You’re never more than a few steps away from the past in Athens. Accompany your Tour Director to the Plaka, the historic district that borders the Acropolis. In its twisting narrow streets you’ll catch glimpses of an older city, from wrought-iron balconies bursting with geraniums to traditional Greek dancing in basement tavernas. Continue on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, begun in the 6th century B.C. and finished in A.D. 132 by the emperor Hadrian. Its enormous columns provide a sense of the scale of the original temple. Nearby, the elaborate Hadrian’s Arch separated the ancient and imperial sections of the city.

View Hadrian's Arch, an enormous triumphal arch built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, which is still a symbolic entrance to Athens.

Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its winding streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. A traditional Greek dinner in this historic district offers an opportunity to sample regional specialties while experiencing the customs, hospitality, and culinary traditions that are central to Greek culture.

Athens has grown from the birthplace of democracy into a lively modern capital. With a licensed local guide, explore the city’s ancient highlights, beginning at the site of the first modern Olympic Games and the Acropolis, the heart of classical Athens. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, dominates the hill, while the nearby Erechtheion stands out for its Caryatids, the sculpted women supporting its porch. From here, the views over today’s Athens are remarkable. Back in the modern city, stop at Syntagma Square to see the Parliament building and the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony marked by the traditional uniforms with pleated skirts and pom-pom shoes. Continue on to Omonia Square, another major meeting point, surrounded by shops, cafés, and everyday city life.

Visit the Acropolis, which has overlooked Athens for over 2,000 years; habitation traces indicate that it was occupied as early as the Neolithic Age. View the Temple of Athena Nike, and its successor, The Parthenon. The Parthenon is the crowning achievement of the Doric order, built to demonstrate the wealth of Athens in tribute to its patron goddess, Athena.

Syntagma Square, located directly in front of the Old Royal Palace, is the central square of Athens.

The Panathenaic Olympic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was also used during the 2004 Athens Olympics for events such as the marathon finish and archery competitions. Its horseshoe shape follows the layout of the ancient stadium that once stood here, making it one of the city’s most iconic historic venues.

The Acropolis Museum contains a superb collection of sculptures from the area. The monuments of the Acropolis have withstood the ravages of past centuries, both of ancient times and those of the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travelers visiting the monuments depicted the classical buildings as being intact.

Learn how to pair ingredients behind traditional heart-healthy Greek cuisine. Starting with pure olive oil, you’ll work in the flavors of the Mediterranean to create diverse dishes that may tie back to Arabic, Persian or Turkish roots. And after a lesson in slicing and dicing, you’ll educate the palate the old-fashioned way with a well-earned hearty dinner.

Prophet from the past. Explore the impressive ruins at Delphi, which the Greeks considered the center of the world. Within the depths of the Temple of Apollo, a priestess would inhale intoxicating vapors that used to rise from the earth and, thus inspired, deliver the prophecies of Apollo. Modern visitors might find more inspiration in the view from Mount Parnassus, over 8000 feet high.

Explore the remarkable monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone pillars and built by Orthodox monks seeking isolation and spiritual devotion. Learn how generations of monks overcame extraordinary challenges to construct and preserve these cliff-top communities while gaining insight into the religious, cultural, and architectural significance of one of Greece's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore the Meteora Natural History and Mushroom Museum to discover the region's unique geology, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Learn how the dramatic rock formations of Meteora were created over millions of years while examining the important role mushrooms play in local habitats, traditions, and cuisine.

Explore the vibrant waterfront and historic heart of Saranda while discovering how the city developed as an important gateway between Albania and the Mediterranean. Stroll along the seaside promenade and bustling port area, gaining insight into the region's maritime heritage, local culture, and coastal way of life.

One of Albania's most significant archaeological treasures, Butrint showcases more than 2,000 years of history within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient streets, fortifications, temples, and public buildings reveal how successive civilizations left their mark on this strategic crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Known for its turquoise waters and small offshore islands, Ksamil is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline along the Albanian Riviera. Time at the beach offers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Ionian Sea.

As the city where Albanian independence was declared in 1912, Vlore occupies a special place in the nation's history. Visits to Independence Square, the 16th-century Muradie Mosque, and the Vlora Archaeological Museum reveal the region's rich cultural heritage, from ancient civilizations to the birth of modern Albania.

The vibrant capital of Albania blends Ottoman, Italian, and modern influences, reflecting the country's complex history and rapid transformation. Landmarks including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the remains of Justinian Fortress provide insight into Tirana's cultural heritage and role as the heart of modern Albania.

Housed within a former Cold War nuclear bunker, Bunk’Art 2 offers a powerful look at life in Albania during the communist era. Interactive exhibits and historical displays explore state security, daily life, and the lasting impact of one of Europe's most isolated regimes.