The rest of the week on this self-guided itinerary is spent exploring an ancient route in the São Mamede hills, and the historic towns of Marvão and Castelo de Vide.
The irony is that centuries later, when we have perfected the God's-eye map and become conversant with it, we have, in the thrall of technology, turned back to the ancient way: the itinerary and the strip map.
For a taste of more ancient beliefs, any itinerary should include a marae, or Polynesian temple.
Boxing wasn't on the itinerary of ancient Olympic sports that made up the first modern Games in 1896 as it was considered "ungentlemanly, dangerous and practised by the dregs of society".
The 10-day tour, organized by MIR Corp., includes stops in St .Petersburg, Moscow and 12th century Suzdal, where the itinerary includes festivities, visits to ancient churches and a traditional sleigh ride.
The itinerary of thirty-five stops ranges from ancient Egypt to Vincent van Gogh, with one lonely addendum from the twentieth century, Jackson Pollock's "Autumn Rhythm".
Pointing out that this itinerary model was similar to the one used in the ancient and medieval worlds, he said, "The other fundamental way of navigating is to reach an understanding by trying to grasp the entire territory in question.
There is still snow on Lebanon's peaks even when it's warm enough to sunbathe on the beach, and the four-day itinerary includes time for both, along with visits to the ancient sites at Baalbeck and Byblos.
By renting a car and mapping out a loose itinerary along the Mediterranean and Aegean it is nearly impossible to avoid stumbling upon ancient amphitheaters and temples, secluded turquoise-water coves and bustling resorts within minutes of one another.
The ancient city of Bam is on the edge of the region, and is currently excluded from some itineraries.
