Ancient, Historic & Holy – Jerusaalem to Istanbul

Visit the land of miracles – Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes 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 abound. Fresh fish and grilled lamb dishes are the highlight. The best dessert is homemade kanafeh, a traditional ancient dish of baked sweet cheese, pistachio and honey.

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 as Jerusalem’s Old City, Bethlehem, Massada and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus.View ruins, vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives, majestic mountains and scenery, and stunning beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard-the-Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders, the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque and the Museum. Take home some lovely lace, copper items, jewelry and pottery. Enjoy a selection of appetizers so extensive it can be a hearty meal as well as fresh seafood accompanied by a delicious glass of wine.

Discover this delightful ancient town and its many treasures, from the superb artifacts in the museum to Ottoman mansions, Byzantine churches and mosques, Hadrian’s Gate, and the ancient Roman harbor now restored and alive with cafés and pleasure boats. Or head for the magnificent ruins of Perge and Aspendos and imagine the history of these cities, from Alexander to St. Paul, the Romans and Arabs. Stand in awe of the huge Roman theater and the crumbling aqueduct. Look for local handicrafts in the old town including carpets, copper ware, jewelry, leather goods and textiles. Try some kebabs, stuffed grape leaves called dolmas and a local dessert called beurrek, a cheese filled pastry. Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee, a local beer or glass of wine with any of these for a delicious light meal or snack.

Renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John from the 12th to 16th centuries. Their famous Palace of the Grand Masters remains a “must-see,” as are many of the inns occupied by the Crusaders and the replica of the old church. For a more in-depth look at the city, visitors can take in the Archeological where the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient stadium offer perfect photo opportunities.

The island of Kos is rich in monuments and stunning scenery. You will find that the preferred way to get around the island is by bicycle and the preferred pastime is to bask on any of its beautiful beaches. Among the marquis attractions is the archaeological site of Asklepeion, thought to be the world’s first hospital built in honor of Hippocrates, the famed Greek physician. Toast to Kos by sampling the local wine at one of the many award-winning wineries or take a boat to Nisyros, famously known as the Island of the Volcano.

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences. Opposite, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

Nafplio is one of Greece’s most beautiful towns with narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses and gracious neoclassical mansions. In the 13th century, following Byzantine rule, the Franks, Venetians and Turks each took possession, each leaving behind architectural monuments and traces of their culture. Take in the recently reopened Archeological Museum in Constitution Square, with a collection that includes pottery, jewelry, and some unique Mycenaean terracotta idols; and the The National Gallery-Alexandros Soutzos Museum, with a permanent exhibition of paintings of the Greek War of Independence, as well as frequently changing temporary exhibits of local artists’ work.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Explore off-the-beaten-path Syros, built in an amphitheater style with its narrow alleyways and neoclassical architecture cascading brightly down to the deep blue bay. Visit the prehistoric village of Ano Syros, admiring the view overlooking Ermoupolis. Explore the St. George Catholic Cathedral as well as the 17th and 18th Century monasteries of the Jesuits and Capuchins. Back in Ermoupolis visit the archaeological museum and three fascinating churches – Agios Demetrius, Treis Hierarches and Ag Nikolas. Shop for distinctive souvenirs – a bottle of the famous anise flavored ouzo, silver and gold jewelry and embroidered memorabilia. Admire the Apollo Theatre, a mini reproduction of Milan’s La Scala. Enjoy the local St. Michali cheese, and a glass of Greek wine at one of the many tavernas, or the famous loukoumia, the Syros version of a famous Turkish sweet in this gorgeous setting.

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Sun-blessed Dikili on Turkey’s Aegean coast, has been home to Greeks (Aristotle lived here), Persians, Romans, and Ottomans in its long history. This popular resort town beckons with miles of lovely beaches kissed by deep blue waters, and is considered one of the best places to catch the wine-red Mediterranean sunset. Nearby are the ruins of ancient Pergamum, where you may view the Asklepion, one of the earliest medical centers on record.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.