Athens, with its tall buildings and contemporary shops, is the first European city when approached from the Middle East. When approached from the west, from elsewhere in Europe, what strikes the visitor is the influence of the East - in the food, music, and clamorous street life - perhaps vestiges of a time when Athens was divorced from European society under the yoke of Ottoman rule. Nevertheless, it is wrong to say that Athens is a mixture of East and West: it is Greek and, more particularly, Athenian. The city, after all, nurtured Western civilization thousands of years ago. Athens remains on the world stage to this day. (www.britannica.com)

In the barren foothills of Mt Agios Ilias (750m) and Mt Zara (600m) stand the somber and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of the mythical Agamemnon. For 400 years (1600–1200 BC) this kingdom was the most powerful in Greece, holding sway over the Argolid and influencing other Mycenaean kingdoms.

World Heritage–listed Mycenae is synonymous with the names Homer and Schliemann. In the 9th century, BC Homer told in his epic poems, 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', of ‘well-built Mycenae, rich in gold’. These poems were, until the 19th century, regarded as no more than gripping and beautiful legends. But in the 1870s the amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (1822–90), despite derision from professional archaeologists, struck gold, first at Troy then at Mycenae. (www.lonelyplanet.com)

Visiting the entire site and the museum takes quite a bit of time of course. The one thing you can't afford missing while you're here is the famous Lion Gate, the main entrance to the city which was protected by massive cyclopean walls.

The first Olympic games in 776 BC were the beginning of a sport event which took place in regular intervals of four years. The games started out as a tribute to Zeus. Greek athletes from all over Greece, which was split into many different countries at that time, met for five days. For three months all the fights between the different people had to be stopped. Only “free Greeks” were allowed to participate. Barbarians, which means non-Greek citizens, were allowed to watch the games as spectators while slaves were banned of course. Women were also not allowed inside the Olympic grove after the start of the games.
The site of ancient Olympia is gigantic: The temples of Hera and Zeus, the hippodrome and stadium, the Greek baths, Gymnasion and Palaestra, all this and more can be discovered here, so your visit may take some time...

After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. Many people don't even know why they are going to Delphi. It's just something they know they are supposed to do when they go to Greece. But for those people who read, Delphi has a special meaning, more than just another collection of ruins in a country that is full of them. Delphi in ancient times was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the center of the earth. Delphi is known as the center of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. But even before the area was associated with Apollo there were other deities worshipped here including the earth goddess Gea, Themis, Demeter, and Poseidon, the well-known god of the sea. By the end of the Mycenaean period, Apollo had displaced these other deities and became the guardian of the oracle.
The oracle of Delphi was a spiritual experience whereby the spirit of Apollo was asked for advice on critical matters relating to people's lives or affairs of the state. Questions were asked to the Pythia, a priestess who 'channeled' the spirit of the God. Whether one believes in the channeling of Gods or spirits is an individual thing. But even the most skeptical person must realize that there was something 'magical' going on in Delhi for several thousand years and the fact that the town still attracts a million visitors a year is a hint that some of that magic is still there. Many people who come to Delphi claim they have felt 'something'. It may depend on your receptivity and your belief system, but there are people who believe that the spirit of Apollo still resides in Delphi and just as he was thousands of years ago, he is still available now, to answer questions and give personal advice or affairs of the state. One might keep in mind that a visit to Delphi is also on the itinerary of visiting dignitaries and the list of Greek politicians who have not visited the sacred oracle would be a short one. Just food for thought, but visiting Delphi with an open mind may be an enriching experience. (www.greecetravel.com)

How could anyone describe this astonishing geological phenomenon, the breathtaking landscape, the inspiration and spirituality felt, the awe for man’s achievements in an effort to express his religious drive when these are only some of the many things a traveler experiences when visiting this phenomenal land!
These immense, solid rocks, split by earthquakes, weathered by water and wind over millions of years, are nature’s authentic masterpiece. Emerging about 25 million years ago as the elevated seabed material that was the outcome of strong tectonic movements, the Meteora rocks became a shelter of humankind. The first hermits arrived in this area to seek spiritual isolation and inhabited the caves of the rocks, with the sole aid of ropes and ladders. Common existential needs and strong religious faith compelled them to live united in the first monastic communities, their common drive of faith guiding them towards the unrepeated construction of monasteries of highest architectural and artistic value.
The 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which today are on display in their museums. The Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers. (www.visitmeteora.travel)

Being the largest and most beautiful out of Macedonia’s three tectonic lakes, Lake Ohrid is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) long and round 288 meters (945 feet) deep. Its astonishingly clean and clear waters, together with the serene stillness of its mountain settings have captivated visitors since prehistoric times. While the lake is filled up by water from three rivers, most of Ohrid’s water comes from another lake - Prespa which is located on the other side of Mountain Galicica. Due to its higher elevation, Prespa spills its water down to Ohrid through mountain springs. With its unique flora and fauna characteristic of the tertiary period (2-4 million years ago), Ohrid is one of Europe’s great biological reserves. Most of the lake’s plant and animal species are endemic and unique to Ohrid. The most famous among these are two types of the Ohrid trout, named letnica and belvica.
Lake Ohrid straddles the mountainous border between southwestern Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. The importance of the lake was further emphasized when it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979 and when, in 2010, NASA decided to name one of Titan's lakes after Lake Ohrid. (www.exploringmacedonia.com)

Durmitor is a stunning limestone massif located in Northern Montenegro and belonging to the Dinaric Alps or Dinarides. It is also the name of Montenegro's largest protected area, the Durmitor National Park, which constitutes the heart of a landscape shaped by glaciers, numerous rivers and underground streams of which are embedded in the much larger Tara River Basin Biosphere Reserve. Some fifty peaks higher than 2,000 metres above sea level rise above plateaus, alpine meadows and forests, including Bobotov Peak (2,525 metres above sea level). Numerous glacial lakes, locally known as “mountain eyes”, cover the landscape.
Durmitor National Park's exceptional scenic beauty has been shaped by glaciers and rivers. The alpine meadows on plateaus and smooth hills are set against the stark backdrop of the numerous high and rugged peaks. The dense forests and the glacial lakes add to the scenic diversity and appeal. The most dramatic elements of the spectacular mountain landscape are the deep river canyons, most notably the famous Tara River Gorge, Europe's deepest gorge and one of very few unaffected by dams and roads. (whc.unesco.org)

The history of Kotor can be traced back more than 2000 years. The natural harbour provided good protection which later attracted Illyrians already in the 3rd century BC who were followed by the Greeks and Romans. In 168 BC Kotor was mentioned as Ascrivium. At that time began the colonisation by the Romans. At the beginning during the emperor era the town belonged to the Province Dalmatia, then 500 years to Venice, but also Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary and Bosnia had at times occupying power. The Turks tried to sack the city but didn´t succeed to scale the walls. In 1979 UNESCO declared Kotor a World Heritage culture and nature site.
The compact old town is inside the town wall comprised of twisting alleyways and buildings that were built between the 12th and 20th century.
The catholic cathedral is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in Montenegro. It was built in the 12th century. Inside there are sarcophaguses, a treasure-house and an altar, all worth seeing.

Hidden in the southernmost part of the Croatian territory, Dubrovnik is a priceless pearl gracing the south shores of the Adriatic Sea. With its breathtaking natural beauty, perfect climate, rich historical heritage, and diverse tourist offers, Dubrovnik is definitely among the most beloved and most regularly visited destinations of the region.
Dubrovnik’s turbulent history, dating all the way back to ancient times, is filled with exciting adventures, legends, and battles against foreign domination exchanged with periods of prosperity and independence. The ever-changing historical circumstances helped form the specific mentality and culture, as well as the beautifully preserved city architecture.
The best way to enjoy the many sights of Dubrovnik is by foot. You can soak up the romantic atmosphere of the narrow streets covered in stone, admire the beauty of countless monuments and explore the city’s rich gastronomic offer. Make sure to take a stroll down the most famous city street, Stradun, admiring numerous sights and monuments along the way. Make a stop at some of the beautiful churches such as the Cathedral or the Church of St. Blaise. You will be left breathless with the harmonious beauty of the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings such as the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, or the famous Sponza Palace. You can visit some of the numerous city museums, galleries, and souvenir shops.
Once you get tired of sightseeing, you can seek out refreshment in the crystal clear, blue sea on one of several beautiful beaches around the wider city area. You can choose how to spend your day near the sea according to your preferences; there are sandy, rocky, or pebble beaches with countless options for leisure and recreation. The mild Mediterranean climate provides the perfect weather throughout the tourist season; with the ideal sea temperatures and warm sunny days making Dubrovnik the ideal summer destination.
Dubrovnik doesn’t lose any of its vividness by night. There are numerous restaurants, concert venues, nightclubs, and cocktail bars to choose from. If you are in the mood for a more relaxed night out, there is a rich offer of restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining venues. It is highly recommended to try some of the Dubrovnik signature dishes, such as green ministry, Dubrovnik Rozata, Kotonjata, or black risotto along with a glass (or a few) filled with some of the quality wines from the local vineyards. If you are seeking more dynamic nighttime fun, there are several nightclubs, dancing venues, and cocktail bars; all in close proximity to the city center.
No matter how you arrive, where you stay, or how you choose to spend your time in Dubrovnik, one thing is sure: once you open your heart to Dubrovnik, it stays there forever.