"The Brilliant guide to places off the beaten path." - Seattle Times

This extensive program provides visits to Athens and the Acropolis;the Peloponnese and the Mycen' Palace;the Greek Islands;Central Turkey, Ankara and Cappadocia;the Turkish West Coast, Kusadasi and Ephesus;Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Kibbutz Ein Gedi;Cairo to Luxor;Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. DVD extra features: Gates of Jerusalem, Thessalonika and Greek Monasteries, Istanbul, Rick's Back Door Travel Tips.

GREECE TURKEY ISRAEL & EGYPT

Athens &The Pelopannese - Explore the evolution of Greek art at the Athens National Museum, and then sample local cuisine at the Plaka. Visit the fabled Acropolis and learn about the engineering skills of the ancients at the palace ruins of Mycenae.

The Greek Islands - See the rugged volcanic island of Santorini, and then tour the lush island of Samos via moped. Visit remote Lipsi and savor traditional Greek fare: tsaziki, souvlakia and retsina.

Turkish West Coast &Central Turkey - Tour the port of Kusadasi, hike the Roman ruins at Ephesus and relax in the soothing mineral waters of Pammukale. Swing inland to see traditional folk dancing in ancient villages, and Cappadocia's amazing rock formations and cliff dwellings. Then, travel to Ankora for a dose of Turkish history.

Israel - Explore Jerusalem, home to the sacred sites and holy places of three religions, then journey to the former location of Sodom and Gomorrah, and float in the Dead Sea's salty waters. Travel to the Kibbutz Ein Gedi and see successful communal living in action.

Egypt - Make the rounds of Cairo's bazaars, coffeehouses and museums, and then see the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinz. An overnight train to Luxor brings you to the ancient city of Thebes, the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of Kings.

DVD EXTRA FEATURES

Thessalonika &Greek Monasteries - Travel deep into the countryside to see beautifully preserved examples of Byzantine architecture -- three hallowed Greek Orthodox monasteries. Gates of Jerusalem - Learn how the eight gates leading into the old city represent the spiritual gateways of three great faiths: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Istanbul - See the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the fortifications protecting old Istanbul. Have a bracing cup of Turkish coffee, visit the fabulous Topkapi Palace, and relax on a cruise along the Bosporus.

Rick's Back Door Travel Tips - Share some of Rick's savviest advice for travelers - from day-planning and changing currency, to using public transportation and getting around language barriers. Rick's suggestions cover basic security, packing light, and the pros and cons of traveling independently or with a tour group. His recommendations will help any traveler plan their trips wisely, while preparing them to take the unexpected in stride.