By Allyson Reneau - One of the best things about being on staff at International Space University’s Summer Studies program is the wonderful opportunity to travel and explore together. Our trip to this ancient city of Caesarea was no exception.

Caesarea is a city on the Mediterranean Sea, about 80 kilometers north of Jerusalem, near the city of Haifa. It was the capital of Judea, the Roman province, for many years. The emperor, Augustus Caesar gave the city to King Herod and he built a new city between the years of 22 and 10 BC. Herod called this beautiful port, Caesarea, to honor the Emperor.

Caesarea is a rare mix of the past and present, offering tourists an impressive view of ancient Roman ruins along with an extraordinary view of the Mediterranean. One can visit the unique ruins built by King Herod, one of the great builders of the ancient world. In addition, there are fabulous shops, quaint restaurants, and modern cafes for everyone to enjoy.

After our fantastic dinner, we walked around the port and it was like walking through living history, as the buildings are from various periods of time. Because of the exquisite timing of our fearless leader, Remco, we had the chance to witness a remarkable sunset.

The town is full of fun activities, including the only golf course in Israel, a luxurious spa, and first class hotels. The Ralli Art Museum is a cool historical site that houses the remains of a fabulous palace, with a rare mosaic floor, and a table that is inlaid with glass and pure gold.

Caesarea was an important to the history of Christianity. According to tradition, it was here that the first Gentiles (non-Jews) were converted, a Roman centurion named Cornelius, by the ministry of the Apostle Peter.

Music and art festivals are held year round, as well as paintball, jeep tours, yoga on the beach, target practice with a variety of weapons, and fun treasure hunts. Caesarea’s beach is very beautiful and offers scuba divers a trove of underwater ruins to explore.

We had an awesome time together, but no trip is complete without JJ and Shirrup acting like children!