.
Shopping for Bargains
Traditional handicrafts, though sometimes expensive, are the most authentically Greek souvenirs. In Athens, Monastiraki and Plaka are the best places to purchase handcrafted goods. You'll find ceramics, brightly colored embroidery and wall hangings, flokati rugs and tapestries.

Mykonos, Greece In the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean lies one of the most inviting places in all of Greece - Mykonos. Its countless bays and beaches and its quaint cobblestone streets are bound to welcome any visitor. According to Greek mythology, it was here that Hercules slew the Giants; the large rocks that are scattered about the island are said to be their petrified corpses. True or not, you'll have to judge for yourself. Either way, the Island of Mykonos should not be missed.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
Mykonos is famous for its sand and sea. Get lost looking out at the endless waters of the Aegean Sea as you grab a little sun on one of its beautiful beaches.
Other Fun Things to Do
- Take a tour boat over to Delos Island to visit the birthplace of Apollo on this historic island. Dating back to the third millennium B.C., Delos is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Marvel at the ancient ruins from famed architectural sights. - Visit the Archaeological Museum on Mykonos, featuring important finds from the ruins on neighboring Delos. - Spend an enchanting afternoon exploring the charming cobblestone streets and two-story, whitewashed shops and homes of these beautiful islands.

Split, Croatia Split is one of the Adriatic's most amazing seaports and Croatia's second-largest city. Not only does this 1700-year-old harbor have its share of historic monuments, museums and galleries but from here you can visit dreamy Adriatic islands, sporting some of the world's best beaches.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
Diocletian's Palace is one of the best-preserved Roman royal residences on the planet. Built on the seacoast of Split around 295 AD, the structure is more like a city housing sixteen towers, three temples and an emperor's mausoleum.
Other Fun Things to Do
- Tour the Archaeological Museum. Its Croatia's oldest, with a large collection of objects dating back to prehistoric times. - Go gallery hopping. Mestrovic's Gallery exhibits the largest collection of the artist's works, including sculptures, oil paintings and drawings. - Take in the amazing Adriatic view from the top of Mount Marjan. - Hit Marmontova Ulica (street) for the latest fashions. Shop for jewelry and brand name clothing, and yes, shoes! There are plenty of cafés in the mix in case you get hungry.