Day 1 : Athens/GREECE

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Day 2 : Santorini/GREECE

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

Day 3 : At Sea

Day 4 : Alexandria/EGYPT

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria is Egypt's center of culture, learning and science. Its lighthouse, the world's first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria is also the departure point for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids.

Day 5 :

It is a massive cosmopolitan city where the past and the present coexist in perfect harmony... A brief 30-minute cab ride from the center of the city will take you to the home of the most popular pyramids of Giza. Here dwells the great Sphinx that has become the second flag of Egypt.

Day 6 : Jerusalem/ISRAEL

Perched on sand dunes, Ashdod is a gateway to the Holy Land. From here, you can journey to Jerusalem and Bethlehem and walk the Via Dolorosa and see the stations of the cross. Among the many other sites of interest are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and, in Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity.

Day 7 : Haifa/ISRAEL

A lovely seaport in its own right, Haifa is a departure point for Tel Aviv and Holy Land sightseeing. Jerusalem beckons with the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall. Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the crusader city of Acre are also within reach.

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : Ephesus/TURKEY

Day 10 : Istanbul/TURKEY

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.

Day 11 : Istanbul/TURKEY

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.