Grecian Rhapsody

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful towns with narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses and gracious neoclassical mansions. In the 13th century, following Byzantine rule, the Franks, Venetians and Turks each took possession, each leaving behind architectural monuments and traces of their culture. Take in the recently reopened Archeological Museum in Constitution Square, with a collection that includes pottery, jewelry, and some unique Mycenaean terracotta idols; and the The National Gallery-Alexandros Soutzos Museum, with a permanent exhibition of paintings of the Greek War of Independence, as well as frequently changing temporary exhibits of local artists’ work.

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Discover the small, yet significant town of Patmos with its walled monastery and precariously perched whitewashed houses. Explore the tiny winding alleyways leading up to the imposing Monastery of St. John the Divine. Enter through the cave where he had his revelation in 95 AD. Have a look around the convent next door. Enjoy spectacular vistas of the pristine Aegean sparkling as far as the eye can see. Cool off at one of the many public beaches or discover your own private cove. Shop for sacred icons, exquisite jewelry, high quality leather goods, fine ceramics and original artwork. Enjoy a glass of local wine or tour a local olive grove.

Crete’s eastern corner is home to the resort of Agios Nikolaos, a port that leads the way to the island’s most significant ancient ruins. The ancient Minoans lived on Crete as far back as 2500 BC in a society that was by far the most advanced at the time. The ruins of the Minoan palaces at Knossos date from 1700 to 1500 BC and reveal remarkable achievements.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.