Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Tel Aviv
You'll be picked up at Ben Gurion Airport and driven to your Tel Aviv hotel. This evening at 19:30, join the group for a Welcome Reception where you'll meet your travel companions and get an introduction to what's ahead on this Israeli adventure.
- Meals
- Welcome Drink (Welcome Drink and mingle with fellow travel companions)
- Day 2
Tel Aviv
Your Local Expert takes you through Tel Aviv's main sights, including the Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square, and the bustling Carmel Market. After that, head to ancient Jaffa to check out the famous clock tower and old harbor, plus wander through the artists' quarter with its galleries and boutiques. The day ends with a sunset walk along the seaside promenade where local musicians and street artists are performing.
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing of Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel Market
- Visit Jaffa ancient port and see the famous clock tower and old harbour
- Explore artists' quarter with galleries and boutiques
- Walk along the seaside promenade at sunset
Landmarks Habimah National Theatre Rabin Square Carmel Market Jaffa Clock Tower - Day 3
Tel Aviv to Tiberias
Travel along the coast to Caesarea and explore the Roman and Crusader ruins that King Herod built here, particularly the impressive amphitheater. Next, drive through Haifa to reach Acre, a historic fortress town with an old harbor and Crusader crypt. You'll grab falafel lunch at the Acre market, then continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation. Head to Tiberias for the evening and share a traditional Shabbat dinner with your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Lunch (Delicious falafel lunch at Acre market), Dinner (Friday night Shabbat dinner)
Included Activities
- Explore Caesarea archaeological park with Roman and Crusader ruins and amphitheatre
- Visit Acre fortress, old harbour area and Crusader crypt
- Visit Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
- Introduction to life on a Kibbutz
- Shabbat dinner with travel companions
Landmarks Caesarea Archaeological Park Acre Fortress Church of the Annunciation - Day 4
Golan Heights
Travel to the Golan Heights and visit a family-run winery where you'll learn about the region's wine production and Israel's leading varieties. Spend time learning about what makes this area distinctive, followed by a wine tasting session.
Included Activities
- Visit family-run winery in Golan Heights
- Wine tasting of local produce
Landmarks Golan Heights - Day 5
Galilee
Explore Galilee with Insight Choice, selecting either a cruise on Lake Kinneret with views of the Golan Heights or learning about the 1st century fishing boat found at the lake's bottom. After that, visit Capernaum where Jesus taught in the synagogue, then head to Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was preached. Later, journey through the Jordan Valley past ancient Jericho before taking a refreshing dip in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea.
Included Activities
- Visit Capernaum and the synagogue where Jesus taught
- Visit Mount of Beatitudes
- Float in the Dead Sea
Optional Activities
- Cruise on Lake Kinneret with views of Golan Heights
- Meet archaeologist and learn about the Ancient Galilee Boat found at the lake bottom
Landmarks Lake Kinneret Capernaum Synagogue Mount of Beatitudes Dead Sea 
- Day 6
Masada to Jerusalem
Start with a cable car ride up to Masada fortress, where you'll see where Jewish zealots held out against King Herod's armies. Travel through the Judean Hills to Mount Scopus for views of Jerusalem. Visit King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the Old City and follow the winding cobbled alleyways to reach the Wailing Wall, Judaism's most sacred monument.
Included Activities
- Cable car ride to Masada fortress
- Visit Mount Scopus for views of Jerusalem
- Visit King David's Tomb
- Visit Room of the Last Supper
- Visit the Wailing Wall in the Old City
Landmarks Masada Mount Scopus King David's Tomb Room of the Last Supper Western Wall - Day 7
Jerusalem
Dedicate today to exploring Jerusalem's different aspects. Start at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, then continue to the Israel Museum to retrace the city's history through the ages. Explore the Shrine of the Book, which houses the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, including a rare Isaiah scroll dating to the third century B.C.
Included Activities
- Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial
- Visit Israel Museum
- Visit Shrine of the Book with Dead Sea Scrolls
Landmarks Yad Vashem Israel Museum Shrine of the Book 
- Day 8
Bethlehem Optional
Choose between a relaxed morning in Jerusalem or join your Local Expert for a visit to Bethlehem. That optional experience includes the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches anywhere. In the afternoon, visit the Garden of Gethsemane and walk through the Old City to see the Temple Mount, then travel along the Via Dolorosa past the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Celebrate the evening with a highlight dinner featuring wine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Highlight Dinner with wine)
Included Activities
- Visit Garden of Gethsemane
- See Temple Mount
- Walk Via Dolorosa with Stations of the Cross and Ecce Homo Arch
- Visit Pool of Bethesda
- Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Highlight Dinner with wine
Optional Activities
- Meet Local Expert at West Bank border
- Visit Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Landmarks Church of the Nativity Garden of Gethsemane Temple Mount Via Dolorosa Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Day 9
Jerusalem to Amman
Travel through the Judaean Desert to the border of Jordan. You'll be met on the other side and travel through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for 2,000 years. Once you reach your Amman hotel, relax and settle in before meeting your Jordanian Travel Director for drinks and dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner with Jordanian Travel Director)
- Day 10
Iraq Al-Amir - Jerash
After breakfast, head to Iraq Al-Amir to visit a women's cooperative supported by The TreadRight Foundation. Then drive to Jerash to see the most beautifully preserved Greco-Roman city, entering through Hadrian's Arch. Check out the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, the Whispering Column, the vast Oval Plaza and Cardo Maximus. You'll have lunch at Beit Khairat Souf, a women-owned café working to reduce female unemployment, before returning to Amman with the rest of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Al fresco lunch of natural produce and family recipes at Beit Khairat Souf)
Included Activities
- Visit Iraq Al-Amir women's cooperative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience
- Guided tour of Jerash ruins including temples of Artemis and Zeus
- Listen to Whispering Column at Jerash
- View Oval Plaza and Cardo Maximus at Jerash
- Lunch at Beit Khairat Souf women-owned café MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience
Landmarks Jerash Temple of Artemis Temple of Zeus 
- Day 11
Madaba - Shobak - Petra
Journey to Mount Nebo, one of Jordan's most revered holy sites where Moses reportedly saw the Promised Land. Visit Madaba to see the Church of St. George with its remarkable 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Follow the King's Highway to Shobak, an authentic 12th century Crusader fortress with towers, Arabic calligraphy, and secret passages. Continue south to Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Included Activities
- Visit Mount Nebo with views of the Promised Land
- Visit Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba and see 6th century mosaic map
- Explore Shobak Crusader fortress with chapel and palace complex
Landmarks Mount Nebo Greek Orthodox Church of St. George Shobak Crusader Fortress Petra 
- Day 12
Petra
Spend the day exploring Petra, the rose-red city carved into rock. Enter through the narrow Siq gorge with walls rising up to 200 meters. Emerge to see the magnificent Treasury carved from solid rock and standing over 40 meters high. Wind through the canyon to see ancient tombs and the Roman Amphitheater that once seated 3,000 spectators. You'll dine with locals at the Ammarin desert camp with the desert as your backdrop.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional desert dinner with locals at the Ammarin Bedouin camp)
Included Activities
- Enter Petra through the Siq gorge
- View the Treasury
- Explore ancient tombs
- Visit Roman Amphitheatre
- Dinner with locals at Ammarin desert camp
Landmarks Petra Treasury Petra Siq Petra Roman Amphitheatre - Day 13
Wadi Rum
Head to Wadi Rum for a jeep safari deep into the desert, taking in beautiful vistas along the way. Experience Bedouin hospitality as you dine with locals under the stars and stay at a desert camp for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic Jordanian cuisine dine under the stars for Zarb dinner)
Included Activities
- Jeep safari into Wadi Rum desert
- Dinner with Bedouins under the stars
- Zarb dinner with authentic Jordanian cuisine
Landmarks Wadi Rum 
- Day 14
Wadi Rum to Amman
You can optionally start with sunrise yoga at the Bedouin camp before returning to Amman. Choose your morning experience with Insight Choice either a guided sightseeing tour highlighting the city's history and architecture or a graffiti walking tour of Amman's street art. Check into your hotel with the rest of the day free. Join your travel companions for a celebration dinner toasting your Jordanian adventures.
- Meals
- Dinner (Lively Celebration Dinner)
Included Activities
- Return transfer to Amman
- Celebration dinner with travel companions
Optional Activities
- Sunrise yoga at Bedouin camp
- Guided sightseeing tour of Amman including Citadel, Roman Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum
- Guided graffiti walking tour of Amman's street art scene
Landmarks Citadel of Amman Roman Amphitheatre of Amman - Day 15
Amman to Cairo
Transfer to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo. You'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax, then meet your Travel Director, a professionally trained Egyptologist.
- Day 16
Nile Cruise Begins
Fly to Luxor in the morning and visit the massive Karnak temple complex. Walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes and stand among the columns of the Hypostyle Hall. Transfer to your cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. After lunch aboard, walk through the Luxor Museum to see ancient artifacts. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests over a welcome drink, then enjoy dinner on the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome Drink (Welcome Drink with Travel Director and fellow guests), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Karnak temple complex
- Walk avenue of ram-headed sphinxes
- View Hypostyle Hall columns
- Explore Luxor Museum
- Welcome drink with Travel Director and guests
- Dinner on cruise ship
Landmarks Karnak Temple Complex Luxor Museum 
- Day 17
Luxor Temple
Begin with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples featuring a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarian. Later, visit Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile, built by Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. In the evening, return to your ship and enjoy a scenic journey via the Esna Lock to Edfu.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Hathor in Dendera
- See depiction of Cleopatra and Caesarian
- Visit Luxor Temple
- Scenic cruise to Edfu via Esna Lock
Landmarks Temple of Hathor Luxor Temple Esna Lock - Day 18
Kom Ombo - Aswan
Have breakfast while cruising the Nile to Kom Ombo, then continue to the vibrant city of Aswan. Known for its archaeological sites including the Philae Temple Complex and Temple of Isis, Aswan blends ancient and contemporary Egypt. In the evening, enjoy a fun Egyptian dinner and galabeya party where you'll wear traditional Egyptian attire.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Egyptian dinner and galabeya party)
Included Activities
- Cruise to Kom Ombo
- Arrive in Aswan
- Egyptian dinner and galabeya party in traditional dress
Landmarks Kom Ombo Philae Temple Complex Temple of Isis 
- Day 19
Aswan
Explore Aswan's highlights including the High Dam and granite quarries where you can see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise boat.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Aswan's High Dam
- Visit granite quarries and see unfinished obelisk
- Motorboat trip to Temple of Isis on Island of Philae
Landmarks Aswan High Dam Aswan Granite Quarries Island of Philae - Day 20
Felucca Sailing
You've seen many feluccas sailing along the Nile, and now it's your turn to explore one. On this traditional vessel, you'll meet a local sailor who teaches you about the ancient art of sailing. As the sun starts to fade, enjoy high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, the same place where Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea (High tea at historic Old Cataract Hotel at sunset)
Included Activities
- Sail on traditional Nile felucca with local sailor
- Learn ancient art of sailing
- High tea at historic Old Cataract Hotel at sunset
Landmarks Old Cataract Hotel - Day 21
Kom Ombo
With the morning free, you can optionally travel by air to the temples of Abu Simbel overlooking Lake Nasser, featuring the Great Temple of Ramesses II and Temple of Hathor. Later, sail to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple in Egypt, dedicated to the crocodile-headed Sobek and the falcon-headed Horus the Elder.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sail to Kom Ombo
- Visit double temple of Sobek and Horus
Optional Activities
- Morning air travel to Abu Simbel temples
- Visit Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel
- Visit Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel
Landmarks Abu Simbel Great Temple Abu Simbel Temple of Hathor Kom Ombo Temple 
- Day 22
Nile Cruise to Luxor
Your cruise continues along the Nile. In the evening, you arrive back in Luxor where there's time for shopping and sightseeing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Nile
- Day 23
West Bank - Valley of the Kings
Disembark from your cruise and travel by air-conditioned coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon, massive stone statues, and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Explore the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried. Stop at a local family home to watch the authentic making of Egyptian bread. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- See Colossi of Memnon
- Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
- Explore Valley of the Kings
- Visit local family home to see authentic Egyptian bread making
Landmarks Colossi of Memnon Temple of Hatshepsut Valley of the Kings - Day 24
Memphis - Saqqara - Giza
Head to Memphis, the famous ancient capital, to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Saqqara to view the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world dating to 2,700 BC. Move on to Giza to explore the magnificent pyramids with your Egyptologist and see the enigmatic Sphinx. Venture inside one of these ancient wonders to see the chambers where pharaohs were sent to meet their Gods. Later, witness the magical Sound and Light Show at the pyramids.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Memphis
- See colossal statue of Ramses II
- See Great Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis
- Visit Step Pyramid of Zoser at Saqqara
- Explore pyramids of Giza with Egyptologist
- See the Sphinx
- Venture inside one of the pyramids to see pharaonic chambers
- Witness Sound & Light Show at the Great Pyramids
Landmarks Memphis Great Sphinx of Memphis Saqqara Step Pyramid Great Pyramid of Giza Great Sphinx of Giza - Day 25
Cairo
Ascend to the Citadel for views over Cairo. While here, visit the Alabaster Mosque, also called the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, regarded as the founder of modern Egypt. Continue to Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and the Egyptian Museum where you can see the fabulous artifacts recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ascend to the Citadel for views over Cairo
- Visit Alabaster Mosque and Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha
- Visit Tahrir Square
- Visit Egyptian Museum
- See Tutankhamun artefacts including funeral mask, gold coffin, gilded throne and precious jewellery
Landmarks Citadel of Cairo Alabaster Mosque Tahrir Square Egyptian Museum - Day 26
Departure from Cairo
Your wonderful journey ends with transfers to Cairo International Airport.
