GREEK ISLANDS, Athens & Mykonos

About the destination: Athens is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and her grandeur is celebrated by the stunning Acropolis that towers over the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens has become. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the cradle of western philosophy, democracy, and theater. Today, the Greek capital continues to be a significant global hub of culture, with its historic center, iconic classical sites, and museums brimming with artifacts from ancient Greece. The Acropolis, topped by the iconic Parthenon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are prohibited in the historic center, which has transformed into Europe's most impressive pedestrian walkway. In this archaeological park, visitors can experience the city's contrasting nature by visiting the New Acropolis Museum, a modern, high-tech building with bright, spacious exhibition areas, and the National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest archaeological museum dedicated to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city's highest points, serve as landmarks as they can be seen from most locations in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is located beneath the Acropolis and extends nearly to Syntagma, the location of the Greek Parliament. For a glimpse into the indulgent Athenian lifestyle, visit Monastiraki, a popular spot for locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The nightlife belongs to Psirri, a lively neighborhood known for its bars, live music venues, and thrilling nightclubs. Southeast of the city center, a beautiful stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views of the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. Few European capitals can boast of having sandy beaches and clean swimming waters so easily accessible. Athens thus provides the best of both worlds – an exciting city break and a relaxing beach vacation. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing, and their zest for life's pleasures is so contagious that even the most reserved traveler will find themselves taking time for leisurely coffees and evening walks, dining out late, and enjoying the city's nightlife long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night.

About the destination: Mykonos is a favored vacation spot located in the Cyclades group of Greek islands, nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea. In the 1960s, Mykonos emerged as a bohemian hotspot and has since evolved into one of the most glamorous holiday resorts in the country, proudly showcasing its vibrant style and reputation. For many years, this central Cyclade was the top Mediterranean destination for gay travelers, although recently Mykonos has been working to attract a more diverse crowd. Despite this, the nightlife remains very gay-friendly and the island is a haven for any party-goer with its loud and lengthy nights. The main town on the island is Chora, or Mykonos town, which is filled with narrow, winding streets, buildings painted white with blue accents, delightful restaurants, clothing and jewelry stores, a fish market, and a vegetable market. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and bustling towns in the Aegean. Apart from Chora, there is only one other town on the island, Ano Mera, which is quieter and less frequented by tourists. While visiting, be sure to see the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a traditional Greek Orthodox Church featuring a beautiful iconostasis. The island itself is arid and barren, but it boasts some excellent sandy beaches, the most famous of which are Paradise and Super Paradise. However, there are many other beaches to explore around the island. From the quaint port, you can take a boat to the beaches or to Delos, transitioning from the present to the ancient past, from one set of myths to another.

About the destination: Athens is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and her grandeur is celebrated by the stunning Acropolis that towers over the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens has become. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the cradle of western philosophy, democracy, and theater. Today, the Greek capital continues to be a significant global hub of culture, with its historic center, iconic classical sites, and museums brimming with artifacts from ancient Greece. The Acropolis, topped by the iconic Parthenon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are prohibited in the historic center, which has transformed into Europe's most impressive pedestrian walkway. In this archaeological park, visitors can experience the city's contrasting nature by visiting the New Acropolis Museum, a modern, high-tech building with bright, spacious exhibition areas, and the National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest archaeological museum dedicated to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city's highest points, serve as landmarks as they can be seen from most locations in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is located beneath the Acropolis and extends nearly to Syntagma, the location of the Greek Parliament. For a glimpse into the indulgent Athenian lifestyle, visit Monastiraki, a popular spot for locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The nightlife belongs to Psirri, a lively neighborhood known for its bars, live music venues, and thrilling nightclubs. Southeast of the city center, a beautiful stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views of the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. Few European capitals can boast of having sandy beaches and clean swimming waters so easily accessible. Athens thus provides the best of both worlds – an exciting city break and a relaxing beach vacation. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing, and their zest for life's pleasures is so contagious that even the most reserved traveler will find themselves taking time for leisurely coffees and evening walks, dining out late, and enjoying the city's nightlife long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night.