Cross-Culture Journeys: Press Release: Israel and Jordan: A Journey Through The Ages

DATELINE: May 7, 2008
CONTACTS:
Ati Jain, Cross-Culture Journeys
413-256-6303 or ajain@ccjourneys.com
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
413-733-7095 or MGAuerbachPubRel@aol.com

CROSS-CULTURE JOURNEYS PRESENTS "ISRAEL AND JORDAN: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES" IN NOVEMBER 2008

Amherst, Massachusetts--Cross-Culture Journeys will host "A Journey Through The Ages", a 14-day tour of Israel and Jordan, with the first departure on November 2, 2008. Additional departures include: February 1, 2009; March 8, 2009; October 18, 2009, and November 8, 2009, according to President Ati Jain.

Cross-Culture Journeys travellers will explore historical sites of interest and contemporary attractions in a land with special meaning to Christians, Jews, and Moslems on this trip, which combines the antiquities of Biblical times with luxury modern amenities. Israel is in the middle of 60th anniversary celebrations, and many amenities have been freshened and updated for visitors in 2008.

The tour begins in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, Israel, a vibrant modern city on the shores of the Mediterranean, known for its art deco district, theatres, galleries and restaurants. Travellers will visit the Roman ruins at Caesaria, a Druze village near Haifa, the city on the slopes of Mt. Carmel and home to the gold-domed Bahai temple. The tour proceeds to Golan Heights, whose mountain streams feed the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. Here, tour participants will have the opportunity to visit (and stay overnight) on a kibbutz, a communal farming community. The trip continues to Masada, site of a major Biblical battle, and the Dead Sea (known for its history and its spa qualities), before moving to Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

During the Jerusalem portion of the trip, travellers will see major historical and religious sites from the Mount of Olives to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. An excursion to the En-Karem is planned, with stops at herb farms and one of Israel's finest boutique wineries.

After visiting Israel, the group crosses the Jordan River into Jordan, for tours of Amman, Jordan's capital, and the ancient city of Petra, described by UNESCO as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage". There will be visits to a Bedouin village, and Madaba, the city of mosaics.

For the detailed itinerary and pricing, see Cross-Culture Journey's website: Worldwide Small Group Educational Tours, Small Ship River Cruises and Ocean/Adventure Cruises

Luxury accommodations are included throughout the itinerary, and meals include restaurants which offer contemporary and continental cuisines, as well as Middle Eastern specialties from the lavish Israeli buffet breakfasts to the lamb kebabs and felafel known throughout the region. The tour is escorted by Cross-Culture and local guides. Prices begin at $4,295 per person, double occupancy, land only; With airfare from New York, the price is $4,995.00 per person plus tax, double occupancy; Air fare (per person, double occupancy, plus tax) is available from most major US cities including: Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC ($5,195 per person, double occupancy, plus tax); Miami, Chicago ($5,195 per person, double occupancy, plus tax), and Los Angeles ($5,395 per person, double occupancy, plus tax). Consult Cross-Culture Journeys for fares from other cities.

Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering a world of travel opportunities and new experiences for over 20 years. For sophisticated and curious travellers, Cross Culture Journeys features all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb. From traditional to emerging destinations, from World Heritage sites to picturesque villages, from small-ship cruises to hiking and cycling; Cross Culture Journey's distinctive itineraries showcase a region's peoples and cultures through their landmarks, museums and fine cuisines. Cross-Culture Journeys customizes itineraries for individuals, families, and groups.  For information and itineraries, visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

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