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Map of Premium Middle East In Depth including Egypt, Israel and Jordan

See beneath the surface of this diverse and captivating region

Modern marvels, ancient sites and religious treasures await on a 28-day Premium adventure through Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Admire the the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, cruise down the legendary Nile, immerse yourself in Bedouin culture in Wadi Rum, float in the salty Dead Sea and stand in awe of the elaborate Treasury of Petra. Journey from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and gain an understanding of the region’s diverse viewpoints, visiting major religious and historical sites with insights from local experts. With premium accommodation, local leaders and a relaxed pace all as standard, you’ll be enjoying these masterpieces in all their prized glory.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Tel Aviv, Israel
Destinations
Egypt, Israel, Jordan
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
XEPMC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Discover the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of Alexandria, battle site of El Alamein, the majesty of Petra, and embark on a 4WD drive adventure through wind-swept rock formations of Wadi Rum.

  • Enjoy unforgettable Exclusive Experiences, including dinner in a family’s home in Cairo, a visit to the city’s oldest coffeeshop, sunset drinks on board a traditional felucca and a zarb dinner with your Bedouin hosts in Wadi Rum.

  • Take your time exploring Abu Simbel with an overnight stay, discovering this magnificent monument carved out of the mountainside with less crowds, followed by a Premium Exclusive Experience; an incredible sound and light show.

  • Relax with four nights on a premium Nile riverboat, experience isolated elegance during your stay at a luxury camp in Wadi Rum, and stay in Palestine’s first heritage hotel in Bethlehem, your Feature Stays for this adventure.

  • Taste the best of Middle Eastern cuisine during high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, traditional meals in family homes, a family-run cooking class in Amman and lunch on the best hummus in Jerusalem.

  • Experience for yourself some of the world’s most renowned religious sites – the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of the Nativity, Qumran and the Western Wall. Discuss history with a geopolitical expert (Exclusive Experience), experience a cooking class at a refugee camp and have dinner with a family in Jericho.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip takes in many religious sites, so it’s best to come prepared. You will need to bring clothes that cover arms and legs – a light scarf is a good idea for hot days.

Traveller sits with leader on car bonnet in Wadi Rum desert
Travellers pose in front of Petra in Jordan with their leader
XEPE - Group touring the exterior of the Luxor temples
XEPE - Traditional Egyptian dish
XEPE - View of Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, a street market located in Cairo
XEPE - Couple pointing and admiring the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt on a bright and sunny day
XEPE - Group felucca ride down the Nile river in Aswan
Peregrine Adventures israel jerusalem market stall
Peregrine Adventures israel jerusalem man at wailing wall
Peregrine Adventures israel mosque blue mosaic
Peregrine Adventures israel jerusalem western wall travellers

Itinerary
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Welcome to Egypt! Your adventure begins in Cairo – a city just as captivating as it is chaotic. You will be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel. An important welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm with your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, you can take in an incredible first glimpse of the pyramids from your hotel’s pool and bar area. After your welcome meeting, get your first taste of Egyptian cuisine during a welcome dinner with your leader and small group. Head to a fantastic local restaurant and try out some classic dishes like fatta, a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce, and kushari, a delicious mix of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions.
Accommodation
  • Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180
  • Urban Adventures - Islamic Cairo in Depth Tour - USD43
  • Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD70
  • Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD20
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This 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 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details, a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

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.

This morning after breakfast, travel to arguably the most recognizable structures in the world – the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Your leader is a trained Egyptologist and will share the fascinating history of these incredible feats of engineering. For an additional charge, you may be able to step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After spending some time here, Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. Wander the treasure-filled halls, and make sure to check out the optional Mummies Hall for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. 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. Gain special insight by touring with a guide and enjoy time to explore independently. Spend an evening at leisure – you may like to take a taxi into town to explore Cairo further, or for something special, book in for a dinner cruise on the Nile.
Accommodation
  • Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar (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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Egyptian Museum opening has now been postponed to 2023. Your tour will still include a visit to the current Egyptian Museum which holds many of the same treasures that are due to be moved to the new premises. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is occasionally closed to visitors without notice.

The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those who suffer from claustrophobia, it is not recommended. Please note that 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.

Take to the road for your journey to Alexandria after breakfast, stopping in Wadi El Natron along the way. Your leader will explain how this area became a sanctuary for Christians after Saint Macarius the Great retreated here in AD360. There were once some 60-odd monasteries in the Wadi, though now only four remain. One of these is Anba Bishoy Monastery, named for Saint Bishoi who came to the site to live in solitude. Take a wander around the gardens and observe the resident monks as they go about their daily lives, then visit the church for expansive views over the desert. Continue this afternoon to the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great and often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
Accommodation
  • Hilton Alexandria Corniche or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
  • Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a full day uncovering the secrets of Alexandria with the guidance of your knowledgeable leader. Visit Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a Roman burial site dating back to the second century that wasn’t discovered until 1900. The fascinating tombs were created during a transitional period in Alexandria’s history and interestingly feature Greek, Egyptian and Roman elements. Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (once the Great Library of Alexandra), which is found where the Library of Ptolemies once stood some 1700 years ago. Finish up with a stop at Fort Qaitbay, a 14th century complex designed to defend Alexandria from the Ottoman empire, built on the site of the former Alexandria Lighthouse. Spend the evening by the water wandering along the corniche or relax back at your hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hilton Alexandria Corniche or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbay
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, travel south of Alexandria for a more sombre experience at the historic battle site of El Alamein. It was here that British and Commonwealth soldiers fought a decisive Allied victory against the German Afrika Korps that defined the North African campaign. Both sides suffered heavy losses and the memorial commemorates nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen who died in the Western Desert campaigns during the Second World War. Stop to enjoy your late lunch, brought with you from Alexandria; a delicious feteer meshaltet. This layered pastry is an iconic Egyptian dish and can be filled with a range of sweet or savoury ingredients. Return to Cairo in the afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours. Lunch will be around 2:00-3:00pm, so you may wish to bring snacks for the drive.

Transfer to Cairo Airport after breakfast and board a short flight to Luxor. Luxor was the pharaohs' capital during the height of their power and is now perhaps the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arriving in Luxor, transfer to your Feature Stay Nile riverboat where you’ll unpack and settle in for the next four nights. There’s no better way to soak in the ancient history of the Nile and the incredible sights along its banks. Enjoy all the comforts of a world-class hotel, including a swimming pool, sundeck, restaurant and cabins with panoramic windows to watch riverside life stream by. Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting. This afternoon, visit Karnak – one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes built over a period of approximately 200 years. Some parts date back to 2055 BC and your guided tour will take you to its finest sections. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax, take a shopping trip through the bazaar or perhaps kick back in a local teahouse.
Accommodation
  • MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP260
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1 hour.

Accommodation aboard the Nile riverboat is full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Drinks are offered from the bar area for an additional cost. An evening program is also available.

Rise early this morning to journey into the Valley of the Kings. There are over 60 pharaoh tombs buried under the hills here, many of which are richly decorated, and your guide will take you through this spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the paintings and hieroglyphics, and visit the final resting place of Tutankhamun. The discovery of the young Pharaoh’s tomb is undoubtedly one of the greatest archaeologic finds of all time, and here you will have the opportunity to enter it yourself, exploring the painted chamber and admiring his famous
sarcophagus. Visit another three royal tombs and continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which is set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that once formed part of an impressive colonnade – before returning to the boat for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy some time relaxing either on deck or in your cabin before setting sail upstream to Edfu, where you’ll arrive in the evening.
Accommodation
  • MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1400
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP100
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
You can purchase a photo ticket that will entitle you to take photos in any of the tombs that you visit as part of your visit to the Valley of the Kings.

It is possible to do a Valley of the Kings hot air balloon tour which your leader can reserve for you. Intrepid only uses providers that have been risk assessed. You will be picked up between 4.30 and 5am from your hotel. Balloon capacity is maximum of 25 people and cameras are prohibited in the basket (mobile phones are acceptable). This activity runs subject to weather conditions. Please speak to your leader on Day 1 if you would like to book this activity.

This morning, you will be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Continue along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills forming a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. This afternoon, arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, sitting spectacularly on the river’s edge. Learn from your leader how this temple was built in approximately 181 BC and is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. Afterwards, board your boat and continue to Aswan, arriving in the late evening.
Accommodation
  • MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport to the Temple of Horus in Edfu is by locally managed horses and carriages. As a company committed to responsible travel, animal welfare is extremely important to us. Operators of this service have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and, for this reason, we do not include this visit. In addition to animal welfare concerns, we have had a large amount of feedback suggesting that the visit itself is uncomfortable due to pushy vendors and suppliers at the site.

Previously, some travellers have decided to walk to the temple. This takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Be aware the road is busy and there have been instances of travellers getting hassled by the carriage drivers. If you choose to walk, inform your leader before you depart and ensure you are carrying water, hat and sunscreen and have comfortable shoes.

Spend the morning visiting the temple complex of Philae, including the stunning Temple of Isis, located on Agilkia Island. The temple was reassembled in this location after being saved from rising waters and is a true architectural gem featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings. Some Egyptologists believe that Philae was the last active site of the ancient Egyptian religion and where the last Egyptian hieroglyph was written. Afterwards, get to know the city of Aswan by foot during a walking tour with your leader. Explore the Sharia el Souk, a sprawling and bustling marketplace. Your leader will guide you through a colourful array of stalls selling everything from baked goods to Nubian crafts. Return to the boat for another evening being rocked to sleep by the calm Nile waters.
Accommodation
  • MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Aswan - Sharia el Souk
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - USD40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel by road this morning to Abu Simbel. Your accommodation is located right by Lake Nasser and features lush grounds, two swimming pools and fantastic views over the lake. Spending the night here allows the group a chance to visit the Abu Simbel temples at a more leisurely pace as opposed to a jam-packed half-day trip. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, these mammoth temples took 20 years to complete and feature rock-cut statues of the pharaoh and the queen, some of which are 20 metres in height. Tour the complex with your leader who will provide historical context on these grand structures. This evening, head back to the temples for an impressive sound and light show.
Accommodation
  • Seti I Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Due to limited accommodation options in Abu Simbel, you may stay at either Seti I Resort or Nefertari Hotel. Please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure if you would like to confirm which hotel your group will be accommodated in.

Return to Aswan, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some downtime to relax at your hotel or explore more of the city, then regroup with your fellow travellers later in the afternoon. Take a step back in time during a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel for afternoon tea. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, the hotel has played host to an illustrious roster of guests, including Princess Diana, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, who lived here while writing her novel Death on the Nile. Soak up old-world glamour while enjoying tiered trays of finger food and a delightful selection of tea. The setting is up there with the best of them, with gorgeous grounds overlooking the Nile. Make the most of a free evening to find a local gem for dinner – your leader can help with recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Movenpick Aswan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, visit a modern example of Egyptian engineering – the Aswan High Dam. Located 13 kilometres south of Aswan, its controversial history that required the relocation of many ancient temples and statues has, in the end, had a mostly positive impact on the region. Afterwards, head to the Unfinished Obelisk – an abandoned structure that would’ve been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt, had it been finished. Return to Aswan for some time to relax, then meet your leader in the late afternoon to board a traditional felucca and sail to the settlement of Elephantine Island. This island was once thought to be the home of Khnum – the god who guarded and controlled the Nile’s waters. This evening, enjoy stunning sunset drinks on the river on board your felucca sailing boat. Disembark at a village and join a local family for a traditional Nubian feast. Here you will have the chance to see a different side of Egyptian life, try out some wonderful Nubian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts.
Accommodation
  • Movenpick Aswan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
  • Aswan - Elephantine Island
  • Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Settle into your downtown hotel then meet up with the group in the early afternoon. Head out for a walking tour with your leader to experience a more modern side of Cairo and gain an understanding of how the locals live today. Your leader will take you to sample some of Cairo’s favourite street food, and point out interesting displays of contemporary architecture along the way. Visit Tahrir Square, the site of the political demonstrations that led to the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and hear the story of the events that took place.
Accommodation
  • Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sonesta Cairo, or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Downtown Walking and Tasting Tour
  • Cairo - Tahrir Square
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

Spend the day discovering yet another layer of Egyptian history – Islamic Cairo. Explore the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinthine area filled with sprawling alleyways packed with shops, cafes and more. This is a quintessential Cairo experience, home to the gold market, perfume street and the spice market. Stop off for an Arabic coffee or mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo’s oldest café. Run by the same family for seven generations and a favourite with Cairo’s residents, there’s no better snapshot of local life in the city. Continue on to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum, home to all manner of curious objects, from antique furniture to Islamic artefacts. To celebrate your Egyptian adventure, share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Be welcomed into their home, chat with the family about life in Egypt and Egyptian cuisine, all while enjoying a delicious feast of traditional dishes.
Accommodation
  • Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
  • Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
  • Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
  • Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
  • Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you will transfer to Cairo airport and catch a flight to Amman, Jordan’s cosmopolitan and contemporary capital that’s steeped in biblical history. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where a meeting will take place at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After the meeting, head out to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture and eating out is a social affair that’s packed with flavour. Tonight your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf, a dish made with lamb, yoghurt and rice, and kunafa, a delicious dessert made with pastry and cheese.
Accommodation
  • Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Amman - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Reaching its peak as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, Jerash holds a striking collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the incredible history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this glorious Roman city. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece of the Oval Plaza – an atmospheric place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. Afterwards, return to Amman and head to a cooking school run by a mother and her daughters, where you’ll get a special look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. You’ll feel as through you’ve stepped into the welcoming home of a local grandmother as you learn how to make classics like tabbouleh, flat bread and lentil soup with passionate guidance and generations of culinary know-how. The flavours, recipes and warmth of this evening are sure to stick with you long after your time in Jordan is over.
Accommodation
  • Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Amman - Beit Sitti cooking class and dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Today you will make the journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult, but bobbing on the water's surface is a truly fun and one-off experience. En route, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses saw the Promised Land before he died from what is believed to be this very spot, and St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. On arrival, enjoy some time to float in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in one of three swimming pools or jacuzzi.
Accommodation
  • Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how 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. Enjoy superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates back to the sixth century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. On arrival, there is time to check out the town that has grown around the site and to relax, ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Petra Moon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Petra is a small and busy city with limited hotel options, so it is often difficult to secure a preferred hotel here. Alternative hotels in Petra may include Old Village Resort, P Quattro Relax or Hyatt Zaman. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel is included on your tour, please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

Today will be spent uncovering the secrets of Petra with the knowledgeable guidance of your leader. The iconic view of the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is at points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side. Explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several ancient tombs. You will also have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. This evening, perhaps take the chance to witness Petra by night if your dates align. Seeing the Treasury plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Accommodation
  • Petra Moon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - leader-led tour of Petra
Optional Activities
  • Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The optional activity Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, beginning at 8.30pm from the Petra Visitor Centre and finishing back at the Visitor Centre around 10.30pm. Please ensure you check your departure date if you are planning to book this activity as it is not available on all departures.

For another glimpse at Petra, rise very early for an unguided morning visit, if you wish. Then, drive to Wadi Rum, a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s centre. Afterwards, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. These landscapes are home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. You will gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set in an amazing location deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a luxury camp that offers a splendid base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, and all furniture is made by hand with décor inspired by Bedouin culture. Fall asleep in your luxurious tent beneath a magnificent canopy of stars and wake up to a sunrise over the red-hued landscape.
Accommodation
  • Wadi Rum Luxury Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

In Wadi Rum, you will stay in permanent Bedouin style tents with modern ensuite bathroom facilities. Tents are complete with comfortable king-size or twin beds, a Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and all bedding. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. On occasion, an alternative Feature Stay Camp may be used. Please see the Important Notes section for more information.

After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area – the length of which depends on the group’s desires – before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy panoramic views of your surrounds. Afterwards, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight you may like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – speak to your leader about the best restaurants in the city that are popular with the locals.
Accommodation
  • Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Today begins with a transfer from Amman to Jerusalem, a city brimming with ancient history and holy sites. You will transfer to the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing in private transport with a local representative. On arrival at the border, a VIP crossing service has been arranged for you. After departure formalities with Jordanian customs, there will be private transport to transfer you the six kilometres to the Israel and Palestinian Territories border. On the Israel side you will need to pass through immigration and customs. This does involve checking in your baggage which is then scanned – the length of this process can differ depending on how busy the border is but be prepared to wait 1-2 hours. Next, your Intrepid transfer representative will collect you and transfer you to your hotel in Jerusalem. The journey from Amman to Jerusalem takes approximately 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the time of year and how busy the border crossings are. There are no activities planned today until a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, join your leader for a welcome meeting and dinner.
Accommodation
  • The Arthur Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Jerusalem - Welcome Dinner
  • Jerusalem - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s border crossing is unaccompanied. Due to current border regulations, it may be difficult to locate your driver after passing into Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Please be patient – they will collect you once they have been made aware of your arrival. If after 5-10 minutes you cannot locate an Intrepid representative, they might be waiting for you at the other arrival terminal – if they are not here have the border officials call the number in the ‘Problems and Emergency Contact Information’ section of your Essential Trip Information.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Set off on a walk through Jerusalem as your leader shares local knowledge and ancient tales. Enter the Old City and visit Temple Mount Courtyard, where you can see the Dome of the Rock from the outside and Al Aqsa Mosque. Follow the Via Dolorosa along Jesus’s path to crucifixion and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then visit the remains of the Western Wall on the Temple Mount. Take some time out for lunch to taste one of the most famous hummus in Jerusalem, alongside with salads and falafel, then check out the views from the rooftop of a 19th-century guesthouse. Your evening is free to explore on your own.
Accommodation
  • The Arthur Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Old City walking tour
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Jerusalem - Rooftop views from the Austrian Hospice
  • Jerusalem - Temple Mount Courtyard
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After breakfast, drive out to visit the Garden of Gethsemane before stopping at the Mount of Olives, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Old City. See the Church of All Nations, then continue to Bethlehem. 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. Return to Bethlehem and see the Church of the Nativity and nearby Shepherds’ Fields in Beit Sahour before returning to Jerusalem. Back at the hotel, have a conversation with a geopolitical expert to have a better understanding of the situation in this intriguing land.
Accommodation
  • The Arthur Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Bethlehem - Refugee Camp Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

This morning, head to the clifftop fortress of Masada, where you’ll take a cable car to the top. Your leader will explain why this World Heritage-listed site is so important to Jewish people, as a symbol of exile from the Holy Land, of bravery and self-sacrifice. Afterwards, drive to Qumran, an archaeological site on the West Bank, home to major discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. You’ll even have a chance to float in the famously buoyant Dead Sea, which is not only fun but is also believed to provide numerous health benefits. Discover the slow-paced town of Jericho in the West Bank, where people have lived for over 11,000 years. Then onto an activity you won’t find in the guidebooks - spend the evening with a local family in Jericho who will serve up a traditional Palestinian home-cooked dinner. Learn about life in this historic city, surrounded by churches and mosques. Hear the stories about daily life and enjoy traditional Palestinian food with your hosts.
Accommodation
  • Jericho Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masada - Fortress visit by cable car
  • Qumran - Archaeological site visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Jericho - Home Cooked Meal
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Say goodbye to Jericho and travel to Tiberias, a holy city sitting on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. If conditions allow, take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee while your leader fills you in on its spiritual significance. Then it’s on to Capernaum, where you’ll find two ancient synagogues and the church said to have been the home of Saint Peter. Next head to Nazareth, and visit the Church of the Annunciation – it’s believed this is the place Mary was told by an angel she would conceive and bear God’s son. Enjoy some free time in the Old City to grab lunch. Finally, continue to Haifa, a dynamic city where old and new go hand in hand, and check in to your Feature Stay. More than 100 years old, The Colony Hotel Haifa is located in the city’s historic district, just 300m from the UNESCO listed Baha’i Gardens (garden entrance not included). You’ll be perfectly placed to catch a glimpse of the famous 19 manicured terraces.
Accommodation
  • The Colony Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tiberias - Sea of Galilee boat ride
  • Capernaum - St Peter's Church
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Today, stop at the former crusader port of Acre. Visit the complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John, and take a peek at the secret tunnel of their rivals – the Knights Templar. Continue to Caesarea, once a great port town built by King Herod around 25 BC, the city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands. Thanks to excavations in the 1950s, an amphitheatre, hippodrome, palace, Roman temple and a network of aqueducts are now on display. Arrive in Tel Aviv and spend the afternoon discovering this high-energy city with your leader, visiting the Old City of Jaffa and Peace Square.
Accommodation
  • Melody Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Acre - Knights of St John Complex
  • Caesarea - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

With no activities planned for today, your journey through Israel and the Palestinian Territories comes to an end after breakfast. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you are catching a flight today, we recommend that you allow at least three hours to check-in and pass through security before your departure, due to strict security measures at Tel Aviv Airport.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

27 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 16 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Riverboat, Felucca, Jeep

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (23 nights), Feature Stay (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Welcome Dinner
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
  • Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbay
  • El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Aswan - Sharia el Souk
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)
  • Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel
  • Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
  • Aswan - Elephantine Island
  • Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Cairo - Downtown Walking and Tasting Tour
  • Cairo - Tahrir Square
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
  • Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
  • Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)
  • Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
  • Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
  • Amman - Welcome Dinner
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Amman - Beit Sitti cooking class and dinner
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Petra - leader-led tour of Petra
  • Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner
  • Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk
  • Jerusalem - Welcome Dinner
  • Jerusalem - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Old City walking tour
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Jerusalem - Rooftop views from the Austrian Hospice
  • Jerusalem - Temple Mount Courtyard
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Bethlehem - Refugee Camp Cooking Class
  • Masada - Fortress visit by cable car
  • Qumran - Archaeological site visit
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Jericho - Home Cooked Meal
  • Tiberias - Sea of Galilee boat ride
  • Capernaum - St Peter's Church
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
  • Acre - Knights of St John Complex
  • Caesarea - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Middle East In Depth 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 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.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on.
You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.
4. The Feature Stay in Haifa will be changed to The Schumacher Hotel Haifa for the following departures: XEPMC230318, XEPMC230401
5. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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