25 Day Ancient Explorer: Egypt, Jordan & Israel

Cairo

Get ready for a day of iconic sites and experiences! After breakfast, join your knowledgeable guide and set out to explore the Giza pyramid complex, a true highlight of Egypt travel. Encounter some of Egypt's most famous sights such as the towering Great Pyramids of Giza, the world’s only remaining Ancient World Wonder, and the spellbinding Sphinx! Then, travel to Sakkara to see the Zoser (also known as Djoser) Step Pyramid. This incredible structure is believed to be Egypt’s first pyramid and was built in the 27th Century BC! Overnight at the hotel in Cairo.

Accommodation: Oasis Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Cairo  Aswan then Nile Cruise

This morning, catch a flight to Aswan. Arrive and head to the river for the best Nile cruise adventure. Prepare to spend the night on board a 5 star Nile cruise ship! Continue along the Nile river towards the picture-perfect temple complex of Philae. Admire the stunning scenery that surrounds the majestic temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Enjoy free time to explore Aswan in the evening or just relax and make the most of the Nile cruise ship’s facilities. Relax at the bar or sit by the pool with a drink in hand while admiring the Nile views!

Accommodation: M/S Princess Sarah (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Kom Ombo Nile Cruise

Enjoy amazing views as we continue to sail the Nile in style today! An optional excursion to the Abu Simbel complex is highly recommended today. Here, marvel at two massive temples at the southernmost tip of ancient Egypt’s borders. These Nubian Monuments have been around since the 1200s when they were carved from the mountainside! In the afternoon, stopover at the Temple of Kom-Ombo, an unusual “double-temple” dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Settle in on the cruise ship this evening as we make our way to Luxor.

Accommodation: M/S Princess Sarah (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Luxor & Karnak Temple Nile Cruise

Wake up aboard the Nile cruise and prepare to disembark along the East Bank of Luxor. In the afternoon, look forward to a tour of this exciting, ancient destination. Experience the majesty of the Karnak temple complex, considered by many to be the most important Pharaonic site. The grand monuments of Karnak are remnants of ancient Thebes and feature different areas dedicated to gods Amun, Mut and Montu. Then, discover the Luxor temple and wander down the mesmerising Avenue of Sphinxes.

Accommodation: M/S Princess Sarah (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Valley of the Kings Hatsheput Hurghada

History lovers will be in their element today! After breakfast, head for the world-famous Valley of the Kings. Put on your Indiana Jones cap and head underground to explore some of the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs! Afterwards, discover the Temple of Hatshepsut which is dedicated to Egypt’s only female pharaoh. Then, visit the striking Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues dedicated to Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Later, hop aboard the coach as we travel to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. Enjoy an included dinner at the Red Sea resort where you will be spending the night.

Accommodation: Mina Mark Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 

Hurghada (free day)

Today is free to enjoy the many activities on offer at the all-inclusive resort hotel. Lounge by the pool, take a stroll on the beach or taste all the wonderful foods on offer - all your meals are included today! Feeling active? Sign up for a snorkelling or scuba diving experience to explore the exquisite coral reef that the Red Sea is renowned for.

Accommodation: Mina Mark Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Hurghada (free day)

Enjoy another free day full of fun and relaxation in Hurghada today! Make the most of the range of activities on offer at the resort. Dive deep and experience ocean life on a scuba diving or snorkelling trip. Alternatively, take it easy and soak up the sun next to the pool or on the beach. Indulge in delicious food and drinks at breakfast, lunch and dinner as all are included again today. Spend your last evening on the Red Sea coastline getting some rest and relaxation. Tomorrow the tour will make its way back to Cairo.

Accommodation: Mina Mark Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Hurghada Cairo 

This morning, the tour travels back to Cairo by coach. Arrive and discover more of Egypt’s sprawling capital city and its fascinating history with a trip to the Egyptian Museum. Uncover thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history with over 120,000 artefacts on display. Admire the treasures found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb! Then, head to Coptic Cairo to visit the hanging church, named as such due to being suspended above two Roman gate towers. Afterwards, it's on to the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, which sits majestically on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin. Finally, pay a visit to the bustling Cairo Bazaar, Khan El Khalili. Located in Cairo’s historic centre, this colourful bazaar is filled with an eclectic mix of things to eat, see and buy!

Accommodation: Oasis Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Cairo (free day)

Spend a free day exploring the vibrant city of Cairo at your leisure! Alternatively, enjoy the option of joining a day trip to Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Named after its founder, Alexander the Great, Alexandria is a historic seaside city. Alexandria is best known for once being home to the lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the fortress, catacombs, and souks and experience relics from bygone days. See the beautiful beaches and take in the views along the seafront. Make a stop at one of the inviting cafes or restaurants found along the seafront corniche. Return to Cairo where we will be spending the night.

Accommodation: Oasis Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Cairo Amman 

Bid farewell to Egypt this morning after breakfast and get ready to experience a whole new country! Head to the Cairo airport to board the included flight to Amman, Jordan. Arrive at Amman airport where you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel for an overview of the upcoming tour itinerary. This evening, head out and explore Jordan’s modern capital city or settle in for your overnight stay at your hotel in Amman.

Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Amman Jerash Petra

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Amman! Visit the Roman Theatre, the Amman Citadel and tour the Amman Panorama Art Gallery in Downtown Amman. Later, explore the Roman city of Jerash. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Jerash is known for its ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa. This is one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy! Afterwards we make our way to Petra to settle into the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Petra Place Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Petra Wadi Rum

After breakfast, get ready to explore Petra, Jordan’s most famous attraction as well as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World! Start this visit to the Red Rose City with a horse ride through the canyon (Petra Seeq) to reach the Treasury Al Khazneh. Petra was built by the Arab Nabateans more than 2000 years ago making this ancient site one of the oldest cities in the world! In the afternoon stop for lunch before heading to Wadi Rum. Here, explore the area’s spectacular mountains, Lawrence of Arabia’s cave and Lawrence’s dunes. Then, transfer to the Bedouin camp area and get ready for a night of camping under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert!

Accommodation: Aladdin Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wadi Rum Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Dead Sea Amman

Enjoy an early breakfast at the camp. Then, drive to the ancient town of Madaba, known for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land housed in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Next, drive to Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim in Jordan, approximately 710 metres above sea level. It is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. After exploring Mount Nebo, head to the famous Dead Sea for lunch, a swim (or float!) and time to relax by these iconic, salty waters. At the end of the day, return to Amman for dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Amman Tel Aviv

Our unforgettable journey into the mystical lands of Jordan ends after breakfast. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day!

Arrive in Tel Aviv; transfer to your hotel in this vibrant city, known as Israel’s playground on the sea. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. 

Accommodation: Cinema Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Tel Aviv (free day)

Today is yours to explore, rest, shop, eat or relax on the beach.

Accommodation: Cinema Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Tel Aviv

Enjoy another free day in Tel Aviv. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7:00pm.

Accommodation: Cinema Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Tel Aviv: City Tour

Start with a visit to Jaffa (Joppa), the ancient port city linked with biblical stories of Solomon, Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the ancient ruins and walk to the beautifully reconstructed Artists Quarter. From atop the hill, stop to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and Tel Aviv. Continue to trendy Neve Tzedek (Tel Aviv’s version of Soho), the first neighbourhood constructed outside of Jaffa and to HaTachana, a renovated Ottoman train station converted to a vibrant entertainment complex.

Balance of the day is at leisure, or join the optional Panoramic Night Tour of Tel Aviv. Get acquainted with this vibrant and cosmopolitan city on this panoramic tour that begins on bustling Ibn Gvirol Street and travels to Yitzhak Rabin Square with its memorial to the late Israeli Prime Minister. Continue past the Mann Auditorium and Habima, Israels national theatre to tree-lined Rothschild Avenue known for its distinctive Bauhaus architecture dating back to the 1930s. Conclude the tour with dinner at a popular Tel Aviv restaurant

Optional: Panoramic Night Tour of Tel Aviv with Dinner

Accommodation: Cinema Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Caesarea Nazareth, Northern Israel

Begin the day with a drive north along the crystal-blue waters of the Mediterranean coast to ancient Caesarea; see the astounding Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins and the 2000- year-old theater. At the Visitors Center, view the informative multi-media presentation before departing for Nazareth. Drive through the rolling Galilean hills to the sacred town where, according to tradition, Jesus spent his childhood and youth; visit the Church of the Annunciation. Continue to your hotel for dinner.

Accommodation: Nof Ginosar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Galilee Region

On your day at leisure in the Galilee Region, mix the serene quiet of the pristine Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel, with nature, history, and religion. Don’t miss the optional full day tour to Upper Galilee & Golan Heights with lunch to understand more about the area. Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner.

Optional: Full Day Upper Galilee & Golan Heights with lunch

Accommodation: Nof Ginosar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Yardenit Beit Shean, Jerusalem

Depart from your hotel in the Galilee Region and stop for a tour of a local diamond factory and showroom. After travel to the Jordan River, considered one of the worlds most sacred rivers. Visit the popular baptismal site of Yardenit. Head south to reach the impressive archaeological site of Beit Shean, an ancient city dating back to King Saul; see the remains of an ancient Roman city and the ongoing excavations. Before getting to Jerusalem, a stop just outside the city provides a scenic panoramic view. Continue to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner.

Accommodation: Prima Royale Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jerusalem: Free Day

Begin your walking tour of Jerusalem* at the walled Old City with its four distinct sections; the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Follow the steps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world.

Pass through the narrow alleys and souks to visit the Western Wall; continue to Mt. Zion; see the Room of the Last Supper and the traditional Tomb of King David. The remainder of the day is on your own.

Stroll through the lanes of the Old City, visit the exotic bazaars or, participate in the optional afternoon Jerusalem Old City tour that begins at the Zion Gate. Visit the Cardo, a colonnaded Roman shopping street during the Byzantine period, the Jewish Quarters four Sephardic Synagogues and the Burnt House, set ablaze by the Romans. Then, on to the Davidson Center in the archaeological Park with its exhibits and presentations.

Tonights very special optional evening includes dinner at a restaurant, attendance at the spectacular Sound & Light Show

*Due to local events, holidays and site openings, the order of sightseeing may be changed.

Optional: Half Day Jerusalem with Burnt House (PM)

Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner and Sound & Light Show (PM)

Accommodation: Prima Royale Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Jerusalem: Free Day

Visit the New City on the optional Jerusalem New City tour. Drive via the Supreme Court building and the Knesset, Israels Parliament, to the Israel Museum. Here, view the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the miniature model of Jerusalem during Second Temple period. Then, on to Yad Vashem, Memorial to the Holocaust, on the Mount of Remembrance. The optional afternoon tour to Bethlehem includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Christ. A stop for local olive wood handicrafts is also included.

Optional: Half Day Jerusalem New City (AM)

Optional: Half Day Bethlehem (PM)

Accommodation: Prima Royale Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Jerusalem: Free Day

A full day to discover this fascinating city on your own. In Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, there are endless opportunities to explore. A walk through the city’s colourful neighbourhoods reveals a diverse blend of traditional and modern cultures. Or, join the fascinating optional full day tour to Masada and the Dead Sea that begins with a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to Masada. Ascend by cable car to the top of these heroic heights; listen to the brave tale of the Zealots who chose to perish rather than live under Roman rule. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herods Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, dwellings, and workshops.

After a visit to the Museum of Masada at the base, drive to the Dead Sea for a swim in the salty and buoyant waters before returning to Jerusalem. This evening, dinner is at a local restaurant.

Optional: Full Day Masada & Dead Sea

Accommodation: Prima Royale Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Israel

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast