Great Tours: Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean

Begin your Mediterranean journey with the Phoenicians, the great seafarers of antiquity. Visualize the golden age of the Phoenicians through their key city-states of Byblos, which flourished through its resources of timber; Sidon, city of commerce, science, and art; and Tyre, a Sidonian colony and, later, a fierce rival of Sidon.

On the Greek island of Crete, encounter the great Minoan civilization, renowned for its ruined cities, art, wide-ranging commerce, and the myths of King Minos, Theseus, and the Minotaur. Tour the extraordinary palace complex of Knossos, believed by early archaeologist Arthur Evans to be the site of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur legend, and explore its corridors, piazzas, and mysterious murals.

Take the measure of Athens, one of the most resplendent and culturally significant cities of the ancient world. Track the origins and the rise of the city, and its political and administrative system, as it became a major commercial and naval power. Visit the great sites of Athens's golden age, from the Acropolis to the port of Piraeus, the hub of the city's naval and mercantile life.

From the 8th century BCE, Greek city-states established colonies, beginning in the region known as Magna Graecia. Stop first at the Italian colony of Taras and learn of its wealth and sophistication. Visit the magnificent ancient temples of Poseidonia and Akragas and explore the dramatic history and majestic monuments of Syracuse, the greatest and most beautiful of the Greeks' Sicilian colonies.

Here, trace how the landlocked Romans linked themselves with the Mediterranean, establishing a powerful maritime empire. Envision the founding of Rome, and the Punic Wars, through which Rome built its naval forces and skill with oared warships in spectacular sea battles. Witness Rome's annexation of huge territories, and the wealth reflected in its architecture and huge commercial centers.

Grasp the critical importance to ancient Rome of its food supply, and the massive logistics of grain shipments into the burgeoning city. With the wealth of its Mediterranean empire, chart the physical transformation of Rome in the Imperial era. Visit the imposing monuments and grand urban projects of the emperors and tour the great port and commercial complex of Ostia Antica.