Need camera buying advice.

[asiancowboy]

I am new to this place, but i need advice. Right now i have a Canon G4 which has served me well, but i need another camera. I used to be in photography back in school, and I have always wanted to pick up digital photography for a long time, and have thought about buying an SLR camera for a while now. Recently i have been offered the chance of a lifetime to travel throughout all of Greece and Italy for a month and photography and learn about the history of the place. I need to know which SLR camera would be worth buying (i'm thinking of investing in a Canon Rebel SLR), and what lenses would you recommend for this trip, as well as a carrying case, and possibly a good place to learn a bit more on SLR photography. Also, i am looking for a 10 footish tripod if you would have any idea of where to get them. My last trip to China ended up being screwing me over a little since there were a lot of people in the way of where i wanted to shoot. Any advice would be helpful, and i know i am wanting to buy a really expensive camera, but i'm willing to spend a little extra money on a hobby that i've wanted to pick up for a very long time now. thanks.