Best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel
22 days
from Cairo to Tel Aviv
From
$ 3999
Duration22 days
Explore ancient sights and lost cities in a region that has seen centuries of human history. In Egypt, discover what adventures lie along the Nile, like the Great Pyramids of Giza. Head to Jordan to overnight in a Bedouin tent amidst dramatic desert scenery. See ancient Petra and relax in the Dead Sea. Explore the historic towns of Jerusalem and Nazareth, then check out modern and bustling Tel Aviv. Thousands of incredible moments, one comprehensive trip.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 22 daysService level: Standard
-
Starts in: CairoPhysical Grading: Light
-
Ends in: Tel AvivAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Start place: Cairo
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.
End place: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo/Aswān
Start place: Cairo
Head straight to the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures. Later, visit the Egyptian Museum to see more ancient artifacts.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Tour the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.
Enjoy a simple dinner on the train.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Aswān
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Explore Aswan before visiting a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
A simple continental style breakfast on the train.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Aswān
One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.
Spend the day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.
Meals: B
Day 5: Aswān/Kom Ombo
Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sleep onboard under the stars.
Enjoy meals on board the felucca.
End place: Kawm Umbu
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Kom Ombo/Luxor
Start place: Kawm Umbu
Enjoy a guided visit Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Karnak.
End place: Luxor
Meals: B
Day 7: Luxor
Start place: Luxor
Cross to the West Bank. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Visit the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.
Lunch with local family.
End place: Luxor
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Luxor/Amman
Start place: Luxor
You will not be accompanied by a CEO on the flight between Cairo and Amman. Say goodbye to your Egyptian CEO at the Cairo Airport, where our local rep will assist you in catching the flight. Upon landing you will meet our Jordanian rep at the Amman airport who will assist with immigration and visas. After transfer to the hotel where your Jordanian CEO will meet you.
Take a flight from Luxor to Cairo, then transfer to a connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. Free time to explore Amman on arrival.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 9: Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman
Start place: Amman
Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy.
Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus' baptism.
Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus' baptism.
Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 10: Amman/Karak/Petra
Start place: Amman
Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views.
Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades.
Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades.
Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.
Meals: B
Day 11: Petra
The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.
Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.
Meals: B
Day 12: Petra/Wadi Rum
Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way.
Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.
Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.
Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.
Accommodation in the desert is in one large goat-hair tent divided into "rooms" with curtains. Basic linens are provided but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. There are shared, unisex facilities. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.
Dinner is cooked in traditional fashion, with meat and vegetables cooked underground.
End place: Wadi Rum
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Wadi Rum/Aqaba
Start place: Wadi Rum
Drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba. Enjoy free time to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner.
Opt to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for incredible views of the desert. After, journey to the red sea, where you can opt to snorkel, relax at the beach or enjoy a relaxing boat trip.
End place: Aqaba
Meals: B
Day 14: Aqaba/Amman
Start place: Aqaba
The morning is flexible. Spend a little more time at the beach or head back early. Reach Amman by way of the Desert Highway. Enjoy a final night out in the city.
Head back to Amman with a little time to explore.
End place: Amman
Meals: B
Day 15: Amman/Jerusalem
Start place: Amman
You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Israel – either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the Israel portion of the tour. You will be met on the Israel side of the border and transferred to Tel Aviv, where there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting with your new CEO in the evening. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border.
Cross the border into Israel and make your way to Jerusalem. Take a free night to explore.
Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind.
End place: Jerusalem
Meals: B
Day 16: Jerusalem
Start place: Jerusalem
Explore the old city of Jerusalem, walking through the Muslim and Jewish quarters. Visit the Western Wall and walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre Church. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore on our own.
End place: Jerusalem
Meals: B
Day 17: Jerusalem/Negev Desert
Start place: Jerusalem
Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. What started as a camp has become a thriving town and here we learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what daily life here is all about.
Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and the Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees before heading to the Negev Desert for an overnight in a desert camp.
Meals: B, D
Day 18: Negev Desert/Dead Sea
Travel to Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the famous rock fortress. Opt to hike (or ride) to the top and learn more about this ancient place.
Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore. Spend the night in Jericho.
Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore. Spend the night in Jericho.
Visit the fortress of Masada followed by a swim in the Dead Sea.
Meals: B
Day 19: Dead Sea/Galilee
Travel to Golan Heights and learn more about this history of the area. Visit the Sea of Galilee, including sights like the Church of Transfiguration and the Mount of Beatitudes. Later, travel to a kibbutz for the night. Learn about this unique communal way of life unique to Israel.
Tour the Sea of Galilee, take in the rocky plateau of the Golan Heights, and spend the night in a kibbutz community.
End place: Galilee
Meals: B
Day 20: Galilee/Nazareth
Start place: Galilee
Travel to Nazareth. Make a unique visit to a Druze village and enjoy a lunch with a local family.
Enjoy lunch with a local Druze family.
End place: Nazareth
Meals: B, L
Day 21: Nazareth/Tel Aviv
Start place: Nazareth
Visit Akko and its colourful markets and mosque before continuing to historic Jaffa. Complete the day with an driving tour of Israel's vibrant capital, Tel Aviv.
End place: Tel Aviv
Meals: B
Day 22: Tel Aviv
Start place: Tel Aviv
Depart at any time.
End place: Tel Aviv
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Numeira Community Cafe Lunch, Jordan Valley Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān Your Discover Moment: Aswān Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight, Wadi Rum Your Local Living Moment: Druze Village Visit and Traditional Lunch , Isfiya Druze Village
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx tour
- Egyptian Museum guided tour
- Felucca Overnight Sailing Excursion with support boat for toilet/showers
- Kom Ombo and Karnak Temples visit
- Colossi of Memnon Visit
- Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings visit
- Tel Aviv Old Port of Jaffa tour
- Akko, Nazareth and Bethlehem visits
- Sea of Galilee tour
- Guided tour of Masada
- Jerusalem Old City walking tour
- Jerash guided tour
- Dead Sea visit
- Madaba mosaics guided tour
- Mt Nebo
- Karak Castle guided tour
- Petra guided tour
- Wadi Rum jeep excursion
- All entrance fees to included monuments
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Private air-con van, Train, Felucca, Donkey, Plane, 4x4, Pickup truck, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (18 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Felucca with support boat for toilet/showers (1 nt), Bedouin-style desert camp (1 nt)