12 Nights, August 12 – 24, 2011
Istanbul, Turkey to Athens, Greece
Regent Mariner
From $5,999

BONUS INCLUSIONS

• 2 FOR 1 FARES plus up to an additional $5,000 off per guest
• FREE Business Class Air Categories C & higher
• FREE Economy Class Air Categories D & below
• Upgrade to Business Class Air for only $999 each way
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
• Private group welcome & farewell cocktail parties with hosts
• Private group meetings & lectures with hosts

The traveler to Israel walks through history: from windswept crusader castles to ports where seamen, pilgrims and famous travelers spent some time and then moved on; from desert landscapes that were home to traveling tribes, half forgotten armies and merchants in camel caravans, to sheikhs’ tombs with whitened domes, silent monasteries and ancient synagogues decorated with colorful mosaics.

The State of Israel was created in the Land of Israel which was promised to the People of Israel according to Jewish tradition. It was where Jesus, the Christian Messiah, was born and the place where Mohammed, the Moslem Prophet, ascended to heaven. The meeting place of three continents and two seas, the country is a skein of cultures, customs and traditions, a country that was home to many people, cultures and changing religions. On the crossroads of ancient routes of commerce, the land also saw waves of conquering armies: the Canaanites, Hebrews, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders Ottoman Turks and the British made this much-desired small country into a battlefield where they strove for eminence, built fortifications, castles and royal palaces. Join Hugh Hewitt and visit this ancient land as well as other fascinating ports in the Eastern Mediterranean!

Meet Your Hosts

Professor Hugh Hewitt is a lawyer, law professor and broadcast journalist whose nationally syndicated radio show is heard in more than 120 cities across the United States every weekday afternoon.

The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a pastor, author, retreat leader, speaker, and blogger. He studied at Harvard, has written several books, and is currently the Director and Scholar-in-Residence for Laity Lodge in Texas.

David Allen White is a retired Professor of English at United States Naval Academy, author of Shakespeare A to Z and does monthly Shakespeare commentary on the Hugh Hewitt radio show.

Cruise Itinerary 

Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul is literally where “East meets West,” located on the narrow strait between the Black and Aegean Seas and truly bridging Europe and Asia Minor. The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine Empire. The most populous city in Turkey, and one of the most in Europe, Istanbul is nicknamed "The City on Seven Hills" because the oldest part of the city was built on seven hill.

Ephesus, Turkey Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. Just a half hour drive from the port, Ephesus is where Christian preachers, including St. Paul and St. John, often visited. St. John addresses this city in his Book of Revelation and preached in the Theater of Ephesus. Even one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, is located here.

Rhodes, Greece The island of Rhodes is most renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue was built as an offering of thanks to Helios. The immense statue once straddled the harbor but was destroyed by an earthquake. From the 12th to 16th centuries, the Knights of St. John established a military base here. During their stay, they built streets, houses, churches, and the famous Palace of the Grand Masters.

Antalya, Turkey Discover this delightful ancient town and its many treasures, from the superb artifacts in the museum to Ottoman mansions, Byzantine churches and mosques, Hadrian's Gate, and the ancient Roman harbor now restored and alive with cafés and pleasure boats. Or head for the magnificent ruins of Perge and Aspendos and imagine the history of these cities, from Alexander to St. Paul, the Romans and Arabs. Stand in awe of the huge Roman theater and the crumbling aqueduct.

Limassol, Cyprus Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus. See ruins, vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives, majestic mountains and scenery, and stunning beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard-the-Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders, like the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque and the Museum.

Tel Aviv, Israel Tel Aviv is a fairly new city, founded in 1909. This modern cultured town has plenty of theaters, museums and galleries dotting the landscape. It boasts a bustling nightlife and is a great place for people-watching. The beaches here are among the best and most accessible in the region.

Jerusalem, Israel Visit the land of miracles - Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa.

Aghios Nikolaos, Crete Crete’s eastern corner is home to the resort of Agios Nikolaos, a port that leads the way to the island’s most significant ancient ruins. The ancient Minoans lived on Crete as far back as 2500 BC in a society that was by far the most advanced at the time. The ruins of the Minoan palaces at Knossos date from 1700 to 1500 BC and reveal remarkable achievements

Patmos Island, Greece Patmos is probably best known for being the location where St. John was exiled to. During his time on the island, he made his home in a small cave and it was there that he wrote The Book of the Apocalypse. The cave was later converted into a beautiful chapel and within this splendidly adorned little church visitors can view the stone orifice he is said to have used as a pillow

Athens, Greece Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, which is known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as Acropolis, the Parthenon, Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, just to name a few.

Special Sterling Travel Pricing

Fares are per person, based on double occupancy.

Advertised fare includes all surcharges, airline fees and government taxes. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and reflect all savings.  15% of Cruise Fare due at time of booking. Final payment date: May 6, 2011. Cruise fares and category availability are subject to change without notice. Included roundtrip air is in economy class and based on double occupancy. Air included from the following gateways: ATL, BOS, CLT, ORD, DFW, DEN, IAH, LAX, MIA, MSP, EWR, JFK, LGA, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SFO, SEA, TPA, YYZ, YVR and IAD. Air routing, scheduling and air carrier are at the discretion of RSSC. Air and Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharges may apply. Air add-ons apply for other gateways and for additional guests in the suite. All itineraries are subject to change and cruise fares and category availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact Sterling Travel to confirm category availability. Fares include: roundtrip airfare from select U.S. and Canadian gateway cities (Penthouse Suites and higher on European cruises includes Business Class Air), all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; Butler service in Penthouse Suites and above; in-suite mini-bar setup for suites with butler service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily, and much more. 2011 Hugh Hewitt cruise cancellation policy: Cancellations will be assessed the following charges by Regent: Time of deposit - 121 days prior to initial vacation date, Administrative Fees of $200 per booking. Administrative Fees assessed will be converted to a Future Cruise Credit redeemable on bookings made up to 6 months after cancellation and for travel any time. 120-91 days prior to vacation date: 20% of fare per person, 90-51 days prior to vacation date:  65% of fare per person, 50-31 days prior to vacation date:  90% of fare per person, 30-0 days prior to vacation date:  100% of fare per person. Minimum 22 paid passenegrs required for Hugh Hewitt to travel as host. Additional passengers required for guest hosts to travel.

This is an exclusive cruise offer
available only through Sterling Travel