Exciting news for citizens of the world
For some thirty years now, our team has been working with people from across the United States and around the world, creating global travel programs to help transform individuals and organizations. We have heard from thousands of travelers about how our programs have changed their lives. And just as lives have been changed by global travel, global travel has been changing.
We believe the world could use a dose of friendly, positive change. Guiding travelers on journeys to places that have inspired change in human history motivates us to offer the most skilled, precise, and experienced travel service available—Illume.
Discover the world illumed.
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Recent news
Jerusalem Archaeological Park and the Davidson Center
A new archaeological park has opened adjacent to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount Excavations. The park includes The Davidson Center with interactive exhibits and reconstructions of various historical epochs in Jerusalem. The site provides an excellent opportunity for people to explore the history of Jerusalem and to understand the various religious traditions that have left their mark here. The website for the new site is: http://www.archpark.org.il/intro.asp
Israel celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2008. Illume has worked with our partner in Israel to identify opportunities for groups to meet with local communities to learn more about the work that is going on to support peaceful and positive relationships between Arabs and Jews, between Jews, Muslims and Christians, and between Palestinians and Israelis. Venues include Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam (an Arab-Jewish village, school and retreat center), Bethlehem (where groups can meet with local Palestinian Christians), and Akko (where several interfaith groups are active in working toward greater respect and understanding). Learn more
The much beloved model of Jerusalem during the 2nd Temple period has been moved to the Israel Museum where a spectacular setting next to the Shrine of the Book allows visitors to Jerusalem to better understand historical sites they see in the city. Learn more
Presbyterian Church USA - General Assembly Recommends Travel to Israel and Palestine
The 218th Generaly Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA this summer (2008), recommended members to organize more travel to Israel and Palestine as a way of supporting partners there - particularly Christian communities and groups involved in peace and justice work. The Committee on Peacemaking and International issues explained rationale for traveling to Israel and Palestine. Illume collaborates with pastoral leaders to create programs that include visits to local Christian communities in East Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other Palestinian territories as well as exchanges and seminars with groups involved in advancing interfaith relations and peace and justice work in the region. Learn more
Jubilee of St. Paul - 2008-2009
2008-2009 has been designated as the Jubilee of St. Paul. It is approximately 2000 years since this visionary man of faith was born. Christians from around the world will be traveling to places where Paul preached the Gospel and established some of the first Christian communities - in places such as Ephesus, Miletus, Philippi, Corinth and Rome.
Archaeologists in Rome report that they have discovered what they believe to be the sarcophagus of St. Paul under the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Archaeologist Giorgio Filippi who has been exploring structures under the main altar of St. Paul's Basilica since 2000 reported on December 4, 2006, that he found the sarcophagus several feet below the marble structure of the altar. Tradition holds that St. Paul suffered martyrdom along the Via Ostiense. A church was first erected on the site of his burial in 320 AD and enlarged in 390. In 1823 the church burned and was rebuilt according to the original plans - thus making St. Pauls one of the best examples of a large 4th century Christian basilica in the world! Rome is an excellent venue for exploring early Christianity. Illume develops unique programs for Roman Catholic and Protestant congregational groups as well as programs for students in seminaries, theological schools, and institutes for ministry. Learn more
The Passion Play - Oberammergau 2010
Every ten years, the entire village of Oberammergau comes together to bring the passion of Jesus to life using a script that has been passed down for generations. Pilgrims from around the world converge on this picturesque Bavarian town to witness the Passion Play - an event where spectacular stage settings, colorful costumes, and accomplished actors/actresses inspire the audience to participate in the final days of Christ's life. Learn more
Trajan's Market in Rome
Trajan's Market has been reopened to the public in Rome. This is an exciting space - a multi-level shopping arcade and gallery built by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Within the various rooms of the market, archaeologists have erected exhibits of other Imperial Fora that allow visitors to gain an appreciation for the development of ancient monumental Rome. Learn more
Barcelona's Iconic Sagrada Familia to be Finally Roofed
Barcelona's emblematic monument, La Sagrada Familia, will soon have a roof. It has been 125 years since Antoni Gaudi began the project. By 2010, the church is expected to be complete roofed. The Cathedral is a breathtaking vision come to life of Gaudi's architectural, artistis and spiritual philosophies. Learn more
The Calvin Jubilee 2009
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches have announced a special year of celebration coinciding with the 500th Anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Special events are being planned in 2009 to celebrate the heritage of this visionary man of faith. This is a unique opportunity for pastoral leaders to bring people to places of great historical and religious significance as a way to foster continuing education and faith formation as participants explore the heritage of the Reformation. Learn more
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