Greece

One of the great archaeological sites of the world, the Palace of Knossos was built between 2000 and 1250 BCE. It was a political and religious center of the ancient Minoan culture.

Delos was a major sacred site in ancient Greece, second only to Delphi. A short boat ride from the island of Mykonos, the ruins of Delos include a variety of ancient temples and shrines.

This little 14th-century monastery of the Meteora is approached by a relatively gentle path. Inside it features splendid frescoes by famed Cretan painter Theophanes the Monk.

The most famous and important of the Meteora monasteries, Great Meteoron has a large church topped by a 12-sided dome and decorated with elaborate frescoes.

An active nunnery in the Meteora with a pleasant courtyard, accessible by a new bridge.

The second largest monastery in the Meteora, Varlaam features a frescoed church, a pleasant garden and a friendly resident monk who often chats with visitors.

The Agia Sophia is the largest and most famous Byzantine church in Thessaloniki, Greece. Built in the 8th century, it was modeled after the more famous 6th-century version in Istanbul.

A massive round building that was first a Roman temple, then a Christian church, then a mosque.

Originally built in the 5th century BCE, the agora of Athens was a large open space surrounded by public buildings and temples.

This lovely and well-preserved Doric temple overlooking the Saronic Gulf dates from around 500 BCE.