Ancient Rome and Athens

About the destination: Modern and ancient, past and present coexist, constantly. Whether you're in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be ready to step into the world's largest open-air museum. Rome will charm you and it will hardly leave you unaffected. It will astonish you, as it has so much to offer to any visitor, and its beauty has merely been slightly obscured by the passage of time. Rome is one of the world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you consider what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lounging in cafes watching the world pass by, it will be your turn to star in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay for at least a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.

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.