Where Are We Going?
Tuesday, October 15 - JERUSALEM (HAIFA), ISRAEL - EMBARKATION
Visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beatitudes, and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. The Panorama Center in Central Carmel offers some of the country's best women's clothing stores. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Massada Street. South of Haifa, the artists' village of Ein Hod offers hand-blown glass, pottery, silver, gold, and crafts. From French to Continental to Middle Eastern cuisine, dining choices about. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlights. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio, and honey.
Wednesday, October 16 - JERUSALEM (ASHDOD), ISRAEL (Overnight)
Thursday, October 17 - JERUSALEM (ASHDOD), ISRAEL
A remarkable destination in and of itself and a UNESCO World Heritage town, Tel Aviv has ancient roots and modern skyscrapers, with diverse offerings from shopping for local crafts at the Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall to admiring the original Bauhaus architecture along Rothschild Boulevard, savoring the local cuisine at cafes to delving into history at one of the countless museums. Tel Aviv is also a starting point for day trips to iconic historical sites such as Jerusalem's Old City, Bethlehem, Massada, and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.
Friday, October 18 - CAIRO (PORT SAID), EGYPT
Travel to Cairo and marvel at the Giza pyramids and Sphinx standing at the edge of the vast Sahara. Visit the fabulous Egyptian Museum and see its awesome collection of artifacts, or head for Alexandria and its ancient sites and museums. Browse Cairo's bazaar for unusual jewelry like Eye of Horus amulets, hand-painted papyrus copies of ancient tomb paintings, glass, alabaster, and artifact replicas. Or find an ancient relic approved for export. Relax over a cup of sweet tea and sample delicious vegetable appetizers or some spicy lamb kebabs, a typical Middle Eastern dish.
Saturday, October 19 - ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
Egypt's second-largest city and the chief harbor were built in 332 BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria's bay. Discover the city's intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrant splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.
Sunday, October 20 - CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Monday, October 21 - CHANIA (CRETE), GREECE
Chania wears its past on its sleeve. Spend the day in museums, from those uncovering the ancient history buried beneath the rocky soil to those celebrating Greece's magnificent maritime history and the region's unique folklore. Visit the ruins of the city-state of Aptera, a powerhouse in Minoan and Hellenistic times and eventually a Roman stronghold.
Tuesday, October 22 - ARGOSTOLI (CEPHALONIA), GREECE
Discover charming Argostoli, flowing up from the turquoise bay along the sides of limestone hills with its colorful fishing boats, vibrant open-air market, and relaxing atmosphere. Visit the archaeological museum and explore the rich artifacts of the Mycenean culture. See the Venetian-built St. Georges Castle dating from the 16th Century in the nearby village of Kastro. Stroll through Vallianos Square in Argostoli, browsing the stalls and shops to take home popular gifts and keepsakes including thyme, honey, fine gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and the excellent locally produced Robola Taoussi (white wine).
Wednesday, October 23 - MESSINA (SICILY), ITALY
Messina, the third-largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12the century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.
Thursday, October 24 - SALERNO, ITALY
As is true of the rest of the Amalfi Coast, this city boasts beautiful vistas, charming open-air cafes, and captivating landmarks with historic roots. One example is Duomo di Salerno, an absolute must-see for lovers of art, history, and architecture. This Italian cathedral showcases an impressive design, powerful frescoes, and melodious mosaics, spanning the centuries as far back as the 11th century when it was built by the Normans.
Friday, October 25 - ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY
Whether enjoying the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere or taking in Rome's historical and architectural glory, visitors are spoiled for choice in this rule Eternal City. St. Peter's Basilica is a full-day outing featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus of Ben Hur fame.