Treasures of Egypt, Hidden Jordan and Israel

Today marks the beginning of your incredible Egypt and Jordan adventure as you arrive in Cairo. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception where you'll meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay Three Nights: Marriott Cairo Hotel

This morning will be spent exploring Giza, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With the head of a human and body of a lion, the mythical Sphinx is the most recognisable statue associated with ancient Egypt. Walk through the emerald-green gardens of Al Azhar Park before enjoying lunch overlooking Cairo. This afternoon, the choice is yours, with a range of select experiences on offer. Perhaps take in a tour of Coptic Cairo, including the Church of St. Sergius – believed to be built upon a shelter the Holy Family used during their time in Egypt. Or, choose to dine like a local at a traditional restaurant, from falafel, to Mahshi (vegetables stuffed with rice), and shawarma. (B/L)

This morning is yours to continue your discovery of Cairo. Perhaps explore Memphis and Sakkara. Later, set off on a Cairo city tour which includes admission to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic artefacts, with more than 160,000 pieces on display, come face-to-face with genuine Tutankhamen treasures and antiquities. Later, stroll through the colourful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you might find some memorable keepsakes. (B)

After breakfast this morning, we'll transfer you to the airport for an included flight from Cairo to Luxor. Once in Luxor, head for the water where you will board the MS Royal Lily. After settling in and enjoying lunch, this afternoon you will discover Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. You'll also explore the impressive Luxor Temple. Built in approximately 1400 BC and once the capital of Egypt, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the veneration of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and held Egypt's most important religious festival – the annual Opet Festival. Tonight, indulge in a Captain's Welcome Reception on board. Stay Four Nights: MS Royal Lily (B/L/D)

Today, enjoy the chance to visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon twin statues before taking in the West Bank of the Nile, the world's largest open-air museum. Here, you'll journey to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Also known as the ‘Gateway to the Afterlife', the Valley of the Kings and Queens was once a royal burial ground for pharaohs, queens, priests, and chosen elects. Relax in comfort, with afternoon tea, as you sail to Edfu via Esna. (B/L/D)

On the banks of the Nile this morning, visit Edfu temple. A sandstone temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple is fabled to be the site of historic festivals and celebrations. You'll then cruise onwards to Kom Ombo, with lunch on board. Afterwards, visit the Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus, the falcon god. Back on board, enjoy afternoon tea en route to Aswan. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Tonight, you'll attend a Galabeya party. You'll enjoy authentic music and food while you have the choice to wear traditional Egyptian attire.

Today is sure to be a highlight as you fly to Abu Simbel and visit the imposing temples. Once buried under centuries of sand, lost to the world until 1813, marvel at the two awe-inspiring temples considered masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Later, board a traditional wooden sailing boat and drift alongside this island home, turned botanical garden. Keep an eye out for the beautiful trees and luscious plants native to Aswan. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Nubian folkloric show. Popular in Egypt, Nubian music is performed in Arabic and relies on drum beats, clapping, fiddles, lutes and various other percussion instruments. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Sail by Kitchener's Island on a felucca.

Today in Aswan, bid farewell to the MS Royal Lily before taking in the Philae Temple and the world famous High Dam, an engineering miracle of its time. Later, board your included flight back to Cairo, to meet your onward flight to Amman. Stay: Amman, Rotana Hotel (B)

Today starts with a guided tour of Amman. Discover the historic legacy of the city at the Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum, before taking in the enchanting Citadel. You'll then stroll via a traditional souk, where the sights and smells of spices and gold are sure to delight. Afterwards, drive to the ruined city of Jerash. A once great Roman city, here you will transport some 6,500 years back in time to the ‘Pompeii of the Middle East'. Continue to the Dead Sea this afternoon where you will check into your hotel. Stay: Dead Sea, Crowne Plaza (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit a popular spot to sample the Jordanian sweet kanafeh, a delicious cheese pastry soaked in a sugar syrup.

Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps floating on the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Later travel to Bethabara, the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. Arrive in Aqaba this afternoon, a picturesque port set on the Red Sea. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Stay: Movenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba (B)

This morning, perhaps take advantage of the hotel facilities, go for a dip in the Red Sea or enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour. Then travel to Wadi Rum this afternoon where you'll join an Insider Experience. Continue on to your desert camp and savour a unique Bedouin dinner this evening. After dinner, perhaps enhance your experience and explore the uninterrupted desert night skies with some stargazing. A presentation and giant telescopes bring these star-studded skies to life. Stay: Wadi Rum, Al Sultana Camp (B/D)

Insider Experience: In Wadi Rum, take an exciting 4WD tour across the lunar-like desert landscapes. As the sun goes down, toast the day with a glass of sparkling wine.

Today, a short drive brings you to Little Petra, an archaeological site where magnificent buildings have been carved into sandstone canyons. Continue on to your hotel before your included dinner. Stay Two Nights: Petra, Movenpick Nabatean Castle (B/D)

Insider Experience: Tonight, enjoy an evening of learning and fun, as you partake in a Jordanian hands-on dining experience at Petra Kitchen.

Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring Petra. Famous for its rock-cut architecture, stone colours and formations, Petra is also known as the Rose City. Wander through a narrow gorge called the Siq and emerge to witness Petra's most breathtaking and elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. Among the numerous temples, caves and tombs in this UNESCO World Heritage site is the Ad-Deir Monastery, worth the 900-step ascent for those who wish to explore more. This evening, perhaps witness Petra by Night as you wander through the lit-up complex of temples. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Shobak and visit the earliest crusader castle in the region. Set within the walls of the old city, the fortified castle dominates the town and has been the setting for a number of battles. Continue to Madaba, best known as the ‘City of Mosaics', for its beautiful Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Madaba is most famous for the 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Covering the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, witness over two million pieces of coloured stone depicting the hills and valleys, villages and towns.

Afterwards, head to the mountaintop Memorial of Moses at Mount Nebo. It is here, that the Bible states, Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land that he could never enter. Atop the mountain, enjoy captivating views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and River Jordan. Continue to Amman this afternoon Stay: Amman, Rotana Hotel (B/D)

Depart Amman and travel to the Israel border. With a history stretching back almost 5,000 years, few places in the world resonate in the same way as Israel. This evening, enjoy an Insider Experience. Stay Two Nights: Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Experience an authentic Jewish Sabbath, where you are welcomed into a family's home for a five-course dinner by candlelight, to share in the meaning of Shabbat.

Start out with views from Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives, a vista which includes the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount, the top of the Holy Sepulchre and Mount Zion, as well as the old city walls and gates. At Mount Zion, you see the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of David. After lunch, walk along part of the Via Dolorosa as the guide explains the significance of the holy sites in Christian history. Continue to the iconic Western Wall, navigating through the winding streets of the Christian and Muslim quarters of the city. (B/L)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a special lunch today, where you'll sample an Israeli staple, the falafel, and learn about its role in the traditional Israeli household.

Today, you will visit the immensely moving Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. You walk through the museum independently, accompanied by an audio guide. The visit is unrushed, and there are gardens and places to sit and reflect. Afterwards, explore the pretty and historic village of Ein Karem, perhaps visiting the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the site of Mary's Spring. Then view the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum and visit Bethlehem to see the sixth-century Church of the Nativity, with the chance to descend to the grotto to see the location of Jesus' manger, as well as Manger Square, before your transfer to Tel Aviv. Stay Two Nights: Tel Aviv, Hotel Orchid Tel Aviv (B)

This lively seaside city is a dramatic contrast after your time spent discovering places rich in religious history. After breakfast, explore Tel Aviv, wandering through the Zodiac Alleyways of Old Jaffa and seeing unique Bauhaus buildings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps head out on a food tour of Tel Aviv and sample Israeli street food or explore the colourful street art on a guided tour. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight. (B/D)

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (B)