How a Republic Dies: Nicopolis and Ioannina

After a thrilling visit to Greece's Meteora, Jan and Tracey set off to the place where the Roman Republic died and the Roman Empire was born as they visit the site of the Battle of Actium between Octavian and the combined forces of Marcus Antony and Cleopatra. In celebration of his victory, Octavian--now declared as Caesar Augustus--established a city named Nicopolis. Jan and Tracey take you through the ruins of this proposed UNESCO World Heritage site and on to the Nicopolis Museum where relics dating back to 31 BC are found.

Then, it is off to the city of Ioannina where the Ali Pasha ruled (and terrorized) Greeks until the Ottoman Empire had him assassinated. Jan and Tracey take a boat ride to the "Island with no name" to visit this now sleepy fishing community and visit the Ali Pasha Museum.

Lodging highlighted is the Divani Hotel in Kalabaka and the Grand Serai Hotel in Ioannina.