Mind and taste buds awake with the Mucem in the Mediterranean

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Guarding the southern entrance to the Cilento Coast, Agropoli invites you to climb the majestic stone steps leading to its medieval old town, where a grand fortress offers sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can wander through narrow, cobblestone alleys filled with the scent of Mediterranean jasmine or head down to the lively port to watch colorful fishing boats return with the day's fresh catch. For a refreshing escape, find your way to the pristine Baia di Trentova, a crystal-clear bay surrounded by lush greenery that is perfect for a quiet afternoon of swimming and sunbathing.

At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery.

Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.

Before heading into the legendary Delphi, you can dock in the charming coastal town of Itea. Feel free to explore Miami Beach (not to be confused with Florida’s), its prestigious Blue Flag beach. The expansive local fields of Amfissa olive trees create a lush, green landscape known as the “sea of olives.” The peak of Mount Parnassus in the distance adds to the sense of wonder in this picturesque scenery made for an impromptu photo shoot.

When you’re ready for some ruins, the Oracle at Delphi awaits. To explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and other ancient remnants, you must climb the slopes of the mountain on a path known as the Sacred Way. It is here you will gaze upon what’s called the navel of the world.

As you stand among the crumbling stones that make up the Athenian Treasury and ancient stadium, you cannot help but get swept back in time. There is a great sense of adventure that makes you feel like a certain iconic archaeologist as you step over stones the ancient Greeks once walked. Panoramic views behind the remaining structures create a richer picture of life before modern times. The surrounding environment creates a harmonious balance between nature and manmade marvels.

Delphi is a place where history and mythology become entangled, where one cannot exist without the other. Everything feels simpler. But that does not make it any less inspiring. It is a privilege to witness these ancient Greek ruins that have stood the test of time.

Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town's old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.

Rising from the turquoise expanse of the sunny Mediterranean, Hydra is the counterpoint of choice for Athenians - who can swap the city chaos for blissful relaxation with an hour’s boat journey. Known for its inspiring celebrity appeal - Leonard Cohen bought a house here in the 60s - Hydra is a pretty island of rising streets, whitewash mansions, and carefree clamour. Located a stone's throw from the Greek mainland, the authorities have resisted the temptation to cash in, meaning Hydra remains an endearing time-warp, which revels in life in the slow lane. With cars and new building developments banned – discover an island of donkeys plodding cobbled streets, and fishing boats undulating gently on the harbour’s waves. 

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to many ancient landmarks. The city is famous for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which attract visitors from around the world. Alongside its historical treasures, Athens is a vibrant modern city with lively neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Greece.