Greece, Turkey, Israel & Egypt 2000 - 2007

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.