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Take an epic Middle Eastern adventure in comfort

Take an epic 26-day journey across lands of ancient civilizations, holy relics, cities carved from stone and sunrises over desert landscapes. Sip aromatic coffee in Cairo before you discover the pharaonic temples and tombs along the Nile River. Take jeep safaris in Wadi Rum and Negev, camping under unpolluted skies full of stars. Discover the Rose City of Petra and the Roman city of Jerash before arriving in Tel Aviv. Taste unbelievable falafel in Manger Square and take a walking tour through Jerusalem. Immerse yourself in the frequently misunderstood Middle East and gain an understanding you can’t get from news bulletins.

Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Jerusalem, Israel
Destinations
Egypt, Israel, Jordan
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
XECJC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.

  • You’ll never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place on a guided tour then enjoy free time to explore.

  • Experience the unique sensation of floating in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, then cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a spa treatment like no other.

  • Explore the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert in a 4WD, spotting constellations unimpeded by light pollution on a tour with an expert local guide.

  • Join Bedouin women for special lunch at Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving, an initiative that empowers women to apply their traditional weaving skills to the manufacture and sale of their products, and earn an income.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

  • The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.

  • Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel.

  • The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.

  • Major sites can become congested during peak travel periods with buses of large pilgrim groups. While we do our best to plan our visits around these times, it’s not always possible. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering some sites. Your leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and legs. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.

  • Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Don’t be taken back if this tipping culture is even more apparent here.

  • Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

  • Israel and the Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination, so it’s important to budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best local deals.

The temples of Luxor in Egypt
Walk across the amazing sand dunes in the deserts of Jordan
Holy Land Highlights with Intrepid Travel
Beautiful religious architecture in Amman, Jordan
Holy Land Highlights with Intrepid Travel
Cairo in Egypt
Travellers amongst the ruins of Aswan in Egypt
The Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel

Itinerary
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Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP150
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180
  • Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD20
  • Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP300
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures which have stood tall for over 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it’s closed to visitors. Afterwards, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP600
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre (entrance fee) - EGP100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and carry lots of water.

The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended.

Jump in a private van today and drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second-largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Afterwards, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
Optional Activities
  • Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) - EGP100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8pm and takes approximately 13 hours.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. We recommend bringing additional toilet paper. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite gender, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions, you might be sharing with another traveller of the same gender who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. You’ll pull into Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city – at around 9am. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the gems of Upper Egypt. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. You might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner where you’ll get to sample traditional dishes like okra stew or tagen, a tasty tomato-based tagen dish, with sanasel bread to mop up the delicious sauces.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP60
  • Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, make the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before making the drive back to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Aswan.

Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. All meals are included onboard, but you will need to pay for drinks.

Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, the local equivalent of five stars isn't the same standard that you might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxurious, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules, we are not able to provide advance notice of which exact boat you’ll be sailing on.

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, perhaps enjoying coffee and exploration of the bazaar during the morning bustle. After lunch on board your ship, you’ll set sail for your first stop – Kom Ombo. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility) and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. Afterwards, return to the boat and travel upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. Enjoy dinner on board, before your ship docks in Edfu late in the night.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight, your boat will be docked in Edfu.

This morning finds you moored near Edfu – a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your ship will sail onwards to Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Ships often have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, listening to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience. On arrival in Luxor, join your leader for an orientation walk of the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which looks incredible, lit up at night. Return to the ship for dinner and your last night on board.
Accommodation
  • Cruise Boat (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP300
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP260
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight, your boat will be docked in Luxor.

We do not include a visit to Edfu Temple as the only mode of transport there is through locally managed horse and carriages, the operators of which have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines. We have also received feedback that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule. The duration of the walk is about 30 mins each way, along a busy road. Please inform your Leader if you will be leaving the boat to visit Edfu.

Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, depart the ship and drop your bags at your hotel in Luxor. From here, you’ll set off with your leader to explore Karnak Temple which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaoh’s monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where Tutankhamun is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP140
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1400
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It is possible to do a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. Your Leader can reserve this service for you. We use Dream Balloons in Luxor. Pick up will be from your hotel between 0430 and 0500; balloon capacity is 16-25; cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas fill the air, or make a purchase next door in the cloth market. Or you could visit atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, and discover why it’s been operating for more than 200 years. Tonight, perhaps gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all three.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.

This morning take a short flight from Cairo to Amman. You will be unescorted on this flight. On arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6 pm with a welcome meeting for the next stage of your trip. If you arrive early, feel free to head out and explore – highlights include the citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum, which is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. After the meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner, or explore on your own and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes, partnering it with an ara’yes – a toasted sandwich filled with spicy mincemeat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location.

After breakfast today, journey down the Desert Highway to the spellbinding Wadi Rum, a landscape of rugged sandstone mountains standing tall among an ochre desert floor. Meet your Bedouin hosts on arrival followed by free time for lunch, before heading into this desolate, romantic area. Transport into the Rum is by way of jeeps operated by the local Bedouin community, part of an initiative by the Jordanian Government to bring much-needed income into this region. Visit several of Wadi Rum's distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area and you'll enjoy an evening under the stars at one of these sites.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Enjoy a spectacular sunrise at your desert camp, perhaps checking out a few more of the local Wadi Rum sites or taking a scenic walk before you leave. Depart Wadi Rum mid-morning for the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Check into your hotel on arrival and head out for a brief orientation of the town with your leader – the small Ottoman Mamluk Fort, dating from the 14th century and from where Lawrence of Arabia rode to Cairo, is worth a look – otherwise, most of the fun is to be found in the water. With great visibility and abundant marine life, this is an incredible spot for snorkelling, and the warm waters play host to clownfish, angelfish, sea turtles and coral formations. Speak to your leader if you’d like to arrange snorkelling, or you may prefer to acquaint yourself with the hotel's pool or head to the beach.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

This morning, enjoy some relaxation time in Aqaba before travelling to the fabled city of Petra. Dating back to the sixth century BC, Petra is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812 when it was visited by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and simply put, is one of the world’s most incredible ancient sites. On arrival, settle into your hotel and check out the village before enjoying an included dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. The iconic Petra view – the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from the narrow cleft known as the Siq – is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side. Join your guide and explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs, before enjoying free time to experience Petra at your own pace. Maybe climb up to the Monastery, carved from a mountain summit, where you’ll find magnificent views of the entire site. To cap off a truly memorable day, be welcomed into a local home for dinner. On the menu will often be maqluba – a casserole with rice, vegetables and chicken which is cooked, flipped, then served with either yoghurt or an Arab salad with tahina sauce. Chat to your friendly family hosts about the delicious meal and what life is like in such a popular spot.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour
  • Petra - Home-cooked meal
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak, where your leader will show you the grounds, a small chapel and the original gatehouse. This ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Depart the castle and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in Madaba where you’ll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and see an impressive ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Arrive in Amman in the late afternoon, where your leader will recommend some great restaurants to sample the best of the city’s food scene.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Take a short drive north to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world and now home to some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. Jerash has a striking collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring. Then, drive to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea, but rather a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Spend some time relaxing here before returning to Amman for the evening. Maybe spend tonight at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman or ask your leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - visit and swim
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning we farewell Jordan and drive to the Allenby Bridge Crossing for your onwards journey to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. You will be accompanied by your leader or a local guide to the crossing. They will provide you with instructions for the border officials. Once you have cleared the border there will be a driver to take you to your hotel in Tel Aviv.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tel Aviv - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours. Please note that the border crossing can be very busy and may take a couple of hours. Please refer to ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ in Essential Trip Information for the details of the border crossing and what to expect.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details. Ask reception or look for a note for more information on where and when the meeting will take place.

Today, make like a wise man for Nazareth, stopping at a few significant ports along the way. First up is Jaffa, now a vision of modernity but reputed to be one of the oldest ports in the world. You’ll continue on to Lewinsky Market – a very popular spot for locals and full of personality and colour. Take a stroll through its aisles and perhaps stop to sample some burekas (traditional pastries) as you walk around. You’ll then head up the coast to Haifa and enjoy the view of the renowned Bahai Gardens, a series of 19 terraced gardens overlooking the city. Afterwards, drive to Nazareth, arriving in the afternoon. An orientation walk will help you get your bearings so that you can make the most of your free evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
  • Jaffa - Old Port Tour
  • Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Start the morning with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation. This is the site where Mary is said to have received the news of the Immaculate Conception, and of the well where she drew water every day. Get on the road again and head north to the port city of Acre, known for its well-preserved old city and the crumbling remains of its fortress. Explore the excavated hall, dungeon, dining room and crypt of an ancient Gothic church, once occupied by the Knights of St John. Before heading back to your hotel, stop by a local winery for a glass (or two) of their delicious drop. Spend the evening in Nazareth.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Nazareth - Wine Tasting
  • Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your winery visit will be at any one of several in the region depending upon the time of your visit.

Head out of Nazareth this morning, on your way to the Negev Desert region. Today join a special lunch at Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving. This initiative, founded in 1991, is all about empowering Bedouin women in this region to apply their traditional weaving skills to the manufacture and sale of their products, and earn an income. Spend some time with the women, joining them for a cup of tea and a local lunch. Stop en route to Ramon Crater at Be’er Sheva – the only city built by Ottoman Turks during their rule over this land – and visit the Anzac Memorial there. In the afternoon, arrive at Mitzpe Ramon, perched on the edge of the crater. Check in to your hotel and grab some free time before sunset when we hop in the back of a 4WD vehicle and head on a desert safari. Ramon Crater has been recognised as an International Dark Sky Park – the first in the Middle East – to promote the ecological, astronomical and cultural benefits of having a clear night sky, unimpeded by light pollution.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Beersheba - Anzac Memorial
  • Mitzpe Ramon - Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
  • Negev - Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving visit and lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take in a special sunrise then visit Masada, a spectacular cliff-top fortress built by King Herod around 35 BC that can now be reached by cable car. The fortress is seen as a symbol of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Jewish people. Travel on to Ein Gedi, where you’ll have time to wash off during a swim like no other. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, sits at 420 metres below sea level and is so salty that you'll easily float on the surface. The nutrient-rich mud is great as a body scrub too. Later on, as the sun cools, you will visit the Mount of Olives for your first view of Jerusalem. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, known as the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before his crucifixion.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masada - Masada visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Explore Jerusalem’s Old City this morning on foot. Start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall – the remains of the Temple Mount, which acts as an outdoor synagogue, where written prayers are slid into the cracks between stones. Then continue along the Via Dolorosa starting at St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Now located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, this pool was mentioned in the Gospel of John and associated with healing. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) – the Way of Sorrows which follows Jesus’ path to crucifixion – and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, died, buried, and rose again. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring, so perhaps have more of a wander around the Old City or check out the Israeli Museum.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, cross into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity as well as Manger Square, where Jesus is said to have been born. Afterwards, discover a different side to Bethlehem on a graffiti tour at the Separation Barrier where famous artists like Banksy have contributed to the artworks. Continue to Shepherds Field Chapel, a Roman Catholic religious building. The chapel marks the place where, according to Catholic lore, angels first announced the birth of Christ. Later on, this afternoon, visit the Aida Refugee Camp and join some passionate home cooks for a cooking class. Learn about everyday life for those who live in the camp as you whip up authentic Palestinian dishes with the families of those who were forced to leave their villages during the 1949 Israeli-Arab war. At the end of the class, enjoy your culinary creations during a shared lunch. Tonight, get a couple of your travel crew together and sit back with a cold beer at one of the many laneway bars near Machane Yedhua Market. There are some great eating spots around there too.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Bethlehem - Refugee Camp Cooking Class
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Please note that a visit to Bethlehem and activities in the West Bank may not be available on departures in March, April and May. As an alternative activity we will visit the Herodion National Park, an impressive fortress built by Herod the Great and also the place where he was buried – from here you have a great view of the West Bank and Jerusalem in the distance.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast today and there are no activities planned, so you are free to check out at any time.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

25 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

4x4, Cruise Ship, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (20 nights), Cruise ship (3 nights), Desert Camp (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Petra - Guided tour
  • Petra - Home-cooked meal
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Dead Sea - visit and swim
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Welcome Dinner
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
  • Jaffa - Old Port Tour
  • Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Nazareth - Wine Tasting
  • Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
  • Beersheba - Anzac Memorial
  • Mitzpe Ramon - Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
  • Negev - Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving visit and lunch
  • Masada - Masada visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Bethlehem - Refugee Camp Cooking Class
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Uncover Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. Petra By Night is offered as an optional activity. This activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check your departure date if you would like to do this activity as it is not available on all departures.

Essential trip information

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