Tirana, Albania - Rome, Italy 16 day trip

Considered the birthplace of Western Civilization, Athens' 3,500 year history is alive today in politics, culture, and philosophy.

Explore this awe inspiring citadel, home to numerous historic buildings, including the Parthenon. Its myths are equally phenomenal.

Explore the ancient lanes north of the Acropolis. It wasn't until the 19C that Athens really expanded beyond his historic center.

Home to all artifacts found at the Acropolis and its environs, this archaeological museum is comprehensive and inspirational.

Built in the 5C BC, this pure Ionic temple was restored in 1834 with many of its original stones and carvings.

Situated high above the Aegean, this 5C BC temple is a great fortress to explore, as are the beach and cafes at the base of its headland.

With a a rare 12C double Byzantine church built into the rock, this fascinating cave is enveloped in rumors of paranormal activity.

One of the world's most important museums, the collections span all of Greek civilization, with over 11,000 artifacts.

This unique museum houses an exquisite collection of art from the ancient cultures of the Greeks, Cypriots, and Cyclades.

Displaying Greek life from antiquity to today, this museum holds 40,000 artifacts, including icons, gems, paintings, and heirlooms.

Home to over 25,000 objects, this world class museum boasts 3C-20C religious artifacts from all over the Greek world.

Learn about the Persian's defeat at this green mound in 490 BC by the vastly outnumbered Athenians.

The Mycenaean Period of Greek history is named for what is now this archaeological site of a center of Ancient Greek civilization.

At 900 ft, this summit offers unparalleled views of Athens. Walking is rewarding but not the only way to the top.

In the middle of the busy city stands Athens' oldest church. Its Byzantine dome casts a mesmerizing interior light.

One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Athens features churches, historic houses, museums, ancient sites, and great nightlife.

Transport yourself to Ancient Greece when visiting this 5C BC temple, which held some of Greece's holiest relics.

An impressive archaeological site, Epidaurus is home to one of the best preserved and most beautiful ancient Greek theaters.

Climb to the top of the highest point on the island of Hydra for stunning panoramic views of the island and the sea.

Covering 38 acres, robust and exotic flora are punctuated by water features, a small zoo, and even ancient ruins in this 19C park.

Critical preservation, restoration, and research projects are displayed in this museum, adding deeper insights into the Acropolis.

This quiet museum exhibits an excellent decorative arts collection, ranging from prehistory to modern times.

Costumes, rural life scenes, frescoes, and more are beautifully and meaningfully displayed in this excellent museum.

A limestone mountain that overlooks Delphi and offers beautiful views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside.

Nafplion welcomes visitors with its warm beaches, relaxing atmosphere, and well-preserved history.

Founded in the 6C, the current 11C Byzantine church sits on a site once home to a temple to Apollo. Its mosaics are breathtaking.

Built in the 12C, this Byzantine church is home to artifacts from earlier times, such as its 4C BC frieze and 9C-10C reliefs.

Dating to the 6C BC, the remains of this open-air theater still hold the atmosphere of true classical theater.

This beautifully preserved 5C BC Doric temple has inspired the design of countless structures throughout the world.

Built in 1858, modern Corinth replaced earthquake-ravaged ancient Corinth. It is set between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

Located on the Island of Hydra, this stunning port town is famous for its beaches as well as its cultural and historic sites.

East meets West in a vibrant crescendo of history, culture, and cuisine, making Istanbul an unmissable destination.

Sitting on the European bank of the mighty Bosphorus, this 19C palace is an extravagant mix of styles and lavish decor.

One of Istanbul's top sights, the magnificent interior of this former basilica is laden with fine Byzantine mosaics and designs.

A fairy tale in the middle of a modern city, this stunning castle is enveloped in legend and history, and took 500 years to build.

Still in use today, this majestic 17C mosque is known for its sea of grand domes, six slender minarets and beautiful interior.

Escape Istanbul's busy streets on these idyllic islands, dotted with picturesque villas, historic buildings, and lovely beaches.

A great national park located in Western Anatolia, boasting a wide diversity of flora and fauna species, as well as a rich habitat.

Get lost hunting for treasures and trinkets among the bustling market stalls of the Grand Bazaar - truly a world of its own!

A must for art-lovers, with exhibitions on Turkish modern art, as well as works from some of the world's best contemporary artists.

Soak up centuries of history as you explore the old town's lively streets, historic mosques, palaces and thronging markets.

A wander through this cavernous underground cistern, built in the 6C for the Byzantine emperor, is an atmospheric experience.

A village comprised of 270 architecturally significant houses dating to the Ottoman Empire, home to a wonderful ethnography museum.

A favorite retreat of locals, this nature park engulfs gorgeous forests and a small village with a fascinating history.

Art-lovers and historians should head here for the fine collections of Ottoman calligraphy, paintings and historic artifacts.

Sitting beautifully atop one of Istanbul's hills, this majestic 16C mosque is one of the city's most revered.

Stunning ancient coffins, statues and other artifacts reveal the magnificent artistic and cultural heritage of the city and region.

The Ottoman craftwork of the 17C imperial pavilion has recently been restored to its former beauty.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this fresh water lake is a gem of natural beauty and offers many fun activities for all ages.

Dubbed "The Bird Paradise", this park is a thriving migration stop for birds and is the perfect destination for bird-watching.

Taking some 60 years to complete, the domed exterior of this 17C mosque has since become a fixture of the city's skyline.

The hip, lively district of Beyoglu is the place to go for fantastic eats, drinks, shopping and trendy guesthouses.

Once part of the palace gardens, this large park in the Yildiz Quarter offers shady pathways, picnic spots and peaceful greenery.

A waterside district, which has long been a melting pot of culture and religion, now hosts great galleries, cafes and nightlife.

Now a bustling industrial metropolis, the Ottoman empire's first major capital is full of history, markets, parks and attractions.

Dating to 8C BC, this city boasts a variety of well-preserved Roman ruins, as well as remnants from the Ottoman and other periods.

With its dramatic scenery, a wealth of historic sites, quaint streets, and marvelous beaches, this vibrant city is a superb destination.

Stroll through the city center, rich in history and cultural relics, and enjoy the many landmarks dotting the ancient streets.

Trace the city's medieval fortifications in their circuit around the Old Town, enjoying incredible views and nearby landmarks.

Perched on a cliff jutting into the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful 11C stronghold serves as a theater during the annual Dubrovnik Festival.

Great for people-watching, this 15C ornate fountain once supplied water to the entire city and now serves a nice piece of local history.

Famed for its delicious oysters, this village features 15C fortifications that can be explored and boasts a lively small-town ambiance.

Hemmed with notable historic and cultural landmarks, including churches and palaces, this lively square is buzzing with energy.

The Renaissance palace houses a museum of historic and ethnographic artifacts, including a notable collection of coins and furnishing.

A bustling marketplace where you can buy fresh seasonal produce, nice souvenirs, and authentic local goods.

Hosting a 15C Gothic statue, this 18C Baroque church also features rich ornamentation and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Chilling to the bone, this exhibit displays photographs of the horrors of war and its victims, from Yugoslavia and other countries.

A 12C cathedral retaining elements of its 17C Baroque reconstruction, this church boasts a treasury rich with religious artifacts.

These gates boast fine 16C Renaissance architecture, and once served as a part of the city's more extensive fortifications.

Remarkable for its Renaissance and Romanesque architecture, the 14C monastery also hosts the world's oldest operating pharmacy.

Croatia's second-largest city is home to several remarkable historic landmarks, rich museums, diverse architecture, and nice beaches.

This enormous 4C palace was the retirement home of the famed Roman Emperor, Diocletian, and now comprises most of Split's center.

Get to know this amazing town center, rich with history, archaeological remnants, and a well-developed coffeehouse culture.

Dedicated to the life and works of the famed 20C Croatian sculptor, this museum hosts an array of his sculptures, artwork, and design.

Croatia is home to several incredible beaches. Spend the day relaxing in the Croatian sun on one of Split's stunning white beaches.

Hire a boat to visit this beautiful sea cave, famed for the gorgeous blue illumination flooding its waters several times a day.

Venture out of the town to explore one of Croatia's most popular islands, known for great beaches, nice hiking, and charming villages.

Founded in the 4C, this cathedral boasts Romanesque architecture and features an impressive collection of religious relics.

A part of the town located outside of the city walls, featuring beautiful old buildings and amazing views over the area.

Housed in a 16C fortified complex, this gallery hosts a striking collection of Ivan Mestrovic's wood reliefs depicting the life of Christ.

Full of ancient Roman and Prehistoric relics, the museum exhibits jewelry, mosaics, ceramics, sculptures, and other artifacts as well.

Hiking, boating, and swimming are all fun options along this winding river, whose course leads to Omis.

Famed worldwide for its romantic canals and gorgeous masks, this thriving city offers its visitors a wealth of cultural attractions.

Venice's famous main square is beautifully designed, lined with gorgeous arcaded buildings, and is a great spot for people-watching.

Boasting superb Italian-Byzantine style, this 11C basilica hosts a wealth of gilded mosaics, elegant frescoes, and other decorations.

Lined with a fascinating array of architectural curios, the Grand Canal is the city's largest water transportation vein.

Set on one of Venice's major arteries, this superb museum hosts an array of modern art, from Cubism, to Expressionist, to Futurism.

Pack up your hiking boots because the wild beauty of the Dolomites awaits your exploration, boasting streams, mountains, and rich fauna.

Once a thriving hub of the Venetian Republic, this lagoon island features several remarkable churches and a few historic sites.

If you allow yourself one touristy act, let it be this - take a ride on a gondola, exploring the city as it should be explored.

Dating to the 15C, this clock town boasts an ornate facade and fine architectural blend, as well as offering tours behind the mechanism.

Wander around the famed City of Canals, exploring the winding streets by foot or a gondola, soaking up the carnivalesque ambiance.

Located on the long sandbar, this beach rests on the Adriatic Sea, and offers wonderful seaside scenery, clear water, and fine sand.

Immortalized in several Shakespearean plays, Verona lures travelers with its culture, rich history, and unforgettable atmosphere.