HOLY LAND CRUISE - Mykonos, Greece

7/5/20111:57:21 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

2011, Celebrity, cruise, Europe, Greece

Learn about our special 12 Day Holy Land Cruise where you get to spend 4 Nights in the Holy Land. Experience the luxury of Celebrity Cruises and embark on a pilgrimage you won't soon forget.

City/Country: Mykonos, Greece

When You're There: Sep 12 

About:  Few places in the world compare with Mykonos. Here you'll find whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs against a backdrop of indescribably blue sea. Follow a maze of tiny streets, visit one of the world's most superb beaches, or see the mythical birthplace of Apollo, the island of Mykonos.

1 Possible Excursion: Ancient Delos

The small, uninhabited island of Delos was once the religious center of the entire Aegean area. Today, its archaeological ruins stand as an important historical site in Greece. According to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of sun, light, music, harmony and beauty. According to revelations of 19th century excavations, Delos prospered for centuries due to its strategic position within the trade routes of the Aegean.

A local boat will transport you on the 30-minute ride to the west side of Delos island, which leads directly to the entrance of the archaeological site. You will walk into the heart of the sanctuary where you will see the Temple of Apollo, monuments famous for their history and architectural style, the famous dried lake with the palm tree and the unique marble lions of Delos. After a short rest stop, continue towards the terrace of the foreign gods. The view of the archipelago from there is unforgettable. You will pass through the theater and walk into the famous Hellenistic mansions of Delos with their superb mosaics decoration the floors and walls. You will then return by boat to Mykonos harbor.

Learn what you could be doing in Haifa and Galilee, Jerusalem, Israel and Ephesus, Turkey..

HOLY LAND CRUISE - Jerusalem, Israel

6/28/20112:08:39 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

2011, Capernaum, Celebrity, cruise, Dead Sea, Europe, Greece, Haifa, Holy Land, Israel, Jerusalem, Land Tour, Nazareth, River of Jordan, Sea of Galilee, Turkey

Learn about our special 12 Day Holy Land Cruise where you get to spend 4 Nights in the Holy Land. This cruise is a phenominal deal and one you shouldn't miss out on as it affords you all the luxury of Celebrity Cruises and a wonderful pilgrimage.

City/Country: Jerusalem, Israel

When You're There: Sep 08 | Sep 09

About: A young, vibrant port city, Ashdod is nevertheless rich in history. From Biblical sites to Yam Fort, a tenth century fortress, you’ll find historic relics from all eras. However, recent growth has given this city a much more cosmopolitan feel. Visit the brand new Ashdod Cultural Center, Yad LaBanim Concert Hall, and MonArt Performing Arts Center for an impressive display of modern culture in this ancient land.

 

1 Possible Excursion: Dead Sea & Masada Overland

For those who wish to maximize their call in Israel; visit the main sights in the Old City of Jerusalem, join in a unique experience of greeting the sunrise from an amazing viewpoint of Masada and swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Then, travel to the Galilee - Israel's luscious region and the scene of Christ's youth. Here Jesus was baptized, preached and performed many of His miracles. Visit these sacred sites.

The drive from Ashdod to Jerusalem is approximately one hour.

You'll visit the following  sites:  Day One

VIA DOLOROSA - You will walk along the Way of Suffering and observe  some of the Stations of the Cross through the city's narrow and crowded cobbled streets towards Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is the site of the final Stations of the Cross.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER - The church is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ's crucifixion, entombment and resurrection. The 12th century church is shared by several Christian denominations. Steep steps lead to the second level where a shrine is situated in Calvary or Golgotha.

DORMITION ABBEY AND KING DAVID'S TOMB - This is the site of the coenaculum, the room where Christ and the Apostles dined at the Last Supper. It was here after the Crucifixion that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost. The reputed tomb of the great monarch King David is adorned with 22 silver crowns representing the Kings of Israel who succeeded him.

THE WESTERN OR WAILING WALL -  Revered as the sole remnant of the Second Temple  which was destroyed by Rome in 70 AD, the massive Western Wall is actually part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great. The Wall is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. From the plaza you can view the Temple Mount dominated by the El Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred to the Muslims.

THE CARDO MAXIMUS - Built by the Emperor Hadrian when Jerusalem was the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina and see the remains and reconstructed areas.

Lunch with wine will be served in Jerusalem. You will have time for shopping for religious artifacts and souvenirs.

Drive to the Dead Sea. Your evening hotel accommodations and dinner will be in one of the leading hotels.

There will be an early wakeup call (the day starts around 5am) and you will drive to Masada where you will walk up the ramp and await the sun rise. After a tour of the famous mountain you will descend by cable car and drive back to the hotel for breakfast.

You'll visit the following sites: Day Two

MASADA - Herod the Great built a fortress and a palace on this tabletop mountain that towers 1450 feet (442m) above the Dead Sea. It was here that the Jewish Zealots made their last stand against Roman armies during the Jewish revolt. For three years the Zealots held out. With the Romans on the verge of breeching the walls, the zealots chose mass suicide. Ascend the mountain by cable car. Explore the site and see the Ramps, the grain and bath houses, Herod's palace and the synagogue, one of only four known to date from the period of the Second Temple.

DEAD SEA - At 1276 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. The mineral laden water is undrinkable and supports no life. You will have time to experience a short swim/float in the Dead Sea and then you will drive via the Jordan valley to the banks of the river Jordan where John baptized Christ. Please remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel.

RIVER JORDAN -  You will visit the bank revered by the faithful as the spot where John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the waters of the Jordan.

MOUNT OF BEATITUDES - Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount from this hill. In 2000, Pope John-Paul II celebrated the Eucharist on its slope. From the terrace of the domed Catholic Church, founded in 1937, there are splendid views of the Sea of Galilee.

TABGHA - The Church of the Multiplication is believed to occupy the site where Christ performed His miracle with two fish and five loaves. Consecrated in 1981, the current shrine protects a beautiful 5th century Byzantine mosaic floor depicting the miracle.

CAPERNAUM - Capernaum is considered to be the "centre" of Jesus' ministry in the Galilee. You will have a guided walking tour visits the ruined synagogue where Christ preached.

You will have a photo opportunity at the Sea of Galilee where an observation platform offers sweeping views of the area.

Learn what you could be doing in Haifa and Galilee, Israel and Ephesus, Turkey.

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