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Premium Middle East

22 Days | Unveil the ancient riches and cultural heart of the Middle East

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $10,665
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Embark on a 22-day Premium adventure through the Middle East, from the heartland of ancient Egypt down the iconic Nile River, to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, both sides of the Dead Sea and the centre of the Christian world in Jerusalem. Take in the temples of Philae, sail on a Nile riverboat and break bread with local families and communities. Discover lost kingdoms in Jordan, camp under the desert stars in traditional Bedouin accommodation and marvel at some of the world’s most impressive sites in Jerusalem. Uncover the swathes of history alive in this region, joined by expert local guides and a small group of likeminded adventurers.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Middle East including Egypt, Israel and Jordan
Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Tel Aviv, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
XEPIC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • A day at the incredible Pyramids of Giza is only the beginning. Discover the Valley of the Kings, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerusalem’s historical religious sites and experience the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
  • Experience the best of each country with Feature Stay accommodation – three unforgettable evenings on a Nile riverboat, isolated elegance at a luxury camp in Wadi Rum and old school charm in Haifa in a historic hotel. 
  • Embrace local life as you travel with passionate local leaders, make a meal at a refugee camp, spend an evening with a Bedouin community, learn about Nubian life on an island in the Nile and dine with locals. .
  • Lift the lid on local cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a hummus tasting and falafel lunch in Jerusalem, a zarb dinner at a Bedouin camp, a meal in a family’s home in Cairo and sunset drinks on board a traditional felucca.
  • The unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb is one of the world’s greatest discovery’s – at the Valley of the Kings you’ll have the chance to enter three tombs of your choice, followed by a visit to the resting place of the famous young Pharaoh.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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.
  • 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.

Itinerary

Map of Premium Middle East including Egypt, Israel and Jordan

Inclusions

Meals

19 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane, Riverboat, Felucca, Jeep

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (16 nights), Feature Stay (5 nights)

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
Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Welcome Dinner
  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
  • Cairo - Al-Azhar Mosque
  • Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
  • Amman - Welcome Dinner
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Amman - 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
  • Jerusalem - Conversation with a regional expert
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum
  • 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
  • Caesarea - Roman ruins
  • Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa
Add on activities
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP270
  • Urban Adventures - Islamic Cairo in Depth Tour - USD86
  • Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD82
  • Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD40
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP900
  • Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) - USD110
  • Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price - USD450
  • Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP450
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP180
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2000
  • Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17

Dates and availability

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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 and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. 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 are planning this activity as it is not available on all departures.
5. Yom Kippur will take place on September 24-25. The Israel and Palestinian Territories portion of XEPIC230905 will feature a modified schedule to accommodate all described activities. The departure will feature 1 additional night in Tel Aviv and 1 less night in Jerusalem. On Yom Kippur, there will be a walking tour in Tel Aviv, followed by free time. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Shirlie · Traveled August 2023
HOUSE of Travel, Wanaka nz, recommended INTREPID PREMIUM. We felt well looked after in all locations & would strongly advise others to use INTREPID PREMUIM because the hotels were excellent, happy staff & service, Knowledgeable Guides who went beyond the basics made it a TRIP of a LIFETIME
Review submitted 30 Sep 2023
Premium Middle East
From
USD $10,665