Island getaways are fun, but the real heart of Greece is found in the Peloponnese Peninsula. Its wild, mountainous landscape has hosted the interminable rise and fall of cultures which makes for fascinating sightseeing today. | Rick Steves' Europe

Our Athens & the Heart of Greece in 14 Days tour is an odyssey of time-travel thrills, from Athens' majestic Acropolis to the must-see ancient sites of Delphi, Olympia, Epidavros, and Mycenae. With knowledge and a nudge from your Rick Steves guide, you'll walk among marble monuments where Plato pondered, splash in the turquoise Aegean where Odysseus sailed, gaze up at god-dwelling mountains, sample family-crafted olives and wines — and maybe learn to play backgammon at a whitewashed taverna on t

The Greek isle of Mykonos — with its whitewashed town, evocative ruined windmills, touristy shops, and trendy cafes — is all about hedonism. A hit as a cruise stop, its beaches offer a variety of escapes, from sleepy and remote getaways to noisy party scenes. Along with Santorini, it's the most touristy Greek-island stop. It’s easy to enjoy Mykonos town with no planning, no tour, and no guide. This is a stop that lends itself to unstructured free time — just lazing on the beach, wandering, and b