In the barren foothills of Mt Agios Ilias (750m) and Mt Zara (600m) stand the somber and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of the mythical Agamemnon. For 400 years (1600–1200 BC) this kingdom was the most powerful in Greece, holding sway over the Argolid and influencing other Mycenaean kingdoms.

World Heritage–listed Mycenae is synonymous with the names Homer and Schliemann. In the 9th century, BC Homer told in his epic poems, 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', of ‘well-built Mycenae, rich in gold’. These poems were, until the 19th century, regarded as no more than gripping and beautiful legends. But in the 1870s the amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (1822–90), despite derision from professional archaeologists, struck gold, first at Troy then at Mycenae. (www.lonelyplanet.com)

Visiting the entire site and the museum takes quite a bit of time of course. The one thing you can't afford missing while you're here is the famous Lion Gate, the main entrance to the city which was protected by massive cyclopean walls.

The first Olympic games in 776 BC were the beginning of a sport event which took place in regular intervals of four years. The games started out as a tribute to Zeus. Greek athletes from all over Greece, which was split into many different countries at that time, met for five days. For three month all the fights between the different peoples had to be stopped. Only “free Greeks” were allowed to participate. Barbarians, which means non-Greek citizens, were allowed to watch the games as spectators while slaves were banned of course. Women were also not allowed inside the Olympic grove after the start of the games.
The site of ancient Olympia is gigantic: The temples of Hera and Zeus, the hippodrome and stadium, the Greek baths, Gymnasion and Palaestra, all this and more can be discovered here, so your visit may take some time...

After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. Many people don't even know why they are going to Delphi. It's just something they know they are supposed to do when they go to Greece. But for those people who read, Delphi has a special meaning, more then just another collection of ruins in a country that is full of them. Delphi in ancient times was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the center of the earth. Delphi is known as the center of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. But even before the area was associated with Apollo there were other deities worshipped here including the earth goddess Gea, Themis, Demeter and Poseidon, the well known god of the sea. By the end of the Mycenaean period Apollo had displaced these other deities and became the guardian of the oracle.
The oracle of Delphi was a spiritual experience whereby the spirit of Apollo was asked for advice on critical matters relating to people's lives or affairs of the state. Questions were asked to the Pythia, or priestess who 'channeled' the spirit of the God. Whether one believes in the channeling of Gods or spirits is an individual thing. But even the most skeptical person must realize that there was something 'magical' going on in Delhi for several thousand years and the fact that the town still attracts a million visitors a year is a hint that some of that magic is still there. Many people who come to Delphi claim they have felt 'something'. It may depend on your receptivity and your belief system, but there are people who believe that the spirit of Apollo still resides in Delphi and just as he was thousands of years ago, he is still available now, to answer questions and give personal advice or affairs of the state. One might keep in mind that a visit to Delphi is also on the itinerary of visiting dignitaries and the list of Greek politicians who have not visited the sacred oracle would be a short one. Just food for thought, but visiting Delphi with an open mind may be an enriching experience. (www.greecetravel.com)

The archeological site of Butrint was the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Albania when it entered the list back in 1992, only a year after the communist regime seized to exist. Here is the UNESCO's statement:
"Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.
The evolution of the natural environment of Butrint led to the abandonment of the city at the end of the Middle Ages, with the result that this archaeological site provides valuable evidence of ancient and medieval civilizations on the territory of modern Albania."
A visit to Butrint requires quite a bit of walking and, depending on how interested you are, about 3 hours of your time. The site is open until sunset which will be at around 8 PM.

Hidden in the southernmost part of the Croatian territory, Dubrovnik is a priceless pearl gracing the south shores of the Adriatic Sea. With its breathtaking natural beauties, perfect climate, rich historical heritage, and diverse tourist offer, Dubrovnik is definitely among the most beloved and most regularly visited destinations of the region.
Dubrovnik’s turbulent history, dating all the way back to the ancient times, is filled with exciting adventures, legends and battles against the foreign domination exchanging with periods of prosperity and independence. The ever-changing historical circumstances helped forming the specific mentality and culture, as well as the beautifully preserved city architecture.
The best way to enjoy the many sights of Dubrovnik is by foot. You can soak up the romantic atmosphere of the narrow streets covered in stone, admire the beauty of countless monuments and explore the city’s rich gastronomic offer. Make sure to take a stroll down the most famous city street, Stradun, admiring numerous sights and monuments along the way. Make a stop at some of the beautiful churches such as the Cathedral or the Church of St. Blaise. You will be left breathless with the harmonious beauty of the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings such as the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery or the famous Sponza Palace. You can visit some of the numerous city museums, galleries and souvenir shops.
Once you get tired of sightseeing, you can seek out refreshment in crystal clear, blue sea on one of several beautiful beaches around the wider city area. You can choose how to spend your day near the sea according to your preferences; there are sandy, rocky or pebble beaches with countless options for leisure and recreation. The mild Mediterranean climate provides the perfect weather throughout the tourist season; with the ideal sea temperatures and warm sunny days making Dubrovnik the ideal summer destination.
Dubrovnik doesn’t lose any of its vividness by night. There are numerous restaurants, concert venues, nightclubs and cocktail bars to choose from. If you are in the mood for a more relaxed night out, there is a rich offer of restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining venues. It is highly recommended to try some of the Dubrovnik signature dishes, such as green menestra, Dubrovnik Rozata, kotonjata or black risotto along with a glass (or a few) filled with some of the quality wines from the local vineyards. If you are seeking for more dynamic night time fun, there are several nightclubs, dancing venues and cocktail bars; all in close proximity to the city centre.
No matter how you arrive, where you stay or how you choose to spend your time in Dubrovnik, one is sure: once you open your heart to Dubrovnik, it stays there forever.