7 Nights Europe, Mediterranean

The capital of Apulia (the heel of Italy's boot) prospered under the Greeks and served as an important Roman Municipium. Lying halfway along the Adriatic coast on the fringes of the fertile Terra di Bari, it consists of two distinct parts, the old city, a maze of twisting lanes, and the modern town.

Greece's capital and its largest city was born atop the Acropolis, where ancient warrior-kings once dwelled. These ruins are a testament to the golden age of Greece, and the Parthenon is considered the most architecturally sophisticated temples of its time. Ancient Agora, a sprawling array of stones, slabs and foundations, was once the focal point of ancient Greek life.

Katakolon is a charming fishing village on the Ionian Coast that is the gateway to Olympia, the site of the first Olympic games in 776 B.C. Prominent ruins of the Sanctuary include the athletic quadrangles and the Temple of Zeus. The Archaeological Museum contains Archaic, Classical and Roman sculptures, including the famous Niki "Winged Victory."

The Ionian island of Cephalonia in postcards portrays idyllic beaches, forest-clad mountains and crystal clear waters. But adventure in its capital city of Argostoli is much more than meets the eye. This small town comes full of friendly locals? and visitors quickly fall for its traditional Greek lifestyle and spectacular natural attractions, like the Koutavos Lagoon's nature preserve. Stroll along De Bosset Bridge, where endangered sea turtles swim out to sea. Admire Vallianos Square's grand bell tower and taste Robola wine in a local vineyard. Rumble in a Jeep to the summit of Mount Ainos, or experience the thrill of coasteering down rock faces dangling over the Ionian Sea.

Corfu was once ruled by Venetian doges, Turkish sultans and French invaders. Marvel at the 17th-century icons in St. George's Church, the medieval Palace of Phrourio and the 19th-century Achilleion Palace. The greenest of the Greek Isles, Corfu also boasts thriving vineyards and olive orchards among its rugged mountains.

The capital of Apulia (the heel of Italy's boot) prospered under the Greeks and served as an important Roman Municipium. Lying halfway along the Adriatic coast on the fringes of the fertile Terra di Bari, it consists of two distinct parts, the old city, a maze of twisting lanes, and the modern town.