Rick Steves' Greece and East Mediterranean 10k6y

Greek guide Anastasia Gaitanou helps us understand the ancient stories and myths that inspired the art you'll encounter all over in Greece. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Rick provides a brief introduction to his Greece and Eastern Mediterranean playlist, a collection of audio files designed to help you plan and enjoy your best possible trip. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Rick provides a brief introduction to his Greece and Eastern Mediterranean playlist, a collection of audio files designed to help you plan and enjoy your best possible trip. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Modern bustle, old sights. Athens' pedestrian-friendly center hums with trendy boutiques and atmospheric cafes. Get oriented to the sprawling city while exploring Athens' rich history and rubbing shoulders with Athenians today. Starring: Candlelit Orthodox churches, dusty Roman ruins, Acropolis views, and the chaotic streets of Athens. Practicalities: The walk starts at Syntagma Square, meanders through the Plaka, skirts Acropolis hill for great views, and ends at Monastiraki Square, in the center of the tourist action. The walk is best in the morning or evening, since many historic churches are closed from 1:00 to 5:00. Wearing shorts inside churches is frowned upon but tolerated. Allow at least two hours for this walk. More info: Excerpted from the book "Rick Steves' Greece," www. ricksteves.com

Famous hill with Parthenon. Athens' show-stopper is this dramatic hill topped with the ancient world's greatest temple, the Parthenon. Stroll among historic ruins and eroded statues, and appreciate those Golden Age people who set the tone for all of Western civilization. Starring: The Parthenon and its reliefs; the carayatid lady-statues of the Erechtheion; and expansive views over modern Athens. Practicalities: €12 ticket also includes the Agora. Open daily May-Sept 8:00–20:00, Oct-April 8:00–15:00. To avoid crowds, go before 10:00 or after 14:00. The bare hilltop can be blazingly hot and has no tourist services except WCs and drinking fountains, so plan ahead. Backpacks are allowed. Tel. 210-321-4172, www.culture.gr. More info: Excerpted from the book "Rick Steves' Greece," www. ricksteves.com

Ruins of old city center. The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens — its "downtown." Walk through the remains of former shopping malls, theaters, taverns, and government buildings. You'll see the dusty ruins come to life as Rick describes the fascinating people who once worked, shopped, and played here. Starring: Athens' best-preserved ancient temple, a rebuilt "stoa," a fine museum, and the footsteps of great Athenians. Practicalities: €4 or covered by €12 Acropolis ticket. Open daily May–Sept 8:00–20:00, Oct–April 8:00–15:00. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, Metro: Monastiraki. Tel. 210-321-0180, www.culture.gr. More info: Excerpted from the book "Rick Steves' Greece," www. ricksteves.com

World-class ancient art. Trace the evolution of Greek statues, vases and paintings, from their roots to the flowering of the Golden Age and beyond. It's all beautifully displayed and in air-conditioned comfort. Starring: Prehistoric Barbie dolls, the golden Mask of Agamemnon, and the perfectly posed Artemision Bronze. Practicalities: €7. Open May–Sept Tue–Sun 8:00–20:00, Mon 13:30–20:00; Oct–April Tue–Sun 8:30–15:00, Mon 13:30–19:30. Photos okay without flash. Located at 44 Patission Street. Tel. 210-821-7717, www.namuseum.gr. More info: Excerpted from the book "Rick Steves' Greece," www. ricksteves.com

Actor Joanna Lumley fell in love with Greece decades ago, when she was just a teenager on her first visit. She chats with Rick about her latest Greek travels and her enduring ion for the resilient Greek people and their culture. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Actor Joanna Lumley fell in love with Greece decades ago, when she was just a teenager on her first visit. She chats with Rick about her latest Greek travels and her enduring ion for the resilient Greek people and their culture. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Actor Joanna Lumley fell in love with Greece decades ago, when she was just a teenager on her first visit. She chats with Rick about her latest Greek travels and her enduring ion for the resilient Greek people and their culture. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Rick provides a brief introduction to his Greece and Eastern Mediterranean playlist, a collection of audio files designed to help you plan and enjoy your best possible trip. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with two experienced guides about enjoying the best of the wide variety of Greek islands. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with two experienced guides about enjoying the best of the wide variety of Greek islands. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Rick chats with two experienced guides about enjoying the best of the wide variety of Greek islands. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Guides to the ancient world, Colin Clement from Egypt and Anastasia Gaitanou from Greece, share more tips for sightseeing the historical highlights of the eastern Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Guides to the ancient world, Colin Clement from Egypt and Anastasia Gaitanou from Greece, share more tips for sightseeing the historical highlights of the eastern Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Guides to the ancient world, Colin Clement from Egypt and Anastasia Gaitanou from Greece, share more tips for sightseeing the historical highlights of the eastern Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Two expert guides help Rick make sense of ancient stones and rubble left behind by the great cultures of the Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Two expert guides help Rick make sense of ancient stones and rubble left behind by the great cultures of the Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.

Two expert guides help Rick make sense of ancient stones and rubble left behind by the great cultures of the Mediterranean. For more info on traveling in Europe, see www.ricksteves.com.