View Tom Dempsey's favorite images of Greece (in Europe): Enjoy whitewashed villages perched high above the Aegean Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea) on the rim of the active volcano of Santorini island (Thira or Thera). Hike in Zagori, Vikos Gorge, Tymfi Massif, and the north Pindus mountains. See a triple arch stone bridge near Kipi. Admire icons of ancient Greece at the Acropolis (Parthenon, Erechtheion) and museums in Athens. The medieval Greek Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora have stood the tests of time perched atop impressive pinnacles. On the island of Crete, learn Minoan history at Knossos, hike Samaria Gorge, and enjoy wild aromatic herb gardens on the coast.

View Tom Dempsey's images of trekking in the mountains and towns of Zagori in the north Pindus (or Pindos) mountains, near Ioannina in northern Greece (on the border of Albania). Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). In May 2001, we were exhilarated by large expanses of purple crocus and a variety of other wildflowers in peak bloom on the Tymfi Massif. We hiked the spectacular Vikos Gorge, the world’s deepest canyon in proportion to its width. Limestone rock towers rise impressively thousands of feet above the traditional slate houses of Vikos and Micro Papingo. Mountain inaccessibility helped preserve local culture. Visit Kalogeriko triple-arch stone bridge, 300 years old, near Kipi. A metallic green beetle contrasted brightly with a magenta thistle.

View Tom Dempsey's images of beautiful Santorini island (Thira or Ancient Thera) in the Aegean Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea), part of Greece, Europe. In the villages of Oia and Fira, wander through a maze of whitewashed houses, blue domed Greek Orthodox Churches, weathered doors and gates. At Ancient Akrotiri, see bath tubs and pithoi (large storage jars) dating from 1500 BC, unearthed from a covering of volcanic ash. See map at end. Tour active volcanic island Nea Kameni by boat and swim the hot springs.

View Tom Dempsey's images of Greek Orthodox monasteries perched on weirdly eroded pinnacles at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Each of the following pictured monasteries were built on rock pinnacles during the Middle Ages: Grand Meteora Monastery (Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, built in mid 1300s), Varlaam Monastery (built in 1517), Saint Nicholas Anapafsa Monastery (Agio Nikolaou Anapafsa, built in 1500s), Roussanou Monastery (Holy Monastery of St. Barbara, built in 1545 and now hosts a Greek Orthodox Convent). Wander Kastraki village to admire fascinating weathered buildings, doors, and unusual geology. A 3 hour drive west from Meteora takes you to Litohoro village where you can hike up Mount Olympus (2918 meters or 9568 feet elevation), highest peak in Greece, via an overnight hut. At Litohoro, see the Roman Baths dating from 200 AD at Ancient Dion which, at the foot of Mount Olympus, was the sacred city of the Macedonians, who worshipped Olympian gods.

View Tom Dempsey's images of the island of Crete (in Greece, Europe) including: Rowboat on emerald green Mediterranean Sea. Samaria Gorge and Mount Gingilos in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Minoan Knossos archeological site (associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology) near Heraklion (Iraklion). Copy of bull leaping fresco art and women carrying urns from 1500 BC Knossos. Venetian Fortress and Old Harbor boats at Heraklion. Mosque of the Janissaries and Venetian Lighthouse in Old Harbor of Hania (Chania). Dragon arum flower and fruits (Dracunculus vulgaris, also called dragonwort, dragon lily, or voodoo lily).

View Tom Dempsey's images of Athens (Athina), in Greece, Europe: The Acropolis and Parthenon still inspire awe as classic symbols of early Democracy. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. The Erechtheion (with "Porch of the Maidens") was built entirely of marble between 421 and 406 BC and is the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis. The Parthenon was first built from 447-438 BC; scaffolding and crane in 2001 support reconstruction for the 2004 Olympics. In the National Archaeological Museum, see impressive objects from Greek history including a Roman marble model of the "Athena Polias" ("Athena of the city"). A marble sculpture of Aphrodite, Eros, and Pan dates from 100 BC. In the Roman Agora of Athens, the octagonal Tower of the Winds was designed by Syrian astronomer Andronicus around 50 BC.