Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is not only where Europe meets Asia; it's where history, built upon empire after empire, meets modern-day commercialism. Explore Old Istanbul's mosques, hippodromes and opulent palaces. Discover remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Test your bargaining savvy with the merchants at the Grand Bazaar and visit the awe-inspiring Ayasofya (Church of Holy Wisdom). Istanbul is the perfect place to step far back in time and admire incredible cultural accomplishments. Don't forget your camera!

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
Kusadasi is your gateway to Ephesus, a city created by the Ionians in the 11th century B.C. and later expanded by the Romans. Now considered one of the grandest reconstructed sites in the ancient world, the region also hosted the likes of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle.

Athens (Pireaus), Greece
Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes.

Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is truly a vacation destination with something for everyone: sunshine, spectacular beaches on the Aegean Sea, a medieval walled city, an ancient acropolis, and much more. In ancient times, the people of Rhodes chose Helios, the Sun, as their divine patron. With an average of three hundred plus days of sunshine a year, it's safe to say that Helios continues to smile upon Rhodes today.

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel
Ashdod, located in the South District of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea coast, is Israel's largest port. Ashdod was first settled during the Canaanite era in the 17th century BC, making the city one of the most ancient in the world — Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. Now a well-planned modern city, Ashdod is a welcoming combination of ancient history and cosmopolitan port life.

Galilee (Haifa), Israel
Located on the historic slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean, Haifa's terraced landscape features panoramic views of the sparkling bay and medieval fortress city of Acre. To the east lies the snow-capped peak of Mount Hermon. An important industrial port, Haifa is Israel's northern capital and third largest city. Visitors will find a unique blend of traditional and contemporary culture. It is home to ancient temples, churches and mosques, as well as elegant hotels, shopping malls, cinemas and white-sand beaches.