Gems in the Middle East: Egypt, Jordan and Israel

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be greeted by our airport representative for assistance in the visa process, and customs and immigration. You will be introduced to your private driver at the passenger pick up for a private transfer to your hotel (about an hour's drive) After checking in, enjoy time at leisure.

Things to do for today: Stepped Pyramid of Djoser , Pyramids of Giza , Sphinx

After breakfast, visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Later, proceed to the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the earliest large-scale cut stone construction. Afterward, explore the most iconic and largest pyramids at Giza and the mysterious Sphinx.

Things to do for today: Egyptian Museum , citadel of Salah El Din , Mohammed Ali Mosque , Khan El Khalili Bazaar

After breakfast, explore the Egyptian Museum for its magnificent collection of Pharaonic antiquities. Later, head to Old Cairo to visit the Citadel of Salah El Din and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Afterward, drive back to your hotel with a stopover at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Things to do for today: High Dam , Philae Temple , Botanical Gardens

Take a flight to Aswan this morning. Upon arrival, be transferred to embark on your ship. After settling into your cabin, disembark for a guided trip to the High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Later in the afternoon, sail on the Nile by Egyptian Felucca, pass by the Elephantine Island, and go ashore the Botanical Gardens on the Kitchener Island.

Things to do for today: Temple of Edfu (Temple of Horus)

Early in the morning, you will set sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Greco-Roman Sobek Temple, the temple is unusual in that it is a double temple, with one side dedicated to the god Haroesis and the other side to Sobek. The cruise will continue to sail to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus (also known as the Temple of Edfu), which is considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. This is partly because it was built later than most: in the Ptolemaic era from 237 to 57 BC. Despite its later date, it reflects the traditional pharaonic architecture and so provides an excellent idea of how all the temples once looked. Edfu is also very large: the second largest in Egypt after Karnak Temple.

Things to do for today: Funerary temple of Hatshepsut , Colossi of Memnon , West Bank (Thebes) , Valley of the Kings

Early morning sail to Luxor. After breakfast on board, explore some of the most incredible sites in the country. You will visit the Valley of the Kings where you will have the chance to explore three tombs of the ancient Pharaohs. You will then visit the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The tour also includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remains of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Things to do for today: Karnak Temple of Amon, Luxor Temple

After breakfast, visit the Temples of Karnak, where you can walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex while learning about how the massive facade was constructed from your guide. Proceed to Luxor Temple, which was once connected to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometer long Avenue of Sphinx. You will be guided through the most important parts of the temples. Afterward, take a flight back to Cairo.

Things to do for today: Ajloun Castle , Nymphaeum , Roman Colonnaded Street , Roman Forum , Temple of Artemis

Take a morning flight to Amman, Jordan (about an hour's flight). Upon your arrival, our representative will assist you in facilitating all the formalities. Afterward, head north to Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East, where you can get a glimpse of its past prosperity through its magnificent theaters, soaring hilltop temples, spacious public squares and plazas, paved and colonnaded streets, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates. After the tour, return to Amman and check in to your hotel.

Things to do for today: Madaba, St. George Church & Mosaic Map , The Moses Memorial Church

After breakfast, head south toward Petra. En route, make a stopover at Madaba, "the City of Mosaics", where you will see the Mosaic Map inside the St. George Church showing the Middle East dating back to the 6th century AD. Afterward, drive onwards to Mt. Nebo, the place where Moses overlooked the Holy Land, and you will have a chance to look through Moses' eyes. Visit a Jordanian handicraft shop before reaching Petra and checking into your hotel.

Things to do for today: Castle of the Pharoah's Daughter , Royal Tombs , Street of Facades , The Treasury

Today, you will spend a full day in Petra, the Rose City, which is a must-see when you travel to Jordan. Firstly, you will enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the highlights of this city with your tour guide. The rest of the time is left for you to explore on your own. It is suggested to bring your walking shoes and be prepared for an energetic day. Afterward, be escorted to your hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea.

Enjoy some time at leisure before being transferred to Allenby Bridge. Pass the border on your own, and meet your driver at the Israel side. After a transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem, you will enjoy the time at leisure.

You will spend a full day in Jerusalem, the holy land of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Follow your tour guide to visit its highlights, including the Mount of Olives, King David's Tomb, Gethsemane, Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Golgotha. Experience the religious atmosphere, get to know the story of Jesus, and peek into the daily life of local people.

After breakfast, drive south to Bethlehem and see the silver star marking the place where Jesus was born, explore the plenty of Churches and Chapels in the Church of the Nativity compound, experience the bustle of Manger Square, and visit the Shepherds Field. Afterward, return to Jerusalem and explore the Israel Museum in the New City, where you may see two important exhibits: the Dead Sea Scrolls uncovered in Qumran and the model of the city from the time of the Second Temple. Later, visit the Holocaust Memorial of Yad Vashem and the Machane Yehuda Market.

Bid farewell to Israel and board your international flight home.