Rome To Istanbul

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Salerno is a port city southeast of Naples, in Italy. Atop Monte Bonadies, the centuries-old Arechi Castle has sea views, plus Museo Medievale del Castello, exhibiting medieval ceramics and coins. In town, built on the ruins of a Roman temple, is Salerno Cathedral. It has Byzantine bronze doors, a baroque crypt and a marble altar. The terraced Minerva’s Garden has been growing medicinal plants since the 14th century.

The greatest Greek city and most beautiful of them all,” is how Cicero described Syracuse, once the largest city in the ancient world. Travel back in time on the island of Ortygia, where Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC. Nearly 3,000 years later, this UNESCO site is one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological treasures. In between spectacular ancient relics, treat your palate to cheese, olives and cured meats from street vendors or delicious gelato from a gelateria. Looming in the distance is Sicily’s most famous attraction, Mount Etna, which nourishes the rich soils that produce some of the best wines, fruits and nuts in the world.

Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.

The pastel-colored houses inch their way up the foothills of Mount Koumaros in this quaint town that offers a unique and authentic experience of small town life in Greece. Nearby, the medieval city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1248 and abandoned in 1832, leaving impressive medieval ruins amid a breathtaking landscape. Discovered in 1958, the magnificent caves at Diros were used by prehistoric man between 4000 and 3000 BC.

Enjoy wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this delightful seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors. Stand beneath the windmills on the hill. Visit the archaeological museum and an old bakery still using a 15th century wood-burning stove.

Since John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations here, Patmos – the “Jerusalem of the Aegean” – is hallowed ground, with hundreds of churches that attest to the fact. One of the island’s chief attractions is the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John is said to have lived during his exile. The other is the Monastery of St. John, adorned with frescoes dating back to the 12th century. Some of the more popular secular activities revolve around the island’s lovely beaches shaded by tamarisk trees and walking Patmos’ many country trails, which are often donkey paths.

Located at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos wasn’t founded until the mid-19th century, and its neoclassical architecture lends it a contemporary feel. The broad streets along the waterfront are excellent for strolling. Still, history hasn’t been completely disregarded as the Archaeological Museum of Volos displays vast collections of ancient coins and glass vessels.

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.