Greece

Greece is where a lot of Europe's story begins. On the mainland you can stand under the Acropolis, walk into the theatre at Epidaurus and look down the sacred valley at Delphi. Then the ferries take over: Crete with its Minoan palaces and gorges, Santorini's volcanic cliffs, Corfu's Venetian streets, Rhodes with its medieval walls. Add grilled fish, strong coffee, long dinners that start at nine, and a coastline that never seems to end. It is one of the few countries where you can swim at lunchtime and be touching two-and-a-half-thousand-year-old marble by sunset.

Talking points

• Athens, Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae let you walk through the ancient world on a single mainland loop.
• Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Rhodes each feel like a different country.
• Ferries and short flights link hundreds of islands, so island hopping is a real way to travel.
• Greek food is simple and seasonal: olive oil, feta, grilled fish, honey and strong coffee.