Cultural riches and natural beauty combine on a Greek island cruise

The riches of the Mediterranean are plentiful and, for travelers, perhaps the best way to capture the essence of the region is with a Greek island cruise.

On its surface, Greece is a ruggedly beautiful place, but what its rocky landscapes belie is a centuries-old civilization of refined ideas - a cradle of intellectualism and art. Onboard a Greek island cruise and during the shore visits it includes, you'll be able to see the country from two perspectives that combine to give you a better understanding of the real Greece.

Top-quality tour operators, such as Tauck, often opt to include neighboring Turkey in their Greek island cruise offerings. The similarities and differences of the two countries provide plenty of food for thought, and offer insight into the relationships of the two nations, both past and present. With an itinerary that spans Athens, the Greek islands and Turkey, a Greek island cruise is often a more budget-friendly option, offering savings of up to 40 percent versus a do-it-yourself trip. And that doesn't account for the value of the convenience a Greek island cruise offers, in terms of planning for hotels, sightseeing, transportation and entertainment.

If you're considering a Greek island cruise, make sure that these essential destinations are included, so that you'll see the very best of the region.

* Athens - The most iconic sight in Greece's capital is the Acropolis, which includes buildings like the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike. Visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds is optimal - tour operators like Tauck make it easier to gain access before the popular site is overrun. Another important destination within Athens is the National Archaeological Museum, where artifacts help to bring the world of ancient Greece more vividly to life.

* Mykonos and Delos - The first stop on many Greek island cruises, Mykonos is a glamorous introduction to the islands. It's a popular stop for all kinds of travelers, from backpackers to celebrities, and everyone finds a way to enjoy its vibrant character, replete with excellent dining, beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife. Nearby, the small island of Delos is one of Greece's most important archeological sites. The island does not have a permanent population, making it a relaxing place to see the intertwining of Greek wilderness and ancient culture.

* Santorini - Picture-postcard beauty is Santorini's hallmark. Its sugar-white houses, capped with cobalt domes, dramatically cling to the cliff sides, and exploring the island's villages on foot or by donkey is an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. Stop into a local taverna for a taste of Greek home cooking - preferably with a spectacular view out over the surrounding islands.

* Rhodes - As if its legendary status in ancient history wasn't enticement enough, the sun shines on beautiful Rhodes 300 days a year, so it's likely you'll find optimal weather as you disembark from your Greek island cruise. Under those sunny skies, you can explore the medieval Old Town with the help of a knowledgeable guide, visit temples and ruins, or even indulge in an ouzo tasting.

* Turkey's coast - Turkey's coast is lined with quaint fishing villages and ancient ruins - and though it often plays second fiddle to Greece, a well-rounded Greek island cruise will show you that the area has an incredible amount to offer. In Bodrum, an historic port that features St. Peter's Castle and the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, you'll find a lifestyle that blends tradition and modern glamour. Not far up the coast, the popular port of Kusadasi is a gateway to the ruins at Ephesus, which was one of the greatest cities of antiquity with a population of more than 250,000 in the 1st century B.C.

* Istanbul - The legendary city where East meets West rarely disappoints. From the wonders of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the elaborate history contained within the walls of Topkapi palace and the Grand Bazaar, sightseeing in Istanbul will let you uncover layers upon layers of fascinating history.

A Greek island cruise is nothing short of the trip of a lifetime, so putting the planning in the right hands is important. Tour companies like Tauck, which has more than 85 years of experience in planning the perfect vacation, can help to ensure that you'll see the essential sights and that everything will go off without a hitch.