What to Expect:   You'll experience a huge range of cultures, religions, delicacies, and architectural styles in this diverse part of the world.

When to Go:   Summer for warmest temperatures, fall and spring for smaller crowds, winter for lowest prices.

What to Do:   Glimpse the birthplace of Western civilization among the ruins of Athens and Rome, spot the North African influences in Spanish architecture, shop for rugs in Istanbul.

Local Color:   Wherever you are in the Mediterranean, try to do as the locals do, and take an evening stroll as the sun sets and the temperatures cool.

Don't Miss:   Exploring city centers. They're usually compact, and fascinatingly old.

Don't Forget:   Sunscreen--the sun is intense and shines often in the Mediterranean.