Travelling from Cairo to Tel Aviv, take in the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, neighbouring countries, steeped in history. From the grand Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, to the beautiful Rose City of Petra and the Biblical sites of Jerusalem, join us on a journey of epic proportion.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cairo
Friday. Today is the start of your adventure through the holy lands. Included transfer from Cairo airport and hotel check in. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to pre book our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am today.
For those who are arriving early, we also offer a pre tour Alexandria Day Trip. every Thursday.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
We start the day with a visit to the Giza Plateau to see the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Next we explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to Zhoser’s step pyramid. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Today we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. This vast new 490,000 sq.m complex contains a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history. Arguably the most famous is the giant exhibition of King Tutankhamun's treasures, including his spectacular solid gold funerary mask.
After our tour we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization which is where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. There are 20 mummies in total including King Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. Some of the mummies are so well preserved you can still see hair on the heads and fingernails! Once we've explored this incredible hall there's time to relax back at the hotel this afternoon before we board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast
Aswan & Philae Temple
This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. We then visit a perfume oil emporium, before check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. Later, there is free time to perhaps enjoy some shopping in the colourful souks and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nile Cruising & Kom Ombo
Aswan - Nile Cruising. Today there is an optional early morning excursion by road to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. Our Nile cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.
The next morning relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor in the afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Valley of the Kings
Luxor. Today we will be exploring the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Beach Time
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we head east to Hurghada part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for some beach time!
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Hurghada - by the Red Sea
Today can either be spent relaxing by the beach in Hurghada or on an optional boat trip to snorkel and swim at Giftun Island. Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it's the gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. The resort also has an array of shops, restaurants and bars for evening entertainment.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast
Fly Egypt to Jordan
Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra. We have an early start this morning as we make our way to Hurghada airport. From here we'll fly to Amman via Cairo. Upon arrival into Amman we drive south to Petra arriving near sunset. Tonight you may wish to take a candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq… a romantic preview of things to come on, by joining the 'Petra By Night' excursion (approx. USD$25 payable locally)
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Hurghada to Amman via Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost (total flight cost approximately USD$250 - $350pp) however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. The flights to be booked are detailed in the tour Trip Notes.
Overnight: Petra | Breakfast
Rose City of Petra
To discover the archaeological treasures of Petra, 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 Add-on tonight.
Overnight: Petra | Breakfast
4x4 Desert Safari In Wadi Rum
Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisit Petra this morning before our afternoon drive to Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert and amazing rock formations known as jebels that rise from the desert floor awaits. Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilarating desert safari across the sand dunes, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum. Tonight, we enjoy a Jordanian dinner at our desert camp.
Overnight: Wadi Rum | Breakfast, Dinner
Crusader Castles, Wadi Wujib Canyoning & Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at the campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched dramatically on a hill top and was built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring the castle we descend some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost.
For departures between April and October we’ll head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib. We’ll embark on a moderate –paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4 kilometres across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of or wait by the Visitor Centre till the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Dead Sea | Breakfast
Relaxing At The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a natural phenomena and high on most travellers’ bucket lists. Lucky for us we have a whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. Option to visit the Ma’in hot springs and the site where it is thought Jesus Christ was baptised by John (book locally).
Overnight: Dead Sea | Breakfast
Dead Sea to Jerusalem
Dead Sea – Jerusalem (West bank). This morning travel 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 crowds.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Bethlehem
Today we enjoy a guided tour of Jerusalem (West Bank) and Bethlehem (West Bank). 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. Retracing the final laboured steps of Jesus, burdened under the weight of the cross, we walk 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 | Breakfast, Dinner
Caesarea & Jaffa
Jerusalem – Haifa – Caesarea – Jaffa – Tel Aviv. We bid farewell to Jerusalem today and travelling down the coast we stop in the historic city of Caesarea where Roman and Crusader-era ruins are strewn along the sea front. Continuing south we reach Jaffa, an ancient port where we enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque, fortified town and marvel at the hilltop views. Then it's just a short drive to the vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, where we spend our final night. Dubbed "the city that never sleeps" Tel Aviv is renowned for its hedonistic nightlife and the city also has a plethora of trendy bistros, high-end restaurants and delicious street food stalls to choose from for dinner.
Overnight: Tel Aviv | Breakfast
Tel Aviv
Tuesday. Our tour ends today with an included transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport at any time of day. There's so much to see and do in Tel Aviv that we highly recommend extending your stay to enjoy its beautiful beaches, art galleries and markets. We can book post tour accommodation upon request.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes' in the right hand column for details.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Holiday Inn City Stars, Cairo
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
M/S Medea, Nile Cruising
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S La Traviata, Nile Cruising
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Marriott Beach Resort, Hurghada
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
Swiss Inn Resort Hurghada, Hurghada
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
Continental Hotel, Hurghada
Tucked into Hurghada Bay, right on its scenic promenade, the Continental is a delightful beachfront resort boasting fantastic terraced rooms (many with seaviews) and excellent facilities. Watersports are in abundance here with swimming pools, scuba diving and snorkelling all readily available. A leisure club offers a sauna and spa treatments to relax after the day's activities. You can also wine and dine at one of the many great restaurants and bars.
Petra Moon Hotel, Petra
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Old Village Resort, Petra
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
Desert Seasons Camp, Wadi Rum
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Sharah Camp, Wadi Rum
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Holiday Inn Resort, Dead Sea
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
Offering an excellent location between Jerusalem’s exclusive Rahavia neighborhood and the Old City, Prima Kings is just metres away from the Great Synagogue. It’s façade features colourful bougainvillea cascading over each balcony, with guestrooms offering free WiFi, a private bathroom with a bath and soft carpeted floors. A buffet breakfast and dinner are served daily in the Carmel and Zion Hall, with a coffee shop also selling an array of snacks and drinks. Be sure to also take advantage of the hotel's spa facilities, which include a fitness centre, sauna and a range of rejuvenating treatments and massages.
Eyal Hotel, Jerusalem
Opened in 2014, the Eyal Hotel offers a modern stay in the ancient city of Jerusalem. It boasts an excellent location within walking distance of many points of interest, such as the Great Synagogue, the Damascus Gate and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to name just a few. Each guestroom is fully equipped with essential amenities, with WiFi available free of charge, and the hotel also features an onsite buffet restaurant. However, its real highlight is the rooftop terrace, from which you can enjoy fantastic views over the city center and ancient city walls.
Prima Royale, Jerusalem
A private hideaway for all guests is an accurate way to describe Jerusalem's Prima Royale Hotel. The hotel's contemporary and artistic vibe attracts guests from all over the world. Rooms are modern and comfortable and include Wi-Fi connectivity. There is a delightful infusion of Middle-eastern ambiance throughout the hotel, no more so than on the Roof Top where guests can enjoy cocktails and a guided aerial view of the city. Perfectly located on a quiet street in the Talbieh district of Jerusalem.
BY 14 Hotel, Tel Aviv
Well-located on one of Tel Aviv’s central streets, this boutique hotel is just minutes from the Carmel Market, Diezengoff Square and the lively cafes and restaurants of Sheinkein Street. Its guestrooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring modern décor and free high-speed WiFi. An extensive sweet and savoury breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s café, and guests can also take advantage of the free gym and bike rental. Although as the beach is just footsteps away, you'll most likely be spending your time soaking up the sun on the sands.
At a Glance
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