​Embark on a journey through the remarkable legacy of Melina Mercouri, the celebrated singer who once signaled the arrival of a ship at Piraeus port. Later, in her role as the Greek Minister for Culture, she successfully advocated for Athens to be named the inaugural European Capital of Culture in 1985. Athens, recognized as the genesis of Europe, philosophy, and democracy, epitomizes the ideals of the Olympic movement. Since 1987, this iconic city has held the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Parthenon temple standing proudly atop the Acropolis as its defining landmark. The historic neighborhood of Plaka lies beneath the Acropolis hill, while the state-of-the-art new Acropolis Museum has been captivating visitors with its treasures since its establishment in 2009.

Immerse yourself in the art of sailing as the passionate crew expertly raises the sails by hand. Sit back, relax in a deck chair, and admire the artistry of traditional sailing. Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the open sea.

The old town of Nauplio has a picturesque peninsula setting and three Venetian fortresses guard the pretty town. In ancient times, the excavation site of Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important towns in Greece. Its legendary king, Agamemnon, has a large role in Homer's Iliad. The palace grounds were surrounded by a cyclopean stone wall. Now you can only gain entrance through the famous Lion Gate. In Epidaurus, also protected by UNESCO, the impressive 14,000-seat theatre is one of the most important buildings in this archaeological site.

The little town of Monemvasia nestles closely against a rock that lies just off the coast. This impregnable fortress was an important trading center in Byzantine times. Today it is a retreat for wealthy Athenians who spend their weekends here. Behind its walls you can discover the beautifully restored lower town, where you simply want to drift along the tranquil narrow lanes. This picturesque little town on a rock transports you back in time to the romantic Middle Ages, when it was exceptionally modern and lively.

The unique character of Milos' landscape was formed by volcanic activity. Hot springs, spectacular cliffs and distinctive rock formations give the various beaches their own individual character. The colors of Milos are most obvious where the water meets the stone and forms the coastline. Minerals have colored the sand and stones and each rock along the coastline seems to glow in a different color. Plaka, the picturesque old capital with its typical dazzling-white houses, is overlooked by a mighty castle which offers a superb view over Adamos Bay and the surrounding islands.

Are we on Mykonos? Whitewashed facades, blue windows, and doors that sparkle with the pink blossoms of the bougainvillea – with its Aegean postcard idyll, Paros is reminiscent of its famous Cycladic sister at first glance. A second glance, however, quickly reveals the differences: no crowds, no over-the-top party scene – Paros relies on gentle tourism and has therefore been able to retain much of its original charm. Besides the pretty main towns of Parikia and Naoussa and the fabulous island beaches, the wild hinterland with its traditional villages and monasteries is also worth a trip.

Exclusive, noble, traditional: Far away from mass tourism, a small, relaxed island with beautiful patrician houses basks in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Wealthy Athenians like to spend their vacation days on Spetses – and this evident on the well-kept Saraonic Island. Lush flower gardens adorn the historic shipping villas, chic cafes line the old harbor, and horse-drawn carriages roll by with aristrocratic elegance on the car-free streets. On Spetses, its worth taking a look down: Here, colorful pebble mosaics adorn the streets, and many a visitor gets a kick out of finding the prettiest one.

"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.