They got there how they could… by Cyprus and overland across the desert, but how about cruising imo Israel?
You can with our old friends at Royal Caribbean on Odyssey of the Seas with a 12-night with Holy Land With Overnight in Athens.
From £1176, leaving Rome. Depart September 7, 2021. And with Athens thrown in too. Efcharisto.



Imagine digging into your milk and honey at breakfast as you cruise into The Land of Milk and Honey.
No, who am I kidding? It’s all about refuelling on the meats of the world at the buffet on Oasis of the Seas.
Don’t worry, you can work it all off on the FlowRider surf simulator through the day.
The closest I’ve got thus far is across the narrowest stretch of the River Jordan.
At the purported Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
And at Mt Nebo where Moses looked out onto a Promised Land he would never be allowed to enter because he’d had a tiff with God.
Lord, I am heartily sorry… and a favour about that Royal Caribbean cruise to Israel.
An Italian teaser



And another oasis… a glimpse of the city on the lagoon, Venice, from down water on the River Brenta.
When I visited neighbouring Padova which has its charms too with one of the oldest universities in the world and Giotto’s fresco which inspired a certain Michelangelo.



Venice and its environs have been refreshed by the lockdown and have never been more beautiful.
And of course the best way to see this region is on the water. Try Le Boat, your private craft which sleeps four to ten and where you get your own sundeck.
Venice is a given, but why not head to Trieste too where you will see what seduced James Joyce of all people.



While go the other way to the south and enjoy the nature of the Po Delta and the colourful villages.
A seven-night self-catered cruise, started and finished at Le Boat’s base at Casale, on board the Caprice, sleeping up to six, arriving September 19.
Priced from £1429 per boat/£238pp. Transport to and from the base is not included. Le Boat (023 9280 9124).
MEET YOU ON THE WATER