Originally Posted by hanna

Have a choice of either going to ...

Athens - I think the buildings on the acropolis in Athens are just about the most fascinating of all ancient sites anywhere. But are you into that sort of thing?Iknow I am! I love learning about ancient cultures and this is one of the best places for that. Just knowing that Greek history is what the ancient Romans thought of as antiquity...wow. It really hits you that this is where so many of our modern ideas came from....from science to politics, art and architecture...the Greeks thought of it first. I felt as if I was walking in the footsteps of the very origins of civilization as we know it. It's just simply a fascinating place to visit. Athens is not as pretty as Venice, but you feel as if you are viewing something very important. I think Athens is good for your spirit and really makes you think...while Venice is beautiful and romantic and pleasing to the senses. Does that make sense? I'd choose Athens, but that's just me.

Also .. Nice or Monte Carlo.
Monte Carlo, hands down. The Prince's Palace, the architecture in Monaco, and the way everything is build up steep cliffs...gorgeous gorgeous did I mention gorgeous scenery with the yacht harbor, the famous casino, the Hotel de Paris next door. Maseratis and Rolls Royces all over the place, very " Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". Nice is just a pleasant seaside town, not as special in my opinion.

And.. Ephesus - I liked Ephesus even better than Pompeii, wonderful intact ruins. And just being in Turkey is special. You feel as if you are in a really foreign and unique place in the world, since Turkey is the near east - it's almost Europe and almost asia. Very interesting and different types of people and architecture...exotic shopping with great souveniers. I enjoyed it a bunch.
Croatia = Walled medieval city...very pretty but not as fascinating as Ephesus in my opinon.

I tend to choose interesting over scenic, but someone else might feel differently. It just depends on what your preference is!