Mysteries of History - Rome to Istanbul

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Piet and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Experience the sublime atmosphere of the towns and villages that punctuate the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its quintessentially Mediterranean scenery. Stroll along Salernos elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade with far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. From Amalfis quaint Piazza Duomo, walk up ancient steps to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Andrew, while in kaleidoscopic Positano, take postcard-worthy photos of houses precariously perched on the shoreside cliffs. Behold the splendid Renaissance palazzi of Sorrento, float above the emerald green waters of a fabled sea cave and take in extraordinary panoramas of the ruggedly beautiful coastline from hilltop Ravello.

Visit beautiful Taormina and marvel at its famous Greek theater and the stunning view of Mount Etna. Explore lovely medieval Messina with its historic churches and the cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped in 1190. Or discover ancient Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C., with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theater overlooking the sea.

The greatest Greek city and most beautiful of them all, is how Cicero described Syracuse, once the largest city in the ancient world. Travel back in time on the island of Ortygia, where Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC. Nearly 3,000 years later, this UNESCO site is one of Sicilys greatest archaeological treasures. In between spectacular ancient relics, treat your palate to cheese, olives and cured meats from street vendors or delicious gelato from a gelateria. Looming in the distance is Sicilys most famous attraction, Mount Etna, which nourishes the rich soils that produce some of the best wines, fruits and nuts in the world.

Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.

The pastel-colored houses inch their way up the foothills of Mount Koumaros in this quaint town that offers a unique and authentic experience of small town life in Greece. Nearby, the medieval city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1248 and abandoned in 1832, leaving impressive medieval ruins amid a breathtaking landscape. Discovered in 1958, the magnificent caves at Diros were used by prehistoric man between 4000 and 3000 BC.

Enjoy wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this delightful seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors. Stand beneath the windmills on the hill. Visit the archaeological museum and an old bakery still using a 15th century wood-burning stove.

Surrounded by the azure waters of the Aegean, the small island of Skiathos sits off the eastern coast of Greece. Explore the islands inlets, capes and peninsulas by boat, or relax on the legendary beaches. Meander through the old port with its pedestrian streets and distinctive whitewashed buildings and red rooftops. Visit the 18th century Monastery of Evangelistrias, built into the hillside during the Byzantine era.

History buffs will rejoice in anakkale. Located on the southern shore at the narrowest point in the Dardanelles Strait, anakkale was a major point in the defense of the Dardanelles from the time of the mythological Trojan War. A gateway to both Troy and battlefields of Gallipoli, travelers have plenty of compelling options for exploration here. In town, top choices include imenlik Castle and the accompanying naval museum and photo opportunities with the Trojan Horse statue used in the movie Troy. For epicureans, there is a vast array of Turkish dishes to indulge in, including piruhi, a type of dumpling; tumbi, a bite-sized fried appetizer of bulgur, tomato and eggplant; and of course, meze, a platter of shareable small dishes such as olives, cheeses, meats, stuffed mussels and more.

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.