Athens

Swiss Air through Zurich to Athens. The Grand Hyatt, five days, and a city that manages to feel both ancient and completely alive. The Acropolis and the Parthenon at golden hour are one of those experiences that makes you understand why people have been making pilgrimages here for thousands of years.

Thessaloniki by train for a day trip. The White Tower, the waterfront, the Byzantine churches. Then back to Athens for the Plaka, the markets, and more souvlaki than one person should reasonably consume.

Flew home through Munich on Lufthansa. Greece in November is off-season, which means fewer crowds and better prices. I’ll take cold and quiet over hot and packed every time.