Israel Intensive - JR10U091 Azamara Journey departing 17 Oct 2023

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon.

To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.

Built between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion during the Byzantine period, Limassol is Cyprus’ major port and second-largest city. It offers a variety of activities, museums and castles. The medieval castle built around 1000 AD is the most famous. Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart married his fiancée, Princess Berengaria, with its walls. The city is also known for its local wines; stop by a local taverna and try a glass.

Haifa is a modern city and seaport on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Along with the mix of religions that make up the fabric of Israel as a whole, Haifa is administrative and spiritual home to the Bahai faith, which preaches the unity of all mankind, and whose golden-domed world center crowns handsome hillside garden terraces. Haifa is an excellent base for visiting biblical and archaeological sites. Within easy reach are the Galilee, Nazareth, the River Jordan, as well as Safed, a holy mountaintop city steeped in the mysticism of Kaballah. Today it is also immersed in the arts, and studios and galleries abound.

Haifa is a modern city and seaport on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Along with the mix of religions that make up the fabric of Israel as a whole, Haifa is administrative and spiritual home to the Bahai faith, which preaches the unity of all mankind, and whose golden-domed world center crowns handsome hillside garden terraces. Haifa is an excellent base for visiting biblical and archaeological sites. Within easy reach are the Galilee, Nazareth, the River Jordan, as well as Safed, a holy mountaintop city steeped in the mysticism of Kaballah. Today it is also immersed in the arts, and studios and galleries abound.

Regardless of your faith, philosophy, or grasp of ancient history, you cannot fail to be moved and awed by Jerusalem. This magnificent and holy city has some of the most revered shrines in the world including the Western Wall, last remnant of the ramparts surrounding the Temple of the Jews, which was originally erected by Solomon; and the exquisite Dome of the Rock atop the Temple Mount, the oldest extant Islamic monument, honoring a stone sacred to both Jews and Muslims alike.

Regardless of your faith, philosophy, or grasp of ancient history, you cannot fail to be moved and awed by Jerusalem. This magnificent and holy city has some of the most revered shrines in the world including the Western Wall, last remnant of the ramparts surrounding the Temple of the Jews, which was originally erected by Solomon; and the exquisite Dome of the Rock atop the Temple Mount, the oldest extant Islamic monument, honoring a stone sacred to both Jews and Muslims alike.

Regardless of your faith, philosophy, or grasp of ancient history, you cannot fail to be moved and awed by Jerusalem. This magnificent and holy city has some of the most revered shrines in the world including the Western Wall, last remnant of the ramparts surrounding the Temple of the Jews, which was originally erected by Solomon; and the exquisite Dome of the Rock atop the Temple Mount, the oldest extant Islamic monument, honoring a stone sacred to both Jews and Muslims alike.

History is very much alive in Iraklion. The Fountain of the Lions, built by Morozini in 1628 during the Venetian occupation of Crete, dominates the central square. Today, the city’s Town Hall is located in the Venetian Loggia, a building from the same era. Stroll among the shops and cafes surrounding the central square, or follow the old Venetian walls to Koules, a bastion overlooking the old harbor. Explore the archaeological site at Knossos and walk among Minoan findings displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion. Don’t miss the Historical Museum of Iraklion, which houses findings from the early era of the Christian religion.

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon.

To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.