Greece Intensive

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

Canakkale was long a crucial point in the defense of the Dardanelles. Today the port hosts stylish yachts stopping over during pleasure cruises through the straits. But the big stories are still of two wars: the battle of Gallipoli during WWI, and the Trojan War, perhaps three millennia earlier. Once the stuff of mythology, archaeological excavations at Troy have brought life to Homer’s Iliad, and the tale of the beautiful Helen, fought over by outsized warriors like Hercules, and won of course by means of the Trojan horse, a phrase now so common in our language that it has made its way into techno speak.

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Kavala is the Byzantine castle built in 1425 that sits like a crown atop the city. The second thing you might notice is just how beautiful the scene before you is. Whitewashed, red-roofed buildings sit nestled amongst high stonewalls, with the azure-blue Aegean Sea lapping on the shore.

As the second-biggest city in Greece and the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire, the word “second” is often used to describe Thessaloniki, but we’re here to tell you: Thessaloniki is anything but second-rate!

The energy in this ancient cultural capital is palpable—especially in the vibrant downtown that was rebuilt in a spectacular Byzantine style after a devastating fire in the early 1900s. And this second chance at urban planning resulted in a city built around Aristotelous Square, which acts as a gateway for the surrounding neighborhoods.

The mythical “City of the Argonauts”, Volos is a modern city in the heart of Greece. Dating back to the Neolithic age, this prominent port overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf was built on ancient cities, and is a place of immense natural beauty and cultural heritage. Stroll along the famous seaside promenade to watch the fishing boats and yachts. Fill your day with swimming or sailing at one of the many beaches. Visit one of the area’s many archaeological sites or discover the city’s classic architecture, neoclassical buildings, churches, monuments and museums: the Tsalapatas Brickworks Museum, Kitsos Makris Folklore Center at the Topali Mansion or the impressive Archaeological Museum. Reward your palate with delicious flavors at any number of tavernas or fresh food markets. The traditional picturesque villages of Mount Pelion are the perfect backdrop to what truly is one of Greece’s most alluring cities.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, welcomes you with seemingly eternal sunshine thanks to more sunny days than any other place in Europe. Situated at the island’s most northern point, Rhodes’ only neighbors on the east and west are gleaming blue seas. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites ranging from the ruins of the Temple of Venus to the medieval Street of Knights.

Rocky cliffs that drop off into impossibly clear water. Tiny churches that hold centuries of stories. Beaches of soft sand and smooth pebbles few travelers have ever set foot on. Each Greek Isle offers its own bit of wonder, but Amorgos? It’s especially captivating.

The easternmost of the Cyclades, Amorgos has been inhabited since ancient times, though in some places, seems as if it hasn’t been since. Minoan tombs and towers dot the countryside, shipwrecks teeter on secluded beaches, and massive monasteries with few residents emerge from rock faces.

Charming Paros is part of the Cyclades, perhaps the most popular region in all the Greek isles. Sure, its island counterparts Mykonos and Santorini may be more well known, but Paros has attractions all its distinctly own (not the least of which is fewer crowds).

The very definition of the term “picturesque”, Paros’ town of Parikia welcomes you with its landmark windmill, whitewashed homes with blue painted doors, and gardens of oranges and pomegranates. Meander along the cobblestone streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere at a harborside taverna.

Mykonos is living proof that picture postcard destinations do exist. Its many charms include its iconic windmills, fabulous beaches, and an irresistible traditional town with a maze of twisting streets and alleys originally designed to confuse marauding pirates. Dazzling sunlight reflects off of whitewashed houses and hundreds of small chapels. Other adornments include shaded courtyards and balconies lush with flowers, and a lively nightlife that some claim is the best in Europe. Nearby you can visit the uninhabited island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo, fittingly the god of sunlight, music and beauty.

Mykonos is living proof that picture postcard destinations do exist. Its many charms include its iconic windmills, fabulous beaches, and an irresistible traditional town with a maze of twisting streets and alleys originally designed to confuse marauding pirates. Dazzling sunlight reflects off of whitewashed houses and hundreds of small chapels. Other adornments include shaded courtyards and balconies lush with flowers, and a lively nightlife that some claim is the best in Europe. Nearby you can visit the uninhabited island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo, fittingly the god of sunlight, music and beauty.

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon.

To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.