Overseas Adventure Travel - The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from
Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
2021
Learn how to personalize your experience on this adventure
Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once again
be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed O.A.T. Adventure Travel
Planning Guide® should help you keep those dreams vividly alive.
Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number
one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all O.A.T. travelers, ship crew, Trip Experience Leaders,
and coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure.
Our new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside.
The journey you’ve expressed interest in, The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from Athens to
Jerusalem & the Greek Islands, will be an excellent way to resume your discoveries. It takes you into
the true heart of the culture, thanks to our small groups of 20-25 travelers (average of 22). Plus,
our European or Israeli Trip Experience Leader will reveal their country’s secret treasures as only
an insider can. You can also rely on the seasoned team at our regional office in Greece, who are
ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise.
Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of the
regional culture. Meet a sponge shop owner in Symi and discuss the importance of the sponge-
diving trade on the local economy, as well as its tumultuous past. Plus, a portion of our proceeds
goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle Foundation: inside you’ll also see how your
travel dollar helps make the world a better place.
We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers take
advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 91% of travelers who extend
their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Greece: Olympia, Nafplion & Athens, post-trip
extension to Israel: Jerusalem & Masada, or both of these extensions to your Greece and Israel
adventure.
I hope you find this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® helpful. If you have any
further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Regional Adventure Counselors at
1-800-955-1925.
Warm regards,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking
Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Departure Dates and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Leader in Solo-Friendly Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Deck Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Grand Circle Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines . . . . . . . 44
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services . . . . . . . 61
About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More . . . . . . . . 65
Demographics & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Health & Safety Measures – Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . 86
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
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Experience ancient ruins and legendary history across 3 unique countries
The Aegean & Mediterranean:
A Voyage from Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
Small Ship Adventure
GreecĕŶĞāłŭ̇ÖłŶŋũĢłĢ̇ÖŶĿŋŭ̇ƘĿĢ̇Ğŋùāŭ̳Ά̳Cyprus̆ÖťĞŋŭ̳Ά̳Israel: Haifa, Jerusalem
Countries: 3Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆8Ά7 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 89-Passenger M/V Clio
Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed!
It’s Included
(average of 22)
• International airfare, airport transfers, • Services of our local Trip Experience
12 days from $ 5995 government taxes, fees, and airline fuel
surcharges, unless you choose to make
Leader with your group of 20-25
(average of 22) throughout
Includes international airfare your own air arrangements your adventure
Travel from only $500 a day • Accommodations for 1 night in Athens, • Gratuities for local guides and
7 nights aboard our privately owned motorcoach drivers
11 days from $ 4795 small ship with wireless Internet
access, and 2 nights in Jerusalem
• All port charges
Without international airfare
• 28 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage
per person, including tips
Single Supplement: $1095 9 dinners—plus all onboard house beer,
wine, and soft drinks • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward
your next trip
Maximize Your
• 9 guided tours and cultural experiences
Discoveries & Value To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure,
watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/cth2021
Optional extensions:
Greece: Olympia, Nafplion & Athens
5 nights pre-trip from $995
Travel from only $199 per night
Israel: Jerusalem & Masada
4 nights post-trip from $1495
Travel from only $374 per night
Harbor, Symi, Greece
The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
4
The Aegean & Mediterranean: RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH
CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21
A Voyage from Athens to We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for
any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure.
Jerusalem & the Greek Islands See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.
2021 Dates & Prices
To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.
CABIN CATEGORY APRIL
VS Sun Deck (Balcony Stateroom) $5995
A $5395
Veranda Deck (Window Stateroom)
B $5295
C $5195
D Main Deck (Window Stateroom) $5095
E $4795
Air Add-Ons APRIL
New York $1200
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami,
$1400
Newark, Portland, San Francisco, Washington, DC
Houston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tampa $1500
Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle $1600
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. CTH2021
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website:
www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/cth2021pricing
SAVE UP TO 10% WITH OUR LIMITED LOW-COST SINGLE SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL
GOOD BUY PLAN SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE New travelers you refer will instantly
The earlier you reserve your departure From $1095 on your main trip & FREE save $100, and you’ll earn increasing
and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up on all extensions. If sold out, be sure to rewards—up to a FREE trip!
to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. call us about our Roommate Matching
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd Program.
Publication Date: 12/16/20
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/cth2021
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Leader in Solo-Friendly
Travel
Solo traveler with young women in Sarajevo, Bosnia
The leader in solo-friendly travel for Americans—by the numbers
More than 50,000 15,000 single More than 90% of 51 exclusive women’s
solo travelers joined us spaces with a FREE solo women travelers departures featured on
in the past two years— or low-cost Single rated their adventure 25 of our most popular
on their own or with a Supplement in 2021—a excellent adventures—10 of
friend or relative 76% increase from 2019 which are single-only
departures
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WHO IS A SOLO TRAVELER? EXCLUSIVE WOMEN’S DEPARTURES
Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone— There’s something special about traveling in a group of
some travelers opt to bring a friend or family member just women. Maybe it’s the camaraderie and friendships
along for the adventure, sharing accommodations and that form when women meet other women who share
discoveries. Others prefer exploring on their own, with their passion for travel. Or maybe it’s how, in a group
the security and camaraderie group travel provides. of their peers, women feel supported and confident
However you choose to see the world, you can feel to take risks and try new things as they explore. In
confident when exploring with the leader in solo- recognition of the special solidarity that often develops
friendly travel among our women travelers, we are offering 51 exclusive
women’s departures of our popular adventures. These
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS 2021 departures provide intrepid women travelers
an opportunity to connect with one another while
We’re committed to supporting our solo travelers who
experiencing local culture in a variety of destinations
want to explore the world, so we offer limited FREE
including Israel, Morocco, and more. Alongside a female
Single Supplements on all Small Group Adventures,
Trip Experience Leader on most of these adventures, you’ll
every trip extension, and our Stopovers, too. Plus, we’ve
delve into the heart and soul of your destination—from a
increased the number of single spaces to 18,000 on 2021
woman’s point of view. Together, you’ll share meaningful
departures—a 23% increase from 2019. See details at
moments, whether you’re helping with a student’s lessons
www.oattravel.com/solo.
at a local school, engaging in a spontaneous conversation
with a female artisan as you browse through a craft
YOU’LL ALWAYS FEEL SAFE AND SECURE market during your free time, and beyond.
With 36 regional offices around the world, your safety
and security is our first priority. Our regional associates
know your adventure inside and out, and are ready to help
should the need arise. And a local Trip Experience Leader Recent Awards
is there to ensure you always feel part of the group.
They’re great at organizing activities to help develop
camaraderie among all group members.
TRAVEL AMONG FRIENDS
Small groups of 8-16 travelers (average of 13) are ideal
for connecting with fellow travelers. Since three out of
eight travelers explore with us solo, you’re sure to forge USA Today “Best Tours”
special bonds as you experience the world. 10Best Readers’ Presented by
Choice Awards Solo Traveler
Solo travelers at Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
7
YOUR M/V CLIO SMALL SHIP
Explore aboard our privately owned, 89-passenger small ship
Cruise the world’s legendary waterways aboard our 89-passenger small ship, the M/V Clio, rated
excellent by 96% of travelers. Built in 1998, the Clio was purchased and refurbished in 2016, prior to
its first departure. The ship holds four groups of 20-25 travelers (with an average of 22), each with its
own local Trip Experience Leader, dedicated to bringing culture to life in the Baltics, Portugal, Spain,
the Red Sea, and beyond.
SHIPBOARD FEATURES
• Two dining areas with single, open • Outdoor common areas: Relish coastal
seating: Savor regionally-inspired dishes views from your seat in the indoor/
or American favorites during all buffets outdoor veranda, Sun Deck, or whirlpool on
and table-service meals in the ship’s dining the Sky Deck.
room or indoor/outdoor veranda.
• English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated
• Comfortable lounge: Relax with old attention from our international staff
friends and new, and participate in onboard throughout your voyage. Plus, all shipboard
discussions and lectures. announcements are made in English for
your convenience.
• Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house
beer and house wine—as well as soft • Zodiac crafts & tenders: These onboard
drinks—at any time of day while onboard. crafts are available to take you to shore in
the most remote ports.
• Complimentary wireless Internet access:
Connect online in cabins and common areas. • Elevator service: An elevator serves the
Please note: Connectivity may be limited at first four passenger decks (must use stairs to
certain points throughout your cruise. access the Sky Deck).
8
M/V CLIO
CABIN CATEGORIES
Cabin with balcony –
Whirlpool
VS 205 sq. ft.
Cabin with window –
Sky Deck A 194 sq. ft.
Cabin with window –
B 194 sq. ft.
Cabin with window –
Massage
508 506 504 502
C 194 sq. ft.
ELV
Bar Bridge Cabin with window –
509 507 505 503 501
D 194 sq. ft.
Cabin with window –
E 194 sq. ft.
Sun Deck Single cabin with window –
S 161 sq. ft.
418 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402
The Veranda
Restaurant
ELV Registry: Malta
419 417 415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401 Length: 328 ft.
Beam: 46 ft.
Veranda Deck
Draft: 11 ft.
Cabin Size: 194-205 sq. ft., with
Infirmary
316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302
Reception
Discovery Lounge
ELV a single cabin of 161 sq. ft.
& Bar Library
Marina
&
Shop 319 317 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 Number of Cabins: 45
Access
Passenger Capacity: 89
Main Deck
Entered Service: 1998
Refurbished in: 2016
International crew: 60
Marina
ELV
The Passenger Decks: 5
Restaurant
Group Size: 25 travelers,
Marina Deck
maximum, with 1 Trip
Experience Leader per group
This ship complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted Elevator service to first four
with the most current navigational and communications technology. It has retractable fin stabilizers to passenger decks
help reduce discomfort during rough seas.
CABIN FEATURES
• 44 double-occupancy cabins between 194-
205 sq. ft.; one single-occupancy cabin is
161 sq. ft.
• All outside-facing with a window
or a balcony
• Queen-size bed (convertible to two twins)
• Complimentary wireless Internet access,
closet, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player,
telephone, mini-refrigerator, safe
• Private bath with shower, hair dryer, and Cabin on the Veranda Deck
toiletries
9
Changing People's Lives
One village, one school, one person at a time
Dear Traveler,
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation, an entity
of the Lewis Family Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so much. We’ve pledged
or donated more than $200 million worldwide to support
the education of young people and the preservation of
international treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Of course, none of this would be possible without your
help. A portion of our proceeds is donated to Grand Circle
Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the
discoveries you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also help to
enrich the lives of the people you’ll meet along the way.
Thank you for traveling with us, and for helping to change
people’s lives.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair
Grand Circle Foundation
Students at St. Mary's Primary School,
Hwange, Zimbabwe
10GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
By bringing cultures together and teaching us about
our shared humanity, travel has the power to change
the world, one heart at a time. When determining how
we can help the people, schools and communities we
visit, we always ask for the wisdom of local leadership
and the involvement of the community to ensure we
are providing what is needed. We currently support 109
schools and organizations in 59 countries.
JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
We consider each and every one of our travelers to
be partners in our worldwide giving. Some travelers,
however, are so inspired by the schools and villages
they visit, they are compelled to give more. In fact,
our travelers have donated more than $1 million in
2019 alone.
Giving Back in
BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— Different Ways
ALL AROUND THE WORLD Support from the Grand Circle Foundation takes many
In addition to the destinations where we travel, we forms—and is based on what's needed most. In one
strive to better the communities where we work—from school alone in Tanzania, we have completed projects
our headquarters in Boston to our 36 offices around ranging from providing a new water system and building a
the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates new girl's dormitory to installing a solar powered electric
participate in community service each year. Worldwide, fence to prevent elephants from wandering through
nearly all of our offices organize annual community the school grounds. And in Morocco, we partnered
service events of their own. with the Imik Smik Women’s Center of Aït Benhaddou
after learning about the efforts of the 13 women who
wanted a place built where they could gather together
to develop new skills to improve their lives, and gain
some independence in this traditionally male-dominated
region. We were thrilled to provide funds that enabled
construction to begin on this worthy project.
How you can help
• Donate to a school or village that inspired you during
your travels. Because we charge no administration
fee, 100% of your donation will be used to help change
Learn more about the many ways people’s lives.
we help change lives together at
• To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
www.grandcirclefoundation.org you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-inside-
scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates
on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and
discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
11Freedom to Personalize Your Experience
Your Choice, Your Adventure, Your Way
We recommend you spend extra time in a destination to truly make your adventure everything you’ve ever dreamed about—in fact, 85% of our
travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 85 countries. Call us at 1-800-955-1925 to discuss personalizing your adventure
today or visit us online at www.oattravel.com/personalize-cth2021.
āƩłāÈŋŽũRùāÖķdāłėŶĞŋĕŶÖƘ—Arrive Early,
' Please note: Our Adventure Specialists can help you plan your airfare if you’d
Stay Later & More like to “break away,” however since this option is completely on your own, you
will need to plan your own accommodations, meals, tours, and transfers.
Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your
overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye- Back-to-Back Adventures: 90% of our travelers who combined two
opening cultural interactions. Your local Trip Experience Leader will adventures anywhere in the world rated it excellent
help to ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re One of the most common adventures travelers combine with this one
looking for. With their unmatched understanding of local culture, and is Undiscovered Adriatic: Eastern Italy, Venice, Puglia & Malta. If you’re
commitment to enriching your experiences in their home country, already overseas, why not see more of the world and avoid another
it’ll be no surprise to you that 94% of our travelers rate their Trip international flight? Plus, you’ll save $250 per person when you
Experience Leader excellent. reserve two trips right after one another.
From extending your travels—whether with us or on your own—to
building in time to ensure a smooth beginning and end to your Small !ÖðĢłťėũÖùā̆!ĞŋŋŭāÈŋŽũRùāÖķzłðŋÖũù1ƗťāũĢāłóā
Ship Adventure, the choice is yours. Here are some of your options: Perhaps you’d like to be close to the elevator, dining room, or even
Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of travelers take an extension your friend’s cabin—we’ll help you select the ship cabin or deck
category that works best for you. Plus, when you upgrade to an upper
Trip extensions allow you to get refreshed and acclimated before your
deck cabin on many of our Small Ship Adventures, you can enjoy your
adventure begins or before you return to the U.S. Plus, you’ll see more of
own private balcony.
the world and maximize your value by taking advantage of our already-
included airfare. On this Small Ship Adventure, you can choose between
Greece: Olympia, Nafplion & Athens and Israel: Jerusalem & Masada.
ĢũzťŶĢŋłŭ̆mŋũā¦ĞÖł˔ˏͮŋĕzŽũ¦ũÖƑāķāũŭ
!ŽŭŶŋĿĢơā¦ĞāĢũDķĢėĞŶŭ
“Break Away” Options: 30% of travelers spend more time abroad
We make every effort to provide you with non-stop flights and
Before or after your main adventure or trip extension, “break away”
acceptable connection times to and from your destination. You
anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring entirely on your
also have several other ways you can personalize your air itinerary,
own. Extend your time abroad with the following options:
including:
• Arrive in Athens a few days early, or spend more time Haifa before
• Choose your departure city and airline
returning home
• Depart from one city and return to another
• Stay overnight (or for a few days) in Amsterdam, a common
connecting city, or in a destination of your choice • Upgrade your seat or choose a specific meal option
The Acropolis, Athens, Greece Ancient fortress, Masada, Israel
The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
12Overseas
Adventure Travel SM
Since 1978
The Aegean & Mediterranean:
A Voyage from Athens to Jerusalem
& the Greek Islands
2021
12-Day Small Ship Adventure
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
PRE-TRIP
Athens & the Peloponnese: From
Homer to the First Olympics
POST-TRIP
Holy Jerusalem & the Ancient Ruins of Masada
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
13OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New
York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News
& World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from
our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel
with us again, and recommend us to their friends.
A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel offers American travelers a 4-star experience at a 3-star price aboard our
privately owned and chartered fleet. On this Small Ship Adventure, you’ll enjoy off-the-beaten-path
discoveries in a group of 20-25 (with an average of 22), a convivial experience onboard the
89-passenger M/V Clio, and more travel choices. Plus, we are the only small ship company with
expert, local Trip Experience Leaders who accompany you throughout your journey, enhancing your
exploration with the kind of insight and passion that only a local can provide.
As with any type of travel experience, it’s important to remember that sometimes, due to weather, sea
conditions, or local circumstances, ports of call, activities, and accommodations could differ from what
is described in our trip itinerary. The order of the included features in this itinerary may also change.
Your Trip Experience Leader will advise you of any changes that may occur while on tour. As some of
these changes are just part of the nature of traveling, it’s good to remember that a certain degree of
flexibility can ultimately enrich your travel experience.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Services of our local Trip Experience Leader » 28 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9
with your group of 20-25 (average of 22) dinners—plus all onboard house beer, wine,
throughout your adventure and soft drinks
» International airfare, airport transfers, » 9 guided tours and cultural experiences
government taxes, fees, and airline fuel » Gratuities for local guides and
surcharges, unless you choose to make your motorcoach drivers
own air arrangements
» All port charges
» Accommodations for 1 night in Athens, 7
» Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per
nights aboard our privately owned small
person, including tips
ship with wireless Internet access, and 2
nights in Jerusalem » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward
your next trip
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
GROUP SIZE CLIMATE
» This adventure has a group size of 20-25 » Daytime temperatures range from 63-92°F
travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip during cruising season; June-August are
Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T. warmest months
PACING
» 11 days, with 7 nights aboard the M/V
Clio, one 2-night hotel stay, and one
single-night hotel stay
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
» Walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in
6-8 hours of physical activities each day,
including several sets of stairs
» Agility, balance, and strength are required
for possible rough seas
» Not accessible for travelers using
wheelchairs or scooters
» Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other
mobility aids must travel with a companion
who can assist them, and may not be able to
participate in all activities
» Trip Experience Leaders reserve the right
to modify participation or send travelers
home if their limitations impact the group’s
experience
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION
» Uneven walking surfaces, unpaved paths,
hills and rocky slopes, and stairs
» Gangway incline can be steep when
docked at a pier
» Travel by 89-passenger small ship and
45-seat coach
» You must be cleared by a country’s local
port authorities before disembarking
» Weather conditions and tides may require
adjustments to your itinerary
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15The Aegean & Mediterranean: A Voyage from
Athens to Jerusalem & the Greek Islands
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
5 nights in Athens & the Peloponnese: From Homer to the First Olympics
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Explore Epidaurus • Olympia
Day 2 Athens, Greece Day 6 Explore Olympia
Day 3 Explore Athens Day 7 Athens • Join main adventure
Day 4 Explore Mycenae • Nafplion
Day 1 Depart U.S. each air-conditioned room features a TV, free
wireless Internet access, telephone, minibar,
Fly from the U.S. to Athens, Greece. and a private bathroom.
You are then at leisure to explore the
Day 2 Athens, Greece
neighborhood. An orientation walk in the
• Destination: Athens
vicinity of the hotel led by your Trip Experience
• Included Meals: Dinner Leader shortly after your arrival will further
• Accommodations: Titania Hotel or similar help you get your bearings.
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Athens today.
Dinner: Enjoy savory cuisine seasoned with
Your arrival time will depend on your point
views of the Acropolis over an included dinner
of departure. An O.A.T. representative will
at around 7:30pm at your hotel.
meet you at the airport and assist with your
45-minute transfer to your hotel, where you Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
will be joined by travelers who took the Athens rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
& the Peloponnese: From Homer to the First Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.
Olympics pre-trip extension. This might be a good time to adjust to the time
difference by relaxing in the hotel’s public areas
Upon arrival, check in, receive your room
or in your comfortable room.
assignment, and settle in. Depending on
where you stay, amenities may include on-site
restaurants and a fitness center. Typically,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16Day 3 Explore Athens • Controversial Avenue; see the Greek Parliament building,
Topic: Gender inequality in Greece with where the ceremonial guards in traditional
Greek dress watch over the Tomb of the
Irini Pantazi • Embark ship
Unknown Soldier; and take in Hadrian’s Arch
• Destination: Athens
and the Temple of Zeus.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: M/V Clio At approximately 9:30am, enjoy a guided
walking tour with our Trip Experience Leader
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries
of the iconic Acropolis, located atop a rocky
feature the Controversial Topic of gender
outcropping. Dating back to the fifth century
inequality in Greece. We’ll speak to the
BC, its Doric columns and distinct decorative
president of a non-governmental organization
flourishes have come to serve as the definitive
dedicated to closing the gap between men and
examples of Classical Greek architecture.
women in Greece to get a firsthand view of
Among the highlights, the Parthenon and the
how women in this country receive unequal
Temple of Athena Nike were both likely built as
treatment. Read more about this enlightening
shrines to Athens’ patron goddess. Though the
activity below.
Parthenon had a statue at its heart, worshipers
Activity Note: Today’s activities will involve were not allowed to enter.
steep, uphill walking over rocky terrain.
Around 11:30am, we’ll descend from the
Breakfast: Beginning at 6:30am, enjoy a temple complex and get to know the Plaka
European-style buffet as well as American district, Athens’ oldest neighborhood.
favorites, such as eggs, bacon, and sausage, During a 1-hour tour, we’ll witness the
served buffet style at your hotel. Temple of the Winds—an octagonal Pentelic
marble clocktower in the Roman Agora in
Morning: We’ll meet with our Trip Experience Athens—and stroll through this neighborhood
Leader for a Welcome Drink and Briefing of restaurants, flower-lined patios, and shops
around 8am in the hotel. During this 45-minute specializing in hand-painted icons, jewelry,
briefing, we will introduce ourselves and and antiques.
review our itinerary in more detail (including
any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip Lunch: At around 1pm, enjoy lunch on your
Experience Leader will also discuss logistics, own in one of Plaka’s welcoming cafés or
safety and emergency procedures, and answer restaurants.
questions we may have—come prepared; this
Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll have about an
is your chance to get them answered firsthand,
hour to continue exploring Plaka on your own.
whether you have questions about how much
Around 3:30pm, we’ll drive about 20 minutes
free time you’ll have or about specific activities
to the harbor to embark the M/V Clio. For the
or places you are hoping to see.
next seven nights, our group of just 20-25
Then, around 9am, delve into Athens’ ancient (average 22) will cruise aboard this privately
history as we explore the Greek capital with owned 89-passenger vessel alongside our local
our Trip Experience Leader on a guided Trip Experience Leader. The ship is staffed by
tour of approximately three hours. Aboard a friendly, English-speaking crew who will be
a motorcoach, you’ll ride past the National eager to welcome you aboard and show you to
Archaeological Museum; appreciate the your room. Each of the ship’s outside-facing
neoclassical architecture of Panepistimiou
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17cabins features a window or balcony, Around 5pm, your Captain will conduct a safety
flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and its own briefing. At the conclusion, you’ll have time to
private bath. get acquainted with the ship’s inviting common
areas. The lounge is equipped with couches,
At about 4pm, we’ll gather to meet with Irini
chairs, and a specialty coffee-maker, and the
Pantazi, president of the National Council of
adjacent bar serves complimentary house beer,
Greek Women (NCGW), for a conversation
house wine, and soft drinks throughout the
about a Controversial Topic: gender inequality
day. A topside Sun Deck features deck chairs for
in Greece.
admiring the scenery. Complimentary wireless
In a 2019 index published by the European Internet is available in all cabins and common
Institute for Gender Equality, Greece ranked areas—the front desk staff will be happy to
the lowest out of all the member states of provide you with an access code.
the European Union. On average, Greek
Make your way to the lounge around 6:45pm
women earn just 75 cents on the dollar when
for the first in a series of nightly Port Talks.
compared to their male peers, and female
These informative conversations, led by
unemployment is at around 15%—double that
your Trip Experience Leader, will give you an
of men. While women are making some strides
overview of the following day’s itinerary and
in academia—about 50% of Greek university
prepare you for the destination ahead.
graduates are female—their career prospects
upon graduation are less inspiring, as women Dinner: Around 7pm, you and your fellow
constitute only 37% of the country’s workforce. travelers will gather in the ship’s dining room
for dinner. As with all the dinners during your
We’ll learn about this issue in depth during our
cruise, the dress code is relaxed and smart
hour-long conversation with Irini (or another
casual, and you are free to sit at whichever
member of the NCGW if she is unavailable). As
table you please. You’ll be offered a choice of
the head of a non-governmental organization
appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert—including
dedicated to closing the gender gap through
regional options—and complimentary
advocacy and partnership with officials and
house beer, house wine, and soft drinks.
policymakers in the EU and Greek government,
(Half-portions are available upon request.)
Irini is acutely aware of the challenges
faced by women in Greece today. And as Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
an accomplished former prosecutor with a rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
storied career in the judiciary, she’ll also be you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the
able to share her firsthand experience about lounge. During the night, our ship sails toward
overcoming the obstacles that stand in the path the island of Santorini.
of career-oriented women in Greece.
Irini will speak for about 15 minutes, and we’ll
Day 4 Explore Santorini • Wine tasting
then have around 45 minutes to engage in • Destination: Santorini
conversation and ask questions of our own. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our small group size gives us the opportunity • Accommodations: M/V Clio
to have a meaningful dialogue with this local
Activity Note: If the museum is closed, we’ll
expert, so be sure to take advantage of the
enjoy an alternative activity during our tour.
chance to ask thoughtful questions to deepen
your understanding of this challenging issue.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard some of Greece’s finest libations, complete
from 7am-8am. Early risers can enjoy coffee with a few light snacks. The winery workers
and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the lounge. will show you around the premises, giving you
insight into the unique qualities of Greek wine,
Morning: We arrive on the island of Santorini
from where the grapes are cultivated to how
this morning around 7am. This glittering island
wine-making today differs from the process
is the remnant of the rim of a vocanic caldera,
that began over 2,000 years ago.
much of which was blasted away by a huge
eruption in 1600 BC. The bay enclosed by the We’ll depart the winery around 1pm to
crescent is nearly 1,300 feet deep. head back to the village of Fira, arriving at
around 1:15pm.
Right after breakfast around 8am, we’ll
embark small boats to tender to Santorini’s Lunch: At around 1:30pm, enjoy lunch a local
port of Fira. The village of Fira is perched on restaurant in Fira.
the caldera rim, about 1,000 feet above the
Afternoon: You are free for your own
water. To get there, we’ll take a funicular
discoveries beginning at around 2:30pm. You
(cable car) for an approximate 15-minute ride
may relax aboard or enjoy time to explore
to ascend to the town. Arrive in Fira Town
Santorini at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll visit
around 8:30am, witnessing gleaming white
the Akrotiri archaeological site for an in-depth
houses that look down hundreds of feet to the
look at Santorini’s history, or join your Trip
bay. You’ll visit the Prehistoric Museum with
Experience Leader on a discovery walk of this
your Trip Experience Leader or local guide
gem of the Aegean, seeking out scenic sea
and learn about the excavations and findings
vistas, exploring the harbor, and poking in and
dating back to the fifth millennium BC at
out of cafés and shops. Or, if you’re looking
Akrotiri—an ancient Minoan city buried by
for a more active afternoon, stroll through the
volcanic ash—during your tour here.
small village of Imerovigli and participate in an
At around 10am, we’ll head to a motorcoach approximate one-hour cliff hike back to Fira.
for an approximate half-hour drive to our next
Return to the ship around 6pm in time for your
destination, the cliffside village of Oia. At every
Trip Experience Leader’s nightly Port Talk.
turn, Oia offers glimpses of alabaster seaside
houses made for Venetian sailors; views of the Dinner: Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner
Palia volcano; and picturesque scenery set to onboard in the ship’s dining room around 7pm
white-yellow sunlight. Locals and visitors alike as we set sail for Patmos. The dress code for
flock to Oia in the evenings for its spectacular dinners onboard is smart casual. However,
sunsets. Throughout your approximate some travelers choose to wear a day dress or
half-hour walking tour, you’ll visit local slacks to the Welcome Dinner.
artisan shops, enjoy views of the caldera, and
explore the beautiful blue-and-white Church of Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
Panagia Platsani in the village center. rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in
Our tour wraps up at around 11:30am, giving the lounge.
you about a half hour of free time to peruse
shops and cafés on your own. At noon, we’ll
depart by motorcoach for a half-hour drive to a
local winery. Here, you’ll get the chance to taste
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19Day 5 Explore Patmos ruins of the Temple of Diana. Fortified over
the next two centuries to protect it against
• Destination: Patmos
marauding pirates, this imposing monastery is
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
visible virtually everywhere on the island and
• Accommodations: M/V Clio has remained in continuous operation for more
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available onboard than 900 years.
from 7am-8am. Early risers can enjoy coffee
You will see some priceless religious relics
and pastries beginning at 6:30am in the lounge.
during your visit here, and be sure to listen
Morning: Our ship docks in Patmos around for the remarkable acoustics inside the main
8am. We’ll depart by motorcoach around chapel. Enjoy views of the Aegean in Hora, the
8:30am for our island tour. In the southeastern 17th-century town of dazzling white houses
waters of the Aegean, the Dodecanese are that tumbles down the hillside surrounding
sacred to Greece, as the original twelve islands the citadel.
of the ancient land. The isle of Patmos is
Our tour wraps up around 11:15am, at which
imbued with folklore, including the tale that it
point we’ll return to the port of Patmos by
originally lay on the sea floor, but so captivated
motorcoach.
Zeus that he asked his brother Poseidon if he
could bring the island up to the surface and Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
make it habitable. around 12:30pm.
But Patmos is perhaps even better known to Afternoon: Free for your own
the wider world as the home of St. John the discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader
Evangelist. During the apostle’s lifetime, for recommendations. You may choose to go
the island’s near-inaccessibility made it a ashore for free time in Patmos, or join your
perfect site for the banishment of criminals Trip Experience Leader on an optional hike. The
and political agitators. Between AD 95 and 97, port in which our ship docks is surrounded by
during his exile from Ephesus, St. John lived cafés, tables spilling right onto the beach, and
in a grotto beneath the Temple of Diana. The little shops. But the island is small enough that
small, very rustic conditions were somehow a 20-minute walk will bring you to the far side,
especially productive for him: He not only for an even quieter and more rustic view.
wrote the Gospel that bears his name, but the
Book of Revelation, which was inspired by his Before dinner, enjoy a dance performance and
fiery dreams. class onboard.
At around 8:45am, we’ll embark on an included Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site around 7pm.
with your Trip Experience Leader or local Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
guide. First, you’ll visit the Holy Cave of the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
Apocalypse, where St. John lived and worked. If you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the
you see cracks in the walls of the cave, consider lounge. We cruise toward Symi tonight.
that they are said to have appeared when the
apostle heard the voice of the Lord. You’ll also
explore the eleventh-century Monastery of St.
John, built by the monk Christodolous on the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
20Day 6 Explore Symi Later, we’ll learn about life in Symi during
a conversation with a local in their home,
• Destination: Symi
especially in terms of the island’s relations
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
to Turkey.
• Accommodations: M/V Clio
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available on
around 7pm.
board from 7am-8:30am. Early risers can enjoy
coffee and pastries beginning at 6:30am. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
Morning: Around 7am, we dock at the island of
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in
Symi. The Clio’s small size allows us to pull into
the lounge as our ship sets sail for Rhodes, the
Symi’s deep, well-protected harbor, something
capital of the Dodecanese Islands.
few tour companies can offer.
Our explorations begin around 8:30am with Day 7 Explore Rhodes
a guided discovery of Yialos, the harborside
• Destination: Rhodes
village where we dock. You’ll enjoy two forms
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
of exploration: on a walking tour and scenic
• Accommodations: M/V Clio
drive with your Trip Experience Leader. Witness
white and pastel Venetian mansions that Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available on
descend the hillside in a semi-circle, giving board from 7am-8:30am. Early risers can enjoy
the port the feel of a vast amphitheater. Here coffee and pastries beginning at 6:30am.
at Katarinettes, the Germans surrendered
Morning: We dock in Rhodes around 7am and
control of the Dodecanese at the end of World
explore the largest island of the Dodecanese.
War II, ending Axis occupation. We will see
With an important strategic location for
the imposing Castle of the Knights of St. John,
Mediterranean Sea routes, an inviting climate,
erected in the 14th century atop the remnants
and natural beauty, it was considered a plum
of a fifth-century monastery built on the site
prize for would-be rulers. The Persians,
of an ancient temple to Athena. Your guided
Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens,
tour also includes a visit to a sponge maker
Venetians, and Ottomans all claimed it over
workshop where you can learn about the
the centuries, though (as happened with the
practice and its impact on Symi.
Italians and Germans) the island outlasted their
Lunch: Return to the ship at around 12:30pm control, becoming part of Greece in 1948.
for lunch onboard.
This morning, we’ll embark around 9am on a
Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries. walking tour of the Old Town, which has been
Perhaps you’ll visit the harbor area, which declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
features small shops and a marketplace We’ll visit the Palace of the Grand Master
popular with locals where you can partake of the Knights where you can explore the
in the rhythms of Greek daily life. Symi once grounds of this seventh-century Byzantine
flourished off of the sponge-diving trade and, fortress. But strolling through Rhodes is not
as you stroll the island, you’ll see many of just a history lesson. Along with witnessing
the former merchants’ grand multi-colored the palaces belonging to the Knights of Malta
Neoclassical homes and the ornate churches
they funded.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
21and discovering the legacy of many centuries, sea vistas, falling under the spell that lured
we’ll also see local people going about their so many Greek heroes of legend from their
everyday lives. home ports.
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
around 12:30pm. Day 9 Limassol • Explore Paphos, Cyprus
• Destination: Paphos
Afternoon: At around 2:30pm, we’ll gather
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
onboard for an engaging conversation
• Accommodations: M/V Clio
with a local university member. Then
you can enjoy free time for independent Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available on
discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader board from 7am-8:30am. Early risers can enjoy
for recommendations. Rhodes is a popular coffee and pastries beginning at 6:30am.
destination for Greek travelers, so this is your
Morning: Cyprus comes into view this morning
chance to go with the flow. Within walking
when we dock around 7:30am, as enticing
distance of the ship, you’ll find beaches, small
as it was when Marc Antony presented it to
villages, and shops full of Greek foods and
Cleopatra as a gift, and when Richard the
handicrafts.
Lionheart took his wedding vows here. With
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room white sand beaches gleaming next to the most
around 7pm. vivid blue seas, it is a magnet for romance.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Around 8:15am, we’ll go ashore in Limassol
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps before continuing on to Paphos. This city is an
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracted
lounge as we cruise toward Cyprus. Roman emperors and the apostle Paul in its
early years. Outside the “new” city, the oldest
Day 8 At sea territory of Paphos is the mythical birthplace of
Aphrodite, and there has been a temple to her
• Destination: At sea
worship here since at least the twelfth century.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: M/V Clio Our walking tour with a local guide will begin
around 9:30am. We’ll visit the Phaphos
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s
Archaeological Park and explore the prehistoric
dining room.
monuments and ruins of Cyprus. Then, you’ll
Morning/Afternoon/Evening: We’ll spend see how architecture of Classical, Hellenistic,
the day at leisure onboard our ship. You may and Roman periods exist side by side with
choose to relax with a book in the lounge, or modern shops and cafés. A Byzantine fort
revel in the warmth of the Mediterranean from watches over the harbor which is abuzz with
your seat on the Sun Deck. Your Trip Experience visitors from the wide pedestrian promenade by
Leader will offer optional fun and informative the water to the little tavernas selling fanciful
shipboard activities, always a convivial way to loukoumi (“Turkish Delight”). You’ll enjoy free
interact with your fellow travelers. Or you may time to explore on your own here.
just bask in the beauty of the endless sparking
Next, we’ll depart by bus to explore Upper town
and St. Paul Pillar Church. Around 11:30am,
we’ll drive back to Limassol to board our ship.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
22Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room We’ll disembark around 8:30am and travel
around 1pm. overland by motorcoach to Caesarea. At
approximately 9am, you’ll begin your
Afternoon: Starting around 2pm, we’ll set
discoveries with a walk around the Baha’i
sail for Haifa, Israel. The afternoon is yours
Gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site
to do as you please aboard the ship. Your Trip
is an exquisitely detailed, multi-terraced
Experience Leader and crew will offer optional
landscape built in honor of the Prophet-Herald
engaging shipboard activities.
of the Baha’i faith. You’ll take in views from
Dinner: Around 7pm, we’ll toast to our the second-level terrace (as non-Baha’i are
memories of the cruise during a festive only allowed to see the temple and rest of
Captain’s Farewell Dinner onboard in the ship’s the gardens for an hour a day), and witness
dining room. immaculate gardens that seem to cascade in
to Haifa Bay. We’ll also see where Herod the
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Great built a remarkable artificial port—an
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps engineering marvel in its time. Here you’ll
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in explore an extensive collection of Roman ruins
the lounge. overlooking the Mediterranean, many of which
were transformed into a walled Crusader’s city
Day 10 Haifa, Israel • Disembark ship • in later times.
Explore Caesarea • Home-Hosted Lunch •
Next, we’ll head back to Haifa to experience
Transfer to Jerusalem one of the highlights of our Israeli adventure:
• Destination: Jerusalem a Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch We’ll break up into smaller groups of no more
• Accommodations: Orient Jerusalem than eight travelers, and venture to one of the
or similar homes, which may be a freestanding house or
apartment. This is a unique opportunity to learn
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Connect closely with
more about life in the region—so come hungry
Israeli culture during today’s Home-Hosted
for your home-cooked meal, and bring plenty
Lunch in Haifa. In smaller groups of no more
of questions for your generous hosts.
than 8, you’ll travel to the homes of local
families to share an evening of home-cooked Lunch: Around 12:45pm in the home of a local
Israeli cuisine and friendly conversation about family. Learn about life in this multicultural
what day to day life is like in this historic port port town from these residents, and watch as
city. Read more about this activity below. they prepare an authentic dinner. Each family
has a different background—some of them
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is available on
may be teachers, bank tellers, shop owners,
board from 7am-8:30am. Early risers can enjoy
Christians, or Muslims, for example. Our
coffee and pastries beginning at 6:30am.
meal this afternoon may feature a variety of
Morning: Our cruise comes to an end as our dishes and cuisines, depending on the ethnic
ship docks around 7am in Haifa. Under the and religious background of our hosts. We
watchful gaze of Mount Carmel, Israel’s third may enjoy traditional dishes such as a hearty
largest city is both a historic port town and a Ethiopian stew, freshly baked Jewish flatbreads,
thriving modern metropolis. or Middle Eastern-style dips like hummus or
baba ghanoush.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
23We’re afforded this special privilege by our Day 11 Explore Jerusalem Old City •
small group size; by dining in groups of no Controversial Topic: Humanity before
more than eight, we’re given the chance to
politics—a personal testimony from
enter local homes and connect on a one-to-one
“Road to Recovery” founder Yuval Roth •
level, and to even share a little with our hosts
Mount Zion & Mount of Olives
about who we are and what has brought us to
Israel. This will be a great time to ask about • Destination: Jerusalem
life in Haifa, any customs our hosts practice, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
and more. • Accommodations: Orient Jerusalem
or similar
Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, we’ll depart for
Jerusalem. The drive will last approximately 1.5 Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries
hours, and we’ll check into our hotel around feature the Controversial Topic of an Israeli
4:30pm. Depending on where we stay, your humanitarian putting peace before politics
hotel will feature amenities including on-site and encouraging reconciliation between Israeli
laundry service, indoor and outdoor pool, and a and Palestinian people through his “Road to
spa. Your private room features cable/satellite Recovery” program. This frank conversation
TV, a telephone, complimentary wireless will enable our small group to see all sides of
Internet, and a private bathroom with a hair the Middle East—including the difficult ones.
dryer. You’ll have some time to freshen up in Read more about this complex topic below.
your room before joining your Trip Experience
Breakfast: Served buffet style in the hotel
Leader for an orientation walk through
beginning at 7am. You may choose from a
the neighborhood surrounding your hotel
variety of hot and cold options—from eggs
around 6pm.
and sausages to fruit and cereals. You’ll also
Dinner: On your own. Whether you’re in the have the chance to sample traditional Israeli
mood for Middle Eastern fare or something breakfast items.
more familiar, your Trip Experience Leader will
Morning: Around 9am, set off on a walking
be happy to provide recommendations. Perhaps
tour of Jerusalem’s Old City with your Trip
you’ll sample homemade hummus followed
Experience Leader. At the heart of Christian,
by a traditional Israeli dessert: dates stuffed
Jewish, and Muslim faiths, Jerusalem has been
with chocolate and garnished with a sprinkling
dubbed the world’s most spiritual city. We’ll
of coconut.
get to know Jerusalem, exploring its Old City on
Evening: At leisure—perhaps you’ll take a foot. Our walking tour begins in the area around
stroll through the bustling neighborhood the Western Wall, the Jewish Quarter, which is
surrounding your centrally-located hotel. adjacent to the site of Solomon’s First Temple
Or, get a glimpse of local entertainment at and the Second Temple. From here, you can
the colorful sound and lights show at the look skyward to the Islamic Dome of the Rock,
Tower of David. perched on the Temple Mount.
We’ll visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
built around what is believed to be the site of
Christ’s burial and resurrection, and follow the
ancient “Way of Sorrows,” the Via Dolorosa,
which some believe is the path Christ walked to
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
24his crucifixion. We’ll also explore the winding for their extreme acts of violence and has been
streets of Jerusalem’s bustling Arab quarter named a terrorist organization by the Israeli
by foot, passing by numerous street vendors government.
selling a wide variety of wares, and men sitting
Since 2001, Israel has endured missile attacks
at outdoor cafés, smoking shisha. Then, we’ll
nearly every day—primarily in the southern
continue walking to a local restaurant.
part of the country, known as the “Gaza
Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:30pm, Envelope.” Over the years, the death count
which includes both Middle Eastern and increased: From 2009 to today the number of
Arabic options. Palestinian victims killed by Israeli forces has
climbed to 3,612 while the number of the Israeli
Afternoon: At around 2pm, depart by bus for
victims killed by Palestinians is around 195.
Mount Zion, the site of the Last Supper in
Then in 2014, a military operation called “Zuk
Christian tradition, and the Mount of Olives,
Eitan” was launched by Israel on July 8th in the
home of the Garden of Gethsemane where
Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. The kidnapping and
Christ was said to have been betrayed by
murder of three Israeli teenagers by Hamas
his own apostle. Today the summit offers a
members triggered these events, resulting in
panoramic view of the Dome of the Rock and
a seven-week conflict—one of the deadliest
the Old City. Each bus transfer will be around
between Palestinians and Israelis in decades.
15-20 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, many Israelis believe that the
After our explorations, we’ll depart for the
only solution is war—to reoccupy the Gaza
hotel around 3:45pm, arriving back at 4pm.
Strip and wrest control from Hamas. But what is
Shortly after returning, we’ll gather in one
surprising, is the sheer number of Israelis who
of our hotel’s private rooms to meet with
are weary of the fighting and seek a peaceful
Israeli humanitarian Yuval Roth and learn
resolution to the conflict. Despite the fact many
about a Controversial Topic: Encouraging
insist that only war will end the suffering, there
peace and reconciliation between Israeli
are still people who believe that peace can be
and Palestinian people through his “Road to
achieved through humanitarian efforts and
Recovery” program.
education. In fact, many organizations have
In 1993, Yuval suffered a tragedy most people been founded over the years to promote this
can barely comprehend. His brother Udi Roth idea of peace without war—turning trauma into
was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, the tools to help others. Yuval, despite his deep
the militant Islamic Palestinian nationalist personal loss, falls into this latter category.
movement founded in Gaza and dedicated
In 2006, Yuval founded “Road to Recovery,”
to creating an independent Islamic state in
a nonprofit organization who describes
historic Palestine—by any means necessary.
themselves as “volunteers who believe that
This conflict is laser focused on the Gaza Strip,
peace among Israelis and Palestinians can only
a 14-square-mile stretch of land between
come about through engagement and personal
Israel and Egypt, and has lasted for decades
involvement, placing humanity before politics.”
as Palestinians and Israelis both claim the
The organization is currently made up of
right to control the area. Unfortunately,
thousands of Israeli volunteers, whose mission
innocent civilians are all too often caught in the
is driving Palestinians requiring medical
crossfire of this unrest. Hamas is also known
attention—primarily children—from the West
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
25You can also read
