Egypt, Israel & Jordan

Welcome to Jordan, a country that is home to some of mankind's earliest settlements. We begin in Amman, Jordan's bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world. We'll enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up, before joining our fellow travellers for a group welcome dinner this evening.

This morning we will visit the magnificently restored Roman theatre, a highlight for most visitors to Amman. Built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius in approximately 138 CE, the unique amphitheatre was used for various performances and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators!

We'll continue to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations, starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. We'll tour through the colonnaded streets, amphitheatre, churches, temples and the vast Roman Forum.

Special Experience: Learn how to make local dishes at a cooking demonstration in the heart of nature at an organic farm in Ajloun. After lunch we'll take a short drive to the impressive Ajloun Castle or ‘Qalaat Rabadh' (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle'). This Islamic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces.

We will return to Amman where the evening is at leisure to explore this epic city.

This morning we begin with a visit to the amazing Amman Citadel that is perched atop the Jabal Al Qal'a, one of the cities highest hills and one of the seven Jabals that originally made up the city. We will walk through this ancient ruin to gain insight into Jordan's history while also enjoying incredible panoramic views.

Next we'll visit Madaba, known as ‘The City of Mosaics', where underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. We will visit the Greek Orthodox church of St George, home to Madaba's main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. We'll also stop at Mount Nebo, the centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times. Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it's said to be the place where Moses was buried.

As we make our way towards Petra, we'll stop to visit the fascinating 'Little Petra', also known as Siq al-Barid, a Nabataean site characterised by buildings carved into the sandstone canyon walls. Little Petra's impressive history dates back around 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group dinner at a delicious local restaurant in Petra.

Located in Jordan's southwestern desert, Petra is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. Often called the ‘Rose City' due to its distinctive reddish hue, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a captivating blend of history and spectacular beauty. This morning we explore the famous lost city of Petra on a guided tour. Carved into the sheer rockface by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, it was an important junction for the silk and trade routes.

Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra's appeal comes from its breathtaking location, set deep inside a narrow desert gorge. Our guide will explain the history of this great city and our tour will include a visit to Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury. We will also visit Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery. The view from here is worth the climb! After our guided tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore this delightful city independently.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

If you're feeling adventurous and like to rise early, you could take the option to re-visit Petra this morning. We depart Petra today and begin our journey to the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. Traces of ancient civilisations exist in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks.

Special Experience: Enjoy an exclusive BBQ lunch in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. After our delicious lunch we will take an exciting 4WD tour in one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, immersing ourselves in the spectacularly rugged scenery that's reminiscent of Mars. Tonight we'll spend an unforgettable night in a Bedouin-style desert camp, nestled in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. Star gazing anyone?

Leaving Wadi Rum early this morning, our first stop today is the Crusader fortress of Kerak. Built in 1142 by Payen le Bouteiller, Lord of Montreal, the fortress sits on the remains of earlier citadels which date back to Nabataean times. Next, we venture to the lowest point on Earth – the mesmerising Dead Sea. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover your body in the therapeutic mud, said to have amazing benefits for your skin?

We have an early start today as we cross the border to enter Israel, a destination bursting with archaeological, religious and cultural attractions. The history of the Jewish people and their roots in Israel spans some 35 centuries. Their cultural, national and religious identity was formed here, and their physical presence has remained unbroken throughout the centuries, even after the majority of Jews were forced into exile.

En route, we'll drive to Masada National Park and stop to visit the fortification ruins of Masada. This unique UNESCO Heritage-listed site encompasses an ancient fortress that is perched atop a plateau overlooking the vast Judean Desert, offering epic views over the stunning landscape below.

After some free time, we continue to Jerusalem where we will visit the Jewish Wailing Wall on arrival. Also known as the ‘Western Wall', or ‘Kotel' in Hebrew, this iconic site is considered one of the most sacred sites in Judaism and is believed to be the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray due to its connection to the Temple Mount.

Considered the holiest place on Earth and Israel's largest city, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. This impressive city blends ancient history, diverse spirituality and various regions with a dynamic modern vibe, making Jerusalem a captivating destination for visitors from around the globe. Our morning begins with a short drive to Yad Vashem, Israel's official and incredibly moving memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.

We then continue to visit nearby Mount Herzl, the site of Israel's national cemetery and other memorial and educational facilities. Exploring the famous Old City is next on the agenda, famous for its huge cultural and historical significance. Surrounded by ancient walls, we'll enter through Jaffa Gate and begin by exploring the fascinating Jewish Quarter, down narrow winding streets. After some free time for lunch, we will walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Christian Quarter to marvel at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Special Experience: Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Middle East with a delicious dining experience at a local restaurant in Jerusalem.

Our day begins with a visit to the Knesset, Israel's parliament. This is where the legislative processes in the State of Israel take place, and we'll take the opportunity to explore this iconic institution. We will then make our way to Israel's largest cultural establishment, the Israel Museum. Here we'll see the Shrine of the Book containing the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the oldest Biblical scrolls ever discovered.

After, we drive to the Mount of Olives for a magnificent panoramic view over the city of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives was named for the olive groves that covered the mountainside. Used for over 3,000 years as a cemetery, it holds well over 150,000 graves. We'll continue on to visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper on Mt Zion. Known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and King David, our sights are set on exploring Bethlehem this afternoon, delving into its incredible history.

We'll visit Rachel's tomb, the biblical matriarch who was the wife of Jabob, and spend time at the Church of Nativity and Manger Square. The evening is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace.

Our journey takes us to Galilee today, known for the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on the water. Located in northern Israel, the lush region is also home to scenic rolling hills and rich plains. After departing Jerusalem this morning, we'll stop and see the remains of the mosaic floor in an ancient synagogue at Beit Alpha. En route to Galilee, we'll head to Safed, regarded as one of Israel's holiest cities and a centre for Jewish mysticism.

Here we will see some of the beautifully crafted synagogues that are made from old stone and ornate wood, many featuring large murals adorning the ceilings and walls. We'll also visit the Artist Quarter, famed as a thriving bohemian art colony in the 1950s and 60s. Many celebrated artists from Israel can trace their roots to this haven of art and beauty! Next, we visit Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. Arriving in Galilee, we'll stay in a unique Kibbutz hotel for the next two nights.

Our eyes are set on Nazareth this morning. Located in Lower Galilee, the city holds profound religious significance as the hometown of Jesus Christ. Despite this, Nazareth has come a long way since its early days as a quiet Jewish village and is now a place where ancient history has blended seamlessly into the emerging mini metropolis. We'll first visit the Church of Annunciation, before continuing to Tiberias and Capernaum, where we will see the synagogue ruins and the octagonal Church of St Peter. Our next stop is in the Golan Heights where we will have some free time for lunch.

Special Experience: Visit Israel's third largest winery, Golan Wines and enjoy a vineyard tour and wine tasting. After our delectable winery experience, we visit the Banias Natural Spring before continuing to Mount Bental, seeing the abandoned Syrian bunkers and scattered scrap metal artwork sculptures.

This morning we'll travel to Haifa where we will drive through the German Colony before ascending to the stunning summit of Mount Carmel. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed coastal mountain range stretches southeast from the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking panoramic views over Haifa Bay and Western Galilee.

We then continue to Zichron Ya'akov, where on arrival we'll tour the fascinating Aaronsohn House N.I. L. I Museum. The Museum contains the story of the first Jewish underground called N.I. L. I (Netzah Israel Lo Ieshaker) which operated in the country during World War I. We will then have some free time for lunch and to explore the quaint main avenue of Zichron Ya'akov. Travelling along the coastal plain, we head to Caesarea to see the excavations of the Crusader city, the Roman port and the restored amphitheatre.

We'll then continue to our last stop in Israel, Tel Aviv. This dynamic seaside city is a modern hub renown for its stunning Mediterranean beaches, vibrant art scene and lively culture. The evening is at leisure for you to explore this captivating city at your own pace.

Our day begins with a short city tour of Tel Aviv. We will then make our way to Old Jaffa, where we will have some free time for lunch before touring this amazing neighbourhood which is home to quaint winding alleys filled with craft shops and galleries as well as wine bars, theatres and museums. We'll transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Cairo, our first destination in Egypt.

Set on the Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new. We'll meet our Egypt guide on arrival and transfer to our hotel.

Our touring in Cairo begins at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. We'll visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. Our tour will also take us to visit a weaving workshop, with an opportunity to purchase a locally made Egyptian carpet.

Special Experience: Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge.

Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Giza - Taking place on the Giza plateau, you will hear the story of Egypt as seen through the eyes of the Sphinx over the ages and see the breathtaking sight of the floodlit pyramids light up under the stars. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance. 1 hour – from $55pp US. Cash only.

We'll transfer to Cairo airport today, for a short flight to Aswan, gateway to the incredible history, temples and monuments of Upper Egypt. Upon arrival we'll meet our guide and transfer to the hotel before some time at leisure. This afternoon we'll relax on a cruise along the Nile on board a traditional felucca sailboat, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.

Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. On a half day tour, we'll first visit the High Dam, an engineering marvel that tames the Nile River and is a structure that's essential to providing irrigation and electricity to Egypt. We'll then explore the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this fascinating temple complex was relocated stone by stone to its current location to preserve it from the rising water levels caused by the High Dam. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy. You can relax by the hotel or explore the city some more – either way, the choice is yours!

Optional Excursion: A magical experience visiting Philae Temple at night for the Sound & Light Show. Walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.1.5 hours – from $55pp US. Cash only.

An early start this morning as we cross the desert to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to Aswan to embark on our Nile cruise ship. We'll enjoy lunch on board, before enjoying the afternoon at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Nubian Village - Travel by motorboat to a local village, visit a Nubian family and enjoy tea in their home, discovering their simple and natural way of life. The Nubian language is solely a spoken language and is the common feature that characterises Nubians of today and is the centre of their identity. 3 hours – from $55pp US, including camel ride; $45pp US, without camel ride. Cash only.

After breakfast, we will cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo. Located along the banks of the Nile River, this unique double temple is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. We'll then set sail onward to Edfu located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan. The Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It's famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we'll visit this afternoon. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Tonight, we experience a traditional Galabeya party on board.

We'll cross the lock at Esna early this morning and sail on towards Luxor. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Once in Luxor, we'll explore the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple's structure over time, which explains its monumental size!

We'll then visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We'll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient art form of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to rest, relax and recharge.

Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Karnak - Experience the beauty of Karnak Temple illuminated against the night as the pharaohs of the New Kingdom take you on a journey into Ancient Egypt. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.1.5 hours – from $55pp US. Cash only.

Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the crew. After breakfast we set off to explore the West Bank – the world's largest open-air museum! Our first stop for today is the Valley of Kings, where we have entry to visit Tutankhamun's Tomb. Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber. We'll be able to descend into the tomb to see examples of the elaborate and incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Our next destination is the Temple of Hatshepsut. Regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We'll then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharoah Amenhotep III. We then stop at a nearby alabaster workshop, to learn how the locally-quarried stone is carved and crafted and can purchase a souvenir piece to take home if so inclined.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride West Bank - Don't miss this opportunity for incomparable views of Luxor's famous temples! Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride directly over the Nile River's West Bank. Away from the crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn, your flight over Egypt's ancient monuments promises to be a highlight of your visit. Includes transport from your hotel. 1.5 hours – from $160pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: Deir El Medina, Medinet Habu & Nobles Tombs - Deir el-Medina is one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt. It lies near Thebes and was once a highly skilled community of craftsmen and their families. Visit Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II. Also see the Noble tombs of the great dignitaries from the middle new kingdom dynasties. 3 hours – from $75pp US - minimum 4 participants required.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love). We'll transfer to Luxor airport today, for our flight to Cairo. Upon arrival we'll meet with our local guide and transfer to our hotel.

We begin today in the heart of lively Cairo with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. We'll then visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Built in classic Turkish style, it resembles the great mosques of Istanbul.

Our last stop is the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo's Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it's also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills! We'll also visit a jewelry shop that specialises in stunning customised gold and silver cartouches, which will be available for purchase. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt, Israel and Jordan. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion: Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church, possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt & Abu Serga, a place where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod. See Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. 3 hours - from $55pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion: Islamic Cairo -Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum - two houses from the 16th & 17th century built with a unique architectural style & filled with antiques from all over the Middle East. Nearby is the Ibn Toulon Mosque, one of Cairo's biggest mosques, built in the 8th century with strong Persian design influences. The final stop is the El Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 13th century & considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture from that era. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.