Take your own Grand Tour of Greece's Classical wonders and you'll be a budding archeologist in no time. Each stop tells you something new about one of the world's greatest and most influential civilizations.
1. Athens
The birthplace of many of the most famous examples of Classical Greek architecture and home to incredible museums.
2. Sounion
Watch the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon at the tip of the Attican peninsula and you'll see a view unchanged in centuries.
3. Kórinthos
Visit Ancient Corinth and the fortifications of Acrocorinth, a huge, barren rock crowned by a great fortress.
4. Mycenae
The city that gave its name to a civilization whose Homeric heroes have become household names.
5. Olympia
The sportsground of the ancients whose competitive motto "Faster, higher, longer" is as relevant today as it was then
6. Delphi
The site of the famous oracle has lost none of its mystique, seamlessly blending into the landscape.
Crete isn't just another island but almost a country in itself, at least that's what the fiercely proud locals will tell you. Minoan sights, beautiful ports and perfect beaches all wait to be explored, best experienced with a rental car.
1. Haniá
Vying for the title of the most attractive town in Greece, this is the perfect place to relax and people-watch.
2. Samariá Gorge
The most popular hike on the Greek islands and as perfect a one-day excursion as you can hope for.
3. Réthymnon
A fascinating place with the ideal town beach offering views of a skyline of Ottoman minarets and Venetian mansions.
4. Iráklion
Crete's capital is the best base for exploring the outstanding ruins at Knossos and for hiking on the Lasíthi plateau.
5. Ierápetra
Great resort town with a spotless beach, excellent choice of excursions and a very long summer season.
6. Váï beach
You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd left the Mediterranean for the tropics at this fine-sand beach lined with exotic palm trees.
Thanks to quick and frequent ferry links, the Cyclades are the best island group to hop between.
1. Ándhros
Green, fertile, culturally exciting and with a fantastic selection of beaches, this is a great introduction to the Cyclades.
2. Mýkonos
Party island for as many sensuous, fun-filled days as your body can take and your wallet can stand.
3. Páros
Choose between island experiences: peaceful hilltop retreats or nonstop happy hours and hangovers.
4. Náxos
The activity centre of the Cyclades, this is the place to go trekking, diving or kitesurfing.
5. Santoríni
It's camera-out time for the unforgettable spectacles around the crater especially during the sunset.
6. Mílos
The place to join a boat ride around the island and swim in some of its inaccessible, kaleidoscopic beaches.
7. Sérifos
Quiet and good value with excellent beaches and a wonderful inland capital, this is a great place to chill out.