Nautica - September 25, 2023

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.

The largest Turkish seaport after Istanbul, its exports include cotton, tobacco, vegetables, manufactures, and carpets. The city suffered greatly from severe earthquakes in 1928 and 1939. It is a NATO command center for SE Europe. It is also the site of the Aegean Univ. and several museums, and was probably the birthplace of the poet Homer.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

Visit the Ashdod Yam Fort, a Muslim fortress with its impressively tall that was built on the Mediterranean coast in the tenth century to protect against naval attacks. Stroll the streets of this bustling port town and shop for homemade knitted goods.