Athens and Santorini , DC

About the destination: Athens is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and her grandeur is celebrated by the stunning Acropolis that towers over the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens has become. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the cradle of western philosophy, democracy, and theater. Today, the Greek capital continues to be a significant global hub of culture, with its historic center, iconic classical sites, and museums brimming with artifacts from ancient Greece. The Acropolis, topped by the iconic Parthenon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are prohibited in the historic center, which has transformed into Europe's most impressive pedestrian walkway. In this archaeological park, visitors can experience the city's contrasting nature by visiting the New Acropolis Museum, a modern, high-tech building with bright, spacious exhibition areas, and the National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest archaeological museum dedicated to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city's highest points, serve as landmarks as they can be seen from most locations in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is located beneath the Acropolis and extends nearly to Syntagma, the location of the Greek Parliament. For a glimpse into the indulgent Athenian lifestyle, visit Monastiraki, a popular spot for locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The nightlife belongs to Psirri, a lively neighborhood known for its bars, live music venues, and thrilling nightclubs. Southeast of the city center, a beautiful stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views of the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. Few European capitals can boast of having sandy beaches and clean swimming waters so easily accessible. Athens thus provides the best of both worlds – an exciting city break and a relaxing beach vacation. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing, and their zest for life's pleasures is so contagious that even the most reserved traveler will find themselves taking time for leisurely coffees and evening walks, dining out late, and enjoying the city's nightlife long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night.

About the destination: Created by a massive volcanic eruption that is believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis, Santorini is the most visually stunning island in the Aegean Sea. The island is essentially the outer edge of a submerged volcano, with its entire eastern coast consisting of a series of small towns situated on tall hills. Fira, the island's dramatically located capital, is perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Fira, along with the Parthenon, is one of the most recognized images of Greece. Its narrow streets are filled with souvenir shops, charming boutiques, and numerous jewelry stores. It is home to two beautiful churches, the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as well as a small local museum. Fira also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with excellent restaurants and bars, and a few nightclubs. The city itself is a spectacle, especially at sunset. Another great spot to watch the sunset is the town of Ia, a small village perched on the rocky point of land at the northern tip of the island, 300m above the sea. The beaches in Santorini are unique compared to other Greek beaches due to their distinctive geographical features. Red and black volcanic pebbles cover the shores of Santorini's beaches, and steep cliffs create a scenic atmosphere. The most famous of these beaches is the Red beach, while Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos are also very popular. Santorini is a truly magnificent destination. The placement of some of its main towns along the cliff-top edge of the caldera is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights in the world. The buildings seem to defy gravity as they cling to the cliffs and are stacked one on top of the other like a pile of sugar cubes. The sandy, multicolored beaches are just the cherry on top.