Rick Steves' Greece and East Mediterranean 10k6y

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

Greek tour guide Anastasia Gaitanou tells Rick how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Greek tour guide Anastasia Gaitanou tells Rick how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Greek tour guide Anastasia Gaitanou tells Rick how Athens has grown into a visitor-friendly destination, complete with a new Acropolis museum. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

We make sense out of the rubble of antiquity with the help of guides from Greece and Egypt. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

We make sense out of the rubble of antiquity with the help of guides from Greece and Egypt. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

We make sense out of the rubble of antiquity with the help of guides from Greece and Egypt. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Two female tour guides — one from Greece and one from Turkey — discuss what's behind the tensions between their two countries. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Two female tour guides — one from Greece and one from Turkey — discuss what's behind the tensions between their two countries. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Two female tour guides — one from Greece and one from Turkey — discuss what's behind the tensions between their two countries. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Greek travel expert Penny Kolomvatsou discusses the spruced-up capital of Athens, the villages of the mainland and the islands, and how travelers can best experience Greece's rich history in the ruins of its ancient past. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Greek travel expert Penny Kolomvatsou discusses the spruced-up capital of Athens, the villages of the mainland and the islands, and how travelers can best experience Greece's rich history in the ruins of its ancient past. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Greek travel expert Penny Kolomvatsou discusses the spruced-up capital of Athens, the villages of the mainland and the islands, and how travelers can best experience Greece's rich history in the ruins of its ancient past. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

David Willitt, an Australian tour guide who spends much of the year showing off the sites of Greece, gives advice on how to find the real Greece beyond the blockbuster sights of Athens. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

David Willitt, an Australian tour guide who spends much of the year showing off the sites of Greece, gives advice on how to find the real Greece beyond the blockbuster sights of Athens. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

David Willitt, an Australian tour guide who spends much of the year showing off the sites of Greece, gives advice on how to find the real Greece beyond the blockbuster sights of Athens. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.

Two Greek travel experts share tips on what the Peloponnesian Peninsula has to offer travelers, from historical sites and mythology to laid-back small towns and uncrowded beaches. Related travel information at www.ricksteves.com.