” I cannot fiddle but I can make a great state of a small city. ”

T.E Lawrence.

Description:

Re-live history as you travel by camel across the sands in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and Moses. This
is an exciting an unusual introduction to some of the world’s greatest historical sites. Difficulty: Moderate,
with some climbing, walking & riding. No children under age 12.
In the West, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who based his
operations here during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was
named “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” in memory of Lawrence’s book penned in the aftermath of the war, though the
‘Seven Pillars’ referred to in the book actually have no connection with Rum.

Difficulty:

Moderate, with some climbing, walking & riding. No children under age 12.
Tour Highlights:

Cairo- The Pyramides – Cairo Museum – Sherm El Sheik – Sinai Peninsula – Mt.Sinai – St. Catherine Monastery -Wadi Ghazala – El Rawahbia – Gebel Melekhas – Ein Khudra – El Makherom – Wadi Haman a Beduin Village – Beir Safra – Wadi Mothla

Dia 1- Salida

Día 2: Bienvenido a Israel
A su llegada al aeropuerto de Ben Gurion que Wil se reunió, con la asistencia y traslado al hotel en Tel Aviv.

Día 3: Tel Aviv
Relájese en Tel Aviv y pasan el día en su tiempo libre. (B)

Día 4: Cesarea de Meguido aldea drusa
Deja CTeI Aviv ond hacia el norte a lo largo de la costa, a Cesarea escénica, una vez que la capital romana de la Tierra Santa. Explora su excavación romana del puerto, un anfiteatro ond cruzado fortaleza. Continúe hacia el este de Meguido, una de las ciudades del rey Salomón carros y visita a las excavaciones notables, incluyendo los establos de Salomón. Continúe hacia el norte para visitar a un villaqe drusos cerca en el Monte Carmelo y pasear por sus calles colorido mercado. Traslado a su hotel en Haifa por la noche. (B)

Día 5: Haifa Nazaret Séforis Safed Altos del Golán Tiberias.
Comience su viaje de Haifa con una impresionante vista panorámica de la bahía de Haifa y Galilea Occidental desde la cumbre del Monte Carmelo. Visita la cúpula dorada del templo Bahai und sus jardines exoic. Pasar el puerto de la ciudad y conducir a Naazareth para visitar la Iglesia de la Anunciación, y continúan Séforis para ver una de las maravillosas regiones pisos de mosaico romano. A Safed, el centro del misticismo judío con sinagogas históricas y barrio de los artistas modernos “. Siguen los Altos del Golán y ver los bunkers ex ejército sirio, la ciudad abandonada de Kuneitra y la nueva ciudad israelí de Katzrin. Viaje a Tiberias, una ciudad de vacaciones en el mar de Galilea, para pasar la noche. (B)

Día 6: Tiberia Capernaum Jericó Jerusalén
Después de un breve recorrido por la ciudad de Tiberíades, Cafarnaún seguir para ver la antigua sinagoga. A Bet Shean, una importante ciudad romana, para ver el anfiteatro reconstruido. Proceder a Bet Alfa para ver el piso de mosaico famoso de una antigua sinagoga. Siga el valle del Jordán hacia Jericó, la más antigua del mundo poblado amurallado, con los restos del Muro de Josué, luego en coche tbrough las colinas de Judea hacia Jerusalén. (B)

Día 7: Jerusalén, Ciudad Vieja Belén
Una introducción a la Ciudad Vieja es seguido por las visitas al Muro Occidental, Muro de las Lamentaciones, la Cúpula de la Roca, Vía Dolorosa, Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro, el Cardo romano pasarela y Casa Quemada antigua. Hacer una visita al monte Sión y la Tumba del Rey David, luego en coche a Belén para visitar la Tumba de Raquel y la Iglesia de la Natividad. En su declaración de visitar un centro de diamantes para ver a los artesanos trabajando. (B)

Día 8: Jerusalén, la ciudad de Nueva
Disfrute de un día completo dedicado a la ciudad de Nueva comenzando con una visita para observar la Knesset (Parlamento de Israel de construcción) y el esplendor arquitectónico del edificio de la Corte Suprema de Israel. Otros sitios importantes en el programa de hoy incluye: Ihe Chagall de Windows en el Hadassah Medical Center, el Museo del Holocausto y de los Caídos, y Herzl Monte. Además, usted ver la maqueta de Jerusalén durante el período del Segundo Templo, y tome la visita o memorable de los tesoros del Museo de Isrel, con su Santuario del Libro, la vivienda Rollos del Mar Muerto. (B)

Día 9: Cuevas del Mar Muerto de Qumran Masada
Unidad a través del desierto de Judea moonscaped hasta el Mar Dea, el punto más bajo de la Tierra (casi 4O0 metros bajo el nivel del mar). Visita las Cuevas de Qumran donde los manuscritos del Mar Muerto fueron descubiertos. Continuar a lo largo de la costa de la Seo DEDS a Masada. Ascender en teleférico a la cima de la montaña para admirar el desierto del rey Herodes palacio-fortaleza y último reducto de los fanáticos judíos contra la dominación romana en el año 73. El tiempo y el clima lo permite, puede flotar sin esfuerzo en el Mar Muerto. Regreso a su hotel en Jerusalén. (B)

Día 10: Jerusalén
Disfrute de un día de ocio en Jerusalén. (B)

Día 11: Inicio Título
Un traslado al aeropuerto de Ben Gurion le preparará para su vuelo de salida. (B)

Day 1 – Arrival Damascus International Airport and overnight in Damascus.

Day 2 – DAMASCUS
Today we explore Damascus, the oldest continuously occupied capital in the world. Visit the Umayyad Mosque, a treasure of some of the finest and best-preserved Is1amic art in the world, built on the site of the grand Byzantine Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The mosque is especialy famous for its well-preserved brilliant mosaics and patterned marble. We also visit the National Museum of Damascus, containing a collection of archaeological and historical material including a rich collection of artifacts from Palmyra, Mari and Ugarit as well as the magnificent frescoes from the third century synagogue at Dura Europos, the Old Bazaar, the Azem Place, where one can begin to appreciate the comforts and luxuries of urban life in this area; Via Recta, Anania’s House, Bab Charki, and St. Paul’s Window. Dinner & Overnight Damascus.

Day 3 – DAMASCUS
A day at leisure. Dinner and overnight Damascus.

Day 4- DAMASCUS, KRAK DES CHEVALIERS, TARTAS, LATAKIA
We depart Damascus and travel to Krak des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle which exemplifies the planning and engineering skills of the Crusader architects. As T.E. Lawrence observed, it is perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world. We arrive in Latakia which mushroomed from a modest fishing village to a major Syrian Crusader seaport and a military base of considerable importance. Dinner and overnight Latakia.

Day 5 – LATAKIA UGARIT, ALEPPO
After depading Latakia we visit the Bronze Age port of Ugarit where magnificent artifacts were unearthed including a 14th BC archive of cuneiform tablets, After a visit to the impressive Church of St. Simeon we arrive at Aleppo, located halfway between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean. One of the Near East’s great commercial cities in the Middle Ages, Aleppo served a hub of world trade from Central Asia, Mesopotamia and Europe, only declining in the 2Oth century. With its strategic position on trade routes, Aleppo is a melting pot of cultures reflected in its sights and cuisine. Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 6 – PALMYRA
Today we visit the oasis city of Palmyra (the place of Palms) which occupied a strategic position between the coast and the Euphrates and grew rich from flourishing trade routes. Settled since Neolithic times, Palmyra rises out of the barren desert. It reached its peak of prosperity under Queen Zenobia when she captured Syria, Arabia, Egypt and Anatolia. Visit includes the museum, the temples of Be! Baal Shamin and Nebo, the Roman Bath, the Tetrapyle, Diocletian’s Camp, and the Tomb’s Valley. Dinner and overnight Palmyra.

Day 7- PALMYRA, BEKAA VALLEY, BAALBEK, BEIRUT
Today we drive directly to Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and visit Baalbek named after the Phoenician god Baal. The Greeks called this city Heliopolis and it is the site of an immense ACROPOLIS, one of the world’s largest, and the worship site for the god Jupiter. Now we drive through the beautiful countryside to Beirut, a city known as the Paris of the Middle East. You’ll view the resurrection of this fascinating city; you’ll see many contrasts – traditional houses set in jasmine- scented gardens dwarfed by tall, modern buildings. Winding o1d alleys turn off from broad boulevards. Beggars and the wealthy share sidewalks, while luxury cars vie for the right of way with vendor carts. According to the City Fathers, Beirut is once again resuming its place as the recreational and commercial center of the Middle East, Optional ”Night on the Town”. Dinner and overnight Beirut.

Day 8 – Flight back home
After a good night’s rest and a hearty Lebanese breakfast we take a short drive to the Beirut airport.

Day 1 Damascus
Arrival and meeting at the airport of Damascus – transfer to the hotel – dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Damascus
Full day visit of Damascus: the National Museum, the Omayyad Mosque, the Azem Palace, the Straight Street, the Church of St. Ananias, the Window of St. Paul, stroll in Souk Hamidie and view of Damascus from Mount Qassioun – Dinner and overnight.

Day 3 Hauran – Bosra
Full day excursion to the Hauran, in the south of Syria: visit of Shahba, Chaqqa, Bosra and Ezraa – return to Damascus – dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Seydnaya – Crac des Chevaliers – Aleppo
Drive to Ma’alula and Seydnaya for visit – continuation for Crac des Chevaliers: visit of the castle – drive to Aphamea for visit of the site-transfer To Aleppo for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Aleppo
Full day visit of Aleppo: the Museum, the Citadel, the Great Mosque, the Souks and the old town – dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Palmyra
Drive to Palmyra and visit of the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, the Agora, the Theater, and theTombs – dinner and overnight.

Day 7 Palmyra – Damascus
Continuation of the visit of Palmyra – transfer to Damascus – after dinner Transfer to the airport for departure.

Tour

Description:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor, who lived from 1906 to 1945. Bonhoeffer, whostudied in Tübingen, Berlin and New York, was one of the “Heroes of Conscience” who returned to Germany to join the fight against Hitler. Today he remains an inspiration to all those who protest against the violation of human rights His writings are among the most profound and provocative theology of the twentieth century.Martin Luther can be described as leading Protestant Reformer, Monk, Teacher, family man, one of the most significant figures in history and Germany’s greatest theologian and Biblical scholar. His own study of the scriptures caused him to find the answer to the searching of his own soul about faith and forgiveness.

Tour Highlight :

Berlin - Kurfürstendamm – Wroclaw (Poland) -  ”Memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe”  -  Krzyzowa/ – Swidnica - Wroclaw, Dresden, Leipzig -  Eisleben -  Torgau, Wittenberg -  Potsdam, Berlin

Greece and Turkey and Greek Islands

These unique Christian Tour packages combine the footsteps of St. Paul with cruising in Greece and Turkey. Participants have the opportunity to thoroughly explore a vast part of continental Greece, as well as get a glimpse of some characteristic Greek islands while on our 3-day cruise.

Day 1:
Arrival in Thessaloniki, the second largest and most significant city in the country, after the capital Athens. You will be met at ‘Macedonia’ Thessaloniki Airport and taken to your hotel for dinner. In the evening, you have free leisure time to rest and to prepare for your Christian tour. Overnight stay in Thessaloniki

Day 2:
Today, we visit the town of Kavala, a wealthy region of Greece, with a large natural port. Next, on our Christian tour itinerary is the ancient city of Neapolis, which was visited by Saints Paul, Timothy, Silas and Luke. Ancient Neapolis was renamed Chrisoupolis and was the first city in Europe to accept Christianity. After visiting the marvellous Roman aqueduct and the ruins of the Medieval Castle-Acropolis, we head for the town of Philippi, which was established by King Philip II in 358 B.C. Philippi was the location where St. Paul gave his first sermon, as well as baptized the first Christians on European soil. Later, St. Paul was held captive in a Roman crypt. We then visit the Ancient Site of Philippi, admiring the Acropolis, the Agora, the Basilicas and the ancient Theatre. Return to Thessaloniki for overnight stay.

Day 3:
Archives of correspondence between St. Paul and the Christian community of Thessaloniki can be found in area’s Books of the New Testament. We continue our Christian tour, visiting the ancient city walls, the Archaeological Museum, Agios Georgios Church, the ancient Roman Rotunda, and the Arch of Triumph of Emperor Galerius, built in 303 B.C. We also visit the city’s beautiful churches: the five-aisled Basilica of Agios Dimitrios that is built over the tomb of the saint, and the basilica of Hagia Sophia that is celebrated for its splendid mosaics. Departure for Kalambaka, the small town built on the ancient city of Aeginion, beneath the majestic rocks of Meteora. Overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Day 4:
Today, we visit two of the renowned Byzantine monasteries that are located in Kalambaka in Western Thessalia. Both monasteries are perched on giant, dramatic boulders, which reach the height of 100 to 150 meters. The Meteora was a flourishing community in the 14th century, having no less than 24 working monasteries. It was a place where monks sought isolation, refuge and spiritual salvation. Departure for Athens, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5:
Transport to Piraeus Port, where we set off on a 3-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. Departure for Mykonos Island. Arrival in Mykonos in the afternoon. The island of Mykonos is a marvellous cosmopolitan holiday hotspot that combines an international jet-set atmosphere and stimulating nightlife. We recommend a nonchalant stroll in Mykonos Town to admire the whitewashed houses and flowered balconies, and to visit the beautiful church of Panagia Paraportiani. Other attractions in Mykonos Town include the island’s trademark windmills and the charming area of Alefkandra, Mykonos’ Little Venice. Departure for Rhodes Island.

Day 6: We arrive in Rhodes in the morning. This part of our Christian tour includes and optional half-day excursion to the Temple of Athena, which is situated on the impressive rocky Acropolis of Lindos, overlooking the elegant, whitewashed artists’ colony and the Aegean Sea. Boat trip to Kusadasi, Turkey

Day 7:
We reach Kusadasi, Turkey in the morning. Our optional excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus sets off from here. In the afternoon, we arrive in Patmos, the tranquil island where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. During the Patmos leg of our Christian tour, you can participate in our optional excursion to the monastery of St. John the Theologian and to the Holy Grotto of the Revelation. Departure for Piraeus

Day 8:
Today, you will be informed of the fantastic cruise to areas in the Peloponnese and begin our tour in Corinth, where we visit the ruins of the ancient city, which are perched on a hill above the modern town of Corinth. Our next destination is Mycenae, where we visit the Archaeological Museum, the sanctuary and the temples, as well as the impressive citadel of Agamemnon, the ancient acropolis, and the famous Lion’s Gate, which is said to symbolize the strength of the kings of Mycenae. Homer wrote that Mycenae is a “city rich in gold”. Return to Athens. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 9:
Our day of sightseeing in Athens, one of the most magnificent ancient cities in the world, starts with a visit to the world famous Acropolis. On this sacred hill, you will see exquisite monuments, such as the Propylae Gates, the breathtaking Parthenon and the Erechtheion. We also visit the Areios Pagos Hill, the Ancient Agora, the Parliament Building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. After our Athens sightseeing tour, participants have the afternoon free to explore this captivating city. Dinner and overnight stay in Athens.

Day 10:
Transfer to Athens Airport for departure.

Day 1-Thessalonica

Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–2) which is well known for the 2 New Testament books that were written about it called Thessalonians. We will have a short tour of the city on this first day which may include Jason’s home.

Day 2 – Kavala -

Spring where Lydia was Baptized (Acts 16:14–15)where the first European Christians came to Christ and were baptized Philippi (Thes.2:2) where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will see what is thought to have served as a prison for Paul. See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Kavala is Greece’s most beautiful mainland port. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas (Troy). This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Kavala-ancient Neopolis (Acts 16:11) We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Macedonia(Acts 16:8-10) you will drive through this northern area of Greece.

Day 3 – Thessalonica

Tour Thessalonica (Acts 17:1) See where Paul lived at Jason’s home. Visit Berea (Acts 17:10-14) A stop will be made in Berea to view the Bema surrounded by newly placed mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. Travel to Meteora where you will see ageless monasteries and exquisite Byzantine art. Stay overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 4 - Corinth

Corinth (Acts 18:1-17) We will be stopping at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth. The we will make a brief stop in the place where Paul would’ve landed in Corinth. This city has inspired many of Paul’s most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. Enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day.

Day 5 – Mykonos

On board the cruise ship heading to Mykonos We sail this morning from Athens to the unique isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. Be sure to find “little Venice” while you are there.

Day 6 – Rhodes

Rhodes (Acts 21:1) First, you will enjoy an excursion to the ancient city of Lindos. Magnificently situated between two bays with sandy beaches, an ancient acropolis and medieval castle, Lindos is famous as a most striking and impressive city where Paul stopped on his Journey. Rhodes is an ancient fortified city was built by the knights of St. John and is rich in Roman and Greek culture. Stroll down the Street of the Knights to the market area for shopping and a wonderful Greek lunch. We return to the ship for dinner. This evening you can participate in a special Greek night on board.

Day 7 – Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey (Rev 2:1-7) Enjoy a tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We’ll view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis. We will also have some free time in the port to shop and look around. Patmos (Rev 1:9) We visit the Isle of Patmos roughing a town below the grotto of 3,000 people (the same number during John’s time), is under statutory protection as a historic monument. We will tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave where John received the Revelation.

Day 8 & 9 – Athens

Athens From the mountains, our tour travels southward past Mount Olympia and on to the city of Athens, the birth place of democracy. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul he spoke with the judges and near where he preached the “sermon to the unknown god” (Acts 17:22-31) to a Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace.

Day 10 Return Home

Day 1 -Arrive Cairo International Airport

Day 2 – Cairo
Explore central Cairo. We will also explore the Citadel, the Alabaster and Sultan Hassan Mosques and then we’ll have the thrill of exploring/shopping the Khan El Khalili Bazaar where your bargaining skills will be tested. Then we’ll drive to the railroad station for our deluxe Wagon-Lits overnight Sleeper Train to Aswan.

Day 3- Aswan and Nile Cruise
Transfer to the Five-star Sheraton Ship for our Nile Cruise and explorations of Upper Egypt. After lunch we will ride in the fabled Nile Felucca boats, return to our ship and relax with afternoon tea. In the evening we will dance and enjoy Egyptian music.

Day 4 – Aswan
In the morning we visit the High Dam, the Old Dam, the Philae Temple and view ancient Granite Quarries. Lunch while sailing to Kom Ombo. In Kom Ombo visit the Temple of Kom Ombo renowned for its rigorous symmetrical construction. Double doorways lead into double chambers and sanctuaries after we walk through double halls and past double colonnades. Sebak, the toothy crocodile god, was locally important due to the many crocodiles that swam the Kom Ombo waters. Evening: sail to Edfu. Dinner and Egyptian-style party on the Nile.

Day 5 – Edfu to Luxor
We visit Edfu and the Temple of Horus. This temple took over 20O years to construct and was finished in 57 BCE. One of the important rituals in this temple was the coronation festival, in which a falcon was crowned in the temple’s main court and triumphantly paraded to the interior where it reigned in darkness for one year. Lunch while sailing to Luxor. Evening: dancing and listening to Egyptian musicians.

Day 6- Karnak and Valley of the Kings
This morning we will leave the ship in Luxor and visit the Karnak Temple, the Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. After our day’s explorations we’ll board the overnight train back to Cairo.

Day 7- Cairo
We wake up to the glories of the exotic City of Cairo. This morning we will visit the famed Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, here you will have the unbelievable experience of looking directly into the eyes of a mummified Pharoah. Optional visit to the King Tut Exhibit. We continue on to Old Cairo to visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue (where the Geniza documents were found), the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. Optional evening Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.

Day 8- Sphinx and Pyramids
Today we see the fabled Sphinx, The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Valley Temple.Then we continue on to the ancient capital of Egypt at Memphis, the Step Pyramid and the Tombs of Sakara. Optional dinner cruise on the Nile with an exciting folklore show.

Day 9 – Flights home from Cairo airport.

Saída no voo especial até Israel. Noite a bordo.

Dia 2: Tel Aviv

Chegada ao Aeroporto de Ben Gurión. Assistência e transferencia ao hotel em Tel Aviv. Alojamento e pequeno-almoço. Ao meio-dia breve percurso panorámico da cidade de Tel Aviv e Jaffa, incluindo o bairro dos artistas e a Igreja de San Pedro em Jaffa. Alojamento.

Dia 3:  Tel Aviv – Cesareia – Haifa – Acre – Galileia

Pequeno-almoço e saída a Cesárea Marítima a través do Vale de Sharon, para visitar o antigo teatro Romano, as ruínas Cruzadas e o Aqueduto Romano. Seguiremos até a buliçosa cidade de Haifa sobre o monte Carmelo .Vista do Templo Bahai, seita Persa de especiais valores estéticos assim como o Mosteiro Carmelita de Stella Maris. Após apreciar a vista do monte, continuaremos até San Juan de Acre para visitar a antiga fortaleza Cruzada assim como as ruínas Muçulmanas. Seguiremos pela Galileia Ocidental até o hotel. Em Tiberiades. Alojamento.

Dia 4: Tiberias – Nazare – Galileia

Pequeno-almoço e saída até o Monte das bem Aventuranças, lugar do Sermão da Montanha. A seguir rumo a Tabgha, onde ocorreu a Multiplicação dos Pães e dos Peixes. Bordearemos o lago de Tiberiades até Capernaum, para visitar a antiga sinagoga assim como a nova igreja Franciscana. Pela tarde, visita a Nazaré, incluindo a Basílica da Anunciação, a Fonte de Maria assim como a Carpintaria de São José. De regresso ao hotel, visita a Cana de Galileia onde se comemora o Milagre das Bodas de Cana. Regresso a Tiberiades e alojamento no hotel.

Dia 5: Galileia -Jerusalem

Depois do pequeno-almoço, saída através do Vale do Jordão, até o Rio Jordão, e possibilidade de renovação dos votos de baptismo. Continuaremos até a antiga cidade Filisteia de Beth Shean, uma das Dez cidades da Decapolis, visita das escavações. Pela tarde, atravessando o Deserto Judia pelo antigo caminho até Jerusalém. Chegada a Jerusalém, e alojamento no hotel.

Dia 6: Jerusalem( Cidade Nova)  - Belem

Pequeno-almoço e percurso da cidade nova de Jerusalém com uma vista panorâmica, incluindo a Knesset ( Parlamento ) e a Menorah. Visita do Museu do Holocausto e do Museu de Israel, onde estão expostos os famosos manuscritos do Mar Morto e a Maqueta da Cidade em tempos do Segundo Templo. Visitaremos também Ein Karem, lugar do nascimento de São João Batista. Pela tarde, visita a Belém, a Basílica da Natividade onde se comemora o nascimento de Jesus, a igreja de Santa Catalina assim como a vista sobre o Campo dos Pastores. Regresso ao hotel, e alojamento.

Dia 7: Jerusalem ( Cidade Antiga )

Após o pequeno-almoço, visitaremos o Muro dos Lamentos, com a oportunidade de apreciar os rituais judeus do Shabat. Vista do Monte do Templo, através da Via Dolorosa, até a Basílica do Santo Sepulcro tradicional lugar do Gólgota. Visitaremos o Monte Sion, a Basílica da Dormição assim como a Tumba do Rei David e o Cenáculo, onde ocorreu a última ceia. Pela tarde saída até o Monte Scopus, vista da Universidade Hebreia de Jerusalém, a seguir até o Monte das Oliveiras, a partir da ontem se aprecia uma vista completa da antiga Jerusalém. Visitaremos o jardim de Getsemani com as suas milenárias oliveiras e a Basílica de Todas as Nações. Regresso ao hotel, jantar e alojamento.

Dia 8: Jerusalem

Dia livre em Jerusalém, com possibilidade de uma excursão opcional ao Mar Morto e Massada.

Dia 9: Jerusalem – Brasil

A hora indicada, transfer ao aeroporto para o voo de regresso a Brasil . Fim dos nossos serviços.

Greece Country Information

Greece attracts more than 16 million tourists each year, thus contributing 15% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product Economy. Greece has been an attraction for international visitors since antiquity for its rich and long history and more recently for its glorious Mediterranean coastline and beaches.

In 2005, 6 Million tourists visited only the city of Athens, the capital city.

In 2004, the country welcomed over 16.5 million tourists.

The island of Rhodes is one of the most visited places in the Mediterranean Sea. According to a survey conducted in China in 2005, Greece was voted as the Chinese people’s number one choice as a tourist destination. Furthermore, Greece has been actively trying to secure a large share of Chinese tourists per year, highlighted by the large presence of Greek tourist informative at the 2006 Beijing International Tourism Expo. Greece had the largest single country participation at the Beijing Tourism Expo with a total exhibition space take-up of more than 1,152 m², more than any other nation. In November 2006, Austria, like China, announced that Greece was the favorite destination for tourism giving optimistic hopes for the future. In line with these observations, Greece’s Minister of Tourism Aris Spiliotopoulos announced the opening of a GNTO office in Shanghai until 2010. In order to promote the Chinese flow of tourists to Greece, Air China has now established direct flights from China to Greece.

General Information:

Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, with an area of 131,957 sq.km. And a population of 10,964,020.

Athens is the capital of Greece with a population of 3,192,606.

Local time is GMT +2 hours.

The Hellenic Republic is a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy

Greece is a member state of E.U. since 1981.

Money

The currency is Euro.

Electric Current :

The standard in Greece is 230V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America require a transformer and British ones an adapter.

Shopping :

Greece is the ideal destination to shop for a wide variety of products, catering to everybody’s tastes and wishes. Prices are very reasonable in relation to product quality and visitors will be able to find something for every budget.

Shops are open Monday through Friday from 09.00 till 14.30 and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday also from 17.30 through 20.30.On Saturday shops open from 09.00 till 15.00, while they are closed on Sunday. Supermarkets and kiosks may stay open till 22.00.

More specifically, in the center of large urban areas as well as in tourist areas, tourist shops and kiosks are open from early in the morning till late at night, seven days a week.

Health:

In all cases, the tourist-consumer: Should acquire, for their own convenience, detailed information regarding the use of public transport at their destination, especially with regards to the cost of the journey, ticket validity and cancellations, and recommended arrival times in advance of the departure of the service.

Has to be aware, when using taxis, that drivers are obliged, upon request, to issue official receipts for the total cost of the journey, which include vehicle’s registration number and owner’s name. In the event of any omission or violations of the above, you may submit a complaint or claim to the Greek National Tourism Organization, by telephone on 1572, or by email to kouremenou_i@gnto.gr. 

For tourist information: visit http://www.v isitgreece.gr email: info@gnto.gr or call: 210 3310392, 210 3310716 Tourist Police: 171

Public transport in Greece:

www.oasa.gr or www.isap.gr or www.ose.gr

Useful telephone numbers, in case of emergency:

Emergency ambulance service: 166

On-duty hospitals, clinics, doctors & pharmacies: 1434

Police (Emergency number): 100

Regional Police Departments: 1033

SOS Doctors: 1016 (not provided under the National Health Service)

Greece and the Greek Islands do not present any health problems, any strange or particular disease and consequently, no vaccines are required to travel in Greece.

However, there are some common vaccinations to all international health certificates to do before leaving your country such as tetanus & diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A & B

Passports:

For the citizens who travel form the EU, no passports are required. For the non EU subjects, a valid passport is necessary to enter in Greece. In case of lost, the local police and the embassy of your home government must be contacted. It is recommended to have a photocopy of your passport in order to get the process of replacement lost quickly.

Visas:

All the citizens from the countries except from the countries of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need a visa to enter Greece.

I.D.:

A passport can serve like an ID. Apart from the official identity card of your country, other forms of ID can be recognised: a driver’s licence, a teacher or student identification.

Animals:

Animals from an other country of the EU require a health certificate.

Weather:

The Greece weather is fairly uniform throughout Greece . Due to its geographical position, the weather in Greece and the Greek Islands has mild winters and warm summers, cooled by different kind of seasonal winds. The summers are characterized by sunshine and very little rainfall: great summer holidays guaranteed! The Greece weather of the islands of the Aegean and the Ionian seas is milder. Some regions are characterized by the Meltemi, a summer wind which blows mostly the islands of the Aegean and offer perfect wind conditions for sailing and windsurfing.

Money

It is important to always have some cash in Greece and the Greek Islands. You can use your cash card on ATM machines but you should ensure also an other way to have access to money. Some ATM may not accept your cash card so you better get information from your local bank agency. There are ATM machines in all parts of Greece but there are so places where their access is difficult. For example, some islands have only cash machine in the main town.

The safer way to travel to Greece and also in all countries is the travelers check. Outside banking hours, currency and check can be exchanged at ticket agencies. If you travel with cash, do not keep them all in one place (in case you get robbed). Greece is part of the European Union and its currency is the Euro. (The Euro replaced the Drachma).

Tourist Police:

The Tourist Police is a Service of the Greek Police Force staffed with specially trained, foreign-language speaking personnel. Within the framework of its duties and functions, it provides the following services:

It provides information to Greek and foreign visitors and offers them assistance in settling any issues arising with tourist businesses.

It cooperates with locally competent Directorates of Tourism and local authorities in order to deal with tourism issues.

It ensures that the tourist legislation in force is applied in all tourist areas, businesses and media, such as hotels, apartments and rooms to let, tourist shops, tourist agencies and coaches, car and motorcycle rental agencies, archaeological sites, tourist guides, ski resorts, spa towns, mass arrival/departure stations, sanitary facilities operating in tourist businesses and sites of free camping, etc.

It carries out inspections of tourist businesses with the aim to provide better services and higher protection to visitors.

The distinctive insignia of the Greek Tourist Police officers are the following:

White band on the cap

White belt

White gloves

The distinctive insignia “TOURIST POLICE” worn on the front of the shirt.

The Greek Tourist Police can be reached around-the-clock by dialing “171”. This line provides all kind of information and instructions in Greek, English, French and German, thus helping tourists to deal directly with any arising problem.

In case you need any help, do not hesitate to contact the staff members of the Greek Tourist Police by dialing “171”. Tourist police stations

Health

Public transport in Athens-Attica

Athens is located in the Prefecture of Attica and sprawls across the plain of Attica hemmed in by mountains ( i.e. Mt Aigaleo, Mt Parnitha, Mt Penteli and Mt Hymettos). The Greek capital, together with its suburbs and the neighbouring city of Piraeus, forms an integrated residential complex (the capital’s main urban planning complex) numbering about 3.5 million inhabitants. The entire prefecture has witnessed the development of state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure catering to residents and visitors in a fast and reliable way. Buses-trolleybuses: For information on city bus and electric trolleybus itineraries , as well as on timetables and tickets click here.

Metro:

The Athens metro consists of three lines – Line 1 (the old Athens-Piraeus electric rail service known as ISAP), Line 2 (underground) and Line 3 ( underground) – covering a considerable part of the Attica region. New extensions reaching other parts of the city are expected in the future. Analytical route maps are displayed in every metro station. For more information visit Attiko Metro and I.S.A.P.

Tram:

The tram network connects the center of Athens ( Syntagma Square ) to the southern (coastal) suburbs. Boasting state-of-the-art technology and modern vehicle design, it serves the following Routes:

- Athens-Glyfada, running through Nea Smyrni, Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Helliniko.

- Athens-Peace & Friendship Stadium (Neo Faliro), running through Nea Smyrni and Paleo Faliro and from there branching out along the coastal avenue, and

- Glyfada-Peace & Friendship Stadium via the coastal avenue and the Faliriko Delta.

The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos):

It accommodates travel to/from Athens and the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport (with seven stops along the line), Athens and Corinth (84 km west of Athens – with seven stops along the line), Corinth and Kiato (24 km) and Corinth and the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport(with eleven stops along the line). Upon completion it will connect Piraeus and its port to Athens, the airport and other large urban centres in neighbouring prefectures (Thiva, Chalkida, Loutraki).

Taxis:

All taxis are yellow and equipped with a metre displaying the fare. The driver is obliged to activate the meter upon hire. From 05:00-24:00hrs Tariff 1 applies, while from 24:00-05: 00 hrs Tariff 2 comes into effect.

Attiki Odos Motorway The Attiki Odos is a cutting-edge motorway in Europe linking the town of Elefsina (located in western Attica) to the “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport (Spata, eastern Attica). Part of the Athens peripheral ring road, it circumvents Athens and offers 27 main and secondary interchanges for entrance and exit into /from the capital. To enter the motorway tolls are paid, the fare depending on vehicle category based on height and number of axles.

National Greece Dates:

March 25: Greek Independence Day It is the day of the celebration of the beginning of the Greek revolution against the Turkish occupants in 1821. It is celebrated with military parades all over Greece.

May 1: Labor Day It is called “Protomayia” and it is a urban holiday when people traditionally go to the countryside for picnic and pick great bunches of flowers. It is also a day where large demonstrations organized by the left wings take place

October 28: National Anniversary It is the day of the National Anniversary of Greek Independence. The day is characterized by military parades and folk dances. The day is also called “Ohi Day” in honor of General Metaxa’s famous “Oxi!” (no!) as a refusal to Mussolini’s demand to occupy the country during World War II.

November 17 : Day of the student rise against the Junta of 1974.

Holidays in Greece:

Holidays in the mythical land, Greece and the Greek Islands. Greece is the perfect place to plan your holidays. It is a beautiful country characterized by its mountainous landscapes, its incredible weather, its many islands, its long sandy beaches and more. Greece is the favorite holidays destination for many Europeans and attracts every year millions of visitors.

Religion

The Greek population is composed of a 97% of Christian Orthodox. The rest of the population is Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish. Greece and Russia are the only countries to have such a proportion of people belonging to the Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Religion

Religion for Orthodox Greeks is a word which means the true belief. Sunday mass can last up to 3 hours, but it is not customary to remain for the whole service. Men and women are separated. The priest officiates behind the iconostas, a wall covered in icons which hides the altar. To the right and left of the entrance, St. John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary show the way to Christ. Whereas the bishops remain celibate, the priests can marry and have children. They are easily spotted in their long black robes, with their long hair that they wear in a bun or a pony tail and a long beard which is a sign of maturity among the orthodox. The patriarch, or head, of the orthodox religion is in Istanbul in Turkey. There are many monasteries in Greece, the highest concentration of monks being found on Mount Athos where there are 1700 monks in the 20 monasteries there. Women and children are not allowed on Mount Athos.

The Greek Easter

Easter is the most important celebration for the Greeks. Families get together to share lamb roast on a spit. The masses are particularly impressive. The celebrations last for several days, and even up to Ascension in certain villages, that is 40 days. On Easter Sunday children are given new clothes. At the beginning of Lent, children go to school in disguise and a big carnival is organised in the towns.

Greece Traditions & Customs

Traditions in Greece and Greek Islands are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still followed and celebrated today, are religious. Many Greeks are very superstitious people and believe a lot in religion as well as in supernatural or paranormal phenomenon. It impress many visitors who travel to Greece .

Mythology

Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece. Modern scholars refer to the myths and study them in an attempt to throw light on the religious and political institutions of Ancient Greece and on the Ancient Greek civilization, and to gain understanding of the nature of myth-making itself.

Greek mythology is embodied explicitly in a large collection of narratives and implicitly in representational arts, such as vase-paintings and votive gifts. Greek myth explains the origins of the world and details the lives and adventures of a wide variety of gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines, and other mythological creatures. These accounts were initially disseminated in an oral-poetic tradition; the Greek myths are known today primarily from Greek literature. The oldest known Greek literary sources, the epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, focus on events surrounding the Trojan War. Two poems by Homer’s near contemporary Hesiod, the Theogony and the Works and Days, contain accounts of the genesis of the world, the succession of divine rulers, the succession of human ages, the origin of human woes, and the origin of sacrificial practices. Myths are also preserved in the Homeric Hymns, in fragments of epic poems of the Epic Cycle, in lyric poems, in the works of the tragedians of the 5th century BC, in writings of scholars and poets of the Hellenistic Age and in writers of the time of the Roman Empire, for example, Plutarch and Pausanias. Archaeological evidence is a principal source of detail about Greek mythology, with Gods and heroes featuring prominently in the decoration of many artifacts. Geometric designs on pottery of the 8th century BCE depict scenes from the Trojan cycle as well as the adventures of Heracles. In the succeeding Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods, Homeric and various other mythological scenes appear to supplement the existing literary evidence.

Greek mythology has had extensive influence on the culture, the arts and the literature of Western civilization and remains part of Western heritage and language. Poets and artists from ancient times to the present have derived inspiration from Greek mythology and have discovered contemporary significance and relevance in classical mythological themes.

Tourist Protection Line

Learn about your rights and your obligations. All enterprises, regardless of their nature (tourist or otherwise), are obliged to issue written receipts for the total amount they receive. Possession of a receipt safeguards the consumer in the event of any claim or dispute with the enterprises. Foreign visitors must ensure that they have valid medical cover before departing.

The following is valid during your stay in accommodation licensed by the GNTO and displaying the Special Function Sign: The hotelier is obliged to license vacant rooms to customers and provide all advertised amenities.

Within 3 days of receiving an inquiry for a room, by any means (telephone, letter, or email), the hotelier is obliged to inform the customer by print whether or not they accept the booking, and include details on the booking (type of room, length of stay, price). A written response protects both the customer and the hotelier.

The deposit for the booking cannot exceed the 25% of the total accommodation cost, and on the other hand cannot be less than the charge for one night. In the event that the customer wishes to cancel a booking, and the cancellation is made 21 days prior to the agreed arrival date, the hotelier is obliged to refund the deposit in full, while for cancellations made within 21 days, the customer must pay the hotelier the 50% of the total cost of the canceled booking.

In the event that the hotelier is unable to provide rooms they have confirmed with customers, they are obliged to secure customers’ stay in alternative accommodation of at least the same category, in the same town, which offers the same amenities and services as those advertised by their own establishment.

The hotelier is only responsible for valuable belongings entrusted to them by the customer, and for which they have issued the relevant receipt.

Keeping pets of any kind in a hotel is forbidden, unless the hotel provides a designated area for pets. In all cases, a prior arrangement on this issue must be made between the hotelier and the tourist-consumer.

The following is valid for transactions with tourist agencies licensed by the GNTO and displaying the Special Function Sign:

The tourist agency is responsible to the consumer for all the services they have sold, including those provided by third parties (hotels, restaurants, car rentals, etc.), except in cases of personal or third party liability, or force majeure. In all cases, the customers of a tourist agency or car rental agency must be informed by print about the terms under which services or products are provided prior to making a purchase.

Specifically, for Organized Trips (P.O. 339/96), which Greek law defines as a fixed combination of at least two of the following elements, i.e. transport, accommodation or other services (participation in meetings or events of a professional, cultural or artistic nature, meals, guided tours etc.), it is obligatory to sign a relevant contract, which includes:

The terms attached to the services included in the contract (cost and category of accommodation).

Means of transport, meals included, itinerary, information pertaining to passports and necessary visas, cancellation policy, guided tours, entry to archaeological sites and museums, other recreational services, etc.).

An insurance policy which will state by print that in case of insolvency or bankruptcy of the tourist agency, the consumer, above and beyond other claims, will be entitled to a refund of the full amount paid, as well as immediate payment of repatriation expenses.