Athens.

Democracy, theater, and the marathon were all invented here — then Athens kept going for another 2,500 years. Today the Parthenon glows above a city that argues over souvlaki, naps at noon, and eats dinner at midnight.

Athens layers 2,500 years of history under a bright Aegean sky — and it's far more than a quick stop before the islands. Climb to the Acropolis on a guided city tour, then watch the sun drop behind the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio. Sail the Saronic Gulf on a swimming cruise or a private yacht along the Athens Riviera, linger over a Greek dinner with Acropolis views, and venture out on two-day trips to Delphi, Mycenae, and Nafplio.