Old Pyramids, Petra, Promised Lands - 18 days

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Explore the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and the Promised lands of Israel - neighbouring countries, steeped in history. From the pharaoh’s greatest accomplishment – the grand Pyramids of Giza, to the architectural feat of the Nabataeans in Petra and the most sacred of biblical sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem... join us on a journey of epic proportion

Our Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land tour has regular departures between now and 01 July 2012. If travelling after 01 July, please see our NEW Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land tour with similar touring arrangements.

Day 1: Cairo
Saturday. Welcome to the start of your holiday through the holy lands! Arrive Cairo prior to 08:00, included transfer and hotel check in. At approximately 10:00, we embark on a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to some 120,000 of the most treasured Egyptian artefacts in the country. Amongst the bountiful collection are the artefacts from the tombs of the Egyptian rulers; including those of the immaculately preserved Tutankhamun discovery. Other sarcophagi and treasures show Egyptian rule and decadence throughout its history. Opt to enter the Royal Mummy Room displaying many of the prominent kings and Queens of the New Kingdom. Enjoy the remains of the day shopping and exploring Cairo. Overnight - Cairo
Zhosers Step Pyramid
Day 2: Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. Visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s cheif architect in 2700 BC! Later we will have chance to have dinner before our overnight overnight seater train to Aswan. Upgrade to sleeper cabin available. Overnight - Train (B)
Old Pyramids, Petra, Promised Lands - 18 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Felucca boats on the Nile at sunset
Days 4 - 5: Felucca Sailing
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile down stream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 6: Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor (book and pay locally), alternatively enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight - Luxor (B)
The road of sphinxes leading to Karnak temple in Luxor
Day 7: Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor. An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of our visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against a backdrop of history, the legendary Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

This afternoon after lunch and time to relax, we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular temple on a gigantic scale dedicated to the Theban gods. Karnak is ancient Egypt at its very best. You’ll feel like a star in a Hollywood epic, as you stroll around. This afternoon, we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Overnight - Bus (B)
Days 8 - 9: Dahab
Dahab. Arriving at Dahab, our base for the next 2 days, there is time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Optional excursions include snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole and camel or jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert.

The Dahab waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy. Overnight - Dahab (B:2)
The sea framed by palm trees in Aqaba
Day 10: Egypt to Jordan
Dahab - Petra (Jordan). Today we transfer to Nuweiba Port to cross the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry and travel onward to Petra. This evening we will meet our Jordanian tour guide and other tour members continuing with us through Jordan and onto Israel.

Tonight, it maybe possible to take a candlelit walk through the Siq by attending the 'Petra by Night' excursion. Overnight - Petra (B)
Day 11: The Rose City of Petra
To see Petra’s beauty, we first take a walk through the winding cleft in the rock that is known as the Siq, before reaching the awe inspiring Treasury. This rose red building actually served as a royal tomb, but got its name from the legend that pirates hid their treasure there. More amazing Nabataean and Roman ruins follow, including a huge 8000 seat amphitheatre and other Royal tombs and Mausoleums.

If you are feeling energetic, why not continue up the hillside along the ancient steps that take you to the Monastery, to take in the stunning views. Consider opting for our Petra Kitchen bolt-on tonight. Overnight - Petra (B)
Day 12: Wadi Rum
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we can return to the Rose Red city for further exploration. Then drive to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 desert safari before enjoying a traditional Jordanian dinner and a night camping in the desert. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)
Salt and mineral deposits flank the Dead Sea in Jordan
Day 13: Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Karak - Dead Sea - Madaba. This morning, we explore the well preserved 12th century crusader castle of Al Karak (or Shobak) before descending to the Dea Sea. Sitting at 422 metres below sea level we spend the afternoon swimming, lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath and bobbing about in the ever warm mineral-rich body of water. Arriving into Madaba there maybe a little time to explore before a delightful meal in a local popular local restaurant. Overnight - Madaba (B, L, D)
Day 14: Madaba
Mentioned in the Old Testament, the prime attractions of the venerable town of Madaba are its many 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. Perhaps the most impressive of these is an enormous 6th-century map of Palestine and Egypt that is located in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. The nearby mosaic school, established to teach the restoration of these rare artworks, is the only one of its kind in the Middle East. There is plenty of time to wander about this ancient town and take in the sights. You can also visit the town's musuem, which contains many ancient artifacts and a collection of mosaics found in other regions of Jordan. Overnight - Madaba (B)
The Church of Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Israel
Day 15: Jerusalem
Madaba – Jerusalem. This morning you’ll be picked up at 9:00am and transferred to the Jordanian border where after immigration formalities you will transfer by public shuttle bus over the border into Israel, here you’ll be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. The afternoon and evening offer free time. Today is the Sabbath and offers good opportunity to explore the World Heritage Listed city on foot without the usual hubbub. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D)
The western Wall
Day 16: Bethlehem
Today we enjoy a guided tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Our first stop is the holy Mount of Olives where there are amazing panoramic views of the old city. We take a walking tour of the atmospheric old city; wander through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the Cardo (ancient Roman road). We continue on through the old City and the Christian quarter, visiting the famous Wailing Wall - a place of constant prayer and one of the most revered Hebrew sites. Retrace the final laboured steps of Jesus, burdened under the weight of the cross, along the Via Dolorosa to the hallowed Church of the Sepulchre; the site of the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb and the resurrection. A short drive from Jerusalem is Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus; where we visit Manger Square and the Church of Nativity, which is reputed to be the oldest Church in the world and the site where Jesus was born. Spend the evening at leisure in Jerusalem. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D)
The Golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
Day 17: Nazareth & the Sea of Galilee
This morning we head out for another full day of sightseeing around the Holy Land. We take in the sights of Nazareth – the home of Joseph and Mary, visiting the famous Churches of the Annunciation and St. Joseph. Heading North via Cana – where Jesus turned water into wine, we reach the shores of the Sea of Galilee and visit the significant Christian sites of Capernaum, historic Tiberias and Tabgha - site of the legendary Sermon on the Mount and the feeding of the 5000. We travel back to Jerusalem where you can spend your final night soaking up the atmosphere of this revered city. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D)
Day 18: Amman
Tuesday. Jerusalem – Amman. This morning we return to Jordan. Included onward departure transfer to Amman airport or Madaba hotel. If your flight doesn't leave till later in the evening, you can enjoy some free time in Madaba before we transfer you to Amman airport. NOTE: There could be delays when crossing the border from Israel to Jordan. As such please ensure that you book a flight departing from Amman after 5pm. (B)

Perseids Meteor Shower departure - 04 Aug 2012
Why not combine this tour with the amazing celestial spectacle of the Perseids Meteor shower? The Perseids meteor shower is a spectacular celestial light show, that has mystified and amazed sky watchers for nearly 2000 years. The night sky is lit up by often over 60 meteors per hour! You can witness the incredible meteor shower from our desert camp in Wadi Rum, where you will spend two incredible nights star-gazing, when the meteor shower is at its peak on the 12th and 14th August. Please see the Go Guide for details of the amended itinerary. Supplement applies.

Alternatively opt for our 14 day Tutankhamen to Treasury departing 04 Aug 2012 that also witnesses the amazing display at Wadi Rum.


Tour Details
  • Starts in: Cairo / Ends in: Amman
  • Departs: Saturdays - year round
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:17, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 7
  • Hotel Rating: 3 - 5 star (4 - 5 star - Egypt, 3 star - Jordan + Israel) & Wadi Rum camp
  • Tour Guide: Yes
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