Greece, Turkey, Israel & Egypt 2000 - 2007

Viewers will get familiar with the old port of Nafplio and explore the Peloponnese Peninsula before plunging into frenetic, sprawling Athens. They'll look at the ruins of Olympia, the best preserved ancient theater at Epidauros and the ancient capital of Mycenae. Then, seeing beyond the crowded streets of Athens, we return to the city's incredible historic core. Our journey to ancient Greece means climbing to the majestic Acropolis, visiting the National Archeological Museum and exploring a centuries-old market. Also, we sample retsina wine, eat scrumptious Greek specialties, learn a Greek dance in the Plaka and sleep in the old town.

The Greek Islands' sunny climate, great beaches and relaxed culture attracts travelers from all corners. Island hopping on the Aegean ferries, we visit touristy, exotic Santorini (starting with an island bus tour), ride a motorbike around Samos, and hang out on the barely-known island of Lipsi where we sample the local cuisine. We stroll on an out-of-the-way black sand beach. Other quiet moments include visiting peaceful Spiliani Monastery, the ancient ruins of Akroteri and the Temple of Hera. With tips from the tourist office, we find offbeat and fun ways to island hop and our own picturesque places to stay.

At Europe's gateway to Asia, we explore the historic, crowded city of Istanbul. We get lost in the Grand Bazaar, feast like kings with locals at a fisherman's wharf, and follow stories of the Byzantine Empire at the ancient wall, St. Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. To escape the high-pitched city bustle, we board a boat on the churning Bosphorus, gaining a view of the Bridge of Galata and the elegant Dolmabahce Palace.

For half the price of visiting Greece, Turkey offers as much intrigue, history, sun, friendliness and scrumptious food. We visit spectacular Greek ruins at Ephesus and Aphrodisias and ancient hot springs at Pamukkale. Viewers can travel up the Meander River, visit a Turkish bath, eat Turkish pizza and get tips on staying healthy in foreign countries. An exotic culture to most Americans, Turkey feels more familiar as we discover a blend of ancient and modern in nomadic life, whirling Dervishes, and strong Muslim beliefs.

Before heading for the modern capital, Ankara, we folk dance through tea-soaked, hospitable and engaging ancient villages in central Turkey. From geological wonders in Cappadocia's byzantine cave churches and cliff dwellings to the red pottery kilns of Avanos, friendly locals welcome visitors. The offer of good deals on camel rides and carpets fade near the unspoiled town of Guzelyurt. By the time we reach Ankara, the modern world is back. We learn about Ataturk - called the father of the Turks - who led Turkey from a sultan's empire to the updated scene of the 1920's.

After a Mount Ararat sunrise, we visit Abraham's 4000-year-old home town, tour one of the world's biggest dams, cheer on grease wrestlers, meet the gods atop Mount Nemrut, and dance with new friends in a village.

We visit the new and the old Israel. Starting in Jerusalem and going on to the ancient fortress of Masada and the Sea of Galilee, we see Israel's past unfold at historic and religious sites. In Jerusalem, the Holy Land's capitol city, Jews pray at the Wailing Wall, Muslims worship at the Dome of the Rock and Christians at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Near chic, crowded Tel Aviv we stop to enjoy a Mediterranean beach and our visit ends too soon, as we watch fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

Egypt offers a visual potpourri of high energy and ancient mystery — from chaotic, urban Cairo to the silent temples and tombs near Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. We explore pharaohs' pyramids at Giza and gold treasures at Cairo's National Museum. Rick has fun with the inevitable camel ride. Each stop on the route leaves an indelible imprint: a colorful, medieval bazaar, a feluca sail down the Nile, a bike ride through the countryside and the ancient Temple of Karnak.