Epic Egypt, Jordan and Israel

Welcome to Cairo, where we'll meet you at the airport and take you directly to your luxurious hotel, set along the famous Corniche on the banks of the mighty Nile. Celebrate the beginning of your adventure this evening with a welcome dinner, the perfect chance to get to know fellow travellers. Stay Two Nights: Cairo, Four Seasons Nile Plaza (D)

Step back in time in the long-awaited, newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, the world's largest archaeological museum. The museum is home to an Aladdin's cave of the nation's most famous artefacts, including the entire Tutankhamun collection, and will leave you awestruck. This afternoon, perhaps further explore the rich history of this city at your own pace. (B/L)

Freedom of Choice:

• You may feel like exploring the city's religious diversity with a visit to the majestic Islamic citadel of Salah El-Din, before searching for treasures at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Or perhaps wander through the streets of Coptic Cairo, home to The Hanging Church, Abu Serga and Ben Ezra Synagogue. For those more inclined towards art and design, the Gayer Anderson Museum displays a patchwork of Islamic form and style. This option also finishes with a walk through Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

You'll bid a temporary farewell to Cairo as you take a flight to Luxor, where your river ship is docked and waiting. Settle in and enjoy lunch in the dining room. Afterwards, venture back on land to explore the East Bank sites of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Stay Four Nights: aboard the MS Sun Goddess (B/L/D)

Wake early and see the rising sun cast a golden glow over the Nile. Today's adventures will immerse you deep into Egyptology. On the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, explore tombs constructed for Tutankhamun and Ramesses VI, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Later, visit stone statues the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon, enjoy time to relax as your ship sails on to the ancient city of Esna, crossing the Esna lock. (B/L/D)

Along the banks of the Nile, remnants of ancient civilisations blur the lines between the past and the present. Stunning examples to be seen include the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus the falcon god, regarded as the best preserved temple of the ancient world. You'll also see the twin temples of Kom Ombo. Time on board can be as luxurious and relaxing as you like. From watching the sunset on the top deck, spa treatments, or delicious dining, a view of the mighty Nile is never more than a glance away. (B/L/D)

The modern world beckons with a visit to Aswan High Dam, the biggest in Egypt. Later, immerse yourself back in ancient times on the island of Agilika and pay homage to the Goddess Isis at the relocated Philae Temple. To discover more about this region and its culture and traditions, a motor boat will take you on shore to visit the impressive Nubian Museum complex which is located on a towering clifftop. (B/L/D)

Your Nile cruise draws to a close this morning, docking in the laid-back southern city of Aswan. Here, the river is dotted with picturesque islands and colourful feluccas. Visit Kitchener's Island on the eastern bank, home to Aswan Botanical Garden. The entire island is dedicated to lush plantings of native and exotic species, including rare Egyptian palms. Tonight's accommodation is the legendary Old Cataract Hotel. The grounds of this restored 19th-century Victorian palace, set between the pink granite of the edge of the desert and a magnificent blue expanse of the Nile, is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Stay: Aswan, Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel (B/L)

This morning, a short flight takes you to the town of Abu Simbel. Here, carved into a soaring mountainside, you'll discover the World Heritage-listed temples dedicated to Ramesses II and his beloved Nefertari, which date to the 13th century BC. Later, arrive back in Cairo, where this evening you'll be treated to the spectacular sound and light show projected onto the pyramids. Stay Two Nights: Cairo, Four Seasons First Residence (B/L)

At the World Heritage-listed Giza Necropolis, you'll be able to touch and explore the three Great Pyramids and get incredible views of the Sphinx. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Guided by your own Egyptologist, explore the ancient ruins of Memphis and the fascinating step pyramids of Saqqara.

Today you'll fly to the Jordanian capital, Amman. Soak up the amazing atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city, where modern architecture and crumbling ruins exist side by side. There'll be much anticipatory chatter about the Jordanian adventures ahead during dinner at the hotel this evening. Stay Two Nights: W Hotel Amman (B/D)

Your discovery of the Kingdom of Jordan begins as you comb the sprawling ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. Afterwards, it's time to explore the bustling centre of Amman. Originally built around seven hills, Amman has continued to expand and offers spectacular views at every turn. Visit the Roman Theatre and Citadel and soak up the old-meets-new city atmosphere with a guided walking tour of the historic centre. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Discover the flavours of Jordan with a special cooking class at a local home. Learn to make traditional recipes such as maaloubeh (stewed meat, rice and vegetables), mutabel (eggplant dip), tabbouleh and muhallebi (milk pudding), then savour your creations for dinner.

Set off early this morning on a road trip down the 5,000-year-old King's Highway towards Petra. Pause along the way to visit Mount Nebo, the place where it is believed Moses had his last view over the Holy Land. Take in spectacular views over the Jordan Valley before continuing to the Byzantine church of Saint George in Madaba, where you will see the Christian mosaics of Madaba – one of the oldest maps in the world. Later, arrive in Petra. Stay Two Nights: Movenpick Resort Petra (B/L)

Today you'll explore the legendary Petra, with its awe-inspiring temples, tombs and caves. Walk through the Siq, winding your way through the canyon with 80-metre walls soaring either side, a location you may recognise from the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. See The Treasury, the first historical building within the site and be given the option to walk up to The Monastery, a huge carved temple reached by 800 steps. (B/D)

Set off towards Al Beida or Little Petra, thought to be one of the first settled villages in human history. Continue through the amazing desert landscape to Wadi Rum, where you'll join a Jeep ride with a local Bedouin exploring all of the hidden sites of the desert. Stay: Wadi Rum, Sun City Camp (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• In Wadi Rum, a soul-enriching stay awaits at Sun City Camp, where you'll feast on traditional Arabic delights. As evening falls, board a Jeep and journey out into the Wadi Rum desert. The lunar-like desert landscape provides the perfect backdrop for stargazing. Learn all about the stars and be given the opportunity to view them up close with telescopes.

Your epic desert exploration continues on today, looping back towards Amman and on to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is actually an enormous inland salt lake spanning over 600 square kilometresand is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean. The water and mud are full of minerals, and the air is rich in oxygen. One of the world's first ever health resort areas, it has attracted visitors for thousands of years. Stay Two Nights: Dead Sea, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar (B/L)

Today is yours to relax and rejuvenate at your beautiful Dead Sea resort. Select from one of the Freedom of Choice touring options on offer. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• You might like to visit the Ma'in Hot Springs and soak in the thermal mineral waters before enjoying lunch. Alternatively, visit the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex and Museum, where you'll learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Dead Sea. The complex offers incredible views over the Jordan Rift Valley and the Dead Sea.

Today cross into Israel and head to the Golan Plateau for your Signature Experience. Visit the nearby village of Capernaum, where Jesus is said to have lived and ministered for many years. You'll also visit the Church of the Mount of Beatitudes. At Tabgha, learn about the history of the church, including the multiplication of loaves and fish. Upon reaching your hotel, enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner. Stay Two Nights: U Boutique or similar (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Set out on a 4WD adventure through the orchards and vineyards of the Golan Plateau. Indulge in a chef-prepared lunch at the award-winning Chateau Golan winery.

Discover Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and city of the Crusaders. Walk in their footsteps in the templar tunnels a visit the Hospitaller Fortress. In the exotic garden town of Haifa, an orientation tour leads you to stunning views from Mount Carmel in Bahai Gardens. After lunch, reach Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning, venture out onto the fabled waters of the Sea of Galilee on a boat ride before heading south towards Jerusalem. En route, visit the archaeological site of Beit Shean and explore Jericho, boarding a cable car to the Mount of Temptations. You'll also visit the old Orthodox monastery and Qumran, where the sacred Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden for thousands of years. This evening is yours to relax at leisure. Stay Three Nights: Jerusalem, Orient Hotel or similar (B/L)

Discover Jerusalem, a holy city of high importance to people of Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was first consecrated in the year AD335, is believed to have been built up around the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Then visit the holiest site in Judaism, the Western (or Wailing) Wall. Here, you'll have the opportunity to descend into the labyrinth of limestone tunnels built beneath the old city. (B/L)

Today, visit Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare manuscripts. Adjacent is the model of the Second Temple, a reconstruction of what the city looked like before its destruction by the Romans in AD66. Head out to Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center before visiting the leafy neighbourhood of Ein Karem for lunch. This evening is yours at leisure. (B/L)

This morning, visit Bethlehem and its famous Church of the Nativity. After lunch, head west towards the coast and Tel Aviv, where you'll stay on the waterfront and the city's bustling promenade. This evening, a special Signature Experience awaits. Stay Two Nights: Tel Aviv, The Setai or similar (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Tonight, be welcomed into a local household as you join them for dinner and hear their stories. This unique experience offers a deeper insight into modern Israel's melting pot of cultures and cuisine.

Enjoy a morning exploration of Tel Aviv, including a wander through the Zodiac Alleys, picturesque, restored alleyways home to many art galleries. Afterwards, travel at your own pace with the afternoon at leisure. This evening, celebrate your adventures with fellow travellers at a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Your epic journey comes to an end this morning with a transfer to Tel Aviv Airport. (B)